Vol. 622 No. 2
12 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Defence the role of the Defence Forces under the national emergency plan for nuclear accidents; the role of the Reserve Defence Forces in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23727/06]
My colleague, Mr. Dick Roche, T.D., Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government has responsibility for the National Emergency Plan for Nuclear Accidents and he has informed me that the Irish Government has in place the National Emergency Plan for Nuclear Accidents. The Plan was first drawn up and published in 1992 and the most recent revision took place in December 2005. This Plan is designed to provide the framework for the response to a major emergency at a nuclear installation in the UK or elsewhere if there is a risk that radioactive contamination could reach Ireland. It conforms to the best international standards and practice as established by the International Atomic Energy Agency and is continuously reviewed and updated in the light of technological, scientific and medical advances, although the core messages remain the same.
A major exercise of the Plan takes place every few years in order to test its effectiveness and to enhance emergency preparedness. The most recent exercise, in 2005, called "INEX-3", was carried out under the guidance of the OECD's Nuclear Energy Agency. The particular exercise was mainly concerned with the testing of decision making in relation to agricultural countermeasures and food restrictions following a simulated nuclear accident in the UK. A report on this exercise will be published in due course.
The Department of Defence and the Defence Forces are represented on the Emergency Response Coordination Committee under the National Emergency Plan for Nuclear Accidents. The principal roles of the Defence Forces under the Plan include the collection of sea water samples by the Naval Service, the provision of aircraft for such aerial surveys as may be required, the monitoring of radiation levels by the Reserve Defence Forces, and such other assistance as may be required in the implementation of countermeasures.
13 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Defence the estimated value of the property at St. Bricin’s Hospital which was handed over to Dublin City Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23969/06]
205 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the funding received by his Department from Dublin City Council for the site at St. Bricin’s Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24180/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 205 together.
The Government agreed on 16 December 2003 to the release of circa 2.5 acres at St. Bricin's Military Hospital, Dublin for inclusion in the Sustaining Progress Affordable Housing Initiative. The primary purpose of the Initiative is to maximize the early delivery of affordable housing units. The site is being transferred to Dublin City Council as specified by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government for a nominal consideration.
A valuation carried out by the Commissioner of Valuation in February 2005 indicated an estimated value of €9.5 million. It is the responsibility of Dublin City Council, as advised by the National Development Finance Agency, to ensure that value for money is achieved in respect of the use of the site for the initiative. The legal formalities in relation to the transfer of the site to Dublin City Council are nearing completion.
14 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Defence the property his Department owns at Bere Island, Cork; if property was disposed of on the island; if so, the extent of this property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23974/06]
Bere Island, Co. Cork, was among the Coastal Defence Properties handed over to Irish administration in 1938. At that time, approximately 800 acres was taken over by my Department. However, since the 1960's, the State has sold a considerable area of land and my Department currently administers approximately 176 acres on the island. The property is vested in the Minister for Finance.
15 Mr. Nolan asked the Minister for Defence his proposals for the replacement of 1916 and War of Independence medals for those families who feel proud of their ancestors service and contribution to the founding of the State and would like a visible expression of same, in view of the recent Easter 1916 commemorations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23309/06]
As I indicated in the course of my reply to the Adjournment debate in the Seanad on the 17th May 2006, my Department receives requests from time to time for the replacement of lost, stolen or destroyed medals awarded to Veterans of the 1916 Rising and the War of Independence. It has been settled Departmental policy for many years that replacement medals were issued on a once only basis on receipt of a bona-fidé request from the Veteran to whom the medals were originally awarded. This policy was adopted in the interest of preserving the intrinsic value of these medals and to strictly limit the number of medals issued in any particular case. Although almost all of the Veterans are now deceased, the rationale for restricting the issue of replacement medals is still valid.
While this has been the long-standing Departmental policy, I can understand the feelings of the family members of Veterans when requests for replacement Medals are refused. I have therefore decided that an official certificate should be issued in such cases confirming that one of the medals in question was awarded to the named Veteran. If more than one medal was awarded, a separate certificate would be provided for each medal.
My Department is in the process of finalising the format and design of the certificates and, once this process has been completed, will make contact with those people who have recently sought replacement medals.
16 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces on service with the United Nations in all missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23770/06]
22 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Defence if he has received a request to supply troops for possible UN missions in the Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23968/06]
40 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if further requests have been received for the deployment of more Irish troops on various EU or UN peacekeeping or peace-enforcement missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24109/06]
47 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Defence the number of Irish troops deployed on overseas missions; the duration of each mission; if a request for new missions has been made to the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23732/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 16, 22, 40 and 47 together.
Ireland is currently contributing 678 Defence Forces personnel to 19 different missions throughout the world. Full details of all personnel currently serving overseas are listed in the tabular statement.
The main commitments are to the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), with 333 personnel, to the NATO-led International Security presence (KFOR) in Kosovo, with 213 personnel and to EUFOR, the EU-led operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with 60 personnel. Other personnel are serving as monitors and observers with the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU) and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Staff are also deployed at the organisational headquarters of the UN, EU, OSCE and NATO.
With regard to future participation by the Defence Forces in UNMIL, the original plan was to withdraw the Irish Contingent towards the end of this year. However, in response to a recent request from UN Secretary-General Annan to the Taoiseach, it has been decided to extend the duration of the deployment in Liberia to May 2007.
In March 2004, a reorganisation and downsizing of the NATO led forces in KFOR, which had partly commenced earlier, was deferred following civil disturbances in Kosovo at that time. That restructuring has now recommenced and is ongoing. However, having regard to the fragility of the peace in Kosovo, and subject to ongoing assessments of the situation on the ground, both myself and the Minister for Foreign Affairs are agreed on the importance of maintaining an Irish presence in the Western Balkans in 2006/2007. There is no plan to alter the Irish contribution to EUFOR's Operation Althea in Bosnia and Herzegovina over the next twelve months.
Ireland receives requests from time to time in relation to participation in various missions and these are considered on a case-by-case basis. On 9 May, 2006, the Government authorised the dispatch of members of the Permanent Defence Force for service with the new EU military operation, Eufor RD Congo, in support of the UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC), authorised under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1671 of 25 April, 2006. The main purpose of the EU operation is to be available to support MONUC during the upcoming election process, due to take place under UN supervision in July 2006, for a four month period. A total of seven Defence Forces personnel will be deployed with the EU mission.
An informal request for Irish Defence Forces participation in a new UN force in Darfur was received from the UN last month. However, after careful consideration of the request, the UN was advised that due to our extended engagement in Liberia to May 2007, we are not at this time in a position where we could provide additional troops or support to the prospective UN Mission in Sudan.
Ireland's commitment under the United Nations Stand-by Arrangements System (UNSAS) is 850 which represents 10% of the total Army strength. This is the figure set in the White paper on Defence and is the maximum sustainable commitment that Ireland can make to overseas operations. There are no plans at this time to increase the level of our commitment to UNSAS and any contribution to EU or UN Missions will be met within the context of the 850 ceiling.
|
Number |
|
|
1. UN Missions |
|
|
(i)UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) |
5 |
|
(ii)UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) — Israel, Syria and Lebanon |
13 |
|
(iii)MINURSO (United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara) |
4 |
|
(iv)UNMIK (United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo) |
4 |
|
(v)MONUC (United Nations Mission in Democratic Republic of the Congo) |
3 |
|
(vi)UNOCI (United Nations Mission in Ivory Coast) |
2 |
|
(vii)UNMIL (United Nations Mission in Liberia) FHQ |
4 |
|
UNMIL 94th Inf Bn |
329 |
|
TOTAL |
364 |
|
UN Mandated Missions |
|
|
(viii)EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) |
60 |
|
(ix)KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) |
213 |
|
(x)ISAF (International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan) |
7 |
|
Total number of personnel serving with UN missions |
644 |
|
2. EU Missions |
|
|
(i)European Union Monitor Mission (EUMM) to the former Yugoslavia |
5 |
|
(ii)EU support to UN authorised African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) |
3 |
|
(iii)ACEH Monitoring Mission (AMM) |
1 |
|
(iv)EUFOR RD Congo (support mission to MONUC) |
2 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH EU MISSIONS |
11 |
|
3. Organisation for Security and Co-operationin Europe (OSCE) |
|
|
(i)OSCE Mission to Bosnia & Herzegovina |
1 |
|
(ii)OSCE Mission in Montenegro |
1 |
|
(iii)OSCE Presence in Albania |
2 |
|
(iv)OSCE Mission in FRY |
2 |
|
(v)OSCE Mission in Georgia |
1 |
|
(vi)Staff Officer, Higher Level Planning Group, Vienna |
1 |
|
Total number of personnel serving OSCE |
8 |
|
4. Head of Military Staff (Brussels) |
1 |
|
5. EU Military Staff (Brussels) |
4 |
|
6. EU Military Staff (New York) |
1 |
|
7. Liaison Office of Ireland, PfP (Brussels) |
2 |
|
8. Permanent Representative to EU (Brussels) |
3 |
|
9. Military Representatives/ Advisers |
|
|
(i)Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York |
1 |
|
(ii)Military Adviser, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna |
1 |
|
(iii)Military Representative to Partnership Co-ordination Cell/Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), Mons, Belgium |
1 |
|
10. Appointments — UN HQ (New York) |
|
|
Officer seconded to DPKO (Department of Peace Keeping Operations) |
1 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS |
678 |
17 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Defence the personnel from his Department or the Defence Forces who are represented on the Inter-departmental Working Group on Emergency Planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23773/06]
The Inter-Departmental Working Group on Emergency Planning plays a key role in supporting the work of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning. This Working Group comprises officials representing Government Departments and Public Authorities with lead or principal support roles in Government Emergency Plans. The Inter-Departmental Working Group is chaired by the Office of Emergency Planning. Both my Department and the Defence Forces are represented at a senior level.
The working Group is the vehicle through which expertise is shared between Government Departments and public authorities on emergency planning. The Working Group continues to address emergency planning matters to reduce potential impacts of emergencies on the State.
18 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence when he will publish the report on the height requirement for women for entry into the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23979/06]
69 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Defence if he will bring forward proposals to amend the height requirement for membership of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23784/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 69 together.
I am pleased to say that I have recently received the military authorities report on the minimum height standards for Defence Force personnel prepared in the context of encouraging more women to apply to join the Defence Forces. The report deals comprehensively with the complex issues relating to this matter and as such requires careful consideration. I will be reviewing the height requirement for entry to both the Permanent Defence Force and the Reserve Defence Force, in the light of this report, and would expect to be able to make a decision on this matter shortly. It is also my intention to publish the report in the near future.
I must point out that height is not the only issue in encouraging more women to apply to join the Defence Forces and I have recently initiated more general research in this area. To this end, tenders have been received from companies willing to undertake research into the issue of recruitment and retention of women in the Defence Forces. It is intended that the research will test women's attitudes to military life and a career in the Defence Forces. I envisage that the research will include interviews with currently serving female members of both the Permanent Defence Force and the Reserve Defence Force and members of the general public. The contract will be awarded for the research in the very near future.
19 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Defence if reports that a computer or some computer equipment was stolen from Irish personnel serving on a UN mission are accurate; if so, the type of material which was contained on the computer; the circumstances of the theft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23975/06]
24 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Defence the circumstances in which a laptop computer was stolen from Irish Army officers engaged in gathering intelligence in eastern Europe; the UN mandate under which the Army officers operated; the purpose of the intelligence gathering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23797/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 24 together.
A computer and security card, which were the subject of a recent article in the print media, were stolen from a member of the Permanent Defence Force, who was serving with the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) monitoring mission in Georgia in April 2004. The computer was taken from the officer's apartment together with a number of personal items in the city of Tbilisi. The computer did not contain material of a classified nature.
The OSCE mission in Georgia was established in December 1992 in response to armed conflicts in the country. The mission assists the Government of Georgia in the fields of conflict settlement, democratisation, human rights and the rule of law. Irish Defence Forces personnel have been deployed to the mission since 1994. One officer currently serves with the mission. The nature of the officer's duties, as defined by the OSCE, involve promoting negotiations between the conflicting parties in Georgia, which are aimed at achieving a peaceful political settlement.
20 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Defence when the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning last met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23775/06]
The Government Task Force on Emergency Planning meets on a regular basis. The last such meeting was held on Wednesday 31st May 2006. This was the 47th meeting since the Task Force was established in 2001. I chair these meetings.
The membership of the Task Force includes Ministers, Senior Officials of Government Departments, Senior Officers of the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána, and officials of other key public authorities that have a lead or support role in Government Emergency Planning. Issues such as avian flu and any possible implications for human health are now standing items at Task Force meetings and the Department of Agriculture and Food and the Department of Health and Children provide comprehensive briefings on these matters.
The Task Force will continue to monitor and review these issues on a regular and ongoing basis.
23 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Defence if the Minister for Health and Children or the Health Service Executive have indicated to him if they intend to take up his offer of the use of St. Bricin’s Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23971/06]
Representatives from the Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive made a number of visits to St. Bricin's Military Hospital in 2005 to review the facilities and to consider the feasibility of the hospital being utilised for public health purposes. Following detailed consideration, the view was that St. Bricin's was not suitable for use as an acute or sub-acute facility. The Tánaiste visited the hospital last July and she agreed that it is unsuitable for this purpose.
26 Mr. Kelly asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Force vehicles such as armoured personnel carriers, jeeps, trucks and so on currently in use on overseas missions; how often these vehicles are rotated back to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23679/06]
Defence Forces personnel serving on all overseas missions are equipped with the most modern and effective equipment. This equipment enables troops to carry out the mission assigned, as well as providing the required protection specific to the mission. Currently there is a total of 184 vehicles in use by Defence Forces on overseas missions, details of which are listed on the tabular statement.
All vehicles are rotated back to Ireland as required or in circumstances where due to accidental damage they cannot be repaired in the mission area.
|
Vehicle Type |
KFOR |
EUFOR |
UNMIL |
TOTAL |
|
Jeeps |
37 |
19 |
26 |
82 |
|
Trucks |
7 |
— |
16 |
23 |
|
Armour |
6 |
— |
30 |
36 |
|
Trailers |
2 |
2 |
26 |
30 |
|
Bus |
3 |
2 |
— |
5 |
|
Ambulance |
1 |
— |
1 |
2 |
|
Misc. Vehicles |
3 |
1 |
2 |
6 |
|
59 |
24 |
101 |
184 |
27 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the frontline aircraft of the Irish Air Corps are not able to match the speed of a regular jet airliner; if he will respond to the attached analysis of military aircraft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23738/06]
The Air Corps is the air component of the Defence Forces and as such its military roles and functions are those of an Army Air Corps rather than a conventional military air service. The Air Corps has traditionally discharged a mix of functions based on the need to supply a range of different services. Over the years a generally favourable security climate resulted in the need for a very limited military air capability. To exceed this capability would require a level of investment in personnel, equipment and infrastructure which could not be justified.
The Government in formulating the White Paper on Defence decided that the broad profile of Air Corps roles would be maintained and that future development of the Air Corps would be determined within policy parameters which set out the general air-based military and non-military capabilities which the State will seek to provide. Aspirations to broaden the range of available air based capabilities have to be balanced against real world constraints. The fact is that, given the enormous costs involved, few small countries possess the ability to provide a comprehensive air based defence capability. The choice must lie between maintaining an essentially token force to address all dimensions of national defence or seeking to perform a selected range of tasks to a professional standard. The latter option has been the one chosen in Ireland.
The Pilatus PC 9 aircraft were obtained as trainer aircraft for the purpose of training pilots in the Air Corps. They are capable of being armed and as such have a limited defensive capability. They are not fighter aircraft and would not be able to match the speed of a civil airliner. As indicated already, the security climate is such that it is considered that there is no need for the Air Corps to acquire fighter aircraft, the cost of which would be prohibitive.
