Vol. 621 No. 6
1 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the amount of co-operation, activity and engagement as regards health and most especially as regards the helicopter emergency medical service in the context of north south arrangement and on the back of the Good Friday Agreement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23164/06]
North/South co-operation takes place in the health area at three levels viz:
1. North South Ministerial Council (NSMC)
2. Co-operation And Working Together (CAWT)
3. Other co-operation areas
1. NSMC
The five areas in health identified for co-operation are:
—Accident and Emergency Services
—Planning for Major Emergencies
—High Technology
—Cancer Research
—Health Promotion
While the NSMC remains suspended, progress continues to be made in some of these co-operation areas.
2. CAWT
CAWT was established in 1992 and is representative of the health authorities, North and South, along the border area together with a number of the Northern Ireland Trusts. Its aim is to improve the health and social well-being of the approximate one million resident population of the area. In addition to its day to day work which includes needs assessment, service developments, networking, piloting projects and strengthening partnerships, CAWT plays a role in delivering several co-operative ventures initiated by the NSMC Health Sector decisions. CAWT has also been successful in securing funding under the EU Interreg 111A Programme for approximately 35 projects across the health sector at local level.
3. Other Areas
In addition to the above, other areas of co-operation being explored include:
Radiotherapy Services
Child Protection
Suicide Prevention
Public Health Emergency Planning
Specialist Paediatric Services
Medical Registration and Indemnity Issues
All these give rise to current contact at official level and have potential for greater cross border co-operation.
Helicopter Emergency Medical Service
My Department and the Department of Health Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS), Belfast, commissioned a consultancy study on the costs and benefits associated with the introduction of a dedicated Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) for the island of Ireland. The resulting report was published in April 2004. In considering the report, the DHSSPS advised that its priority at present is the need for further investment to improve the ground ambulance service. On foot of the report, a Service Level Agreement has been entered into with the Department of Defence for the provision of air ambulance services by the Air Corps. The signatories to the agreement are the Department of Defence, the Department of Health and Children, the Health Service Executive, the Defence Forces and the Air Corps.
2 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the Comhairle na nOspidéal and the Health Service Executive report, commissioned in 2000, to review neurosurgical services with emphasis on capacity and geographical location will be published; the reason for the delay in this report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23165/06]
In 2002, a committee was established by Comhairle na nOspidéal, to review the existing arrangements for the provision of neurosurgical services and consultant staffing nationally, and following consultation with the interests concerned, to make recommendations on the future organisation and development of neurosurgical services. My Department has been informed that the report will be published by the Health Service Executive in the coming weeks.
3 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the level of mosquito bites suffered by people here; if she is satisfied that adequate measures are being taken to prevent the mosquitos breeding thus avoiding public health issues (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23166/06]
The level of mosquito bites suffered by people here is not recorded and I have no function in relation to the matters raised in the Deputy's question. However, if a person is bitten by a mosquito, they should follow the normal procedures if it causes a health problem i.e. visit their General Practitioner.
4 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the entitlements of children to dental treatment under present arrangements; and if she has plans to extend that cover. [23167/06]
The statutory position governing the eligibility of children to dental treatment under the Health Service Executive (HSE) service is Section 66 of the Health Act, 1970, the Health (Amendment) Act 1994 and the Health (Dental Services for Children) Regulations, 2000 (S.I. No. 248 of 2000). Responsibility for delivery of health services is a matter for the Health Service Executive.
Children in specific classes in national school, usually second, fourth and sixth class, are targeted for preventive measures under the school based approach; the children in these classes are screened and referred for treatment as necessary; the programme has been specifically designed to ensure that children are dentally fit before they leave national school. The screening provided in second, fourth and sixth classes ensures that follow up appointments for examination, treatment or orthodontic review are made, as necessary, with the Dental Surgeon in the clinic designated for the particular school(s). Children who have attended national school retain eligibility to dental treatment up to their 16th birthday.
The Irish Medicines Board (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2006, which was recently adopted by the Oireachtas, contains provision for the amendment of section 66 of the Health Act 1970 and the Health (Amendment) Act, 1994. The amendments provide for dental health examinations for all primary school children whether they are educated in national primary schools, private primary or Montessori schools or who are home taught. It is intended that the Irish Medicines Board (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2006, will be commenced in the near future.
5 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if there is a universal newborn hearing screening programme available in the paediatric and maternity department at the Midlands Regional Hospital, Mullingar and the Midlands Regional Hospital, Portlaoise; if there is not such a programme, if she intends to introduce one; the timeframe for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23170/06]
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.
The report of the Universal Neonatal Hearing Screening Group commissioned by the former Health Boards was received in the Public Health Division of my Department on 3 April 2006 and is being assessed. My Department is also in discussion with the Health Service Executive in relation to its implementation.
6 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if there is a diagnostic attention deficit hyperactivity disorder centre located in County Westmeath and County Longford; if there are no such centres, if she intends to establish these centres; the timeframe for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23171/06]
The Deputy's questions relate 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 these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
7 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if defibrillators are available in every fire station in County Westmeath and County Longford; if not, if she intends to make this possible; the timeframe for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23172/06]
The Task Force on Sudden Cardiac Death, whose report "Reducing the Risk: A Strategic Approach” was published in March 2006, recognises the need for early cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Overall responsibility for implementation of the report’s recommendations has been assigned to the Health Service Executive. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
8 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will examine the possibility of making defibrillators available to second level schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23173/06]
The Task Force on Sudden Cardiac Death, whose report "Reducing the Risk: A Strategic Approach” was published in March 2006, recognises the need for early cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Overall responsibility for implementation of the report’s recommendations has been assigned to the Health Service Executive. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
9 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when orthodontic treatment will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [23186/06]
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.
10 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 a hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23187/06]
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.
11 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if home help can or will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23209/06]
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.
12 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23210/06]
13 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when optical benefit will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare on foot of a medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23212/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 13 together.
The Deputy's questions 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.
14 Ms Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the lack of information regarding entitlement to public nursing homes; if she will make this information available; the steps she will take to ensure that it is freely available to the public; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23237/06]
Access to public nursing home care is based on the capacity of the Health Service Executive to deliver such care. This is itself subject to the resources available to the Executive having regard to all its responsibilities for the delivering of health services generally. Entitlement to public nursing home care is subject to resources and capacity.
In regard to information to clients on public nursing homes this is an operational matter and 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.
15 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in the introduction of hearing screening for all newborn babies, especially in view of the fact that this screening programme uses relatively cheap technology and would pay for itself in less than four years by reducing the future costs of deafness to the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23238/06]
The report of the Universal Neonatal Hearing Screening Group commissioned by the former Health Boards was received in the Public Health Division of my Department on 3 April 2006 and is being assessed. My Department is also in discussion with the Health Service Executive in relation to its implementation.
16 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the practice at Bantry General Hospital whereby patients’ personal files are retrieved and moved by employees of an outside private security firm; and her views regarding the confidentiality and privacy of patients’ files. [23246/06]
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.
17 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Finance if he will ensure that a decision is made on the disabled drivers application for tax relief for a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23193/06]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners, that based on the information supplied they have been unable to trace any claim by the named person under the Disabled Drivers and the Disabled Passengers [Tax Concessions] Regulations 1994.
It is a fundamental requirement for admission to the scheme that the person with the disability meets the specified medical criteria and is in possession of a Primary Medical Certificate to that effect issued by the Senior Area Medical Officer of the appropriate local Health Service Executive administrative area. Where an application is unsuccessful, this decision may be appealed to the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal, c/o National Rehabilitation Hospital, Rochestown Avenue, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, an independent body whose decision is final.
It is regretted that the Revenue Commissioners are unable to consider an application for tax relief under the scheme without the issue of a Primary Medical Certificate. On receipt of an original Primary Medical Certificate, this certificate together with the completed original application form [DD1] should be submitted to the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, Disabled Drivers Section, Coolshannagh, Co. Monaghan, at which time a claim for relief of taxes under the above regulations will be processed.
The Revenue Commissioners have forwarded to the named person an information booklet (VRT 7) which outlines the scope of the scheme, the reliefs available and the application procedures.
18 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the actions his Department made to prepare for the entry into force of the recommendation concerning farmed fish of the Council of Europe’s Standing Committee on the European Convention for the Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes; the action he is taking now that said recommendation has entered into force to ensure that Ireland’s regulatory and enforcement environment is such that it is entirely consistent with the content of the recommendation; if he has identified the shortfalls in said environment vis-à-vis its consistency with the recommendation; and if so, the steps she will be taking to ensure the recommendation is honoured. [23150/06]
The Recommendation concerning farmed fish adopted by the Standing Committee of the European Convention for the protection of animals kept for farming purposes was adopted at the Council of Europe on 5 December 2005 and came into force on 5 June 2006. The Recommendation is general in nature and is due to be completed by detailed, technical appendices. We have not yet received notification of when these appendices will be produced, however, their consideration would include consultation with the aquaculture industry here to establish what implications there might be for fish farming practices.
It may be noted that European Community is a contracting party to the Convention for the protection of animals kept for farming purposes, and therefore it was the Community that voted in favour of the Convention on behalf of EU Member States. Concurrent with this Recommendation, a new EU Directive updating requirements for fish health has been brought forward and is now close to adoption. This Directive will be required to be implemented in accordance with Regulation (EC) 882 of 2004 on official controls performed to ensure the verification of compliance with feed and food law, animal health and animal welfare rules.
In addition, the Department, in conjunction with the Marine Institute, has been involved in facilitating an initiative led by the Irish aquaculture industry to develop a Code of Best Practice for the farming of finfish, highlighting the international standards to be adhered to with regard to the welfare of farmed fish.
19 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) in County Cork has been seeking an aquaculture licence since 2004 to cultivate blue mussels at a site at Ardgroom Harbour; and if this application will be completed and the licence granted. [23168/06]
The application was received in November 2004 and was assessed in the normal way. It was decided that, pending the resolution of compliance issues relating to density, configuration and maintenance of existing licensed areas within the harbour, the application could not be progressed further.
In January 2005 the applicant was advised that until the situation at Ardgroom had been resolved his application could not be determined. Efforts to resolve the overall situation are ongoing.
20 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will provide further funding towards the redevelopment of Doonbeg pier which is expected to cost €1 million, three quarters of which has to be raised locally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23195/06]
Doonbeg Pier is owned by Clare County Council and responsibility for its repair and maintenance and development rests with the local authority in the first instance. The Department, on behalf of the County Council, is currently undertaking a study to evaluate options for the development of Doonbeg Pier. The report is substantially complete and will be available in the near future. Initial indications are that the development will cost in the region of €1 million. This proposal comes under the Fishery Harbour Development Programme and funding under this measure is provided on a 75% grant aid with a 25% contribution from the Local Authority. The question of providing funding for the proposed development of Doonbeg Pier will be considered in the context of the amount of Exchequer funding available for works at fishery harbours generally and overall national priorities.
21 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will make a statement on the sea fisheries output including the tonnage and the main species caught for each of the years 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002 and 2001 for harbours (details supplied). [23196/06]
The information sought by the Deputy is being compiled and will be transmitted directly to him at an early date.