In this connection the Air Corps fleet has been considerably modernized in recent times with the acquisition of two EC 135 helicopters for pilot training, in addition to the eight Pilatus aircraft. A further four AW 139 helicopters will be delivered in 2006/2007 which will permit the Air Corps to participate in military operations involving troop transport. As the document provided by the Deputy does not reflect the policy in this area no useful purpose would be served by commenting on it at this time.
28 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Defence the steps he will take to enhance the role of the Reserve Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23781/06]
The Reserve Defence Force's most important contribution, as outlined in the White Paper on Defence, is to support the Permanent Defence Force in its contingency defence roles in an emergency situation. In peacetime, the main function of the RDF centres on training and preparing for these contingency roles.
The Reserve Defence Force Review Implementation Plan, which was formally launched in July 2004 and will continue over the period to end 2009, sets out an ambitious programme of change that will result in the Reserve Defence Force having enhanced capabilities and improved interoperability with the Permanent Defence Force. To date the Reserve has been re-organised along similar lines to the Permanent Defence Force with a three Brigade structure and Reserve Defence Force Training authority as well as a dedicated Naval Service Reserve. Improved training, equipment and clothing are also provided for in the plan and to date significant advances have occurred.
The plan also provides for the development of an element of the Reserve, known as the Integrated Reserve, which will comprise Reserve personnel who will train with PDF units and operate as part of those units in contingency situations. This aspect of the plan is currently being addressed and pilot schemes will commence in 2007.
Another important recommendation was that Reserve personnel should be afforded the opportunity to serve on overseas peace support missions. While there are no immediate plans for participation by members of the Reserve in overseas missions, policies to support the selection of suitably qualified personnel for overseas duties will be developed over the lifetime of the implementation plan. Any such participation by members of the Reserve is likely to be in specialised areas such as medical, transport, engineering and communications and information services. This will also be subject to personnel having suitable qualifications, their personal availability and appropriate advance training. The legislative changes required will be addressed in due course.
29 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Defence the details of the newly agreed EU code of conduct on defence procurement which comes into force on 1 July 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24140/06]
A decision to establish an intergovernmental agency in the field of defence capabilities development, research, acquisition and armaments, known as the European Defence Agency (EDA) was formally adopted at the General Affairs and External Relations Council meeting on 12 July, 2004. At the meeting of the European Defence Agency Steering Board on 21 November 2005, agreement was reached on an intergovernmental regime (a voluntary Code of Conduct) to encourage competition in the European Defence Equipment Market. The voluntary Code of Conduct will seek to eliminate or reduce the use of Article 296 and the use of offsets and other market distortion instruments.
The Code of Conduct will be introduced for subscribing Member States on 1 July 2006. Twenty two Member States have agreed to implement the Code (Spain and Hungary have opted out and Denmark does not participate in the EDA). While Ireland is not a major consumer of defence equipment in relative terms, developments which improve market efficiencies or which may yield some economies of scale for equipment procurement for the Defence Forces, should be encouraged and would obviously be beneficial in terms of driving prices down. It is hoped that the effect of the code of conduct would be to deliver more efficiency in terms of our investment in defensive equipment for the Defence Forces.
30 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the meeting of EU Defence Ministers on 15 May 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24139/06]
An informal meeting of EU Defence Ministers was held in Brussels on 15 May 2006. At the meeting, progress on the development of Strategic Airlift and the Implementation of the Battlegroup Concept were reviewed. Another important step was the completion of the Requirements Catalogue 2005 and the finalisation of the Headline Goal Questionnaire. It is envisaged that the Force Catalogue will be produced in the second semester of 2006.
A report was received from the Operational Commander of the planned EU Support mission in the Congo. As the House will be aware, Ireland offered up to 10 Staff Officers for the Headquarters. The mission is oversubscribed, so 7 of the 10 will be deployed, 5 in Potsdam in the Operational Headquarters and 2 in Kinshasa in the Force Headquarters.
Progress made by the Austrian Presidency on Civil Military Coordination (CMCO), was reviewed. CMCO is an initiative commenced under the UK Presidency and will continue through the forthcoming Finnish Presidency. This issue has to do with the very practical matter of co-ordinating the various strands of EU civil and military actions in crisis management operations so as there is an overall coherence to the EU's approach. There was a discussion on Security Sector reform regarding the need for increased coordination among the EU institutions and other international actors so as to maximise the impact of our joint efforts on Security Sector Reform in the Balkans.
On the same day, the Steering Board of the European Defence Agency (EDA) met. Developments to support improved competition within the European Defence market were discussed and a Code of Best Practice in the Supply Chain was agreed. The proposals are designed to facilitate increased competition among sub-contractors supplying the larger equipment producers. This should result in increased opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SME's). The Steering Board had previously agreed a Code of Conduct in defence procurement, which will become operational from 1 July 2006, and which will help to open up the defence procurement market generally.
31 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Defence the number of soldiers who are accommodated in army barracks; the number of soldiers in each barrack; the number of units of accommodation in each barrack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23729/06]
For security reasons it is not the policy to disclose the number of personnel in each barracks. However, the Tabular Statement which I propose to circulate with the Official Report, shows the information requested by the Deputy by Brigade and Formation rather than by individual barracks.
|
Brigade/Formation |
No. of soldiers accommodated each Brigade/Formation |
No. of soldiers in each Brigade/Formation |
No. of units of accommodation in each Brigade/Formation |
|
2 Eastern Brigade |
631 |
2,490 |
1,215 |
|
1 Southern Brigade |
232 |
1,640 |
795 |
|
4 Western Brigade |
397 |
2,165 |
780 |
|
Defence Forces Training Centre |
393 |
1,200 |
1,305 |
|
Air Corps |
127 |
866 |
163 |
|
Naval Service land |
106 |
1,045 |
192 |
|
Naval Service at sea |
397 |
449 |
|
|
TOTAL |
2,283 |
9,406 |
4,499 |
32 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Defence the legal costs which have been incurred by the State’s legal team from the commencement of the army deafness cases to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23977/06]
In general, the Office of the Chief State Solicitor pays the costs of the State's legal team. This includes Counsel Fees, Medical Fees, Fees for Expert Witnesses, State solicitors, Stenographers etc. These costs are charged to the Vote of the Chief State Solicitor's Office.
The Office of the Chief State Solicitor has advised us that in the period 1998 to date, when the vast majority of Army Hearing Loss cases were finalised, it has paid a total of €17.8m in such fees. This included €11.4m for Counsel Fees. During this period, the Department of Defence also directly paid €2.0m in other costs associated with the processing of hearing loss claims.
These amounts do not include the costs of staff and overheads in the Office of the Chief State Solicitor, the Defence Forces, or the Department of Defence incurred in processing these claims.
The management of new and outstanding hearing loss claims was delegated to the State Claims Agency with effect from 1st September 2005. Since that date, my Department has paid a total of €601,000 in Plaintiff and Agency legal, and related costs to the State Claims Agency in respect of hearing loss claims.
34 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence the extent of the patrolling area under the responsibility of the Naval Service; the patrol vessel concentration for this area; the patrol vessel concentration for other EU states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23985/06]
The Naval Service provides the maritime element of the Defence Forces and has a general responsibility to meet contingent and actual maritime defence requirements.
The Naval Service operates eight general-purpose patrol ships. All eight ships are involved in coastal and offshore patrolling and surveillance for the State in that part of the seas where State jurisdiction applies such as Internal Waters, Territorial Sea and the Irish Sector of the Exclusive Economic Zone.
The main day to day role of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union. The Service is tasked with patrolling all Irish waters from the shoreline to the outer limits of the Exclusive Fishery Limits.
The current Exclusive Fishery Limits extend to 200 miles offshore and cover an area of 132,000 square miles. The Naval Service currently patrols the entire 200 mile limit and periodically patrols beyond these limits to protect specific fisheries. These patrols are carried out on a regular and frequent basis and are directed to all areas of Irish waters as necessary. The number of Patrol Vessels on patrol in Irish waters at any one time varies between three and seven. The Naval Service is committed to having at least three vessels on patrol within the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone at any one time.
Fishery protection patrols are complemented by assistance provided by the Air Corps in the form of aerial surveillance by the two Casa maritime patrol aircraft. Fishery protection activity accounts for over 90% of all Naval Service patrol time and more or less all of the Maritime Squadron's output.
The operational targeting of the fishery protection effort is coordinated with the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in accordance with procedures set down in the Service Level Agreement between the Departments. Such targeting takes account of previous history of fishing, infringements, sightings, fishing zones, closed areas and species and allocated quotas, amongst other things. There is a comprehensive process in place to identify and agree patrol plans and inspection targets. The objective in all cases is the protection of the fishing assets of the State.
The patrol vessel concentration for other EU States is a matter for the individual member states.
36 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Defence the number of surviving veterans of the War of Independence who rendered active service; if there is an intention to honour them in a special way on the 90th anniversary of the 1916 Rising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23736/06]
There are only two surviving veterans of the War of Independence who rendered active service and are in receipt of military service pensions from my Department. As regards the question of honouring surviving veterans, the special 90th anniversary commemoration of the events of Easter 1916 constituted a most significant public recognition by the State of the roles played by all who participated in the events of 1916 through to 1922.
The surviving veterans were invited to be guests on the reviewing stand for the military parade and later at an official reception in Dublin Castle. On a related note, I was pleased to be able to announce a substantial increase in the War of Independence pensions in the context of the 90th anniversary of the 1916 Rising. The pensions were increased by 50% retrospectively to 1 April 2006. They were last increased in mid-2004 when a 50% increase was also applied.
37 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the stage at which the investigation into the death of a person (details supplied) is at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23980/06]
58 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence if progress has been made with regard to the implementation of recommendations contained in the Hurley review in the death of Private Kevin Barrett; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23766/06]
79 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Defence the position in relation to the investigation being carried out into the circumstances surrounding the death of a person (details supplied); if he will confirm that Gardaí are carrying out fresh tests on a military rifle that inflicted the fatal wound; if new requests have been made to the United Nations regarding the person’s death; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23790/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 37, 58 and 79 together.
On 2 February, 2006, I received a report from Mr. Sean Hurley, who I had appointed to carry out an independent review of the interaction between the Department of Defence/Defence Forces and parents and family of Private Kevin Barrett in the aftermath of his tragic death, on 18 February, 1999, while serving with the 84th Infantry Battalion in Lebanon. Mr Hurley has looked in detail at how the Department and the Defence Forces interacted with the Barrett family after Kevin's death and has identified some clear failings and shortcomings. Important lessons have been learnt for the future and errors that have occurred in the handling of this tragic case, outlined by Mr. Hurley, must never be repeated. Mr Hurley acknowledges that some of these have since been addressed in the new "Guidelines for Dealing with Bereaved Families" introduced by the Defence Forces in 2001.
Since the publication of Mr Hurley's report, the recommendations and conclusions in relation to procedural and operational issues have been considered by the Defence Forces to see how they might best be implemented. The military authorities have undertaken a review of the guidelines for dealing with bereaved families in the light of Mr Hurley's recommendations. I am advised that, while there is no proposal to further amend the revised arrangements put in place in 2001, the guidelines continue to be reviewed on an ongoing basis.
The Defence Forces standard operating procedures in relation to the investigation, reporting and handling of such incidents are also being reviewed to take account of the various other recommendations in the report. Any changes deemed necessary will be incorporated into Defence Forces Administrative Instructions and Directives. Finally, the recommendation in relation to the role of the attending Medical Officer in the case of autopsies conducted outside the jurisdiction is also being reviewed to see how this might be implemented, having regard to the fact that the Medical Officer may have no standing in the foreign jurisdiction.
Immediately on receipt of Mr. Hurley's report, I contacted the Garda Commissioner and asked him to provide me with his early views in relation to any possible assistance that the Garda Síochána might be in a position to provide. The Garda officer assigned to the case is currently examining my Department's and the Defence Forces files in the case, with a view to determining whether the Gardaí can provide any assistance in the matter. Liaison arrangements have been set up between the Gardaí and the Defence Forces, who continue to provide the fullest cooperation to An Garda Síochána.
To date the Defence Forces have assisted in providing access to the considerable number of witnesses associated with the case and have also facilitated the visit by the investigation team to Lebanon and Israel. The weapon that fired the fatal shot has been handed over by the Defence Forces to the Garda Síochána for tests and arrangements are underway for the return to Ireland of the billet in which Pte Barrett died. The Garda inquiries are ongoing and when completed, I expect the Commissioner will contact me in the matter.
38 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Defence the lands which were sold at Arbour Hill in 2006; the person to whom they were sold; the price obtained; the reason for the sale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23735/06]
In 1975 the former military detention centre at Arbour Hill, together with the former Adjutant General's House and four married quarters adjoining the premises, were handed over to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform for use as a civilian prison. My Department has agreed to the transfer of an adjoining site, comprising 1.07 acres approximately, to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform for use by the Irish Prison Service, for a consideration of €3.174m. The legal formalities in relation to the transfer of the site are nearing completion.
39 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Defence the position with regard to the decentralisation programme as it impacts on his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23785/06]
The Government decision on decentralisation, announced by the Minister for Finance in his Budget statement on 3 December 2003, provides for the transfer of all of my Department'sDublin based civil service staff to Newbridge, Co. Kildare. The number of staff to be relocated to Newbridge is 200. A total of 385 personnel, of which 60 are from within the Department, have opted to move to Newbridge. An additional seventeen staff from outside my Department have been assigned to this Department for the purpose of relocating to Newbridge.
Twenty four members of staff who opted not to move to Newbridge have volunteered to transfer to other Government Departments that have units that are proposed for decentralisation, and some have already moved to their new Departments. One hundred and fifty personnel have opted to remain in Dublin, and to date, ten of these have been reassigned, with a further number to be assigned over the coming months. The Government decision also provides for the transfer of 300 Defence Forces Headquarters staff to the Curragh, Co. Kildare.
42 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Defence the major simulated exercises he has attended over the past six months in his capacity as chairman of the Task Force on Emergency Planning; the scenarios which were simulated; the person who organised the exercises; his views on whether these have been beneficial; if he intends to attend further simulated exercises over the coming months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23960/06]
72 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Defence the most recent exercise undertaken to assess the effectiveness of the national emergency plan; the details of the findings of this exercise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23774/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 72 together.
The lead responsibility for specific emergency planning functions remains with the relevant lead Government Departments and those bodies under their aegis. Emergency plans are coordinated and exercised by the various lead Government Departments at a national level and through the Local Authorities, including the Fire Services, the Health Service Executive and the Garda Síochána at local and regional level.
As chairman of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, I have requested Departments and key public authorities to ensure that there are structured exercise programmes in place and to report to the Task Force on the status and progress of these programmes. In the past six months I have attended two simulated exercises; the first in Dublin Airport on 28 March and the second in Shannon Airport on 25 April. The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern TD, attended the Dublin Airport Exercise. The Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Mr. Pat the Cope Gallagher TD also attended.
This Dublin Airport Exercise scenario involved a MAYDAY call to the Airport's Air Traffic Control Service from an incoming flight. The exercise was carried out as part of the Irish Aviation Authority's licensing requirements for Dublin Airport and was simulated as a ‘real' event. Along with the Dublin Airport Authority personnel (Airport Police Fire Service and Airport Police) the emergency was also attended by the key agencies that would be involved in a real event — An Garda Síochána, Dublin Fire Brigade and the Health Service Executive's Ambulance Service. Overall it was considered that the exercise went well and the objectives were met.
The Shannon Airport Exercise ‘Exercise Eagle' took place on 25 April at Shannon Airport. The aim of the exercise was to test the inter agency response to an aircraft accident at Shannon Airport. The Agencies involved were the Airport Police and Rescue Service, the Garda Síochána, Air Traffic Control, Clare County Council, Clare County Fire Service, Health Service Executive (West), Health Service Ambulance Service (West) and Shannon Airport Authority Management and Operations. The Exercise Eagle Report will be formulated by the Exercise Committee in due course.
I believe that the development of structured exercise programmes is essential in order to refine and develop the arrangements that exist, to continuously improve them through review and revision, and to generally provide the basis for an increased confidence in the emergency planning process. A comprehensive programme of exercises for 2006 is in train. I have asked Departments and key public authorities to identify suitable exercises that I or my cabinet colleagues may attend.
43 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Defence the status of the National Emergency Co-ordination Centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23771/06]
In July 2005 the Government approved the establishment of a National Emergency Coordination Centre. The primary purpose of this Centre will be to provide a dedicated, central and multifunctional facility in which a high-level inter-departmental group of Ministers or senior officials would convene to coordinate the response in the event of a national level emergency.
A suitable location for the National Emergency Coordination Centre has been selected. However, some refurbishment works were required in order to facilitate the relocation of staff from the selected location to alternative accommodation. I understand that this work is now complete. The completion of this work facilitates the commencement of the substantive refurbishment works to meet the requirements of a National Emergency Coordination Centre. I understand that tenders for this work have been received and are currently being assessed. It is hoped that a contract will be placed in the very near future.
A further contract process is in train to address the technical and communications needs of the National Emergency Coordination Centre. I understand that contract documents are now being finalised in relation to this aspect of the work.
44 Mr. English asked the Minister for Defence if he will reform the triple lock mechanism which governs the deployment of contingents of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23768/06]
56 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Defence the proposed changes to the law he intends to make to allow Irish troops to participate in purely humanitarian relief operations not the subject of UN Security Council resolutions; the type of operations that would fall under this definition; when he expects to bring forward these changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23796/06]
63 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Defence the changes which will occur in the level of Ireland’s participation in NATO’s Partnership for Peace if the legislative impediments to Irish troops training and exercising abroad are removed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24141/06]
64 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence the legal status of Defence Forces overseas missions under the Defence Acts; if there is a need for an avoidance of doubt measure to clarify their status under the law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23787/06]
73 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence the changes he is making to the Defence Acts to authorise Defence Forces participation in overseas missions; the reason these changes are required; when it came to his attention that these changes were required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23786/06]
80 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Defence if there is a legal distinction between UN established and UN authorised military operations in terms of the Defence Acts 1960 and 1993; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24146/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 44, 56, 63, 64, 73 and 80 together.
I established an interdepartmental group made up of representatives from the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces, the Department of An Taoiseach, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Attorney General's Office, to examine all issues relating to Ireland's potential participation in an EU-led rapid response capability. As part of its study the interdepartmental group recommended changes to current legislation in relation to overseas service. The main elements of these changes concern the updating of the Defence Acts in relation to UN mandated peace support operations, humanitarian operations, overseas training and exercises and a number of avoidance of doubt provisions. The requirement for this amending legislation arises irrespective of our participation in Battle groups.
As Deputies will be aware, Ireland participates in missions either established or authorised by the UN Security Council. The consistent advice of the Attorney General is, and continues to be, that missions established or authorised by the UN Security Council fall within the requirements of the existing Defence Acts. However, there is a question as to whether other terms such as endorses or supports, which are a feature of such resolutions, would pass the test in the current Defence Acts. It would be unacceptable that, as a result of a legal technicality in our Defence Acts, the Permanent Defence Force would be precluded from participating in a legitimate UN peace support operation, solely on the basis of the specific language used in a resolution. As such, I am taking the opportunity in this Bill to put this issue beyond doubt. In doing so, I am also taking the prudent approach of putting beyond question any possible challenge to our participation in missions authorised by the UN. The Triple Lock requirement of UN, Government and Dáil approval will continue to stand.
I can assure the House that there is no question over the legality of Ireland's participation in UNMIL, KFOR, EUFOR or any other peace support mission which is the subject of a UN Security Council Resolution. Participation in all such missions is subject to the advice of the Attorney General on the relevant resolution. As I already stated, the consistent advice of the Attorney General is, and continues to be, that missions established or authorised by the UN Security Council are consistent with the requirements of the existing Defence Acts.
In the Defence Amendment Bill, 2006, I also propose to provide for the participation by Defence Forces personnel in humanitarian operations in response to natural and man-made disasters such as the tsunami in South East Asia or the earthquake in Pakistan. Having regard to the contribution which Defence Forces personnel can play in disaster areas and Ireland's commitment to support disaster relief and humanitarian response, it is important that the Defence Forces can be deployed to such missions in an appropriate manner, under normal military command and control, and with the appropriate safeguards. It is also vital that Government can respond to legitimate and urgent requests for humanitarian relief by affected States involving resources and equipment which may only be available from military means in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, such as, temporary accommodation, tents, water treatment plant, generators, lifting equipment and other capabilities.
The advice of the Attorney General, contained in the Report of the Interdepartmental Group, is that members of the Permanent Defence Forces may only be despatched for service outside the State as part of an International United Nations Force, that is, a force established or authorised by the Security Council or the General Assembly of the United Nations. Under the current Defence Acts, the option to despatch a contingent of the Defence Forces on humanitarian operations is not available to the Government, as such events are not the subject of UN Security Council resolutions. In these cases, Defence Forces personnel must volunteer for service with a civil undertaking (such as an NGO), in the same manner as any ordinary citizen, whereupon the NGO would then deploy them to the disaster area. The provision in the proposed legislation will enable the Government to deploy members of the Permanent Defence Force as Defence Forces personnel under military command in response to a disaster or emergency.
In the case of rapid response, including Battle group commitments, it will probably be necessary to have equipment containerised and despatched, together with personnel, while the UN Security Council resolution is being finalised. In addition, members or contingents of the Permanent Defence Force may have to assemble in the Framework Nation for the Battle group, with their equipment, ready for despatch in advance of the formal adoption of the Resolution. The Defence (Amendment) Bill 2006 is designed to facilitate this type of rapid response deployment, a facility, I might add, that has been welcomed and is strongly supported by the United Nations.
The provision in the Bill in relation to overseas training will include exercises. This is vitally important in the context of interoperability with other forces contributing to international peace support operations, and to rapid response and is an important force protection issue. Currently, in Liberia we are operating jointly as the quick reaction force and in KFOR as part of a multinational task force. However, we can't continue with the current situation where our first joint training is when we are on the ground in a real, live and potentially dangerous environment. In certain situations, we will need to engage in joint training with other countries with whom we will be deployed, so as we can operate from the outset as an effective and cohesive force.
The amendments in relation to training are designed solely to improve Ireland's interoperability with other forces with which it will be operating when deployed on peace support operations on foot of a UN Security Council Resolution. It is a force protection issue, mainly related to our participation in EU Battle groups. There is no connection between this legislative amendment and our participation in PfP.
Alongside these changes, I am also bringing forward a number of avoidance of doubt provisions relating to the deployment of members of the Permanent Defence Forces in international organisations such as the EU and the UN, the deployment of Defence Forces personnel in monitoring and advisory roles, the undertaking of training, reconnaissance and fact finding mission etc., all of which have been a facet of Defence Forces operations for many years.
Having regard to the advice from the Attorney General to the effect that there is no formal basis in the Defence Acts for the despatch of Permanent Defence Force personnel on such duties, I think it important that the matter be put beyond doubt. I am taking the opportunity in the Defence (Amendment Bill) 2006 to do this.
All of these issues are important and have been addressed explicitly in the Bill. With the co-operation of the Oireachtas, I would hope to have this legislation enacted before the summer recess.
45 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence the key findings of his Department’s market research into the extent to which the public knew about emergency planning; the lessons his Department draw from its findings; the plans he has to address the issue of public awareness of emergency planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23752/06]
I am conscious of the need to keep the public fully informed of developments in the emergency planning area. Following consultation with the key Government Departments and public authorities involved in emergency planning, I decided in 2005 to proceed with a market research programme into public attitudes and awareness of emergency planning in Ireland. The results of this research, which took place in late 2005 and early 2006, will be used to underpin a public information and awareness campaign on emergency planning.
The research provided the following conclusions:- The level of public worry about extreme but unlikely emergencies is at quite a low level though this is susceptible to change in the light of events and media coverage of them. Expectations about the degree of planning likely to have been made by the authorities for an emergency vary widely, with the knowledge about what has actually been done being very limited. There is likely to be a negative reaction to the perception that substantial public resources are being diverted to prepare for events which may never happen, when there are so many urgent priorities to address. It is desired that there be some degree of official preparedness and, in the absence of much existing awareness of any of this, there is clearly a communications job to be done.
Based on the results of this market research, a communications company was commissioned to devise a strategy on the approach to be taken by Government in its future public information and awareness campaign on emergency planning in the short, medium and long term. This work was recently completed and is being examined at present.
46 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Defence the arrangements in place for the disposal of old Defence Force vans and trucks; if his Department has procedures for making such redundant vehicles available to charitable or community groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23959/06]
Military vehicles undergo regular maintenance and overhauls to ensure that they are roadworthy and provide value for money service. When, having regard to age, condition and mileage, vehicles are considered by military transport personnel to have reached the end of their economic life, they are proposed for disposal. Before the disposal action can be commenced, each vehicle requires examination and certification by a Military Board of Survey. A procedure has been adopted in recent years whereby all military vehicles are disposed of by public auction with due cognisance given to the age, condition and mileage of the vehicles and their suitability for sale in that manner.
From time to time charitable organisations approach the Department requesting that an obsolete vehicle, such as an old ambulance or minibus, be donated to them. Such requests are considered on their own merit. Registered Charitable Organisations are assisted when possible, allowing for the fact they would not be in a financial position to purchase such a vehicle otherwise.
48 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to criticisms of the diet of soldiers in the Army from a prominent nutritionist from the Irish Nutrition Centre, following publication of the Army’s tender for supplies; his views on the need to transform dietary habits within the Defence Forces to ensure weight and fitness levels of members are appropriate for their work; the efforts he is making in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23789/06]
The tender for the supply of foodstuffs is an estimation of requirements published to inform suppliers of the type and quantity of products that may be required on a particular running contract. The tender is not a reflection of the exact diet of members of the Defence Forces.
Efforts have been made over the past year by the Food Procurement Section of the Defence Forces to increase the variety of food products available to members of the Defence Forces through the Value Based Ration System. Considerable attention has been given to the addition of whole food products such as wholegrain bread, pasta and rice to running contracts. A 300% increase in the range/type of fruit and vegetable products available to Defence Forces personnel has also been brought about by allowing retailers to tender for a much larger variety of goods than had been the case in the past. These product areas were selected for attention, as these products are low in saturated fats and high in fibre, vitamins and minerals.
The Defence Forces are also committed to involvement in the Food Safety of Ireland salt reduction programme and are currently seeking low sodium alternatives to regular food products from suppliers. The fact remains that, due to the often strenuous nature of their work, the calorific energy requirement of the daily diet of Defence Forces personnel would be in excess of the 2,000 kcal — 2,500 kcal required by the sedentary population. The range of foodstuffs available ensures that these extra calorie needs can be met in a healthy manner.
All senior catering managers receive training on the requirement for a healthy diet, ensuring that personnel can avail of meals incorporating all of the major food groups with the correct proportions of carbohydrate, protein and fats. With regard to the weight and fitness levels of Defence Forces members, there is a requirement on all personnel to pass an annual fitness test. Physical training is an integral element of each unit's daily programme of training. Levels of fitness in the Defence Forces have improved greatly in recent years since this became a compulsory requirement.
50 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence the way in which his Department proposes to dispose of the old Marchetti airplanes and the Dauphin and Gazelle helicopters; the number of these aircraft which will be disposed of; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23751/06]
With the arrival of the eight new Pilatus aircraft and two EC 135 helicopters and the planned arrival of four AW 139 helicopters, two in November 2006 and two in 2007, the disposal of six Marchetti aircraft, four Dauphin helicopters and one Gazelle helicopter by tender competition is ongoing. Tenders have been received for the Marchetti aircraft and associated spares. It is expected that a sales agreement will be made shortly. Additionally, tenders were received last week in respect of the disposal of four Dauphin helicopters and one Gazelle helicopter, associated spares, special tools etc. It is expected that the sale of the helicopters will be completed within the next three months.
51 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Defence if there are plans to bring the various groupings dealing with national emergencies under one overarching management structure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24143/06]
The lead responsibility for specific emergency planning functions remains with the relevant Government Departments, as do the budgetary and resource management requirements. There are no plans to change this arrangement.
Emergency plans are coordinated by the various lead Government Departments at a national level and through the Local Authorities, including the Fire Service, the Health Service Executive and the Garda Divisions at local and regional levels.
52 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Defence the number of applications he has received from immigrants to join the officer corps of the Defence Forces since he changed the rules in 2005 to facilitate immigrants in the Defence Forces; the number of such applicants that proceeded to join the Defence Forces; the efforts he is making to encourage recruits from immigrant communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23788/06]
The question of the recruitment of foreign-nationals to the Defence Forces is not a new one and Defence Force Regulations have always allowed for the recruitment of foreign-nationals to the Defence Forces.
The Cadet Competition is the entry level for recruitment as an Officer of the Defence Forces. I have made changes to the 2006 Cadet competition to broaden the entry criteria thereby making it easier for qualifying foreign nationals to apply for cadetships.
I am advised by the military authorities that 46 non-Irish Nationals applied for the Cadetship Competition 2006. Of these, 10 failed residency qualifications and were not called for interview. Of the 36 called to attend for interview, 29 failed to report, were un-contactable or withdrew their application. In total 7 attended for interview, of which 3 are through to the next stage of the competition. The Cadet Competition will not be finalised until after the Leaving Certificate results have been published in mid-August, 2006.
The Defence Forces Equality Policy, formalised recently, underpins equality legislation and states that:
•The Defence Forces are committed to the principles of equal opportunities in all employment policies, procedures and regulations. The Defence Forces will operate in an environment without discrimination in areas as provided by the Equality Acts.
•The Defence Forces will ensure that the principles of employment equality are employed in recruitment, promotion, training and work experience.
•All regulations and Administrative Instructions concerning service in the Defence Forces shall be set out in a manner consistent with this policy of equal opportunity.
•This policy will be reviewed along with the Defence Force regulations on an ongoing basis by the Deputy Chief of Staff (Support) to ensure compliance with best practice and to maintain a working environment that treats all members of the Defence Forces in a manner consistent with equal opportunities.
The primary focus in recruitment is to attract people with the core competencies required by the Defence Forces.
My Department and the Defence Forces are fully committed to ensuring that all (and that includes ethnic minorities and foreign-nationals) who wish to do so are given the opportunity to join the Defence Forces.
53 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence when legislation permitting members of the Reserve Defence Forces to serve overseas will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23983/06]
71 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Defence if he intends to make provision for the deployment of members of the Reserve Defence Forces abroad; if so, in what capacity; if he intends to introduce legislation to facilitate such deployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23733/06]
76 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Defence if he will bring forward legislation to allow for members of the Reserve Defence Force to serve on missions overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23780/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 53, 71 and 76 together.
The White Paper on Defence outlines the blueprint for a new Reserve Defence Force. An Implementation Plan has been developed that will ensure the realisation of the White Paper vision. This will be rolled out over the period to the end of 2009. The new Reserve will have a clearly defined role, an enhanced relationship with the PDF, better equipment and training and opportunities to serve on overseas peace support missions.
The Reserve has already seen significant improvements in terms of clothing, equipment, training and resourcing. It is now organised along similar lines to the PDF and the introduction of the integrated element of the Reserve is currently being addressed. All of these changes will enhance the capabilities of the Reserve as well as improving interoperability with the PDF. These factors are significant enablers in facilitating any future participation by Reserve personnel in overseas missions.
While there are no immediate plans for participation by members of the Reserve in overseas missions, policies to support the selection of suitably qualified personnel for overseas duties will be developed over the lifetime of the Implementation Plan i.e. over the period to end 2009. In other countries, service by Reservists on overseas peace support missions is quite common, although as specified in the Plan, any such participation by members of the Reserve is likely to be in specialised areas such as medical, transport, engineering and communications and information services. This will also be subject to personnel having suitable qualifications, their personal availability and appropriate advance training.