22 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the percentage of the European catch Ireland’s TACs for demersal, pelagic and shellfish represent from 2001 to 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23197/06]
Details of the EU Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and Ireland's quota as a % of this TAC for the years 2001-2005 are provided in the following table.
|
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
||||||||||||
|
Common Name |
Area |
EC TAC |
IRL Quota |
IRL % of TAC |
EC TAC |
IRL Quota |
IRL % of TAC |
EC TAC |
IRL Quota |
IRL % of TAC |
EC TAC |
IRL Quota |
IRL % of TAC |
EC TAC |
IRL Quota |
IRL % of TAC |
|
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
||||||||||||
|
Anglerfish |
Vb (1), VI, XII, XIV |
8,000 |
800 |
10 |
4,770 |
477 |
10 |
3,180 |
318 |
10 |
3,180 |
318 |
10 |
4,686 |
469 |
10 |
|
Anglerfish |
VII |
23,000 |
1,740 |
8 |
18,600 |
1,410 |
8 |
15,810 |
1,198 |
8 |
20,902 |
1,584 |
8 |
25,082 |
1,901 |
8 |
|
Blue whiting |
Vb (1), VI, VII, XII, XIV |
163,000 |
26,080 |
16 |
107,281 |
17,165 |
16 |
433,000 |
17,165 |
4 |
209,653 |
62,174 |
30 |
474,333 |
75,893 |
16 |
|
Cod |
I, II |
16,150 |
242 |
1 |
16,355 |
245 |
1 |
16,353 |
245 |
1 |
19,800 |
293 |
1 |
19,499 |
292 |
1 |
|
Cod |
Vb (1), VI, XII, XIV |
3,700 |
833 |
23 |
4,600 |
1,035 |
23 |
1,808 |
407 |
23 |
848 |
191 |
23 |
721 |
162 |
22 |
|
Cod |
VIIa |
2,100 |
1,385 |
66 |
3,200 |
2,017 |
63 |
1,950 |
1,284 |
66 |
2,150 |
1,416 |
66 |
2,150 |
1,416 |
66 |
|
Cod |
VIIb-k, VIII, IX, X |
10,500 |
1,070 |
10 |
8,700 |
977 |
11 |
6,700 |
875 |
13 |
5,700 |
824 |
14 |
6,200 |
849 |
14 |
|
Haddock |
Vb (1), VI, XII, XIV |
19,000 |
1,730 |
9 |
14,100 |
1,535 |
11 |
|||||||||
|
Haddock |
VIa, |
7,973 |
1,214 |
15 |
6,503 |
1,010 |
16 |
7,600 |
598 |
8 |
||||||
|
Haddock |
Vib |
702 |
107 |
15 |
702 |
55 |
8 |
702 |
55 |
8 |
||||||
|
Haddock |
VII, VIII, IX, X |
13,200 |
2,930 |
22 |
9,300 |
2,067 |
22 |
8,185 |
1,819 |
22 |
9,600 |
2,133 |
22 |
11,520 |
2,560 |
22 |
|
Hake |
Vb (1), VI, VII, XII, XIV |
23,600 |
1,300 |
6 |
15,118 |
834 |
6 |
16,823 |
1,114 |
7 |
21,926 |
1,209 |
6 |
23,888 |
1,318 |
6 |
|
Herring |
I, II |
73,840 |
6,670 |
9 |
73,840 |
6,670 |
9 |
48,493 |
4,377 |
9 |
72,804 |
6,458 |
9 |
89,537 |
7,942 |
9 |
|
Herring |
Vb (1), VIaN, VIb |
35,700 |
5,390 |
15 |
35,700 |
5,393 |
15 |
29,340 |
4,432 |
15 |
29,340 |
4,432 |
15 |
29,440 |
4,447 |
15 |
|
Herring |
VIaS, VIIbc |
13,900 |
12,640 |
91 |
14,000 |
12,727 |
91 |
14,000 |
12,727 |
91 |
14,000 |
12,727 |
91 |
14,000 |
12,727 |
91 |
|
Herring |
VIIa |
6,900 |
1,800 |
26 |
4,800 |
1,250 |
26 |
4,800 |
1,250 |
26 |
4,800 |
1,250 |
26 |
4,800 |
1,250 |
26 |
|
Herring |
VIIghjk |
20,000 |
17,290 |
86 |
8,000 |
6,914 |
86 |
13,000 |
11,235 |
86 |
13,000 |
11,235 |
86 |
13,000 |
11,236 |
86 |
|
Horse mackerel |
IIa (1), North Sea (1) |
49,400 |
1,950 |
4 |
49,400 |
1,950 |
4 |
41,667 |
1,641 |
4 |
46,788 |
1,846 |
4 |
40,616 |
1,599 |
4 |
|
Horse mackerel |
Vb (1), VI, VII, VIII, XII, XIV |
233,000 |
55,010 |
24 |
143,000 |
33,763 |
24 |
130,000 |
30,693 |
24 |
131,879 |
31,137 |
24 |
133,223 |
31,454 |
24 |
|
Mackerel |
II, Vb (1), VI, VII, VIII, XII, XIV |
329,410 |
70,270 |
21 |
345,012 |
73,597 |
21 |
317,869 |
67,807 |
21 |
296,349 |
63,216 |
21 |
217,477 |
46,149 |
21 |
|
Megrims |
Vb (1), VI, XII, XIV |
4,840 |
630 |
13 |
4,360 |
565 |
13 |
4,360 |
565 |
13 |
3,600 |
466 |
13 |
2,880 |
373 |
13 |
|
Megrims |
VII |
17,920 |
2,970 |
17 |
13,350 |
2,210 |
17 |
14,336 |
2,373 |
17 |
18,099 |
2,996 |
17 |
19,263 |
3,189 |
17 |
|
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
||||||||||||
|
Common Name |
Area |
EC TAC |
IRL Quota |
IRL % of TAC |
EC TAC |
IRL Quota |
IRL % of TAC |
EC TAC |
IRL Quota |
IRL % of TAC |
EC TAC |
IRL Quota |
IRL % of TAC |
EC TAC |
IRL Quota |
IRL % of TAC |
|
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
||||||||||||
|
Norway lobster |
Vb (1), VI |
12,600 |
170 |
1 |
11,340 |
153 |
1 |
11,340 |
153 |
1 |
11,300 |
153 |
1 |
12,700 |
172 |
1 |
|
Norway lobster |
VII |
21,000 |
7,750 |
37 |
17,790 |
6,561 |
37 |
17,790 |
6,561 |
37 |
17,450 |
6,436 |
37 |
19,544 |
7,207 |
37 |
|
Plaice |
Vb (1), VI, XII, XIV |
2,400 |
880 |
37 |
1,728 |
630 |
36 |
1,534 |
559 |
36 |
1,227 |
447 |
36 |
982 |
358 |
36 |
|
Plaice |
VIIa |
2,400 |
1,365 |
57 |
2,400 |
1,364 |
57 |
1,675 |
1,173 |
70 |
1,340 |
876 |
65 |
1,608 |
1,051 |
65 |
|
Plaice |
VIIbc |
300 |
240 |
80 |
180 |
144 |
80 |
160 |
128 |
80 |
160 |
144 |
90 |
160 |
128 |
80 |
|
Plaice |
VIIfg |
800 |
80 |
10 |
680 |
209 |
31 |
660 |
46 |
7 |
560 |
39 |
7 |
476 |
202 |
42 |
|
Plaice |
VIIhjk |
1,350 |
590 |
44 |
970 |
424 |
44 |
582 |
255 |
44 |
466 |
203 |
44 |
466 |
204 |
44 |
|
Pollack |
Vb (1), VI, XII, XIV |
1,100 |
150 |
14 |
1,100 |
155 |
14 |
880 |
124 |
14 |
704 |
99 |
14 |
563 |
79 |
14 |
|
Pollack |
VII |
17,000 |
1,300 |
8 |
17,000 |
1,298 |
8 |
17,000 |
1,298 |
8 |
17,000 |
1,298 |
8 |
17,000 |
1,298 |
8 |
|
Saithe |
Vb (1), VI, XII, XIV |
7,000 |
395 |
6 |
14,000 |
425 |
3 |
17,119 |
415 |
2 |
19,713 |
478 |
2 |
15,044 |
494 |
3 |
|
Saithe |
VII, VIII, IX, X |
6,500 |
1,960 |
30 |
8,710 |
2,450 |
28 |
8,710 |
2,450 |
28 |
6,968 |
1,960 |
28 |
5,574 |
1,568 |
28 |
|
Sole |
Vb (1), VI, XII, XIV |
155 |
125 |
81 |
125 |
100 |
80 |
106 |
85 |
80 |
85 |
68 |
80 |
68 |
54 |
79 |
|
Sole |
VIIa |
1,080 |
130 |
12 |
1,100 |
134 |
12 |
1,010 |
123 |
12 |
800 |
98 |
12 |
960 |
117 |
12 |
|
Sole |
VIIbc |
100 |
85 |
85 |
80 |
65 |
81 |
80 |
65 |
81 |
65 |
55 |
85 |
65 |
55 |
85 |
|
Sole |
VIIfg |
1,160 |
35 |
3 |
1,070 |
33 |
3 |
1,240 |
39 |
3 |
1,050 |
33 |
3 |
1,000 |
31 |
3 |
|
Sole |
VIIhjk |
720 |
325 |
45 |
650 |
293 |
45 |
390 |
176 |
45 |
390 |
176 |
45 |
650 |
293 |
45 |
|
Whiting |
Vb (1), VI, XII, XIV |
4,300 |
1,250 |
29 |
3,500 |
1,029 |
29 |
2,000 |
582 |
29 |
1,600 |
466 |
29 |
1,600 |
478 |
30 |
|
Whiting |
VIIa |
2,640 |
1,525 |
58 |
1,000 |
576 |
58 |
500 |
288 |
58 |
514 |
296 |
58 |
514 |
296 |
58 |
|
Whiting |
VIIb-k |
22,500 |
6,260 |
28 |
31,700 |
8,814 |
28 |
31,700 |
8,814 |
28 |
27,000 |
7,507 |
28 |
21,600 |
6,006 |
28 |
23 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of people who are employed in the seafood processing industry for the years 2001 to 2005; the value of seafood exports for each of the years 2001 to 2005; the percentage increase or decrease in the seafood processing industry between 2001 and 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23198/06]
The number of people employed in the seafood processing industry for the years 2000 and 2005 are set out in table 1. Employment figures are not available for the intervening years. The value of seafood exports for the years 2001 to 2005 inclusive are set out in table 2. There has been an 9% decrease in the number of processing companies between 2001 and 2005 while employment in the processing industry decreased by 20% during this period.
|
Employment — Seafood Processing Industry |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Sector |
2000 |
2005 |
|
Processing |
4,207 |
3,507 |
|
Irish Seafood Exports |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
|
|
(€ Million) |
433.4 |
428 |
381.3 |
380.7 |
354 |
24 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the information he has received from the sea fisheries sector on the impact of rising fuel prices during the past two years; and the steps he will take to alleviate this problem for the fishing industry. [23199/06]
The issue of rising fuel prices has been raised by the fishing industry on numerous occasions over the past two years, including at the meeting with EU Commissioner Borg last November and at the meeting with Minister Dempsey and myself on 8 May. It has also been discussed at Council level on a number of occasions, most recently in April 2006 when the Council discussed a Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on improving the economic situation in the fishing industry. This Communication considered both short and longer term options to improve the economic situation of the fishing fleet, including the restructuring of fleets to bring the fleet into line with available resources and the introduction of more fuel efficient fishing gear and engines.
I am fully supportive of the application of such measures to the Irish fleet particularly as it is probable that fuel prices are unlikely to revert to their previous lower levels. I have supported proposals that provide for grant aiding the introduction of the most energy-efficient engines under the new European Fisheries Fund, which is currently being negotiated and I am hoping that agreement will be secured at next week's Fisheries Council. I also consider that considerable research activity is required in order to identify the most fuel efficient equipment and practices and I have pressed strongly at Council for this area to be prioritised under the EU's Seventh Framework Programme for Research (2007-2013).
I believe that there is a clear economic imperative, in addition to an environmental dividend, to support measures that improve the economic competitiveness of the Irish fleet.
25 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position with regard to alleged illegal fishing activity at Killybegs Harbour; and the steps which may be taken by himself, An Garda Síochána or the Director of Public Prosecutions. [23200/06]
When this matter was brought to the attention of Ministers, the matter was formally referred to An Garda Síochána with a request for an investigation. I understand that the Gardaí are conducting an investigation into the matter. That investigation is solely a matter for An Garda Síochána and I have no role in that investigation.
As the timeframe and conduct of the investigation are matters solely for the Gardaí, I consider that it would be inappropriate for me to comment further or make a statement on the matter.