Development of policies to support the selection of suitably qualified Reserve personnel for overseas duties will include consideration of the impact of overseas duties on the employment of Reserve personnel and the question of legislation will also be considered in this context.
Under the provisions of existing Defence legislation, only members of the Permanent Defence Force are permitted to serve overseas and an amendment to the Defence Act will be required in order that members of the Reserve can serve overseas. This will be addressed in due course.
55 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence the number of times the Air Corps has been requested to assist in search and rescue at Glendalough, County Wicklow since 1 January 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23987/06]
The Air Corps has not received any requests from the Irish Coast Guard or any other agency to assist in a Search and Rescue mission at Glendalough, Co. Wicklow since 1 January 2005.
The Irish Coast Guard has overall responsibility for the provision of maritime Search and Rescue services within the Irish Search and Rescue Region. The Air Corps withdrew entirely from the provision of Search and Rescue (SAR) services in October, 2004, following a handover of this role to CHCI, a private operator, which now provides the service at the country's SAR bases at Dublin, Shannon, Waterford and Sligo. I understand that the mission list for the Coast Guard's service includes air ambulance, island relief, medevac, etc.
However, the Air Corps continues to provide limited non-maritime search and rescue response and the specification for the new helicopters being acquired for the Air Corps has this capability.
The White Paper on Defence establishes the roles of the Defence Forces as including the provision of service to civil authorities as and when required. The Defence Forces have never been found wanting in this regard, and in the event of an emergency request from the Coast Guard, or, indeed from any other service, the Air Corps will obviously respond to any such request in its usual efficient and supportive manner and to the best of its capability.
57 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Defence the number of staff currently employed at the military archives at Cathal Brugha Barracks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23779/06]
61 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Defence the number of recommendations made by the interdepartmental committee advising his Department regarding the military archives at Cathal Brugha Barracks; the number of recommendations which have been acted upon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23778/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 57 and 61 together.
The military authorities advise that at present the staff strength of the Military Archives is three, comprising a commissioned officer, a non-commissioned officer and a private. The military authorities advise me that a strength of 5, including suitably qualified replacements for two retired Officers, is sufficient to meet the current demands on the Military Archives. I appreciate the importance of returning to five full-time equivalent staff in the military archives without delay.
The requirement for a more suitable home for the Military Archives has been recognised for some time. The primary focus has so far been on the National Museum of Ireland facility at the former Collins Barracks Dublin, long considered as the most appropriate location for the Military Archives.
Facilities are required to protect and safeguard the material currently stored and to provide for the deposition of future material, as well as permitting easy public access. An Inter Departmental Committee was established in early 2003 with terms of reference to examine and to advise on the best means of protecting and safeguarding the Military Archives by way of securing their removal from Cathal Brugha Barracks to new premises to be developed at the former Collins Barracks Dublin.
The Inter Departmental Committee focused on feasibility studies based on a detailed examination of various locations around and within the Collins Barracks site. These studies were carried out up to early 2005 by a firm of architectural consultants engaged through the Office of Public Works.
The consultants identified potential locations within the Collins Barracks site. However, these feasibility studies also raised serious issues around the cost, planning and building/ architectural protection considerations involved in meeting the demands of the Military Archives on the Collins Barracks site. The implications of the serious questions raised about the location of the full Military Archives on this site are being examined in my Department.
Particular challenges and difficulties in re-housing the Military Archives at Collins Barracks would be posed by the provision of extensive modern purpose-built facilities within the restrictions of an historic built environment. Consideration of some usage of the Collins Barracks site has not been exhausted. However, I have asked the Interdepartmental Committee to extend its search beyond Collins Barracks and to revert to me with options. I have also requested that any scope for locating the Military Archives together with or alongside the National Archives continue to be explored in line with that body's own development plans.
62 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Defence the items of surplus equipment and other goods which have been disposed of in each of the past five years; the mechanism for disposal of different categories of army surplus; the income from the sale of army surplus in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23737/06]
It is not generally the practice to sell defensive equipment. Such equipment is normally scrapped when it is considered to be defunct.
However, there are a number of categories of equipment that are disposed off. The main category relates to military vehicles. Military vehicles undergo regular maintenance and overhauls to ensure that they are roadworthy and provide value for money service. When, having regard to age, condition and mileage, vehicles are considered by military transport personnel to have reached the end of their economic life, they are proposed for disposal. Before the disposal action can be commenced, each vehicle requires examination and certification by a Military Board of Survey. A procedure has been adopted in recent years whereby all military vehicles are disposed of by public auction with due cognisance given to the age, condition and mileage of the vehicles and their suitability for sale in that manner.
Tender competitions are held with regard to the disposal of items such as empty Brass Cartridges and used tyres. The main prerogative here for the Department is that tenderers comply with all legislative requirements for the disposal of such goods following which the goods are sold to the highest bidder. In the case of tyres, the Department now pays for the disposal of such used tyres.
From time to time, a major asset (s), which has reached the end of its economic working life, is sold off by public tender. An example is the sale of the Naval Ship, LÉ Deirdre, which was sold for €270,000 with the assistance of an agent/auctioneer in June 2001.
The income from the sale of surplus equipment, including vehicles, over the past five years was €800,000 approx.
With the arrival of the eight new Pilatus aircraft and two EC 135 helicopters and the planned arrival of four AW 139 helicopters, two in November 2006 and two in 2007, the disposal of six Marchetti aircraft, four Dauphin helicopters and one Gazelle helicopter by tender competition is ongoing.
Tenders have been received for the Marchetti's and it is expected that a sales agreement will be made shortly. Additionally, tenders were received last week in respect of the disposal of four Dauphin and one Gazelle helicopter, associated spares, special tools etc. It is expected that the sale of the helicopters will be completed within the next three months.
65 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for Defence if, in view of the upcoming 150th anniversary of Argentinian independence, further naval deployments or other Defence Force deployments to that country are under consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23764/06]
The Naval Service flagship vessel LÉ EITHNE undertook an historic visit to Argentina in February 2006 on foot of an invitation from the Argentine Government, where it participated in celebrations to commemorate the memory of Foxford-born Admiral William Brown, the founder of the Argentine Navy. LÉ EITHNE also visited Brazil and Uruguay as part of her South American deployment, which was the longest mission ever undertaken by the Naval Service.
A ceremony was held in Dublin on board the LÉ EITHNE on May 25, 2006 to mark the arrival in Ireland of a statue of Admiral Brown, and to celebrate Argentine National Day. The ceremony was attended by the Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Service and the Argentine Ambassador to Ireland.
No further Defence Forces deployments to Argentina are planned.
67 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Defence the details of the regular promotion competitions he has recently established allowing non-commissioned officers to compete for officer positions; when this will commence; if it is being established on a once-off basis or if it is a permanent measure; the reason for its introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23793/06]
The revised Cadet competition is now seen as the primary means of commissioning from the ranks. The cadet competition has been revised to increase the maximum entry age to 28 and to award bonus marks to candidates with previous experience in the PDF or RDF. Results for the 2005 cadet competition are encouraging with 14% of PDF and 8% of RDF applicants being successful in obtaining cadetships as against 4% of "civilian" candidates.
Commissioning from the ranks may also take place through periodic Potential Officers Courses (POC) that are held for non-commissioned personnel as required. Personnel are selected for such courses on a competitive basis and those who successfully complete the course are commissioned as Officers in the Permanent Defence Force. Finally, non-commissioned personnel who hold appropriate qualifications may be commissioned to fill specialist appointments where vacancies arise.
It is intended to hold a competition later this year to provide an opportunity for enlisted personnel who have passed the cadet entry age to compete for entry on a potential Officers Course and ultimately, a commission. Consultations with the representative associations are ongoing. The outcome of this competition will inform policy on the issue of similar future competitions.
68 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Defence if Irish troops are deployed to protect Shannon Airport; if so, the number deployed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23731/06]
The roles of the Defence Forces, as assigned by Government, are set out in the White Paper on Defence which was published in February 2000. To aid the civil power (meaning in practice to assist, when requested, An Garda Síochána, who have the primary responsibility for law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State) is among the assigned roles. The Defence Forces, pursuant to their role of rendering aid to the civil power, assist the Gardaí as required in duties which include the protection and guarding of vital installations.
The Gardaí, who undertake threat assessments for Shannon Airport on an ongoing basis, requested the Defence Forces to provide assistance in securing the Airport. Such assistance has been rendered by the Defence Forces since 5 February, 2003, and liaison between the Gardaí and the Defence Forces in this regard is continuing. The Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me, for reasons of security, to indicate the number of Defence Forces personnel involved in such operations.
74 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for Defence if he has received a final report into the circumstances which allowed the recruitment of a struck-off doctor to service Irish troops in Liberia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23765/06]
When the difficulty with Dr. Lieberthal's registration came to light the first priority was the welfare of the troops who were attended to by him. The Director of the Medical Corps contacted each person who had served in Liberia during the period in question alerting them to the situation and advising them of the measures the Medical Corps were putting in place to deal with any concerns they may have.
As a result any Defence Force member who wished to discuss any aspect of his or her treatment with a Medical Officer was invited to consult their local military Medical Officer or alternatively to contact the special medical hotline established by the Army Medical Corps.
The Chief of Staff has reported to me on the circumstances that gave rise to this difficulty. I am satisfied that arrangements have now been put in place to ensure that, should the need arise in the future, only doctors registered to practise in Ireland will be engaged for service with the Defence Forces.
Legal advice has been sought by my Department from the office of the Attorney General as to the performance of the specialist medical recruitment agency engaged to provide suitably qualified doctors. While this advice is still awaited it would not be appropriate, at this stage, to anticipate the outcome of the advice or possible follow-up action.
75 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Defence the pension increases secured from the Department of Finance for the surviving War of Independence veterans and their spouses; the annual cost arising from same; his views on extensions to this scheme, or if it is a one-off gesture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23791/06]
I felt that the 90th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising would be an appropriate time to show the country's appreciation of the major part played by Veterans of the War of Independence and their spouses in the foundation of the State. Accordingly, I sought and obtained the approval of the Minister for Finance for an increase of 50% in these pensions effective from the 1st April 2006. The increased rates of pension, together with the arrears due from the 1st April, have been included with the June pensions recently paid by my Department. The increase is estimated to cost €0.6m in 2006 and €0.78m in 2007.
There are no proposals to extend the War of Independence pensions to any additional categories. The level of these pensions is reviewed from time to time. They were last increased by 50% from the 1st July 2004 and previously from the 1st January 2000, also by 50%. The combined effect of the recent increases means that the pension rates have been more than trebled since the 1st January 2000.
77 Mr. Nolan asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on his recent visit to Kosovo; the number of Irish troops serving there; the nature of the mission; his assessment of the situation there; his assessment of how long Irish troops will be deployed there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23310/06]
During the period 12 to 14 June, 2006, I took the opportunity to pay a short visit to Kosovo where I met with the Irish personnel of 32nd Infantry Battalion serving with the NATO-led International Security presence (KFOR) in Kosovo.
The primary purpose of my visit was to see at first hand the work of the Irish Defence Forces personnel serving with KFOR and to convey to them, on behalf of the Government and the people of Ireland, the deep appreciation felt regarding the outstanding manner in which they perform their duties in this challenging mission. On my visit, I was accompanied by the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces and the Assistant Secretary General of the Department of Defence.
During the course of my visit I had a number of briefings and opportunities to see the work being done by the Irish Defence Forces personnel serving with KFOR. On 12 June, 2006, I visited Camp Clarke to meet with the members of the 32nd Infantry Group stationed there. I had the opportunity to informally meet and speak with the troops and found morale to be very high. I was also impressed by the range of humanitarian activities being supported by Irish Defence Forces personnel. I was pleased to confirm that Irish Aid was providing €25,000 to fund three specific local projects supported by the troops. These are the refurbishment of three school classrooms in Rasince, the construction of a sports arena for the school in Oklap and the refurbishment of school toilets in Bandukic.
I later met Albiona Jashari and her family. Albiona Jashari is a young local girl whose critical eye operation is arranged and paid for from voluntary contributions raised by Irish troops.
On 13 June, 2006, I had detailed discussions and briefings from the KFOR Commander: Lieutenant General Giuseppe Valotto at the KFOR HQ at Film City in Pristina. Lt Gen Valotto gave a full assessment of the current position across Kosovo and was fulsome in his praise for the Irish Defence Forces personnel serving there, including the Senior Irish Officer serving with KFOR.
I had lengthy discussions with representatives from UNMIK at UNMIK Headquarters. There we discussed issues relating to economic and infrastructural difficulties in Kosovo and the timetable for the Status Talks. This was followed by a detailed briefing by an officer of the Irish Defence Forces, who is the Chief Military Liaison Officer with UNMIK to KFOR.
That afternoon I travelled to Camp Ville to meet Col Miroslav Hlavac, the Commander of the KFOR Multinational Task Force Centre (MNTFC) and received a briefing by his Chief of Staff, who is an officer of the Irish Defence Forces. This was followed by a Helicopter flight and drive through the Irish Area of Responsibility. The visit was concluded by an informal dinner, hosted by me, in Pristina.
KFOR was established on 10 June, 1999, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1244, for an initial period of twelve months, to continue thereafter unless the UN Security Council decides otherwise. The role of KFOR is to support the maintenance of civil law and order within Kosovo so as to develop a climate of safety and security, which will enable the transfer of increased responsibility to the civil authorities. Ireland has participated in the KFOR since August 1999.
In March 2004, a reorganisation and downsizing of the NATO led forces in KFOR, which had partly commenced earlier, was deferred following civil disturbances in Kosovo at that time. That restructuring has now recommenced and is ongoing. However, having regard to the fragility of the peace in Kosovo, and subject to ongoing assessments of the situation on the ground, both myself and the Minister for Foreign Affairs are agreed on the importance of maintaining an Irish presence in the Western Balkans in 2006/2007.
The situation in the KFOR mission area has improved since the serious outbreak of violence in March 2004, the situation remains tense with sporadic violent incidents continuing. The KFOR mandate is expected to continue for some considerable time to come.
The Irish contingent currently comprises an Infantry Group of some 213 personnel including a number of personnel in staff posts at various Headquarters. The Infantry Group was first deployed in September 2003. Previously a Transport Group had been deployed with KFOR since August 1999.
The Irish Infantry Group operates as part of a multinational grouping, within the Czech led Multi National Task Force (Centre). It comprises a Mowag APC Mounted Company together with support and logistic elements. The main tasks of the Irish Infantry Group include the following; provision of general security to all ethnic groups, institutions and cultural sites; provision of support to UNMIK Police and other agencies with security tasks; identification of and reporting on extremist groups and activities; vehicle and foot patrols; vehicle checkpoints and operation of Observation Posts.
81 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Defence if Irish troops are deployed on the border with Northern Ireland; if so, the number of troops deployed; if it is intended to discontinue the deployment of such troops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23730/06]
The primary responsibility for the internal security of the State rests with An Garda Síochána. The Defence Forces, pursuant to their role of rendering aid to the civil power, assist the Garda as required. Defence Forces Border operations are undertaken as aid to civil power (ATCP) requests. The Defence Forces also assist the Garda in relation to prisoner escorts, cash escorts and explosives escorts.
The Defence Forces have three Infantry Battalions and a Cavalry Squadron tasked with Border Security. They receive direct support from Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams and air support from the Air Corps. These units are based in barracks and military posts in counties Donegal, Longford, Cavan, Monaghan and Louth.
The demands on the Defence Forces in relation to Border duty depend on the nature of the requests for assistance received from the Garda at any particular time. These requests include the provision of armed parties for the purpose of protecting gardaí and the carrying out of duties such as vehicle checkpoints, mobile patrols, specialist search team tasks and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) tasks.
The level of demand for Defence Forces assistance to the Garda in the Border area has reduced significantly in recent times and will be kept under review in my Department in consultation with the relevant Government Departments as well as with the Garda authorities.