26 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position with regard to alleged illegal fishing activity in Irish waters or ports; and the estimates his Department has made of block fish catches for the years 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002 and 2001. [23201/06]
Where illegal fishing activity is detected by the Department or the Naval Service, the case is referred to the Attorney General's Office for consideration and appropriate action. Details of all landings known to the Department are reported to the EU Commission, as required by EU legislation.
In relation to wide ranging allegations brought to the attention of the Ministers in the summer of 2004 and subsequent wide ranging allegations, taking account of the matters raised and the potential seriousness of the allegations, the matters were formally referred to An Garda Síochána for investigation. Those investigations are solely a matter for An Garda Síochána and I have no role in these investigations. Any findings of illegal landings determined in such investigations and reported to the Department will, in accordance with legal advice, be reported to the EU Commission.
27 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the tonnage produced by the aquaculture industry here for each of the years 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002 and 2001; the tonnage produced in each of these years for the six main species grown; the size of the workforce directly involved in aquaculture here for each of the years since 2001; and the numbers of processing and ancillary workers in the industry. [23203/06]
The Irish aquaculture industry has grown since the early 1970s to become an important contributor to the national economy. BIM supplied the following information using the data they collate on an annual basis in relation to employment figures and production volumes.
The total tonnage produced by the aquaculture industry from 2000 to 2005 is 302,007 tonnes. The breakdown per year for each of the years is as follows:
*2005 — 59,218,
2004 — 58,354,
2003 — 62,516,
2002 — 60,984
2001 — 60,935
The following table sets out the tonnage produced in each of these years for the six main species grown:
|
Six Main Species: |
2001 Tonnes |
2002 Tonnes |
2003 Tonnes |
2004 Tonnes |
2005* Tonnes |
Total 2001 to 2005 Tonnes |
|
Salmon |
23,312 |
21,423 |
16,347 |
14,067 |
11,945 |
87,094.00 |
|
Bottom Mussels |
22,793 |
24,000 |
29,976 |
28,560 |
30,600 |
135,929.00 |
|
Rope Mussels |
7,580 |
7,699 |
9,313 |
8,755 |
9,200 |
42,547.00 |
|
Gigas Oysters |
4,909 |
5,444 |
4,830 |
5,103 |
5,500 |
25,786.00 |
|
Fresh Water Trout |
730 |
915 |
1,081 |
889 |
950 |
4,565.00 |
|
Sea-reared Trout |
977 |
888 |
370 |
282 |
417 |
2,934.00 |
|
Total six species |
60,301 |
60,369 |
61,917 |
57,656 |
58,612 |
298,855.00 |
* Note: 2005 data is a provisional estimate.
The following table sets out the size of the workforce directly involved in aquaculture here for each of the years since 2001.
|
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
|
|
Full Time |
952 |
904 |
953 |
718 |
Not Available |
|
Part Time |
821 |
758 |
1,119 |
744 |
Not Available |
|
Casual |
1,190 |
720 |
564 |
474 |
Not Available |
|
Total |
2,963 |
2,382 |
2,636 |
1,936 |
Not Available |
|
Full Time equivalent |
1,553 |
1,398 |
1,603 |
1,166 |
Not Available |
The numbers of processing and ancillary workers in the aquaculture industry is not available as employment data in seafish and aquaculture processing is combined and not generated separately. There are currently 130 fish processing companies in Ireland, employing a total of 3,500 people. These companies handle all seafish and a considerable amount of aquaculture produce, especially salmon and mussels.
28 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the yearly budgets and the number of personnel employed by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara for 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002 and 2001; and the role which BIM is playing in the sea fisheries strategy currently being drawn up. [23205/06]
The following table gives a breakdown of the yearly budgets and the number of personnel employed by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara for the years in question.
|
Year |
Yearly Budget €000s |
No. of Personnel Employed |
|
2001 |
25.364 |
148.0 |
|
2002 |
28.388 |
156.6 |
|
2003 |
25.006 |
156.6 |
|
2004 |
28.475 |
156.6 |
|
2005 |
29.882 |
153.0 |
Following detailed talks with representatives of the Irish fishing industry and the Marine Minister plans were announced in May 2006 for the development of a comprehensive Seafood Development Strategy. Terms of Reference for the Strategy are currently being finalised. BIM will provide the secretariat and support for the process.
29 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the size of Ireland’s licensed sea fishery fleets for 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002 and 2001; and the impact of the decommissioning scheme for the whitefish and shellfish fleets on the number of boat licences in these sectors since October 2005. [23206/06]
The number of vessels registered in the Irish Fishing Fleet at 31 December for the years 2001-2005 by segment are contained in the following tables. The impact of the decommissioning scheme is that currently Irelands Fishing Fleet has been reduced by 30 vessels, of which 21 were from the Polyvalent segment and 9 from the Specific segment. The total capacity of these 30 vessels was 4152 GT and 13461 Kws.
|
Segment |
No. of vessels |
|
Pelagic |
23 |
|
Beamer |
8 |
|
Polyvalent |
1,391 |
|
Specific/Aquaculture |
166 |
|
Total |
1,588 |
|
Segment |
No. of vessels |
|
Pelagic |
23 |
|
Beamer |
10 |
|
Polyvalent |
1,380 |
|
Specific/Aquaculture |
183 |
|
Total |
1,596 |
|
Segment |
No. of vessels |
|
Pelagic |
21 |
|
Beamer |
10 |
|
Polyvalent |
1,319 |
|
Specific/Aquaculture |
170 |
|
Total |
1,520 |
|
Segment |
No. of vessels |
|
Pelagic |
23 |
|
Beamer |
12 |
|
Polyvalent |
1,254 |
|
Specific/Aquaculture |
148 |
|
Total |
1,437 |
|
Segment |
No. of vessels |
|
Pelagic |
23 |
|
Beamer |
13 |
|
Polyvalent |
1,230 |
|
Specific/Aquaculture |
150 |
|
Total |
1,416 |
30 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the cost of introduction of post codes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23207/06]
Following from the recommendations of the Working Group report on postcodes, I asked the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) to appoint consultants to support the postcode project by providing technical and economic advice including assessing the costs and benefits of the introduction of a postcode.
A National Postcode Project Board, comprising representatives of Government departments, together with public and private sector organisations was appointed last year to oversee the process.
It is expected that the consultants will shortly present a proposal to the National Postcode Project Board that describes in sufficient detail, the most appropriate postcode system for Ireland along with a detailed implementation plan including the associated expected costs and benefits. The board will then present its recommendation to me for my consideration.
31 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the tonnage produced by the commercial sea fishery sector here for the years 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002 and 2001; the tonnage produced for each of these years for the ten most important species in terms of productivity and including demersal, pelagic and shell fish; the value of sea fishery production here for each of the years; and the estimated workforce involved in sea fisheries throughout that period including fishing boat crews, processing workers ashore, ancillary support businesses and fisheries distribution both wholesale and retail. [23220/06]
The information sought by the Deputy regarding the tonnage produced by the commercial sea fishery sector for the years 2001-2005 plus the breakdown for the ten most important species is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy at a later date. The vast bulk of sea fishery production in Ireland is exported and the value of exports for the years 2001-2005 is set out in Table 1. Bord Iascaigh Mhara has collected data on employment and has advised that the number of people employed in the Seafood sector for the years 2000 and 2005 are as set out in Table 2. Employment figures are not available for the intervening years.
|
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
|
|
(€ million) |
433.4 |
428 |
381.3 |
380.7 |
354 |
|
Sector |
2000 |
2005 |
|
Fisheries |
6,200 |
5,037 |
|
Aquaculture |
2,905 |
1,936 |
|
Processing (includes wholesalers) |
4,207 |
3,507 |
|
Ancillary |
1,500 |
1,185 |
|
Total |
14,812 |
11,665 |
32 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the proportion of EU waters which belonged to the Irish State before May 2004, the EU of 15 member states; and the proportion since May 2004, the EU of 25 member states. [23221/06]
On the basis of information supplied to my Department by the Department of Communications, the Marine and Natural Resources, I can inform the Deputy that Ireland's waters extend to approximately 125,000 square nautical miles. Figures for the European Union as a whole, either before or after enlargement on 1 May 2004, are unfortunately not available from the European Commission. It is therefore not possible, at the present time, to say what proportion of EU waters belonged to the Irish State either before 1 May 2004 or subsequently.
The Deputy may wish to be aware that Ireland's waters consist of a territorial sea and, beyond the limits of the territorial sea, two distinct legal zones or jurisdictions, known as the "contiguous zone" and the "exclusive economic zone". These legal zones partly overlap each other physically.
33 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps Ireland will take to ensure Israel’s compliance with international law, in view of the fact that the Israeli Government has chosen calls by the Quartet to freeze settlement expansion and the construction of the separation barrier; the role the Irish Government is playing in mobilising the Quartet to give meaning to the vision of two viable States of Israel and Palestine, recognising that actions on both sides have contributed to the situation of insecurity and poverty and that without international impartiality peace will be elusive; if the Irish Government will commit to providing the aid that had been ear-marked to the Palestinian Authority and call for a full resumption of EU assistance in view of the deepening poverty levels among the Palestinian population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23286/06]
I refer the Deputy to my replies to Questions on this matter on 17, 24 and 30 May 2006.
The Government shares the widespread concern about the situation in the Palestinian Territories. Recent events serve to underline the urgent need for the Israeli Government and the Palestinian Authority to recognise and act on their obligations under the Quartet Roadmap and under international law. The Government has continued to raise directly with the Israeli authorities our concerns about the serious humanitarian and economic impact of policies and activities in the Occupied Territories. We have also worked with our partners in the EU to ensure that the Union maintains its clear position that Israel must end all activities in the Territories which are contrary to international law and which threaten the viability of a solution based on the co-existence of two States. These include the continued expansion of settlements, the construction of the separation barrier on occupied land and the demolition of Palestinian homes.
We have been consistently active within the EU and the UN in promoting a lasting, peaceful and just settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and remain convinced that the only way forward is through negotiations between the parties leading to a viable two-State solution. Within the Union, the Government continues to pursue a policy approach aimed at ensuring that the EU remains fully engaged in the process, with a clear and balanced message for the parties. The EU is playing a vital role in the work of the Quartet to create an environment for the earliest possible return to negotiations.
The EU has been the strongest supporter of the Palestinian people internationally. It is also the largest donor. Overall EU assistance, including ding bilateral assistance from Member States, averages €500 million annually. This has covered humanitarian assistance and support for Palestinian institutions, NGOs and civil society, as well as contributions to the UN and other international organisations. In February, the Council approved the urgent release by the Commission of €121 million in humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people, and a further allocation will be made shortly. Since April, the EU has been reviewing its assistance against the Hamas Government's commitment to the principles set out by the Quartet and the EU since 30 January. These entail renunciation of violence, recognition of Israel's right to exist, and adherence to agreements already negotiated by the Authority and the PLO.
I regret that Hamas has not yet demonstrated any significant movement towards acceptance of the peace process. While we understand the difficulty of the transition Hamas must now make, I believe it would be unreasonable to expect the EU to continue its capacity-building support for the Government irrespective of its willingness to commit to the basic rules of the peace process. I also strongly believe that the Palestinian people should not have to face a humanitarian crisis because of the reluctance of their Government to meet its responsibilities.
In early April, the Commission temporarily suspended direct assistance to the Palestinian Authority. However, the EU has made it clear that it is committed to continuing necessary assistance to meet the basic needs of the Palestinian population. Ireland has argued for the widest possible definition of those needs. Following the meeting of the Quartet on 9 May and the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 15 May, the EU has undertaken the urgent task of developing a temporary international mechanism to channel assistance directly to the Palestinian people. The Commission aims to have the mechanism in place within weeks. I hope that the major international donors, including the Arab States, will cooperate to ensure the effectiveness of these temporary structures. The EU has also called on Israel to resume the transfers of withheld Palestinian tax and customs revenues, which are essential in averting a crisis in the Occupied Territories.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government is committed to maintaining the level of Ireland's bilateral assistance to the Palestinians which amounted to over €4 million in 2005. Already this year €1.5 million has been allocated in humanitarian assistance through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. I expect to make further allocations in the near future.
34 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to a person (details supplied) on hunger strike outside the US Embassy; if his attention has further been drawn to the details of this persons circumstances; and if he has had discussions or will consider having discussions with this person to ascertain the assistance which can be offered or the intervention which can be made by his Department in order to avert a potential tragedy in this matter. [23287/06]
The person concerned has been in contact in the past regarding complaints on his part against local law enforcement agencies in the San Francisco consular area, and was advised to obtain legal representation. He has also had contact with the Consulate in San Francisco regarding passport facilities.
The Consular Section of the Department of Foreign Affairs has contacted the American Embassy in Dublin and has been informed that they have no record of receiving any request for assistance from the person. I would suggest that the person make contact with the Embassy regarding his concerns. The person is also welcome to make contact with the Consular Section of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
35 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will examine a grant application under the sports capital programme 2006 for a club (details supplied) in County Cork; if the application meets all the required criteria of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23190/06]
The national lottery-funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.
Applications for funding under the 2006 programme were invited through advertisements in the press on November 27 and 28 last. The closing date for receipt of applications was January 20 2006. All applications received before the deadline, including one from the club in question, were evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I recently announced the grant allocations for the local projects under the programme and I am pleased to state that a grant of €200,000 was provisionally allocated to the club in question. My Department will shortly be writing to the club advising them of the documentation required in order to have the grant formally confirmed.
36 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount of public money granted to a club (details supplied) in Dublin over the past five years; and if he will meet their supporters development group in relation to supporting the Eircom League and funding issues. [23228/06]
Capital grants to the value of €1,052,449 have been allocated by my Department under the Sports Capital Programme to the specified club in the period 1999 to 2003. All of this amount has been paid out in full and no further capital funding has since been allocated to the club. This funding is protected by a Deed of Covenant and Charge which provides for a repayment of the grants should the property be sold or cease to be used for sporting proposes.
Funding for sport of a non-capital nature is provided through the Irish Sports Council, the statutory agency established in 1999 for the promotion and development of sport in Ireland. In the period since then, €161 million has been provided by my Department to the Irish Sports Council, including approximately €9 million provided directly in grants to the FAI much of which has been to support programmes aimed at increasing participation in football by young people in particular.
The development and funding of professional football remains a matter for the Eircom league and the FAI itself. However I have in the past met with clubs and groups to discuss plans for capital projects and I will continue to make myself available to any group to discuss any specific proposal brought forward.
37 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if citizens of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and so on can apply for a second working holiday authorisation after a period outside the country. [23219/06]
The working holiday programme provides young people with a once off opportunity to holiday for an extended period, not exceeding one year, and to engage in employment as an incidental aspect of their holiday in order to supplement their income while travelling. Participants admitted to Ireland under the programme are not allowed to extend their stay for longer than 12 months and may not avail of a working holiday a second time.
38 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position of an application by a club (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23192/06]
The management of IDA Ireland's industrial property portfolio is a day to day operational matter for the Agency as part of the statutory responsibility assigned to it by the Oireachtas for the attraction of foreign direct investment to the State and its regions. While I may give general policy directives to IDA Ireland, I am precluded under the Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings.
From inquiries which I have made I understand that the Monasterevin GAA Club has been leasing land at Monasterevin from IDA Ireland on an 11 month basis for the last number of years. I further understand that the club has only ever made a verbal request to purchase this land from IDA Ireland. The club has been informed by IDA Property Division that the Agency is in negotiation with Kildare County Council for the transfer of the land in question. While the land at Monasterevin remains in IDA ownership it is, of course, available for qualifying industrial activities.
39 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will increase the fuel allowance for pensioners in view of the significant cost of energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23234/06]
The aim of the national fuel scheme is to assist householders on long-term social welfare or health service executive payments with meeting the cost of their additional heating needs during the winter season. Fuel allowances are paid for 29 weeks from end-September to mid-April. The allowance represents a contribution towards a person's normal heating expenses.
The scheme has been improved in recent budgets. The means test has been eased and the duration of payment increased from 26 weeks to 29 weeks. Budget 2006 provided for an increase in the rate of fuel allowance of EUR 5.00 from EUR 9.00 to EUR 14.00 (EUR 17.90 in designated smokeless areas). Some 145,800 customers receive basic fuel allowance and 118,600 receive smokeless fuel supplement) will benefit in 2006 at an estimated cost of EUR 125.1m. Fuel allowances are incorporated in the recipient's weekly social welfare payment and are not intended to meet heating costs in full.
Budget resources have been concentrated on providing significant real increases over and above inflation each year in all primary social welfare pension, benefit and assistance rates. This approach delivers a better outcome for pensioners and others by substantially increasing their income in real terms over the whole year, to better assist them in meeting their normal basic living costs, including heating.
In addition to the fuel allowance, over 320,000 pensioner and other households qualify for electricity or gas allowances through the household benefits package, payable towards their heating, light and cooking costs throughout the year, at an overall cost of EUR 109 million in 2005. As currently structured, these allowances are linked to unit energy consumption, so that these people are protected against unit price increases in electricity or gas.
If an individual has an exceptional heating cost by virtue of a particular infirmity or medical condition which they are unable to meet out of household income, it is open to them to apply to their local community welfare officer or a special heating supplement under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.
I am keeping the fuel allowance under review in the light of energy costs. Any changes to the Fuel Allowance Scheme or any other initiatives on fuel charges would have significant cost implications and would have to be considered in the context of the Budget and in the light of the resources available to me for improvements in social welfare generally.
40 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of mailshots carried out to child benefit recipients in the past five years; the dates on which these mailshots occurred; the cost of same respectively; the number and percentage of letters which were returned on each of the respective dates; the action he has taken as a result of such returns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23247/06]
A total of 6 mailshots have issued to Child Benefit recipients in the past 5 years, resulting in some EUR 22m being saved. A single claim termination can result in annual savings of up to EUR 10,000.
Use of mailshots is one of a number of communications methods used by my Department. Apart from informing customers of developments which affect them, there is also a significant control benefit to the Department from these mailshots. Each mailshot issued to date has resulted in a significant number of letters being returned undelivered by An Post, thus indicating that the customer is not at the address notified to the Department. The customer may simply have moved address and not notified the Department or alternatively could have left the country, in which case Child Benefit may no longer be payable.
Details of the mailshots and resultant action are as follows: July 2001 — A mailshot issued to all Child Benefit customers informing them of budget changes and information concerning the upcoming EURO conversion and how it would affect their pension payments. The total number of forms issued was 511,000 at a cost of £219,498. Over 10,000 letters were returned undelivered by An Post as the customer was not at the address. Subsequent investigation of these cases resulted in 353 claims being terminated as the whereabouts of the customer could not be established.
In July 2002 and again in July 2003, a mailshot was issued to Child Benefit customers being paid by Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT), informing them of recent budget rate changes. A total of 171,000 customers was contacted. The total cost was £68,773.00 in 2002 and EUR 72, 618 in 2003. As a result of these mailshots over 5,000 letters were returned. Following investigation, 605 claims were terminated as the customer was found to have either left the state or their whereabouts could not be established.
In August 2004, an information mailshot issued to the then 195,580 EFT-paid customers informing them of the most recent rates increases. The total cost was EUR 83,950. A total of 6,186 letters was returned undelivered. On investigation of these cases some 1,065 claims were terminated.
During 2005 a targeted mailshot was issued, for control purposes, to a group of over 10,000 customers to confirm their residency status. The cost of this was EUR 5,993. A total of 816 letters was returned and after investigation some 250 claims were terminated.
In April 2006, an information leaflet issued from the Department, under the aegis of the Office of the Minister for Children, to the 259,000 Child Benefit customers who will qualify for the Early Childcare Supplement (ECS). This provided information to customers regarding claim and payment arrangements in connection with the scheme. The total cost of this was EUR 135,000. To date 4,500 letters have been returned and investigations are ongoing to establish the present position of these customers.
41 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if he will bring forward measures to provide for an emergency towing vessel for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23202/06]
I have previously pointed out to the House that I am aware of the importance of providing emergency towing vessel (ETV) facilities to protect our coasts, including the possibility of sharing such services with the UK in relation to the East coast. There may also be advantages in having an EU-wide approach to this issue.
An internal Working Group set up in the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to manage and progress the feasibility of having ETV capacity concluded that such capacity should be provided to service the West Coast and, separately, to service the East Coast. The Group also recognised that the provision of the service would be very costly. In both cases a Public Private Partnership process was recommended. However, while the benefits of having an ETV facility are known, the very significant costs involved has meant that, in the context of other marine emergency response priorities, it has not been possible to date to put permanent ETV arrangements in place.
The Irish Coast Guard of the Department is continuing to examine this issue, and will advise me on suitable options in due course.
42 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a list of all current driving test centres; the plans for additional test centres; his views on the recommendations in the FGS report that the number of centres should be reduced in order to minimise the travel time of testers and to reduce the cost of travel and subsistence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23188/06]
The locations of all existing driving test centres are set out in the following table. The operation of all driving test centres is kept under review. I have no current plans to alter the number of existing driving test centres.
|
Centre |
Address |
|
Athlone |
McCormack’s Shopping Centre, Dublin Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath |
|
Ballina |
Government Offices, Ballina, Co. Mayo |
|
Birr |
Old Midland Tribune Office, Emmet Street, Birr, Co. Offaly |
|
Buncrana |
Park House, St. Mary’s Road, Buncrana, Co. Donegal |
|
Carlow |
Graiguecullen Shopping Centre, Church St., Graiguecullen, Carlow |
|
Carrick-on-Shannon |
New Government Offices, Carrick-on Shannon, Co. Leitrim |
|
Castlebar |
An Spórtlann, Mitchells GAA Club, McHale Road, Castlebar, Co. Mayo |
|
Cavan |
McDwyer & Lennon Building, Esker Place, Cathedral Road, Cavan |
|
Churchtown |
5 Braemor Road, Churchtown, Dublin 14 |
|
Clifden |
Market Street, Clifden, Co. Galway |
|
Clonmel |
Old Model School, Western Road, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary |
|
Cork |
Doughcloyne Industrial Estate, Sarsfield Road, Wilton, Cork |
|
Donegal |
Government Offices, Erwin Buildings, Donegal Town, Co. Donegal |
|
Dundalk |
The Fairways Hotel, Dublin Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth |
|
Dungarvan |
New Civic Offices, Davitts Quay, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford |
|
Ennis |
Government Offices, Kilrush Road, Ennis, Co. Clare |
|
Finglas |
Jamestown Business Park, Jamestown Road, Finglas, Dublin 11 |
|
Galway |
Unit 4, Westside Shopping Centre, Seamus Quirke Road, Galway |
|
Gorey |
Thomas Street, Gorey, Co. Wexford |
|
Kilkenny |
Government Offices, Hebron Road, Kilkenny |
|
Killarney |
Áras Phádraig Community Centre, Lewis Road, Killarney, Co. Kerry |
|
Kilrush |
Kilrush Golf Club, Ennis Road, Kilrush |
|
Letterkenny |
5 Pearse Road, Letterkenny, Donegal |
|
Limerick 1 |
Woodview Shopping Centre, Old Cratloe Road, Limerick |
|
Limerick 2 |
Dock Road, Castlemungret, Limerick |
|
Longford |
Government Offices, Ballinalea Road, Longford |
|
Loughrea |
King St. Loughrea, Co. Galway |
|
Mallow |
County Council Offices, Annabella, Mallow, Co. Cork |
|
Monaghan |
The Plantation, Monaghan |
|
Mullingar |
Government Offices, Bellview Est., Dublin Road, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath |
|
Naas |
Clarendon Buildings, Newbridge Road, Naas, Co. Kildare |
|
Navan |
Government Offices, Kells Road, Navan, Co. Meath |
|
Nenagh |
Government Offices, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary |
|
Newcastle-West |
Government Offices, New Road, Gortboy, Newcastle West, Co. Tipperary |
|
Portlaoise |
Government Offices, Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois |
|
Raheny |
4 All Saints Park, Raheny, Dublin 5 |
|
Rathgar |
75 Orwell Road, Rathgar, Dublin 6 |
|
Roscommon |
Government Offices, Circular Road, Roscommon |
|
Shannon |
1 Fergus Road, Shannon, Co. Clare |
|
Skibbereen |
Fastnet Industrial Estate, Marsh Road, Skibbereen, Co. Cork |
|
Sligo |
Old Dublin Road, Carraroe, Sligo |
|
Tallaght |
Unit 1, Belgard Industrial Estate, Mayberry Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24 |
|
Thurles |
Government Offices, Stradavoher, Thurles, Co. Tipperary |
|
Tipperary |
Canon Hayes Recreation Centre (Sports Complex) Tipperary |
|
Tralee |
New Government Offices, Spa Road, Tralee |
|
Tuam |
Airglooney Business Park, Ballygaddy Road, Tuam, Co. Galway |
|
Tullamore |
Government Offices, Clonminch, Portlaoise Road, Tullamore, Co. Offaly |
|
Waterford 1 |
Driving Test Centre, Johnstown Industrial Estate, John Street, Waterford |
|
Waterford 2 |
Driving Test Centre, Unit 23 Business Park, Tramore, Co. Waterford |
|
Wexford |
Whitemill Industrial Estate, Wexford |
|
Wicklow |
Government Offices, The Murrough, Wicklow |
43 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the penalties applying to commercial drivers of large vehicles for driving without a licence; the statutory basis for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23241/06]
Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 requires that a person shall not drive a mechanically propelled vehicle in a public place unless he holds a driving licence for the time being having effect and licensing him to drive the vehicle. The penalty for driving without a driving licence is a fine not exceeding €800 for a first offence, €1500 for a second offence and, for a third offence in a period of twelve months, a fine of €1500 or, at the discretion of the Court, imprisonment not exceeding a term of three months, or both.