82 Mr. Boyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the average length of time between application and successful conclusion that couples wait in this country for inter country adoption; if there are regional variations in such waits; and the reason for such delays. [24324/06]
Intercountry Adoption applications are received by and assessed by the Health Service Executive and PACT. PACT is a recognised adoption agency.
According to the latest figures supplied to my Department by the HSE and PACT, at 31 March 2006, the average length of time between application and the conclusion of intercountry adoption assessment process is 25 months. There are regional variances in the length of that process, for example from 12 months in North Western Area to 37 months in the Mid Western Area.
Following an examination of the intercountry adoption waiting list issue by the HSE and the Adoption Board in 2005 they indicated that waiting times for intercountry adoption assessment have been increasing because of: an increase in the total number of applicants; an increase in the number of Declarations of Eligibility and Suitability to adopt abroad; the significant increase in the number of post-placement reports resulting from the increase in successful applicants; and population movements within Ireland, which have also shifted the pattern of demand, increasing it in particular areas.
In response the Government did allocate €1 million to the HSE in additional ongoing funding commencing in 2005 to assist in tackling intercountry adoption waiting times. I understand that this additional funding is being used to pilot measures which will, for example, allow for more flexible working arrangements within the HSE with a view to addressing waiting times. The registered Adoption Society, PACT, has also received significant additional funding to allow them to expand their intercountry adoption services.
83 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when her Department will bring in legislation whereby adopted children will have automatic access to their original birth certificate at the age of 18 without having to go through a contact register or other agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24189/06]
The current administrative arrangements that pertain regarding the release of original birth certificates to adopted persons in Ireland are as follows. The Adoption Board can and does release original birth certificates to adopted people based on applications received from the adopted person and with the co-operation of the original adoption placement agency. In only a small number of cases are such applications refused. The process involves the Adoption Board contacting the placement agency and asking them to determine the current circumstances of the natural mother and, if possible, to ascertain her views on the release of the birth certificate. The Board must also take into account the motives and intentions of the applicant.
In 2003, 39 applications were approved, 55 were awaiting further information and 3 were refused. In 2004, 53 applications were approved, 30 were awaiting a report from the placement agency and 4 were refused. These arrangements derive from case law including consideration of the issue by the Supreme Court regarding the rights of the child to know the identity of one's natural mother and the need for the State to respect and vindicate the sometimes conflicting rights of the natural mother, being the right to privacy and confidentiality in respect of the adoption. Neither set of rights is considered absolute. Nevertheless, from the data above it is clear that in the majority of cases applications for the release of birth certificates are successful. These are not contingent on separate arrangements regarding a contact register.
It was in light of the very complex nature of information and tracing in the area of adoption that the Minister for Children undertook a consultation process in 2003 in relation to adoption legislation and proposals for change. Following this process, administrative provisions relating to contact were drawn up with regard to the views of adopted persons, natural parents, adoptive parents, professionals working in the private and public adoption agencies as well as international best practice.
The administrative arrangement which has emerged is the establishment of a Register, maintained by the Adoption Board. This allows people affected by adoption to register their preferences on whether they want to be contacted. As outlined above, joining the Contact Register does not preclude an adopted person from applying for the release of their original birth certification. In fact, many adopted people have been made aware of their right to apply for the release of their original birth certificate when making inquiries to the Board about joining the register.
This single register allows the Adoption Board to identify individuals whose names are entered on the register who have expressed a preference to have contact with one another. It is operating successfully. There is no "veto" register and no offences related to an individual's choice of whether to be included on the register or not or whether to agree to contact subsequently. The Register is an addition to the existing tracing/reunion services run by the HSE Regional Adoption Services and registered adoption societies. It is anticipated that the legislation currently being drafted will reflect these administrative arrangements.
I believe that the Government's actions to date, and its intention to place these arrangements on a statutory footing, demonstrate the balanced and considered approach which is being taken in relation to this complex and sensitive issue.
84 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be supplied with a new artificial limb from the National Rehabilitation Hospital, as it was requested some months ago. [24190/06]
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.
85 Mr. Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to the national learning network workers who have not received a pay award that has been approved by the Labour Court to be paid to staff from 1 March 2005; if this will be paid as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24192/06]
I understand that this matter is still receiving urgent attention but that satisfactory interim arrangements have been made pending the conclusion of investigations.
86 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views regarding a contract that the Government approved with a company (details supplied) following the recent financial difficulties which the company is experiencing; if she has initiated renegotiations of the contract; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24197/06]
My Department has made enquiries of the Health Service Executive in relation to the operation of the contract concerned. The HSE has advised that to-date the contractor has fulfilled all of its obligations under the contract and the matter referred to by the Deputy has had no operational impact on the systems or services it is providing to the HSE. The HSE has also pointed out that the terms and conditions of the contract provide it with significant protections in the event of non-delivery or non-performance by the contractor.
87 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the proposals she has to provide an additional subsidy where persons (details supplied) in Dublin 12 are in a nursing home in receipt of an enhanced subvention and their children are making contributions to provide nursing home care; when the persons will receive a substantive reply to their representations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24204/06]
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.
88 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on whether the helicopter emergency medical service is imperative in view of the plans for the north east of the country, with one major hospital to cover larger areas; her further views on whether development of the ground ambulance service is necessary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24218/06]
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.
89 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on whether a flying intensive care unit is a necessity in view of the major hospital locations announced in June 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24219/06]
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.
90 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the implications of her statement for the north east in which one major hospital will be assigned to that area; if this will be a template for other areas of the State; the way in which this could be applied to areas such as the Health Service Executive western area; if such a plan will apply to the HSE western area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24220/06]
I presume the Deputy is referring to a statement I issued following the release by the Health Service Executive of the findings of a consultancy report aimed at improving safety and achieving better standards in acute hospitals in the former North Eastern Health Board area. Patient safety and quality care is the key determinant of Government health policy. International best practice has demonstrated that some procedures require high volumes of cases and specialisation by consultants in order to achieve the best outcomes for patients. These can only be provided at large regional centres, networked to other hospitals in the region. Responsive and appropriate care delivery is in the best interests of all patients.
91 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the mechanism available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare to obtain funding to provide transport for their child to clinics or hospitals when the child suffers asthma attacks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24242/06]
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.
My Department is advised by the Executive that it intends to conduct a comprehensive review of patient transport arrangements as an element of its 2006 service plan. It is envisaged that this review will examine the service currently delivered nationally and make recommendations for its future development.
92 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if in view of the increasing number of children being cared for by non-relative childminders and crèche providers, it is intended to introduce an enhanced level of inspection of facilities used by child care professionals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24259/06]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for the implementation of the Child Care (Pre-School Services) Regulations 1996 and (Amendment) Regulations 1997, which give effect to the provisions of Part VII of the Child Care Act 1991 and provide for notification to, and inspection by the Health Service Executive of pre-school services. The Regulations apply to pre-schools, play groups, day nurseries, crèches, childminders looking after more than three pre-school children (other than their own such children, children of relatives or a sibling group) in the childminders own home and other similar services which cater for children under six years of age.
A review of the Regulations was undertaken by a group chaired by the Department of Health and Children which included the childcare organisations and the HSE. Work on the revised Regulations is at a very advanced stage following the consideration of various technical and legal issues. It is the intention that the revised Regulations will be signed shortly and introduced later in the year.
The notification and inspection service is managed by the pre-school inspection teams of the Health Service Executive who are appointed by the Executive as authorised persons for this purpose. These teams also provide an advisory service to the services which are statutorily required to notify in order to assist them in achieving and maintaining the appropriate standard. They also provide information to interested persons including parents, on pre-school services in the area.
Following inspection of a service the inspectors provide the service provider with a report on the outcome of the inspection. The teams then work closely with service providers in addressing the recommendations of the inspection reports. Where persistent breaches of legislation occur the Health Service Executive can initiate prosecutions. In addition the inspection teams on receipt of a warrant from the District Court can inspect a premises where it is believed that a pre-school service is being carried on without notification having been given to the Health Service Executive.
In 2001, a childminder advisory service was put in place to support and advise childminders of pre-school children who are exempt from notification under the legislation i.e. those caring for 3 or less pre-school children, a sibling group of pre-school children or pre-school children of relatives. Such childminders are encouraged to voluntarily notify this service. The childminder advisory service is operated at local level through the County Childcare Committees/HSE. The childminder advisory officers provide networking opportunities, advice, advisory visits, support and training for childminders who voluntarily notify.
93 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps she will take to ensure the protection of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24277/06]
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.
94 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the support available to persons (details supplied) in view of the fact that the statutory authorities agreed the placement on the grounds of circumstances; if the relevant section of her Department has since engaged in the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24278/06]
As the Deputy is aware, the matters raised are not for my Department as they relate to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which statutorily 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.
95 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if arrangements will be made to transfer a person (details supplied) in County Kildare from Blanchardstown Hospital to the National Centre for Rehabilitation, Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24279/06]
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.
96 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of reports commissioned by her Department by year since 2002 which have been published and made available to the public; the number that were conducted internally; the number that were carried out by consultants; what those reports were; the cost of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24288/06]
The information requested is being collated in my Department and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
97 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a hospital appointment will be arranged as soon as possible for a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24302/06]
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.
98 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when she expects the National Immunisation Advisory Committee to complete the review of its guidelines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24303/06]
Ireland's recommended immunisation programme is based on the guidelines of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. These guidelines are prepared with the assistance of an active committee from associated disciplines in paediatrics, infectious diseases, general practice and public health. The Committee is currently carrying out a review of the guidelines and I understand that it will be completed by the end of the year.
99 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that diabetes is a potentially serious disease if it is not managed and treated properly and is increasing at an alarming rate and is expected to double in the next 10 years if measures are not put in place; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that there is no full-time endocrinologist and attending team in Sligo General Hospital and that a part-time locum on a short term contract is only available in Sligo; the directive she will issue to the Health Service Executive to redress this matter and also to provide a counselling service, paediatric diabetes nurse, chiropody services, a community diabetes nurse specialist and free doctor visits or selected number of visits annually for diabetes patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24309/06]
The National Diabetes Working Group chaired by the Chief Medical Officer submitted its Report in 2005. This Report has been published on the Department of Health and Children's website. Diabetes has been acknowledged as a priority for 2006 and the Health Service Executive is currently progressing implementation of the recommendations contained in Report.
In relation to the Deputy's question relating to the services provided at Sligo General Hospital, 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.
100 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she intends to incorporate the principles of the UN Charter for Older People as a basis for the proposed Health Information and Quality Authority; if, in view of the nature of the principles of the Charter, the locations of elder care facilities is a matter under discussion with the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24310/06]
As the Deputy will be aware, I published on 7 April 2006, for consultation purposes, the draft Heads and General Scheme of a Bill providing for the establishment of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA). Included in the Scheme is provision for the establishment of the Office of the Chief Inspector of Social Services within HIQA. The Office of the Chief Inspector will be assigned responsibility for the inspection of residential services for older people, including private nursing homes. The closing date for receipt of submissions was 26 May.
Approximately 70 submissions have been received. These submissions are currently being examined. I intend to submit revised Heads of Bill to Government soon seeking approval to commence drafting the full Bill. It is my intention to publish the Bill during the Autumn Session. The Department will continue to ensure that all International Charters regarding the care of older people are adhered to, as far as possible.
101 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her Department’s policy towards supporting persons with Parkinson’s disease; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24311/06]
102 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the supports available across the country to persons with Parkinson’s disease; her plans and the plans for the Health Service Executive to increase such support in the near future; the timescale of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24312/06]
103 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the need to appoint a Parkinson’s disease nurse specialist in the Cork area; if her Department has received any communication or request in this regard; if she will support such a request; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24313/06]
104 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the extent of Parkinson’s disease in the various respective areas of the country; the breakdown by gender of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24314/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 101 to 104, inclusive, together.
The policy of the Department of Health and Children is to ensure that all people with disabilities live as full and independent a life as possible within their families and their local communities. 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 arrange to have these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
105 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the dialogue she has had with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in relation to support services for people with disabilities currently provided under the FÁS employment schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24322/06]
In line with the Government decision of 1998, which provided for the mainstreaming of services for people with disabilities, responsibility for the provision of vocational training and employment services transferred from the Department of Health and Children to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in 2000. At that time an Inter-Departmental Committee, the National Coordination Committee on Training, Work and Employment (NCC), was established to co-ordinate activities during the transition period and to plan for the further development of these services in the following years.
The work of the NCC is on-going and it continues to provide a valuable forum for the consideration of new and effective enhancements for these key services. In the estimates for 2006, significant additional funding totalling €100 million has been included for the improvement of health funded support services for people with disabilities. As part of this provision, funding of €10 million has been made available to address core under-funding and core staffing issues in services provided by the voluntary sector. The Health Service Executive has been asked to allocate this funding on an equitable basis, having regard to the needs of people with disabilities.
I expect that the Executive's consideration of these needs will take into account any urgent case for funding of necessary services currently provided through FÁS employment schemes.
106 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the development of the satellite radiotherapy unit at Waterford Regional Hospital (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24327/06]
The Government's plan is for a national network of radiation oncology services consisting of four large centres in Dublin, Cork and Galway and two integrated satellite centres at Waterford Regional Hospital and Limerick Regional Hospital, conditional on their conformity to certain quality assurance arrangements. The Health Service Executive in association with the National Development Finance Agency and my Department is currently developing the output specifications for the delivery of this network through a public private partnership.
107 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Finance his plans to increase the limit, under section 19(1) of the Building Societies Act 1989, which applies to the amount of funds that the personal representative of a deceased shareholder or depositor may be paid without representation within the meaning of the Succession Act 1965; when this limit was last reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24237/06]
I should first explain that the Financial Regulator is responsible for implementing Section 19(1) of the Building Societies Act 1989, although the Financial Regulator is obliged to consult with my Department regarding the fixing of a limit. Under the Building Societies Act, 1976 the Registrar of Building Societies set a limit of IR£3,000 on the amount which a Society could pay to the representatives of a deceased shareholder, without Grants of Probate or Representation being extracted. On 16 May 1991 the Central Bank specified, with immediate effect, a revised limit of IR£5,000 after consultation with my Department. This limit was reviewed and amended in June 2002 from IR£5,000 to €10,000. It is understood from the Financial Regulator that the limit is scheduled to be reviewed again in 2007.
108 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the number of reports commissioned by his Department by year since 2002 which have been published and made available to the public; the number that were conducted internally; the number that were carried out by consultants; what those reports were; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter [24289/06]
The information requested is being compiled by my Department and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
109 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the concern among fishermen regarding the issuing of licences to new vessels under 65 feet to fish mackerel; his views on managing the quotas on a track record basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24217/06]
The position is that under current fishing boat licensing policy, all vessels in the polyvalent (excluding vessels licensed and registered under the Scheme for Licensing of Traditional Pot Fishing Boats) and beamer segments of the fleet under 65 feet in registered length are permitted to fish for pelagic stocks including mackerel. This has been a long-standing policy.
I have announced plans for the development of a comprehensive strategy to take the sector forward and inform funding priorities for the 2007-2013 period. The strategy will cover all aspects of the seafood sector including the fishing fleet, both inshore and offshore. The development of this strategy will involve a number of key elements including, the appointment of an independent leader of the strategy team, and the holding of regional meetings to hear views from all parts of the sector. The matters raised by the Deputy would, I believe, be appropriate for consideration within this framework.
110 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of reports commissioned by his Department by year since 2002 which have been published and made available to the public; the number that were conducted internally; the number that were carried out by consultants; what those reports were; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24290/06]
In the time available, it has not been possible to identify and assemble the information requested. My Department is compiling the data sought by the Deputy in this regard, and I shall forward it to her as soon as possible.