44 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the funding allocated and drawn down to date on preparing for the full implementation of Directive 2003/59/EC; and the measures on which this funding has been spent. [23242/06]
45 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the training centres he has approved to allow for the initial qualification and periodic training of drivers of large vehicles in compliance with Annex I of Directive 2003/59/EC; the criteria he is applying in assessing the respective standards of driver instructors, taught material, centre facilities, training vehicles and so on; the locations where this criteria is published; and the number of written applications he has received from prospective training providers. [23243/06]
46 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the changes he has made to the physical characteristic of the driver qualification card to meet the requirements of Annex II of Directive 2003/59/EC. [23244/06]
47 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the options offered in Directive 2003/59/EC which he intends pursuing in terms of training and testing of drivers of large vehicles. [23245/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 44 to 47, inclusive, together.
Directive 2003/59/EC will make it a requirement for professional drivers to undertake a basic professional training course and continuous professional development. The Road Safety Authority Act 2006 confers responsibility for relevant elements of implementation of this directive to the new Road Safety Authority. The Authority will engage with industry stakeholders regarding full implementation of Directive 2003/59/EC.
The Directive provides that Member States should affix the harmonised Community code to the driver licence or the new driver qualification card. No decision has been made in this regard. To date, no funding has been allocated nor drawn down in the implementation of the Directive.
48 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive premium payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23151/06]
The premium due in this case required to be adjusted and the correct amount has now been paid. My Department will write to the forestry owner shortly to provide details of the adjustment made.
49 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Clare did not receive permission to plant 26 acres of land at Ballyoughtra Tulla, County Clare. [23194/06]
The land in question is in an area that has been identified by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government as a proposed special protection area for the hen harrier. That Department has set up a working group to establish the most appropriate management regime for these areas in so far as forestry is concerned. Representatives of this Department, along with representatives of forestry and farming interests, are on this group. This work is ongoing.
50 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the payments due to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo under the 2001 suckler cow grant and beef premium schemes and the 2002 slaughter premium will be awarded. [23288/06]
The records of the animals submitted by the person named under the suckler cow premium and special beef premium schemes and those animals slaughtered from the herd number of the person named under the slaughter premium scheme are being examined with a view to identifying those that may be eligible for payment. Eligibility under the livestock premia 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 schemes in question.
51 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the way in which offences committed by a person, who has been granted leave to remain in the State for an initial period of 12 months would affect this decision by the person’s local registration office to extend the certificate of registration; and if he will provide a list of these offences. [23160/06]
Temporary Leave to Remain in the State, pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999, is normally granted for an initial twelve month period. A person granted such temporary leave to remain in the State is advised, in writing, of the requirement that they observe the laws of the State and be of good behaviour during this period. Towards the end of this period, an application may be made for a renewal of this leave to remain in the State and the approval of any such renewal application is conditional on the person concerned having been law abiding in the earlier twelve month period. Each application for renewal is considered on a case by case basis. Where the person has been law abiding, the person's permission to remain in the State will usually be renewed for a further period. However, where there is clear evidence that the person concerned has come to the attention of An Garda Síochána for adverse reasons, this will be taken into account when considering the application for renewal.
It would not be possible to provide a list of offences which would, upon conviction for same, give rise to a refusal to renew a person's permission to remain in the State. The Deputy might wish to note that any decision to grant permission to remain in the State, including the renewal of such permission, is taken by my Department, while the Garda National Immigration Bureau, based on such decisions, provide the necessary registration, upon request.
52 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views in relation to correspondence (details supplied); his proposals in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23163/06]
The correspondence in question, from the Gaming and Leisure Association of Ireland, a body representing some operators of casinos, seeks to change the present policy of the Gaming and Lotteries Acts that makes such operations unlawful. Officials from my Department met recently with representatives of the Association in question and made it clear to them that I have no proposals to alter that policy. My reply to Parliamentary Question No. 318 of 13 June 2006 sets out my proposals for legislation to give better effect to the existing law in this regard.
53 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of a submission by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare on their request for professional added years for pension purposes from the Irish Prison Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23169/06]
I refer the Deputy to my reply of the 3rd May, 2006 to Question number 469 on this matter.
I can now advise the Deputy that following receipt of the information requested from the Public Appointments Service, a submission was sent to the Department of Finance for observations. That Department has now advised the Irish Prison Service that the essential requirements of the competition from which this individual was appointed would not have precluded anyone from being appointed by the age of thirty i.e. in sufficient time to acquire the maximum service of thirty years required for optimum superannuation benefits.
Accordingly, the person in question (or anyone else appointed from the same competition) is not entitled to an award of professional added years. I understand from the Irish Prison Service that the person has been advised of the situation.
54 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí in County Westmeath and County Longford who are trained in using breathalyser equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23174/06]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that all Gardaí throughout the country are trained in the use of the blow in the bag alcolyser. In the Longford/Westmeath Division, which covers the counties of Longford and Westmeath, 91 Gardaí (all ranks) are trained in the use of the hand held alcometer (roadside breath testing instrument for the presence of alcohol) and 79 Gardaí (all ranks) are trained in the use of the intoxilyser (evidential breath testing machine).
The Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS) is responsible for the approval, supply and testing of equipment or apparatus for indicating the presence of alcohol in the breath. Garda management are satisfied that for the amount of breath testing equipment available adequate numbers of members have been trained to meet demands for breath testing.
55 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of hand-held devices to record penalty points offences held by Gardaí in County Westmeath and County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23175/06]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of hand-held devices to record penalty points offences held by Gardaí in County Westmeath and Longford are set out in the following table:
|
Mullingar |
4 |
|
Athlone |
2 |
|
Granard |
2 |
|
Longford |
3 |
|
Total |
11 |
I am further informed that the hand-held devices on issue are in addition to notepads which operational Gardaí also use when detecting breaches of the Road Traffic Acts. The Garda Commissioner is fully aware that I will continue to provide the necessary resources and equipment to An Garda Síochána, in response to his request, to enable the Garda Síochána carry out their duty to enforce road traffic law.
56 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will make a decision on an application for family reunification currently with his Department for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23217/06]
As I explained to the Deputy in my answer to Parliamentary Question No 937 of 28 September 2005 the person referred to in the Deputy's question is a refugee who applied for family reunification in respect of her husband. The application was forwarded to the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner for investigation as required under section 18 of the Refugee Act, 1996. During the course of assessing this application questions arose in relation to the validity of the marriage. The matter is still the subject of a Garda investigation. On completion of this a decision will be made.
57 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has satisfied himself that sufficient staffing is provided at Mountjoy Prison to ensure that visitors to the prison are searched in order that drugs, knives, camera phones and so on are not smuggled in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23218/06]
Visitors are supervised to and from visiting areas and are monitored by CCTV and officers while on their visits. Physical contact is not allowed and where it is suspected that contraband has been passed the prisoner concerned will then be subject to searching procedures by staff specifically assigned for this purpose. Random searching of prisoners following visits also takes place on a daily basis.
When there is a suspicion that a visitor may have a prohibited article on their person a number of procedures then apply. For example, the visitor may be requested to comply with a search, they may be offered a "screened visit" or the Garda may be contacted when there is suspicion that an illegal item may be on their person. The Governor also has powers to ask the person to leave the prison if they refuse to comply with the request for a search. In addition, there is signage in the visitors centre, the Main Gate area and the visiting areas warning visitors of the possible consequences of passing contraband into or out of the prison. There have been a number of convictions of persons attempting to pass drugs to prisoners on such visits. Visitors suspected of passing contraband can also be refused future visits to the prisons.
I can also advise the Deputy that the staffing and rostering arrangements in place in all areas of Mountjoy Prison were subject to intensive examination prior to the introduction of the new annualised hours system. I am informed that there is sufficient cover built into the daily tasks to cover the visiting area in Mountjoy Prison.
58 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of public service vehicles summonsed and convicted for breaching regulations with regard to the need to carry a fire extinguisher on board each year from 2002 to date in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23239/06]
I regret that it has not been possible in the time available to obtain the information requested by the Deputy. I will be in touch with the Deputy in relation to this matter when it becomes available.
59 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal. [23240/06]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 676 of 25 April, 2006.
60 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí allocated to Finglas Garda station in each of the years since and including 2000 and to date in 2006. [23248/06]
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána increased to a record 12,641 on Thursday 8 June with the attestation of 273 new members. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June 1997 and represents an increase of 1,939 (or 18.1%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period.
I have been advised that Finglas Garda Station forms part of the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) West Division. The personnel strength of this Division as at 30 April, 2006 was 681 (all ranks). The personnel strength of the DMR West Division as at 1 January, 1999 was 542 (all ranks). This represents an increase of 139 (or 25%) in the number of personnel allocated to the Division since that date.
I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of Finglas Garda Station as at 31 December 2000-2005 (inclusive) and as at 14 June, 2006 was as set out in the following table:
|
00 |
01 |
02 |
03 |
04 |
05 |
14/06/06 |
|
|
Finglas |
88 |
78 |
78 |
68 |
74 |
76 |
81 |
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 this accelerated recruitment programme came on stream in March and the second such group did so on 8 of June. Further tranches of approximately 275 newly attested Gardaí will follow every 90 days thereafter until the programme is complete. The Garda Commissioner will now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources, and in this context the needs of the area referred to by the Deputy will be given the fullest consideration.