111 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the orders he has given for the feasibility study on the Corrib gas line to be expanded to include Sligo; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Sligo can be a central focus for the provision of gas to Donegal, Roscommon, Leitrim and Fermanagh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24306/06]
My Department has recently tendered for a Gas to the Northwest Study, in the context of the Government's objective for regional policy in the National Development Plan and having regard to the National Spatial Strategy. The scope of this study is firstly, to determine the feasibility of bringing gas from the Mayo-Galway pipeline to Donegal Town via Sligo, considering three specified alternative routes; secondly, to examine and assess options for and issues surrounding the development of gas-fired power generation along the pipeline routes; and finally, to present options for the provision of gas pipeline infrastructure and gas-fired power generation, with recommendations as to how best the options may be pursued.
The alternative pipeline routes under consideration to bring gas from the Mayo-Galway pipeline to Donegal Town are: via Ballina and Sligo, via Castlebar, Claremorris, Knock and Sligo, or via Claremorris, Ballyhaunis, Ballaghaderreen and Sligo. A range of gas-fired generation plant sizes and types will be considered for each location. These locations are in or close to Bellacorick, Ballina, Sligo Town, Donegal, Castlebar, Claremorris, and Ballaghaderreen.
In considering the benefits of the recommended options, the study will take into account the role of enhanced energy infrastructure in facilitating regional development and the National Spatial Strategy objectives. The study is expected to take about 6 months to complete and I expect that the contract will be awarded in July. The provision of gas to Fermanagh is a matter for the Northern Ireland Authorities in the first instance.
112 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there has been any change in the situation appertaining to Question No. 225 of 11 October 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24149/06]
The information available to my Department regarding the status of the investigation into the deaths of the two former members of the Burundian Parliament, Mr. Sylvestre Mfayokurera and Mr. Innocent Ndikumana, remains as stated in my original reply to the Deputy of 5 May 2005. A related but wider concern is to seek to end the culture of impunity which has persisted for too long in Burundi.
The establishment of a national truth and reconciliation commission and the strengthening of the Burundian judicial system proposed by Secretary General Annan should contribute significantly to ending the culture of impunity as well as hopefully giving renewed impetus into the investigation of the many unsolved murders, including those of Mr. Mfayokurera and Mr. Ndikumana, committed in Burundi during its recent conflict. On 20 June 2005 the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1606, which authorises the UN Secretary General to enter into consultations with the Burundian government and parties on his proposals for establishment of a national truth and reconciliation commission, as provided for in the 2000 Arusha peace accords, as well as setting up a special chamber within the Burundian judicial system to try those suspected of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity committed since Burundian independence in 1962.
I understand that discussions between the United Nations and the Burundian government on the establishment of these accountability mechanisms are continuing and that broad agreement on the terms for their establishment has now been reached, following talks in Bujumbura at the end of March 2006.
113 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there has been any change in the situation appertaining to Question No. 226 of 11 October 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24150/06]
The information available to my Department regarding the status of the investigation into the attempted assassination of Mr. Ndihokubwayo remains as stated in my original reply to the Deputy of 5 May 2005. A related but wider concern is to seek to end the culture of impunity which has persisted for too long in Burundi.
The establishment of a national truth and reconciliation commission and the strengthening of the Burundian judicial system proposed by Secretary General Annan should contribute significantly to ending the culture of impunity as well as hopefully helping to shed light on the many crimes, including those against Mr.Ndihokubwayo, for which those responsible have not yet been brought to justice. On 20 June 2005 the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1606, which authorises the UN Secretary General to enter into consultations with the Burundian government and parties on his proposals for establishment of a national truth and reconciliation commission, as provided for in the 2000 Arusha peace accords, as well as setting up a special chamber within the Burundian judicial system to try those suspected of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity committed since Burundian independence in 1962.
I understand that discussions between the United Nations and the Burundian government on the establishment of these accountability mechanisms are continuing and that broad agreement on the terms for their establishment has now been reached, following talks in Bujumbura at the end of March 2006.
114 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there has been any change in the situation appertaining to Question No. 227 of 11 October 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24151/06]
I am aware that on 12 May the Governing Council of the Inter-Parliamentary Union adopted a further resolution concerning the dismissal of Mr. Chang Song, Mr. Siphan Phay and Mr. Savath Pou from the Cambodian Senate in 2001. There have been no developments since my reply to the Deputy's question No. 227 on 11 October 2005 on this matter. I can assure the Deputy that Ireland and our EU partners will continue to monitor closely the situation in Cambodia, including the position of parliamentarians.
115 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there has been any change in the situation appertaining to Question No. 228 of 11 October 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24152/06]
116 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there has been any change in the situation appertaining to Question No. 229 of 11 October 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24153/06]
117 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there has been any change in the situation appertaining to Question No. 230 of 11 October 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24154/06]
128 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there has been any change in the situation appertaining to Question No. 244 of 11 October 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24165/06]
129 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there has been any change in the situation appertaining to Question No. 245 of 11 October 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24166/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 115, 116, 117, 128 and 129 together.
I am aware of the Deputy's ongoing concern and that the cases she is referring to are being monitored inter alia by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and that the IPU’s Governing Council most recently adopted a resolution concerning them at its 178th session in Nairobi on 12 May 2006. In my responses of 5 and 10 May 2005 and 11 October 2005 to written questions from the Deputy regarding these cases, I referred to the importance for the Colombian peace process of a comprehensive legal framework for the process of disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration of the illegal armed groups, based on the principles of truth, justice and reparations for victims.
The EU has confirmed its readiness and that of its Member States to assist the Colombian government and civil society in the provision of support for communities affected by the internal conflict. It has also called on all parties to the conflict to respect human rights and international humanitarian law and commended the work of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) in Colombia.
It is a matter of concern that there continue to be allegations that guerrillas and paramilitaries on all sides of the Columbian conflict continue to perpetrate murders, threats and kidnappings. My Department will continue to monitor the situation in Colombia through our Embassy in Mexico City, as well as in cooperation with our EU partners with resident Embassies in Colombia.
118 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there has been any change in the situation appertaining to Question No. 235 of 11 October 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24155/06]
135 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is satisfied regarding the diplomatic initiatives being taken by the UN in relation to the developing situation in Burma; his views on whether the time has come for the Security Council to intervene; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24213/06]
136 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is satisfied regarding the approach of the EU to the developing crisis in Burma; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24214/06]
137 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status and well being of the Nobel Peace Prize recipient Aung San Suu Kyi; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24215/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 118, 135, 136 and 137 together.
Ireland takes a consistently strong position on Burma, including in the European Union framework and at the United Nations. Together with our EU partners, we avail of all opportunities to condemn the abuse of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Burma and deplore the lack of progress towards democracy. The recent visit by UN Under-Secretary-General (UN USG) Gambari to Burma from 18-20 May, was the first high-level visit to that country by a UN representative in more than two years. I welcome the fact that he was able to meet with the most senior Burmese leaders as well as with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and representatives of her party, the National League for Democracy, during the visit. I also welcome the agreement by the Burmese government that the UN should play a role in promoting common ground between the government and the National League for Democracy so that the National Convention, which is due to resume its work in October, can proceed in a more inclusive way. I would appeal to the Burmese authorities to live up to their undertakings in this regard.
While welcoming the above developments, I remain very concerned about the situation. On 26 May, the EU issued a statement which noted with deep concern that the process of democratisation in Burma had recently suffered a worrying setback as the Burmese government stepped up its pressure against ethnic groups and the two main political parties. The statement noted that these actions contradict the professed intention to establish a genuine democratic nation. The statement also urged the Burmese government to accelerate the democratisation process, a process which should engage all political and ethnic forces in the country in a genuine dialogue and lead to the speedy completion of a constitution under civilian rule, which commands popular support and promotes peaceful and sustainable development.
I remain deeply concerned that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has been detained continuously for three years without charge and, once more, urge the Burmese government to restore fully her freedom and civil liberties. UN USG Gambari's visit generated high hopes that her detention under house arrest, which was up for renewal a few days after he left Burma, might not be renewed by the authorities. This did not happen.
On his meeting with her, Mr Gambari said that she appeared quite well. He had asked her whether she was well and, not being a doctor, whether he could say that she was well. She had said "yes" to both. On 27 May, the EU issued a further statement which deeply regretted the decision of the Burmese government to extend the house arrest of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and deplored the fact that international appeals, including that of the EU, had once again gone unheard. It said that this decision will be seen as yet another sign that the Burmese government is unwilling to compromise and move in the direction of an all-inclusive democracy.
I will continue to raise concerns about Burma on all possible occasions and to call on the Burmese government to assume its responsibilities towards its people and to allow the fullest possible UN involvement in a genuine process of democratisation and reconciliation. I am also strongly supportive of the fullest possible involvement by the UN Secretary-General, and his representatives, in working with the Burmese authorities on a genuine process of democratisation and reconciliation and in responding to the humanitarian needs of the long-suffering Burmese people. I would be very pleased if the UN Security Council were to consider the question of Burma, but I am not aware of any such plans beyond the recent briefing from UN USG Gambari.
As regards the question from Deputy Keaveney, the Governing Council of the Inter-Parliamentary Union adopted a further resolution on 12 May 2006 concerning parliamentarians in Burma. The latest resolution recalls the twenty three cases included in the earlier resolution and includes three further recent reports of arbitrary detention, unfair trial and harassment. I am not aware of any recent developments regarding these particular cases but have asked that they be kept under review in the period ahead.
119 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there has been any change in the situation appertaining to Question No. 236 of 11 October 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24156/06]
The situation in this case remains as was set out in my replies of 10 May 2005 and 11 October 2005 to Questions from the Deputy. The Government shares the concerns which have been expressed about the conduct of the case and conditions under which the person is being held. We continue to monitor the case. In bilateral contacts with Israel, and together with its partners in the EU, the Government has regularly conveyed its concerns about the human rights implications of Israeli security policies, and the importance of full compliance with international humanitarian law.
120 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there has been any change in the situation appertaining to Question No. 237 of 11 October 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24157/06]
The only additional information available on the ongoing investigation into Dr. Hitimana's disappearance is that the Rwandan parliament referred the case of Dr. Hitimana to the Rwandan National Commission for Human Rights in October 2005 and that body is now pursuing the official investigation. I look forward to an early completion of these investigations and to the National Commission for Human Rights in Rwanda being in a position to elucidate the fate of Dr. Hitimana.
121 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there has been any change in the situation appertaining to Question No. 238 of 11 October 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24158/06]
I understand that the two persons referred to in the Deputy's Parliamentary Question No. 238 of 11 October 2005 were released from prison in January 2006. In welcoming their release, the EU called for the immediate release of all remaining political prisoners in Syria.
122 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there has been any change in the situation appertaining to Question No. 239 of 11 October 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24159/06]
There have not been any developments since my reply to question number 239 on 11 October 2005 to the Deputy on this matter.
123 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there has been any change in the situation appertaining to Question No. 240 of 11 October 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24160/06]
I note that the Governing Council of the Inter-Parliamentary Union adopted a further resolution regarding Mr. Anwar Ibrahim, the former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, at its most recent session on 12 May.
The only significant development since my reply to question number 240 from the Deputy on this matter, on 11 October 2005, is that Mr. Anwar filed a lawsuit on 27 January against Malaysia's former Prime Minister Mahathir for defamation, following remarks allegedly made by the former Prime Minister last September. He is seeking compensation and a Court injunction to prevent Mr. Mahathir from repeating the alleged defamatory words. The matter is before the Courts and a date has not yet been set for the trial. As I mentioned in the previous reply referred to, Mr. Anwar, while acquitted and released from prison in September 2004, is prevented from holding political office until April 2008.
124 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there has been any change in the situation appertaining to Question No. 241 of 11 October 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24161/06]
I note that the Governing Council of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) adopted on 12 May 2006 a further resolution concerning the death of the Mongolian Parliamentarian, Mr. ZorigSanjasuuren, in 1998. I am pleased that since my reply to question no 241 on 11 October 2005 to the Deputy on this matter, a decision has been taken by the Mongolian Parliament's Special Oversight Committee to establish a working group to oversee the investigation into Mr. Zorig's death. I understand that the working group, which is due to be established shortly, is to be composed of five members of the Parliament belonging to different political parties.
125 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there has been any change in the situation appertaining to Question No. 242 of 11 October 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24162/06]
126 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there has been any change in the situation appertaining to Question No. 243 of 11 October 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24163/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 125 and 126 together.
I am aware that the Governing Council of the Inter-Parliamentary Council adopted further resolutions regarding these two cases at its most recent session on 12 May. There have been some developments in the case of Mr. Asif Ali Ardari, exiled leader of the Pakistan People's party and husband of exiled former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, since my reply to question number 242 from the Deputy on 11 October 2005. I understand that Mr. Zardari remains in the United States where he is convalescing following recent heart surgery. Mrs. Bhutto is believed to be in exile in Dubai.
I am informed that a Court in Pakistan issued arrest warrants for Mr. Zardari and Mrs. Bhutto on 3 June in connection with alleged electoral irregularities. Mr. Babar Awan, lawyer for Mr. Ardari and Mrs. Bhutto, challenged the basis for the issuing of arrest warrants as both Mr. Ardari and Mrs. Bhutto had gone abroad with the permission of the Court. He also challenged the Court's assertion that Mr. Zardari is an absconder for his failure to appear in Court.
I am advised that Mr. Makhdoom Javed Hashmi, leader of the Alliance for Restoration of Democracy party, who is currently serving a twenty-three year prison sentence for charges relating to defamation of the Pakistani authorities, applied for bail last July and that his application has been adjourned for an indefinite period. I understand that an appeal is also due to be heard on an application by the Prosecution to increase the sentence handed-down on Mr. Hashmi and that the Court has directed that both appeals be heard together. A date has not yet been set for the appeals. I understand also that Mr. Hashmi has reportedly been recently transferred to a prison outside Lahore where he is held in solitary confinement with limited visiting rights.
Ireland and our EU partners continue to raise human rights and democratisation issues with the Pakistani authorities on a regular basis. Last December the EU troika of Heads of Mission in Islamabad carried out the regular half-yearly human rights démarche with the Secretary of the Pakistani Ministry of Law, Justice and Human Rights. Concerns about a range of human rights issues, including the need to urgently establish a Human Rights Commission, were conveyed to the Pakistani authorities. We will continue to monitor closely the two cases the Deputy has raised in the period ahead.
127 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there has been any change in the situation appertaining to Question No. 224 of 11 October 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24164/06]
I regret that there have been no positive developments in this matter and that the situation remains as was set out in my reply of 5 May 2005 to the Deputy. As I mentioned in my previous reply, with regard to the disappearance of Mr. Gonchar and 3 others in 1999/2000, the EU in December 2004 placed a visa ban on four persons who failed in their responsibility to initiate an independent investigation and prosecution.
On 10 April 2006 this measure was incorporated into a wider EU visa ban on members of the Belarussian leadership and officials responsible for the violation of international electoral standards and for the crackdown on civil society and democratic opposition. This ban, together with other measures recently adopted, reflects the serious concern shared by Ireland and our EU partners concerning the human rights situation in Belarus, and its failure to respect international standards in respect of democracy and the rule of law.
130 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there has been any change in the situation appertaining to Question No. 246 of 11 October 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24167/06]
I am aware of the Deputy's ongoing concern and that the case she is referring to is being monitored inter alia by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and that the IPU’s Governing Council most recently adopted a resolution concerning them at its 178th session in Nairobi on 12 May 2006.
In my responses of 10 May 2005 and 11 October 2005 to written questions from the Deputy regarding this case, I stated that I share the view of the IPU that due process is essential in such cases. I note with satisfaction that one man was convicted of murder in relation to this case on 20 December 2005. However, I continue to share the concerns voiced by the IPU that all possible democratic and constitutional means should be used to bring others responsible for these murders to justice as soon as possible.
In a statement on political developments in Ecuador issued on 21 April 2005, the Luxembourg Presidency, on behalf of the European Union, called for every effort to be made to strengthen the democratic process and State institutions in Ecuador. This remains the EU position. My Department will continue to monitor the situation in Ecuador in cooperation with our EU partners with resident Embassies in Quito.
131 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there has been any change in the situation appertaining to Question No. 247 of 11 October 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24168/06]
I am aware of the Deputy's ongoing concern and that the case she is referring to is being monitored inter alia by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and that the IPU’s Governing Council most recently adopted a resolution concerning it at its 178th session in Nairobi on 12 May 2006. In my responses of 10 May 2005 and 11 October 2005 to written questions from the Deputy regarding this case, I stated that I share the view of the IPU that due process is essential in such cases.
There have been no developments since my reply to the Deputy's question No 247 on 11 October 2005 on this matter. I wish to assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to monitor the situation in Honduras in cooperation with our EU partners with resident Embassies in Tegucigalpa.
132 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there has been any change in the situation appertaining to Question No. 234 of 11 October 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24169/06]
I understand that Mr. Roy Bennett, the former Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) member of the Zimbabwean Parliament, has now requested political asylum in South Africa, following his and his family's move to that country earlier this year. His decision to leave Zimbabwe once again highlights the climate of oppression and lack of respect for human rights currently prevailing in that country.
I have no new or additional information on the situation of the other Zimbabwean parliamentarians referred to in the Deputy's original question of 10 May 2005. Regrettably, opposition politicians and supporters and members of civil society continue to be subject to ongoing harassment, intimidation, and arbitrary arrest and imprisonment by the Zimbabwean authorities. Ireland and our EU partners are continuing to take the lead internationally in highlighting the serious human rights situation in Zimbabwe and in pressing for the repeal of repressive legislation and an end to attacks on basic human freedoms by the Zimbabwean authorities.
133 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs further to his statement in Dáil Éireann on 13 June, 2006, to the effect that the transfer of a prisoner in United States military custody through Shannon Airport would be lawful with the consent of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the provisions of domestic law under which a Minister would have power to consent to the transit in military custody through Irish territory of a person being transferred from military detention by the armed forces of another State based in one country to military detention by the same armed forces based in their home State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24202/06]
134 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs further to his statement in Dáil Éireann on 13 June 2006 to the effect that the transfer of a prisoner in United States military custody through Shannon Airport would be lawful with the consent of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, if he has withdrawn, amended, or qualified his reply to the secretary general of the Council of Europe dated 20 February 2006, in which he stated there were only two circumstances in which Irish law permits the authorities of another State to detain a prisoner on Irish territory and that it is not lawful for a Minister or the State to consent to the transit of a prisoner otherwise than in those two circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24203/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 133 and 134 together.
There is no inconsistency between my statement to Dáil Éireann of 13 June 2006 and the Reply of the Government to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe of February last. The question of the Government's withdrawing, amending or qualifying its Reply does not, therefore, arise. In its Reply, the Government stated that there were two circumstances under which the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform may consent to the transit of a prisoner through Irish territory. Specifically, one of these circumstances was where a prisoner is being transferred through Irish territory pursuant to Article 16 of the Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons.
Article 16 of the Convention, to which Ireland and the United States are parties, sets out matters relating to the transit of prisoners. Arrangements for such transits would, under the terms of the Convention, require the prior consent of the relevant authorities here which in this case would be the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. For the reasons stated by the US, this Convention was not invoked. Had it been, further information in relation to the transfer of the sentenced prisoner would, of course, have been sought by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
More generally, under customary international law, a State may not exercise its sovereign powers on the territory of another sovereign State, without the consent of that State. This principle includes the detention by a State of a prisoner on the territory of another State. As a result of this principle a number of international conventions dealing with subjects such as extradition and the transfer of sentenced persons have provided mechanisms through which a State which wished to transit a prisoner through the territory of another State can obtain the consent of that State (usually through its Minister for Justice) to such transit.
The Deputy will be aware that under Article 29 of the Constitution, Ireland accepts the generally recognised principles of international law as its rule of conduct in its relations with other States and the Article also deals with the use of executive power in that regard.
138 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Honorary Consul in Karachi will accept a visa application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24216/06]
The Honorary Consul in Karachi will accept visa applications from all Pakistani citizens resident there. However, as indicated in my reply to the Deputy's question of 7 June, the application will, on receipt, be referred to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform for decision.
139 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of reports commissioned by his Department by year since 2002 which have been published and made available to the public; the number that were conducted internally; the number that were carried out by consultants; what those reports were; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24291/06]
The Department of Foreign Affairs is responsible for two Votes, namely Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs) and Vote 29 (International Cooperation). Details of reports commissioned and published by the Department since 2002 are set out below.
Vote 28 — 1. Task Force on Policy Regarding Emigrants
The Task Force was established in December 2001 and reported in August 2002. The total cost of the project was €136,086, which covered research, travel and publication. Both Departmental officials and external experts contributed to the work of the Task Force. The research element of the report was carried out by Anglia Polytechnic University at a cost of €70,224.
2. Anglo Irish Issues
The British-Irish Council Report was published in July 2004. The report covers the work of the British-Irish Council from 1999 to December 2003. The report was prepared by the British-Irish Council Secretariat based in the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin and in the Department for Constitutional Affairs in London. The cost of publishing the report was €14,357.62 with the Department of Foreign Affairs contributing 50% (€7,178.81) and the British Government paying the remainder.
|
Year |
Report |
Internal/External |
Cost |
|
€ |
|||
|
2002 |
Developments in the EU — 60th Report (January-June 2002) |
Internal* |
15,662.89 |
|
2002 |
Developments in the EU — 61st Report (July-December 2002) |
Internal* |
9,583.00 |
|
2002 |
White Paper on the Nice Treaty, Summary of the White Paper on the Nice Treaty and Information Guide to the Nice Treaty |
Internal* |
146,532.12 |
|
2003 |
Six Monthly Report on Developments in the EU, January-June 2003 |
Internal |
No cost |
|
2004 |
Six Monthly Report on Developments in the EU, July-December 2003 |
Internal |
No cost |
|
2004 |
First Annual Report to the Oireachtas on Developments in the EU |
Internal |
No cost |
|
2004 |
Six Monthly Report on Developments in the EU, January-June 2004 |
Internal |
No cost |
|
2004 |
Explanatory Guide and leaflet on the European Constitution |
Internal* |
37,085.49 |
|
2004 |
Report on Ireland’s Presidency of the European Union, 2004 |
Internal* |
23,483.68 |
|
2005 |
Six Monthly Report on Developments in the EU, July-December, 2004 |
Internal |
No cost |
|
2005 |
Six Monthly Report on Developments in the EU, January-June 2005 |
Internal |
No cost |
|
2005 |
Second Annual Report to the Oireachtas on Developments in the EU |
Internal* |
10,006.00 |
|
2005 |
White Paper on the European Constitution |
Internal* |
59,625.02 |
* The substantive work in preparing these reports was carried out internally by officials within the Department. Costs were incurred in the design, printing and translation of the Reports.
4. Council of Europe
Officials in the Department prepared Ireland's Second State Report under the Council of Europe's Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, which was submitted to the Council in Strasbourg on 21 December, 2005. The report provides information on legislative and administrative measures in place to protect the rights of national minorities in Ireland, including the Traveller community.
There were no costs related to the production of the report itself. However, costs of €1,703.37 were incurred during the consultation process and were shared between this Department and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
5. Department of Foreign Affairs/Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Forum on Human Rights
The following reports were compiled by officials within the Department. The costs incurred relate to printing and publication costs.
|
Year |
Report |
€ |
|
2004 |
The Department of Foreign Affairs Fifth Annual NGO Forum on Human Rights |
2,590 |
|
2005 |
The Department of Foreign Affairs Sixth Annual NGO Forum on Human Rights |
3,774 |
6. Conflict Prevention
As part of preparations for Ireland's EU Presidency, the NGO International Alert/Saferworld was commissioned to produce a paper on conflict prevention. It received €10,000 for its work in preparing the paper, a copy of which can be found on International Alert's website, www.international-alert.org
|
Year |
Report |
Internal/ External |
Cost |
|
€ |
|||
|
2004 |
EU Accession Training Programme, Public Expenditure Review 2001-2003 |
External |
4,878 |
|
2005 |
Cultural Relations with other Countries Programme, Public Expenditure Review 2000-2002 |
Internal |
1,500 |
|
Year |
Report |
Internal/ External |
Cost |
|
€ |
|||
|
2003 |
Department of Foreign Affairs Strategy Statement 2003-2005 |
Internal |
8,000 |
|
2005 |
Department of Foreign Affairs Strategy Statement 2005-2007 |
Internal |
8,500 |
|
2003 |
Department of Foreign Affairs Annual Report 2002 |
Internal |
6,000 |
|
2005 |
Department of Foreign Affairs Annual Report 2003 |
Internal |
8,000 |
|
2005 |
Department of Foreign Affairs Annual Report 2004 |
Internal |
8,000 |
|
2004 |
Department of Foreign Affairs Customer Charter |
Internal |
3,000 |
|
2006 |
Department of Foreign Affairs Customer Service Action Plan |
Internal |
4,500 |
The substantive work in preparing these reports was carried out internally by officials within the Department. Costs were incurred in the design and printing of the Reports.
|
Year |
Name of Report |
Cost |
|
€ |
||
|
2002 |
Report of Ireland Aid Review Committee |
15,392 |
|
2003 |
Research Report and Seminar Proceedings on the Extent and Effectiveness of Development Education at Primary and Second Level |
19,000 |
|
2003 |
Feasibility Study: An Approach to Developing an Accreditation Framework for the Development Education Sector |
6,000 |
|
2005 |
Evaluation of Development Cooperation Ireland’s Multi-Annual Programme Scheme 2003-2005 |
309,113 |
|
2005 |
The Tsunami Disaster and the Status of the Recovery Effort |
3,812 |
|
Year |
Name of Report |
Cost |
|
€ |
||
|
2002 |
Ireland Aid Annual Report 2001 |
23,276* |
|
2002 |
The Global HIV/AIDS Crisis |
22,075* |
|
2002 |
Development Cooperation Ireland’s Ethiopian Country Strategy Paper 2002-2005 |
— |
|
2002 |
Development Cooperation Ireland’s Zambia Country Strategy Paper 2002-2005 |
— |
|
2002 |
Agency for Personnel Services Overseas (APSO) Annual Report |
— |
|
2002 |
Experiences and Lessons of Best Practice in Addressing HIV/AIDS |
4,040* |
|
2003 |
Stories for Change, Ethiopia |
5,788* |
|
2003 |
Irish Aid Annual Report 2002 |
22,844* |
|
2003 |
UN International Year of Freshwater 2003 Publication |
6,468* |
|
2003 |
ICT & Development Taskforce Report |
8,021 |
|
2003 |
Education Policy Document |
9,120* |
|
2004 |
Advisory Board Annual Report |
6,625* |
|
2004 |
Irish Aid Annual Report 2003 |
53,644* |
|
2004 |
Development Cooperation Ireland’s South Africa Country Strategy Paper 2004-2006 |
5,805* |
|
2004 |
Development Cooperation Ireland’s Lesotho Country Strategy Paper 2005-2007 |
— |
|
2004 |
Development Cooperation Ireland’s Ethiopian Country Strategy Paper 2005-2007 |
— |
|
2004 |
Gender Equality Policy |
5,881* |
|
2004 |
The Audit Committee Report |
4,522* |
|
2004 |
Report on Ireland’s contribution to reaching the Millennium Development Goals |
— |
|
2004 |
Mozambique Country Strategy Paper 2004-2006 |
6,012 |
|
2004 |
Brochure on Development and Climate Change |
1,060* |
|
2005 |
Development Cooperation Ireland — Information Pack and Booklet |
21,410* |
|
2005 |
Irish Aid Annual Report 2004 |
34,776* |
|
2005 |
Advisory Board Annual Report 2004 |
3,932* |
|
2005 |
Gender Based Violence |
— |
|
2005 |
Report of the Sixth Development Forum, Dublin Castle |
9,822* |
|
2006 |
The Challenge of HIV and AIDS |
— |
|
2006 |
Report on Irish Aid’s Response to HIV/AIDS 2001-2006 |
11,275* |
*Costs would include printing, design, translation and publishing.
140 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the intentions of the National Museum for the preservation and conservation of the heritage vessel Asgard I; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24185/06]
It is intended that work will begin later this year on the conservation of the Asgard and that it will be on public exhibition from 2009 onwards. The Asgard is currently in the care of the National Museum of Ireland. It is housed in the Museum's gymnasium building at Collins Barracks and a substantial amount of work on the conservation can be done in that location. A new gallery will be required for the display of the vessel. This can also accommodate the final phase of conservation. A group comprising representatives of the National Museum of Ireland, the Office of Public Works and my Department is overseeing the project.
141 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the projects, of the 57 projects under the local authority swimming pool programme, which are complete, under construction, about to start construction, at tender stage, contract document stage and preliminary report stage; when the review of the scheme, whose closing date was July 2000, will be complete; if he intends to have a new scheme in place in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24258/06]
My Department administers the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme, which provides grant aid to local authorities in respect of the capital costs of a new swimming pool, a replacement pool or the refurbishment of an existing pool. The closing date for receipt of applications under the current round of this Programme was 31 July 2000 and since then a total 57 projects have or are being dealt with. Of the 57 projects within the Programme, 19 have been completed and 14 are now under construction or are about to start construction. In addition, 24 other projects are at various stages in the Programme — 7 at tender stage, 9 at contract document stage and 8 at preliminary report stage. Details of these projects are provided hereunder. The Deputy should note that the progress of projects through the various stages of the programme is largely determined not by my Department, but by the speed at which local authorities progress their individual projects.