61 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 237 of 25 May 2006 when he or Orac Rav had sight of the attached documentation with reference to the health and safety of persons (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23265/06]
I would refer the Deputy to my earlier Replies to his previous Parliamentary Questions in this matter. As previously stated, the persons concerned arrived in the State on 7 March 2005 and 1 July 2005 and applied for asylum. Their applications were refused following the consideration of their cases, at first instance by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. As the Deputy is aware, the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner is a statutory body, independent in the performance of its functions, in accordance with the provisions of Section 6 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended). Similarly the Refugee Appeals Tribunal is a statutory body, independent in the performance of its functions, in accordance with the provisions of sections 15 and 16 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended). Additionally, each of those bodies is required to examine all elements of each asylum application it receives and, this being the case, I am entirely satisfied that all elements of the asylum applications and appeals submitted by the persons concerned were examined in detail before any final position was arrived at by those bodies. Equally, I am satisfied that any documentation or correspondence included as part of the asylum applications or appeals were given appropriate consideration by those bodies.
I would refer the Deputy again to my Reply to Parliamentary Question No. 237 of 25 May 2006 where I explained how Deportation Orders came to be made against the persons concerned. The Deputy will note from that Reply that Deportation Orders were signed by me only after all relevant factors and documentation had been taken into account. Consequently Deportation Orders were signed by me on 27 February 2006.
I am satisfied that all elements of the asylum applications and appeals and applications for permission to remain in the State submitted by the persons concerned have been fairly and comprehensively examined. As a result, I am satisfied that the decisions to issue Deportation Orders in respect of the persons concerned were entirely justified.
62 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a stamp four will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23266/06]
The person in question made an application for permission to remain in the State on the basis of family dependency in October 2005. An initial request for documentation issued in February 2006 and although some documentation was received in June 2006, it is insufficient to finalise the application. A further request for documentation has issued and it is expected that on receipt of all the documentation requested, the case will be finalised within a short period of time.
63 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will grant extended temporary residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23267/06]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 9 May, 2005 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 12 June, 2006, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before an order is made or consenting to the making of a deportation order.
This 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.
64 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of the application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23268/06]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation by the person referred to in the Deputy's question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department on 27 August 2004. Applications received in the first half of 2004 are currently being processed and there are approximately 1,300 applications awaiting processing before that of the person in question. It is likely that processing of the application of the person in question will commence towards the end of this year. I will inform the Deputy and the person concerned when I have reached a decision on the application.
65 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a green card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23269/06]
66 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when examination of the passports in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23270/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 66 together.
The person in question has been granted permission to remain in the State under the revised arrangements for non-EU national parents of Irish children born before 1 January 2005 commonly referred to as the IBC/05 scheme. I advised the Deputy of this in my reply to Question 164 of 11 May 2006.
When presenting for registration at an Immigration Office it is a requirement that a non-EU national satisfies the Registration Officer as to his/her identity. I have been informed that the person in question was refused registration on the basis that he did not have a passport and could not confirm his identity.
However, when the person concerned made his application for residency under the IBC/05 scheme he did produce an identity card from his national embassy which was accepted as evidence of identity. This card should be presented to the Registration Officer at his local Immigration Office and it will be accepted as evidence of identity. The person in question should return to his local Registration Office to complete the registration process as stated in the letter issued to him on 9 May 2006. The examination of the passport in question has now been completed and I can confirm to the Deputy that a Garda Technical expert has found evidence that it is not a genuine document.
67 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has verified the reason for refusal of residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23271/06]
The person in question applied for permission to remain in the State under the revised arrangements for non EU national parents of Irish children born prior to 1 January 2005, commonly referred to as the IBC/05 scheme. It is a requirement of this scheme that each applicant is of good character. Following information received from the Garda authorities, it was confirmed that the person concerned has been convicted of a number of criminal offences. Accordingly he has not satisfied the requirement to be considered of good character. His application for permission to remain under the IBC/05 scheme was refused and he was advised of this decision on 7 June 2006.
68 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to the application for post nuptial citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23272/06]
I informed the Deputy in response to Parliamentary Question No. 243 on 16 February 2006 that my officials were in the process of writing to the person in question in relation to matters concerning her cohabitation with her husband. A letter in this regard issued to the person concerned on 21 February 2006. While some additional documentation has been submitted in response to this letter, my officials sought details of the periods of cohabitation of the couple since their marriage in 1995 and these have not yet been furnished.
The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended required that at the time of lodgement of the declaration on 4 February 2005, the person in question and her Irish spouse were living together as husband and wife. As I have already explained to the Deputy, the person concerned and her husband have resided in different jurisdictions for most of their married life. Information and documentation provided to date have not satisfied my officials that the person in question and her husband were living together as husband and wife on 4 February 2005. My officials are considering how to proceed with this matter and will be in touch with the person in question in the near future.
69 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the residency status and the position in respect of the family reunification application in the name of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23273/06]
I wish to refer the Deputy to my answer to his Parliamentary Question No. 327 of 6 April 2006 in which I set out the position that these is no provision for the granting of Family Reunification to adult family members of naturalised Irish citizens.
70 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will grant extended residency on humanitarian grounds in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23274/06]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 26 February, 2003 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, he was informed by letter dated 15 February, 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.
71 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to the request for transfer to a location appropriate to their medical needs in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23275/06]
The Reception and Integration Agency received a transfer request from a person (details supplied) on medical grounds. The medical report which was forwarded to the Reception and Integration Agency indicated that there was a requirement for her to be accommodated at a centre in the Dublin area.
Having examined the correspondence and in order to facilitate her proximity to the Rotunda hospital, the Reception and Integration Agency offered the person concerned accommodation at Newlight House, St. Margaret's Road, Finglas, Dublin 11 on 24th May 2006. However, she declined this offer of accommodation. On 2nd June 2006, the Reception and Integration Agency offered her accommodation at Balseskin centre, St. Margaret's, Finglas, Dublin 11. I should state that there are comprehensive medical services available at Balseskin and these services are linked into the Rotunda hospital. In addition, there is a frequent free bus service from Balseskin to the Rotunda hospital and city centre. However, she also declined this offer of accommodation.
The Reception and Integration Agency therefore has made every effort to facilitate her request for a transfer and the request of the Rotunda hospital to relocate her to a centre in the Dublin area. However, she has declined these offers of accommodation. The Agency is not in a position to make any further offer of accommodation to the person concerned.
72 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in the application for family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23276/06]
The person in question made a family reunification application on behalf of her 3 children in February 2005. The application was forwarded to the Refugee Applications Commissioner for investigation as required under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996. This investigation is completed and the Commissioner has forwarded a report to my Department. The application will be considered by my Department and a decision will issue in due course
73 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23277/06]
I wish to refer the Deputy to my answer to his Parliamentary Question No 247 of 25 May 2006. A letter has recently issued to the legal representative of the person in question extending his permission to remain. I understand that a member of staff of my Department has confirmed with the legal representative of the person in question that the letter was received by their office. Accordingly, the person in question should contact his legal representative with regard to the matter.
74 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the arrangements which are expected to be put in place in the case of a person (details supplied); the rights, constitutional or otherwise accruing to them since they were born here, now or in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23278/06]
At the outset, I would like to point out that this child's mother is not being deported from the State. Instead, her case falls to be dealt with under the terms of the Dublin II Regulation, Council Regulation (EC) No. 343/2003. In accordance with the terms of that Regulation, the child's mother is due to be transferred to the United Kingdom, where she had previously lodged an asylum application.
This transfer has its origins in the fact that the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) made a determination that the mother's asylum claim should be considered in that State. Article 4 (3) of this Regulation states "For the purposes of this Regulation, the situation of a minor who is accompanying the asylum seeker and meets the definition of a family member set out in Art 2, point (i) shall be indissociable from that of his parent or guardian and shall be a matter for the Member State responsible for examining the application for asylum of that parent or guardian, even if the minor is not individually an asylum seeker. The same treatment shall be applied to children born after the asylum seeker arrives in the territory of the Member States, without the need to initiate a new procedure for taking charge of them".
I understand that while the child in question lodged a separate asylum application in this State, on 6 June 2006, this application has now been discontinued and his claim has instead been associated with his mother's claim. In addition, I understand that the Refugee Applications Commissioner is notifying the United Kingdom regarding the birth of this child and it is intended that the child will accompany his mother when final arrangements are made for her transfer to the United Kingdom.
I would like to explain the workings of the Dublin II Regulation in general and as regards how it applies in this case. The Dublin II Regulation is intended to prevent the phenomenon of ‘asylum shopping' across Europe and sets out criteria for determining which Member State is responsible for examining an asylum application where applications have been lodged in more than one State. At the same time it guarantees applicants that one State will process their application, thereby preventing the creation of ‘refugees in orbit', a situation which had pertained in Europe prior to the introduction in 1995 of its predecessor, namely the Dublin Convention. Under the Dublin Convention, and now the Dublin II Regulation, the Refugee Applications Commissioner can, on the basis of the relevant criteria, request another State to accept responsibility for an asylum application and have it processed in that other State.
In this specific case, the mother of the person concerned lodged an asylum claim in the State on 27 January 2006. Following investigation, it was determined by the Refugee Applications Commissioner that, pursuant to the provisions of the Dublin II Regulation, the United Kingdom is the appropriate State to examine the asylum application as the person concerned had previously lodged an asylum claim in that State, on 2 September, 2003, albeit under a different name and date of birth. The person concerned was offered an opportunity to appeal the determination of the Refugee Applications Commissioner to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, but she chose to not do so. The person concerned was kept informed of developments throughout the course of her asylum application in this State and was made aware as soon as it was possible to do so that her case came under the terms of the Dublin II Regulation. The United Kingdom accepted responsibility for her case with the consequence that a Transfer Order was signed in respect of her on 30 May 2006. This Order was issued to her on the same day, requiring her to present herself to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, on 6 June 2006 in order to make arrangements for her transfer to the United Kingdom. She presented as required on that occasion and has a further presentation date on 25 July 2006.
In accordance with the provisions of the Dublin II Regulation, the United Kingdom, and not Ireland, is responsible for examining the asylum claim of the mother and the child. Accordingly, it is intended that by 25 July 2006, final arrangements will have been made for the transfer of mother and child to the UK.
In relation to the position of the child in this State, the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 2004 would apply to his case. This means that as a child born in the State on or after 1 January 2005 to non-EU National parents, this child is not an Irish citizen given that he does not fulfil the criteria for Irish citizenship enshrined in that Act i.e. of having at least one parent lawfully resident in the State for at least three of the four years preceding the child's birth.
75 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, under the Dublin II regulations or otherwise, a person whose application for refugee status has been refused in another EU State and returned to their homeland, can again apply at any time, following a change of circumstance for refugee status in this or any other European jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23279/06]
It is not the usual practice to provide interpretations of EU or national law in the circumstances set out by the Deputy and without being aware of the full facts of a case.
In general terms, I can say that where a person has had an application for asylum rejected in a Member State of the EU and has been returned by that State to their country of origin, and subsequently re-applies for refugee status in that or another EU State, it would be the responsibility of the State in which the subsequent application is received to consider whether the application is admissible for consideration.
In the case of Ireland, section 17(7) of the Refugee Act, 1996 provides that a person to whom the Minister has refused to give a declaration of refugee status may not make a further application for a declaration under the 1996 Act without the consent of the Minister and strict criteria are applied before that applicant can be re-admitted to the asylum process.
It is, of course, the case that depending on the particular circumstances of an application, Council Regulation (EC) No. 343/2003 may apply. This Regulation establishes the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsible for examining an asylum application lodged in one of the EU Member States by a third country national.
76 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an application for naturalisation will be considered in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23280/06]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation by the person referred to by the Deputy was received in the Citizenship section of my Department on 26 November 2002. I considered the application under the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Acts 1956 and 1986 and decided not to grant a certificate of naturalisation in this instance. The basis for the refusal of this application has been set out in detail in a letter dated 20 May 2005 to the applicant's solicitors informing them of my decision.
77 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the residency status in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23281/06]
The first named person arrived in the State on 25 June, 1999 and applied for asylum. The second named person arrived in the State on 23 May, 2000 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 28 December, 2001, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. The second named person was informed by letter dated 30 December, 2002, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of her. 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 file to be passed to me for decision in due course.
78 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when family reunification will be clarified in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23282/06]
The refugee in question made an application for Family Reunification for her daughter who she stated was a minor. The application was approved in February 2005 and a visa was issued around that time. Subsequently, information became available to my Department which raised serious doubts as to whether the person concerned was a minor. The matter is now being reviewed in that context and a decision will be made in due course.
79 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if consideration will be given to application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if assistance will be given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23283/06]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 30 January, 2002 and applied for asylum. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, she was informed by letter dated 7 April, 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before an order is made or consenting to the making of a deportation order. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned.
This person's case file, including all representations submitted, will be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (Prohibition of Refoulement). I expect the file to be passed to me for decision in due course.
80 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the situation whereby the spouse of an Irish national who applies for residency on the basis of marriage will not have the application processed for a minimum of 14 to 16 months and that there is no entitlement to work during the application process; and the steps he will take to put a more efficient system in place in order that young couples in a genuine marriage are given the opportunity to establish and develop their marriage and make provision for their financial needs. [23284/06]
There has been an increase in the number of applications being made for permission to remain in the State on the basis of marriage to an Irish national since 2001. The statistics in this regard are as follows:
156 — 2001
191 — 2002
271 — 2003
326 — 2004
256 — 2005
176 — 2006 ( to 31 May)
Applications of this type, in fairness to all other such applicants, are dealt with in strict chronological basis and are currently taking fourteen months to process. The resources allocated to process such applications are dependent on the prioritised work requirements of the Irish Nationality and Immigration Service of my Department at any one time. The Deputy will appreciate that the significant increase in the number of non-nationals who are present in the State in recent times has, of course, reflected in the demand for the services of the Irish Nationality and Immigration Service.
The Irish Nationality and Immigration Service of my Department has growing experience of marriages being entered into for the sole purpose of enabling the non-national in question enter and remain in the State. Frequently in these circumstances the Irish national may be totally unaware that this is the primary intention of the non-national and will feel aggrieved by the perception that the immigration authorities are interfering with their private life in refusing to allow their spouse to enter or remain in the State. On occasion the Irish national may be a willing party for their own personal benefit. ‘Convenience' marriages for the purpose of circumventing normal immigration controls are experienced by immigration jurisdictions worldwide and, in this regard, holiday and internet romances would feature frequently.
In order to prevent abuses of the system, in so far as is possible and without unduly interfering with the Irish citizen's private circumstances, the Immigration Division will seek to establish various matters. These include the context in which the marriage took place, the validity of the marriage and whether the couple are residing in a family unit. This will involve requesting documentation in support of the application for residency and may also require an interview by the immigration authorities of either or both parties. I do not envisage any change in this procedure in the immediate future.
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.
81 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received an application for naturalisation from a person (details supplied) in County Cork; when he expects a decision to be made on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23289/06]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation by the person referred to by the Deputy was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department on 30 November 2004. Applications received in the first half of 2004 are currently being processed and there are approximately 2,500 applications awaiting processing before that of the person in question. It is likely that processing of the application of the person in question will commence in the first half of 2007. I will inform the Deputy and the person concerned when I have reached a decision on the application.
82 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the cost of employing an additional education welfare officer at the National Educational Welfare Board, including salary, pension and expenses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23232/06]
The Educational (Welfare) Act 2000 provides a comprehensive framework which promotes regular school attendance and tackles the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving. The Act established the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) as the single agency with responsibility for school attendance in the State. The general functions of the Board are to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education.
The Board is developing a nationwide service, on a continuing basis, that is accessible to schools, parents/guardians and others concerned with the welfare of young people. For this purpose, Educational Welfare Officers (EWOs) have been deployed throughout the country to provide a welfare-focused service to support regular school attendance and discharge the Board's functions locally. The total authorised staffing complement of the Board is 94 comprising 16 HQ and support staff, 5 regional managers, 12 Senior EWOs and 61 EWOs. Five regional teams are in place with bases in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford.
The Educational Welfare Officer (EWO) is the grade within the NEWB with a core function of service delivery. The duties of the EWO include fostering an appreciation of the value of education, advising schools and parents on school attendance issues and on strategies to promote regular school attendance, dealing with poor attendance or early school leaving case referrals from schools, using a welfare-orientated approach and initiating legal proceedings, under the Act, where appropriate. In particular, EWOs are responsible for children who are at risk and for those who are experiencing difficulties in school. Their objective is to resolve any impediments to these children receiving an education through regular attendance at school. EWOs are also responsible for seeking alternative schooling for those students who have been expelled, suspended or refused admittance to a school.
The current pay scale for an EWO ranges from €34,471 to €54,984 (inclusive of one Long Service Increment). The Board have advised me that the salary cost (inclusive of PRSI and pension) to employ an additional EWO at the minimum point of the scale is €38,176.36. There are also accommodation costs associated with new appointments and ongoing utilities costs.
Service delivery personnel are required to travel in response to case referrals and to deliver a service to schools and families in the course of their normal duties. The rates paid for all travel and subsistence, where appropriate, in respect of these duties are in accordance with those specified by the Department of Finance. I have also been informed by the Board that the average cost of travel and subsistence for the service delivery personnel in 2005 amounted to €4,800.
83 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to an application by a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23152/06]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the school referred to has been granted recognition from Sept 2006, in accordance with the provisions of Section 10 of the Education Act, 1998 and the published criteria for recognition of new schools.
84 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the situation in Belmullet, County Mayo where a school (details supplied) seems to be the only school in the area being excluded from the DEIS scheme; the reasoning behind same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23153/06]
The process of identifying primary and second-level schools for participation in the new School Support Programme under DEIS was managed by the Educational Research Centre (ERC) on behalf of the Department and supported by quality assurance work co-ordinated through the Department's regional offices and the Inspectorate.
The ERC's overall approach was guided by the definition of educational disadvantage in the Education Act (1998), section 32(9), as: ". . . the impediments to education arising from social or economic disadvantage which prevent students from deriving appropriate benefit from education in schools".
In the primary sector, the identification process was based on a survey of all primary schools in May 2005, from which a response rate of more than 97% was achieved.
The analysis of the survey returns by the ERC identified the socio-economic variables that collectively best predict achievement, and these variables were then used to identify schools for participation in the School Support Programme. The variables involved are:
•% unemployment
•% local authority accommodation
•% lone parenthood
•% Travellers
•% large families (5 or more children)
•% pupils eligible for free books.
In the case of second-level schools, the Department supplied the ERC with centrally-held data from the Post-Primary Pupils and State Examinations Commission databases. Based on an analysis of these data, the variables used to determine eligibility for inclusion in the School Support Programme were as follows:
•Medical card data for Junior Certificate candidates (including Junior Certificate School Programme candidates)
•Junior Certificate retention rates by school
•Junior Certificate exam results aggregated to school level (expressed as an OPS — "Overall Performance Scale" — score). This was based on each student's performance in the seven subjects in which s/he performed best
•Leaving Certificate retention rates by school.
While the whole rationale behind the new programme is to ensure that the most disadvantaged schools benefit from all of the available supports, schools that are benefiting from existing schemes, including the school to which the Deputy refers will keep the extra resources — financial and human — that they are getting under these initiatives for the 2006/07 school year. After that they will continue to get support in line with the level of socio-economic disadvantage among their pupils.
A review mechanism has been put in place to address the concerns of schools that did not qualify for inclusion in the School Support Programme but regard themselves as having a level of disadvantage which is of a scale sufficient to warrant their inclusion in the Programme. This mechanism will operate under the direction of an independent person, charged with ensuring that all relevant identification processes and procedures were properly followed in the case of schools applying for a review.
The school to which the Deputy refers has submitted an application for review and a formal acknowledgement has issued to the school. It is anticipated that the review process will be completed before the end of the current school year.
85 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason she has refused to supply information requested in parliamentary questions in relation to building grants for schools in Dublin south east; her views on whether this impedes an opposition politician’s ability to properly represent their constituents for whom this is a crucial matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23154/06]
The Deputy is aware that the extensive information sought by him in relation to a large number of schools was not readily available within my Department when he sought it originally. However, information in relation to building grants for the schools concerned has since been collated and has now been sent to the Deputy.
86 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools and secondary schools in County Westmeath and County Longford that will lose their disadvantaged status post 2007 as a result of the new indicators in the integrated schools support programme envisaged under the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23176/06]
At the outset, I want to state that no school has been told that they are going to lose any of the resources that they have been receiving under pre-existing schemes for tackling disadvantage as a result of the introduction of the new DEIS initiative. On the contrary, the new School Support Programme is aimed at providing even more extra resources for the most disadvantaged schools in the country. Schools that did not qualify for the new programme will keep the extra resources they are getting under pre-existing schemes for the 2006/07 school year and after that they will continue to get support in line with the level of disadvantage among their pupils.
The new DEIS programme will be of huge benefit to schools in Longford and Westmeath. Three urban/town primary schools, 6 rural primary schools and 4 second-level schools in County Longford will benefit from the supports available from the new programme. In County Westmeath, 5 urban/town primary schools, 3 rural primary schools and 4 second-level schools will benefit.
I am sure the Deputy will agree that it is important to ensure that schools serving the most disadvantaged communities get all the extra support possible and will welcome the extra resources that DEIS will provide for schools in Longford and Westmeath. I can assure the Deputy that there is no reason for schools that have not been identified for the new programme to worry as they will continue to get support in line with the level of disadvantage among their pupils.
A review mechanism has been put in place to address the concerns of schools that did not qualify for inclusion in the School Support Programme but regard themselves as having a level of disadvantage which is of a scale sufficient to warrant their inclusion in the programme. This review process is underway and it is anticipated that it will be completed by the end of the current school year.
87 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if there are special school units comparable to those at primary level available at second level for children on the autism spectrum in County Westmeath and County Longford; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that autism specific educational supports are essential if such children are to fully benefit from second level education; if there are no such facilities, the steps she is taking to address this deficit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23177/06]
My Department provides a range of supports to second level school management to enable schools to cater for pupils with special educational needs including the needs of pupils with autism. The supports in question include remedial and additional teaching support, special needs assistant support and funding for the purchase of specialised equipment.
As the Deputy is aware, there has been enormous progress made over the past number of years in relation to increasing the number of teachers in our schools who are specifically dedicated to providing education for children with special educational needs. At second level, approximately 1,654 whole time equivalent additional teachers are in place to support pupils with special educational needs. This compares to the approximately 200 teachers that were in place in 1998 for such pupils. In addition, there are 532 whole time equivalent learning support teachers and approximately 1,102 whole time equivalent special needs assistants (SNAs) in our second level schools.
With effect from 1 January 2005, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has taken over key functions from my Department in relation to special educational provision. The NCSE was formally established as an independent statutory body on the 1st October 2005 under the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2005. The Council acts under the broad policy direction of my Department but has the resources and the remit to play the leading role in the delivery of education services to children with disabilities/special needs.
The NCSE co-ordinates with the health services, schools and other relevant bodies regarding the provision of education and related support services to children with disabilities/special needs. The responsibilities of the NCSE include the following: deciding on applications for additional teaching support in respect of children with disabilities with special educational needs at second level; deciding on applications for special needs assistant (SNA) hours; and processing applications for school placement in respect of children with disabilities with special education needs.
The Department supports the education of individual students with autism in various second level schools throughout the country. The precise model of provision made available at second level will depend on the assessed needs of the pupils involved. Some pupils are capable of attending ordinary classes on an integrated basis with additional teacher and/or special needs assistant support. In other cases, placement in special dedicated classes or units attached to the school may be the more appropriate response. Such special classes operate at significantly reduced pupil-teacher ratios. In general where a special class for pupils with autism is established by my Department, such classes are staffed by one teacher and two special needs assistants and can cater for a maximum of six pupils though the number in attendance can vary as pupils attached to these special classes may be facilitated in attending ordinary subject classes on an integrated basis wherever possible.
In recent years, my Department has supported the establishment of a number of special classes for pupils with autism in mainstream post primary schools. The organisation of such provision is a significant task of the National Council for Special Education. Special classes are currently in operation in post primary schools in Celbridge, Co. Kildare, Fairview, Co. Dublin, Cashel, Co. Tipperary and Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow. Discussions are ongoing between the NCSE and a number of other post primary schools with a view to establishing further classes of this nature.
The NCSE, through the local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) will process the relevant application for resources and inform the school of the outcome. It is important to note that in the case of decisions on additional teaching and SNA support, the SENO will outline the process to the school and parents, where appropriate, and will at the end of the process outline the basis on which the decision was made.
In addition, my Department's Teacher Education Section has developed a strategy designed to meet the continuing professional development needs of personnel working with children with special educational needs. This involves a major expansion of the range of post-graduate professional training programmes available to teachers in the special needs area and the ongoing development of the Special Education Support Service (SESS) to support schools staff locally.
My Department will continue to ensure that the necessary resources are made available for the education of children with special needs. I am confident that the advent of the NCSE will prove of major benefit in ensuring that all children with special educational needs receive the support they require, when and where they require it.
88 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps she intends to take to upgrade primary schools in County Westmeath and County Longford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23178/06]
89 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps she intends to take to upgrade secondary schools in County Westmeath and County Longford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23179/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 89 together.
This Government has invested in the largest school building programme in the history of the State. Between 2000 and the end of 2005, over €2 billion was invested in school buildings and in the region of 7,500 large and small projects were completed in schools — including 130 brand new schools and 510 large scale refurbishments/ extensions. In 2006, over €500 million will be spent on school building projects. Since 2005 almost €4 million has been approved under the Summer Works Scheme for 40 individual school projects in Longford and Westmeath.
The Deputy will be aware that earlier this year I announced 19 medium scale post primary building projects of which three are from Counties Longford and Westmeath. I have approved 11 projects to commence architectural planning, 11 to tender and construction and 18 projects under the devolved schemes since 2005 between both these counties.
Any applications received from primary and post primary schools in Counties Westmeath and Longford will be assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale projects. Progress on the proposed works will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme from 2006 onwards.
90 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount allocated by her Department for the third level maintenance grants scheme in County Westmeath and County Longford for 2004, 2005 and 2006; the number of students in receipt of such grants for 2006, itemised as full, 75 per cent, 50 per cent or 25 per cent recipients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23180/06]
91 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount allocated by her Department for the maintenance grants scheme for students attending PLC courses in County Westmeath and County Longford for 2004, 2005 and 2006; the number of students in receipt of such grants for 2006, itemised as full, 75 per cent, 50 per cent or 25 per cent recipients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23181/06]
92 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount allocated by her Department towards the special rates of maintenance grant in County Westmeath and County Longford for 2004, 2005 and 2006; the number of students in receipt of such grants for 2006, itemised as full, 75 per cent, 50 per cent or 25 per cent recipients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23182/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 to 92, inclusive, together.
The statistical information requested by the Deputy is not immediately available in my Department. The information requested is being compiled, in so far as it is available, and will be issued directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
93 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the mechanism available to persons to obtain a refund of college fees involved in their child’s education (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23185/06]
The three Third Level Student Support Schemes, administered by the Local Authorities and the Vocational Education Committees on behalf of my Department, offer financial assistance to eligible students attending approved third level courses. Students entering approved courses for the first time are, generally speaking, eligible for grants where they satisfy the relevant conditions as to age, residence, means and nationality. Under the terms of the Schemes grants may only be awarded where the reckonable income is below the prescribed income limits.
Under the means test provisions, the reckonable income for candidates other than Independent Mature Student is gross income from all sources of the candidate and his/her parents or guardians where applicable. Certain specified Social Welfare and Health Board payments are exempt in the calculation. The reckonable income limit in respect of this academic year 2005/06 for the full maintenance grant where the number of dependent children is less than 4, which is the position with the candidate mentioned by the Deputy, is €35,485. Candidates who do not qualify for a full maintenance grant could qualify for a part maintenance grant (75%) in respect of which the income limit is €37,695. The income limits to qualify for a 50% grant and a 25% grant are €39,915 and €42,130 respectively. The full Student Service Charge/Registration fee is also payable, where the reckonable income does not exceed €44,350. Staff in Kildare VEC have confirmed to my Department that this candidate's reckonable income exceeds the reckonable income limits for 2005/06 academic year.
94 Mr. M. Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the higher education grant for 2005 and 2006 has not been approved for a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and his views on the case. [23191/06]
Eligibility for grant assistance for the 2005/06 academic year must be assessed under the terms of my Department's Higher Education Grant Scheme 2005. Clause 2.2 of the Scheme states, inter alia, that: “A candidate shall not be eligible to hold a grant under this Scheme if s/he holds: (i) a scholarship/grant awarded by another local Authority, a Vocational Education Committee or the Department of Education and Science, or (ii) any other award payable from public funds, or (iii) the equivalent of (i) or (ii) from another E.U. Member State. The provisions at (ii) or (iii) do not include awards such as scholarships, prizes or bursaries, made by the institution being attended or postgraduate research grants where the grant received does not exceed a specified amount, which for the 2005/2006 academic year, is specified to be €12,700. In addition the provision at (ii) does not include awards to candidates under the Student Assistance Fund, the Millennium Partnership Fund and the Fund for Students with Disabilities.”
I understand that the student referred to by the Deputy is benefitting from a postgraduate research grant which totals €19,050. This grant is broken down into a maintenance amount of €12,700 and an amount of €6,350 for payment of fees and support for research. It is, therefore, considered that the total value of the award for the student referred to by the Deputy exceeds the specified amount of €12,700 as outlined in Clause 2.2 of the Scheme and makes the student ineligible for assistance under the 2005 Higher Education Grants Scheme.
95 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will clarify the legal situation regarding the imposition of school rules during junior and leaving certificate exams; if a student can be refused permission to sit an exam in a hall lent by the school to the State Examinations Board; her views on the imposition of punishment measures for breaking school rules that interfere with a student’s ability to sit an exam; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23229/06]
Under SI 373/2003 the State Examinations Commission has operational responsibility for the certificate examinations, including determining procedures in places where examinations are conducted including the supervision of examinations. This function is exercised in collaboration with schools. The normal practice is for the SEC to provide for the holding of examinations in the school where a pupil is attending, or to make alternative arrangements where these are requested for external candidates, pupils of other centres, and pupils for whom a specific accommodation has been requested and is deemed necessary.
In April 1996, the Department issued Best Practice Guidelines to schools concerning the Certificate Examinations. The guidelines stress the importance of the examinations to the students and their future progression, the need for a calm and supportive environment, that pupils are subject to the rules of the school during the examinations and that these rules must have as their main objective the securing of the well-being of students. While the Guidelines refer to situations where the removal/refused admission of a student may arise, a judgement in such cases must consider the well-being of the individual, of the general body of candidates and the integrity of the examination process, and the need for proportionality in response to non compliance with rules. The guidelines stress the exclusion from an examination would be disproportionate in a situation where alternative arrangements were not made for sitting the examination. The Guidelines recommend that students who breach the school's disciplinary code should be allowed sit the examination on the occasion of the first breach, while parents are being contacted. They also provide that subsequent breaches of discipline which are seen as having wider implications for school discipline are dealt with by making alternative arrangements to sit the examination in a neighbouring school.
96 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on reviewing the Education Act 1998 to allow student representatives to sit on school boards of management at second level, particularly in view of the recent controversy in Tullamore; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23230/06]
Section 27 of the Education Act 1998 provides that Boards of Management in second level schools shall facilitate and give all reasonable assistance to student councils. Student councils are established in the majority of post-primary schools. I believe very strongly that you cannot just teach students about rights and responsibilities in the CSPE class, that you also have to give them actual responsibilities in the place where they spend much of their day. I have stressed to teachers' groups the need to not only ensure that each school has a student council but also that councils are given a meaningful role in school decision-making.
The Act provides that Boards shall have procedures for the purposes of informing students of the activities of the school and to facilitate the involvement of students in the operation of the school, having regard to the age and experience of the students, in association with their parents and teachers. An active student council can be a most effective way to involve students in the affairs of the school, in cooperation with the board, parents and teachers. I have no plans to review the Act in this regard.
97 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans the Government has to increase the staff complement of the National Educational Welfare Board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23231/06]
The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) was established under The Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 as the single national body with responsibility for school attendance. The Act provides a comprehensive framework which promotes regular school attendance and tackles the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving. The general functions of the Board are to ensure that every child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education.
The Board is developing a nationwide service, on a continuing basis, that is accessible to schools, parents/guardians and others concerned with the welfare of young people. For this purpose, Educational Welfare Officers (EWOs) have been deployed throughout the country to provide a welfare-focused service to support regular school attendance and discharge the Board's functions locally. The total authorised staffing complement of the Board is 94 comprising 16 HQ and support staff, 5 regional managers, 12 Senior EWO's and 61 EWO's. Five regional teams are in place with bases in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford.
In deploying its service staff, the NEWB has prioritised the provision of services to the most disadvantaged areas and the most at-risk groups. This deployment includes areas designated under the Government's RAPID programme where an intensive full level of service is provided. Since September 2005 every county in Ireland is served by an educational welfare service.
In addition to the NEWB personnel there are some 490 staff, within the education sector, deployed in education disadvantage programmes whose work involves an element of school attendance and significant scope exists for integrated working between these personnel and Educational Welfare Officers. My Department is anxious to ensure that the maximum benefit is derived from these substantial personnel resources. Consequently work is ongoing to develop appropriate protocols for all agencies and services to work together in collaboration and to ensure that optimum use is made of the resources deployed.
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 achieve their potential and participate fully in education. I will be keeping the issue of the NEWB's staffing under review in light of the roll out of services, the scope for integrated working and any proposals that the Board may put to me in relation to clearly identified priority needs and in the context of Government policy on public service numbers.
98 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of commitments made four years ago regarding the proposed extension to a school (details supplied) in west Cork, she will confirm that progress will be made and a design team appointed to initiate the architectural planning of the extension. [23285/06]
The application for capital funding from the school to which the Deputy refers has been assessed and schedules of accommodation to meet the current and projected accommodation needs of the school have been drawn up by my Department. The further progression of this project will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2006-2010.
99 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to water charges for national schools in County Westmeath and County Longford; if these rates are in line with policy governing this area; the way in which the standard rate is calculated; if the rates increase with the size of the schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23183/06]
Local authorities are required to recover the cost of providing water services from the users of these services, with the exception of householders. The cost of providing water services to the non-domestic sector should be fully recovered by local authorities by means of a meter based volumetric charge. While current arrangements for schools may, as with other non-domestic users, be based on fixed water services charges, local authorities are moving towards the metering of all non-domestic water use.
The unit cost of providing water services will differ between local authorities and there is no standard rate of charging. It is therefore, a matter for each authority to set appropriate charges for non-domestic users of water services at a level necessary for recovery of actual costs.
100 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he intends to sign the commencement notice for Part 19 of the Local Government Act 2001 to enable local authorities to introduce new by-laws; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23184/06]
I intend to commence Part 19 of the Local Government Act 2001 shortly. The new provisions will replace the existing general powers of local authorities to make by-laws, and complement by-law making powers held by local authorities under other legislation.
101 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the sewerage scheme for O’Brien’s Bridge, County Clare, in view of the proximity of O’Brien’s Bridge to the River Shannon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23208/06]
The O'Brien's Bridge Sewerage Scheme, which is being advanced as part of a grouped project, is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 as a scheme to commence construction in 2007. My Department is awaiting the submission of Clare County Council's Preliminary Report for the scheme.
102 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received representations from a company (details supplied) on waste management. [23236/06]
The company in question has sought a meeting with me to discuss new environmental technologies which it is developing and to ensure that these fit within Ireland's long-term waste management strategy. The company is being offered a meeting with officials of the Department to discuss the issues of concern to them and to clarify responsibilities in Ireland with regard to the provision of waste management services.