My Department is carrying out an Expenditure Review of the Programme which is examining, among other things, how it has worked to date and what amendments, if any, are required to ensure its effective and efficient delivery. This Review is expected to be completed by end July. On completion of this Review, the question of re-opening the Programme can be addressed.
|
1. |
Arklow (Refurbish) |
|
2. |
Courtown/Gorey (New) |
|
3. |
Dundalk (New) |
|
4. |
Ennis (New) |
|
5. |
Enniscorthy (New) |
|
6. |
Monaghan (Refurbish) |
|
7. |
Navan (New) |
|
8. |
Wicklow (New) |
|
9. |
Roscommon (Refurbish) |
|
10. |
AquaDome, Tralee (Refurbish) |
|
11. |
Ballinasloe (Replace) |
|
12. |
Finglas, Dublin (Replace) |
|
13. |
Grove Island, Limerick (New) |
|
14. |
Sports and Leisure Centre, Tralee (Refurbish) |
|
15. |
Clonmel (Refurbish) |
|
16. |
Churchfield, Cork City (Refurbish) |
|
17. |
Ballymun, Dublin City (Replace) |
|
18. |
Tuam, Co. Galway (Replace) |
|
19. |
Drogheda, Co. Louth (Replace) |
|
1. |
Cobh, Co. Cork (Replace) |
|
2. |
Youghal, Co. Cork (New) |
|
3. |
Ballyfermot, Dublin City (Replace) |
|
4. |
Jobstown, South County Dublin (New) |
|
5. |
Letterkenny, Co. Donegal (Replace) |
|
6. |
Monaghan town (Replace) |
|
7. |
Ballybunion, Co. Kerry (New) |
|
8. |
Clondalkin, South County Dublin (Replace) |
|
9. |
Killarney, Co. Kerry (New) |
|
10. |
Askeaton, Co. Limerick (Replace outdoor pool) |
|
11. |
Portlaoise, Co. Laois (Replace) |
|
12. |
Portarlington, Co. Laois (Refurbish) |
|
13. |
Longford, Co. Longford (Replace) |
|
14. |
Thurles, Co. Tipperary (Replace) |
|
1. |
Athy, Co. Kildare (Replace) |
|
2. |
Birr, Co. Offaly (Refurbish) |
|
3. |
Naas, Co. Kildare (Replace) |
|
4. |
Claremorris, Co. Mayo (Refurbish) |
|
5. |
St. Michael’s House, Dublin (New) |
|
6. |
Kilkenny City (Replace) |
|
7. |
Tullamore, Co. Offaly (Replace outdoor pool) |
|
1. |
Bray, Co. Wicklow (Replace) |
|
2. |
Greystones, Co. Wicklow (New) |
|
3. |
Skerries, Fingal (New) |
|
4. |
Roscrea, Tipperary, NR (New) |
|
5. |
New Ross, Co. Wexford (Replace) |
|
6. |
Buncrana, Co. Donegal (Refurbish) |
|
7. |
Glenalbyn, Co. Dublin (Refurbish) |
|
8. |
Castlebar, Co. Mayo (Replace) |
|
9. |
Dunmanway, Co. Cork (Refurbish) |
|
1. |
Dundrum, Co. Dublin (Replace) |
|
2. |
Edenderry, Co. Offaly (Replace) |
|
3. |
Clara, Co. Offaly (Refurbish) |
|
4. |
Ballybofey, Co. Donegal (New) |
|
5. |
Ferrybank, Co. Wexford (Refurbish) |
|
6. |
Ballaghadereen, Co. Roscommon (New) |
|
7. |
Loughrea, Co. Galway (New) |
|
8. |
St. Joseph’s School for Deaf Boys |
142 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of reports commissioned by his Department by year since 2002 which have been published and made available to the public; the number that were conducted internally; the number that were carried out by consultants; what those reports were; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24292/06]
My Department has commissioned a total of 11 reports for publication since it was formed in June 2002. Details of these reports and their cost are in the table below. Where a report was carried out internally, costs refer only to the cost of publication of the report and the cost of translation where applicable.
|
Report Prepared |
Title of Report |
Year |
Cost |
|
€ |
|||
|
Internally |
Report of the Tourism Policy Review Group: New Horizons for Irish Tourism: An Agenda for Action |
2003 |
20,388 |
|
Internally |
First Progress Report of the Tourism Action Plan Implementation Group |
2004 |
Nil (printed in house and published on website) |
|
Internally |
Second Progress Report of the Tourism Action Plan Implementation Group |
2005 |
Nil (Printed in house and published on website) |
|
Internally |
Third and Final Progress Report of the Tourism Action Plan Implementation Group |
2006 |
2,573 |
|
Internally |
Public Art: Per Cent for Arts Scheme — General National Guidelines 2004 |
2004 |
22,699 |
|
Internally |
Department’s Annual Report 2002-2003 |
2004 |
8,232 |
|
Internally |
Department’s Statement of Strategy 2003-2005 |
2003 |
9,353 |
|
Internally |
Department’s Statement of Strategy 2005-2007 |
2005 |
8,500 |
|
Internally |
Department’s Annual Report 2004 |
2005 |
21,113 |
|
Internally |
Sports Capital Programme Expenditure Review |
2003 |
Nil (printed in house and published on website) |
|
Fitzpatrick Associates Economic Consultants |
Evaluation of Local Sports Partnership Programme |
2005 |
54,450 |
143 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress which has been made by the inter agency forum set up to address the situation following the closure announcement of Waterford Crystal’s Dungarvan plant; the additional investment which has been made in the Dungarvan area through the efforts of the forum; the number of new jobs that have been created as a result of such investment; the number of former Waterford Crystal employees that have secured employment as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24193/06]
The inter agency forum in question was established by the Waterford County Manager. It includes representatives of the relevant Industrial Development agencies under the aegis of my Department. The forum has put in place a coordinated response for the provision of information to the relevant employees. Presentations, which provided details on Social Welfare Benefits, Revenue, Training Opportunities, Employment Opportunities and Business Start Ups, were made to the employees. Co-ordination by the participants in the forum has ensured that information has been presented to employees in a timely and meaningful manner.
I understand that 289 workers have now completed training courses. Following those courses, all of the redundant workers were surveyed in April, 2006 to advise them of a weekly clinic provided by FÁS and other facilities available in Dungarvan. I understand that approximately half of these workers are claiming unemployment benefit. However, FÁS is continuing to meet with redundant staff and they are being encouraged to utilise the services available through the weekly FÁS Clinic in Dungarvan.
In January 2006, I announced the extension of the Enterprise Ireland Community Enterprise Centre Scheme. Under this Scheme, Dungarvan is to receive €300,000 from Enterprise Ireland for the construction of a new Enterprise Centre. A further €200,000 is being provided by the Waterford County Enterprise Board. Furthermore, businesses assisted by the CEB created 40 new jobs last year and a similar number is predicted for 2006. Last August, I announced that the US based financial services company, Bisys Hedge Fund Services was to establish a new operation in Waterford that would create over 250 newjobs.
I am confident that the ongoing work of the Industrial Development agencies will continue to provide good employment opportunities for Dungarvan and the surrounding area.
144 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position in relation to a person from Croatia who would like to come to work in Ireland; the criteria they need to follow to work here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24205/06]
Under current legislation if a non-EEA national wishes to take up employment in Ireland they will require some form of an employment permit. In relation to health professionals who wish to work in public hospitals in the state the appropriate permit required would be a Work Authorisation or Work Visa. The prospective employee is granted the authorisation/visa at an Irish Embassy or Consulate on the basis of a job offer in that sector, by an employer in Ireland. In the event that the proposed employee wishes to work with an employer not covered by the Work Authorisation/Work Visa Scheme then that employer will have to apply for a Work Permit on their behalf.
My Department's policy is that new work permits are only being considered for highly skilled and highly paid positions which it is not possible to fill from within the EEA. Detailed guidelines for each Scheme are available on my Department's website at www.entemp.ie.
145 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of site visits by promoters of inward investment for industrial purposes which have been organised by the IDA in the Waterford City area in each year from 2002 to date in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24245/06]
146 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of site visits by promoters of inward investment for industrial purposes which have been organised by the IDA in the Dungarvan area in each year from 2002 to date in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24246/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 145 and 146 together.
IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment to Ireland and its regions. The marketing of individual areas, including Waterford and Dungarvan, for new or expansion FDI investments and jobs is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency. While I may give general policy directives to the Agency, I am precluded under the Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others. I have been informed by the agency that, from January 2002 to the end of May 2006 there have been thirty nine site visits to Waterford and four site visits to Dungarvan. The tabular statement sets out the number of site visits to each location in each of those years.
The pursuit of the national goal of balanced and sustainable regional development is an important goal for my Department and the agencies under its remit. The National Spatial Strategy provides a framework for this goal wherein the focus is on the Gateway and Hub locations throughout the State. As the Gateway location for the South-East region IDA Ireland is seeking to develop Waterford City as a first-class location for overseas investment with the necessary infrastructure, skills availability and support services capable of attracting investment into Waterford and the entire region.
In Waterford City IDA is actively marketing its new Business & Technology Park on 70 acres on the Cork Road Planning permission is currently being sought to build a second 30,000 sq ft Advance Office Building on the park, now that the first building is occupied by IDA Ireland and Bisys Hedge Fund Services. In addition the agency is developing a major Greenfield site at Belview (3 miles from Waterford City) capable of accommodating large-scale utility intensive industry, most likely in the Pharma and ICT sectors. In Dungarvan, the agency owns 35 acres of land, adjacent to its Industrial Park in the town. Phase 1 of the site development has been completed and the first client has been secured. The profile of Industry in Waterford has been changing over the last few years with companies such as Genzyme, Sun Life and AOL representing investment in the newer knowledge-based industry sectors. Meanwhile, IDA Ireland continues to work its portfolio of existing clients in an effort to encourage them to re invest in the area.
I am confident that the strategies and policies being pursued by these Agencies together with the ongoing commitment by Government to regional development and the National Development Plan will bear fruit in terms of investment and jobs for the people of Waterford, Dungarvan and the region as a whole.
|
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 (end May) |
|
|
Waterford |
12 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
3 |
|
Dungarvan |
2 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
147 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 150 of 14 June 2006, the results of his Department’s consultation with southern and eastern regional assembly in regard to the way in which a designated area can qualify under the regional aid guidelines; if an area (details supplied) in County Kildare has been considered in view of the fact that there has been no industrial growth in this area for some time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24247/06]
The Southern & Eastern Regional Assembly accepted the findings of an independent report which it commissioned from the National Institute for Spatial and Regional Analysis, at NUI Maynooth, and proposed that, in addition to the BMW Region and the South East Region, which automatically qualify, the remaining areas to be designated for 2007-2013, should be Clare, Limerick, North Tipperary and Kerry. The regional aid rates currently available in Dublin and the Mid East are already lower than those in all other regions of Ireland. As Dublin and the Mid East continue to enjoy a more favourable economic situation, they cannot qualify for designation, within the permitted population threshold, ahead of other regions.
In relation to industrial development, IDA Ireland is a member of the Athy Investment Forum which is the body responsible for the recent development of the Athy Community Enterprise Centre. Until recently the IDA Advance Factory was occupied by an indigenous Irish company. The company has now vacated the facility and IDA Ireland is actively marketing the facility to potential clients.
Kildare has in recent years attracted some world class manufacturing companies such as Intel, Wyeth Medica, Braun Oral B and Hewlett Packard. At present there are 25 IDA Ireland supported companies in Kildare employing approximately 10,818 people. There are four IDA Ireland assisted companies in Athy alone, employing a total of 425 people. IDA Ireland is working closely with educational institutions in the County, in developing the skill sets necessary to attract high value added employment to the County. IDA Ireland is also working with FAS to provide guidance in developing the skill set needed by those already in the workforce who are interested in upskilling.
Since the beginning of 2003 Enterprise Ireland has approved over €12m and made payments of over €4.4 in support to companies in Kildare to help them grow their sales and exports and improve innovation and new product development in order that they can compete on world markets. Enterprise Ireland supported the development of the Athy Community Enterprise Centre on a Greenfield site at Woodstock Industrial Estate in Athy under its Community Enterprise Centre Programme 2002, contributing €300,000 in capital funding. The centre is a state of the art building of 12,500 sq. ft. divided into 20 commercial units. When fully operational the centre which is already 80% occupied will house at least 40 people. In addition Enterprise Ireland has supported the development of Community Enterprise Centres in County Kildare, at Allenwood and Clane, under previous CEC programmes.
Kildare has benefited from a significant investment in recent years in the technological infrastructure in NUI Maynooth. This will be the key to ensuring that Kildare is an attractive location for knowledge-based industry in future years. Enterprise Ireland has made a particular effort to ensure that Maynooth continues to develop strong links with industry in the region. To support innovation partnerships with industry, Enterprise Ireland approved funding approved of over €2.2 million in support of 50 projects to NUI Maynooth during the period beginning 2003 to date as well as making payments of over €2.3 million.
148 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will review the situation whereby pensioners must make a contribution towards the provision of an eye test in respect of their renewal of their driving licence; his plans to review this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24221/06]
The operation of the driving license renewal system is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government. There are, to my knowledge, no plans at present to conduct a review on the lines proposed.
149 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will arrange a reassessment of means in relation to the claim for farm assist by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [24257/06]
A Deciding Officer determined that the person concerned has means of €135.00 derived from income from a holding. He has been awarded farm assist at €140.80 which is the appropriate weekly rate for a person with this level of means. It is open to the person concerned to appeal this decision if he is not satisfied with the decision and a form for this purpose has been issued to him. Under Social Welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by Deciding Officers and Appeals Officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.
150 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of reports commissioned by his Department by year since 2002 which have been published and made available to the public; the number that were conducted internally; the number that were carried out by consultants; what those reports were; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24294/06]
The information requested is currently being compiled within the Department and will be made available to the Deputy shortly.
151 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Transport when a driving test will be arranged for a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24196/06]
A driving test will be arranged in due course for the person concerned.
152 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the funding which was allocated to a rural transport scheme (details supplied) in County Westmeath in each of the past five years; the corresponding number of transport routes operated in this time; the average number of passengers facilitated by these routes; and the safety and standard guidelines set out by his Department in the operation of these transport routes. [24249/06]
The Rural Transport Initiative (RTI) is a pilot scheme, under which funding is made available to 34 community-based organisations across the country, including South Westmeath Rural Transport Association Ltd., to address the transport needs of their rural areas through the provision of local transport services. Pobal administers the RTI on behalf of the Department of Transport and, together with the individual RTI groups, are responsible for all the operational aspects of the initiative, including the services to be provided. However, I have asked Pobal to forward the information requested to the Deputy.
153 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport further to his proposals to open up the bus market, the way in which it is intended to manage the use of bus stops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24229/06]
The power to determine the location of bus stops is vested in the Garda Commissioner under section 85 of the Road Traffic Act 1961. Under that section, the Commissioner may issue a direction to a bus operator identifying the specific location of bus stops and termini in respect of any bus route and in that context may determine that certain stops may only be used for passengers boarding or leaving buses. I understand that the gardaí engage in a consultation process with both the local authority and the bus service provider before issuing a direction under section 85.
Before a passenger licence is granted to a private operator for the provision of a public bus service in accordance with the Road Transport Act 1932, as amended, my Department requires the operator to submit to my Department the approval of the Garda Síochána for bus stops proposed on public roads, and/or approval from relevant institutions or bodies e.g. Airport Authority, College, etc., for proposed stops on private property.
In the context of modernising the regulatory framework governing public transport and the provision of bus services by both public and private operators to which I am committed, the possible need for reform of the arrangements in relation to the provision and management of bus stops will also be considered. I will finalise my consideration of how best to proceed with public transport reform and further market opening in the context of the institutional structures recommended by the team appointed to finalise the remit, structures and human resource requirements of the proposed Dublin Transport Authority. I would hope to be in a position to publish legislation on the matter in the current year.
154 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport if he will seek an explanation from the Dublin Transportation Office for the reason a cycle track design guidance manual for local authorities and developers has not been completed; when he expects same to be completed; if he has satisfied himself that the level of funding granted by his Department is sufficient for the Dublin Transportation Office to meet its demands. [24230/06]
The DTO National Urban Cycle Facilities Manual (published in 1997) provides guidance on the design of cycle facilities in Ireland. It is available on the DTO website (www.dto.ie). This manual is supplemented by the DTO Traffic Management Manual, published in September 2003. Following an earlier review of the cycle manual, preparatory material has been collated for a new Cycle Facilities Manual, including new design, improved readability and layout and additional design information. I understand from the DTO that the Manual will be issued shortly in draft form for consultation, with a view to issuing a final draft in September 2006, and completion before the end of 2006.
With regard to the issue of funding, the DTO administers the Traffic Management Grants (TMG) scheme in support of the implementation of its transportation strategy for the Greater Dublin Area. From the Transport 21 funding envelope, my Department has made €40 million available to the grant scheme this year, with a provision for additional funding, if required. I understand that the DTO Traffic Management Grants (TMG) Committee, which administers the scheme on behalf of the DTO Steering Group, recently decided that the original amount of €40 million will adequately meet the need to fund current year traffic management projects within the Greater Dublin Area. The rate of deployment of funds and completion of projects will continue to be monitored throughout the year, and if additional worthwhile projects are generated, the TMG Committee will review its decision in relation to funding needs.
155 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the capital cost of the forthcoming mini-CTC installation on the Westport Ballina lines; and if these lines will be available on a twenty four hour basis for possible freight services after the mini-CTC installation. [24231/06]
156 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the provisions Iarnród Éireann will make to facilitate potential freight rail traffic at stations along the Westport Ballina lines following the installation of mini-CTC; and if this will include the retention of freight sidings at Castlebar and Claremorris. [24232/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 155 and 156 together.
I understand from Iarnród Éireann that the capital cost of the signalling upgrades on the Westport and Ballina lines is €27.86 million. This covers the signalling at all stations and signalling at all level crossings between stations. The signalling system will be available continuously 24 hours a day for all operational use including passenger and freight. In relation to freight traffic, Iarnród Éireann has informed me that it has recently reintroduced a container service from Ballina to Waterford and that the existing pulpwood traffic from Westport and Ballina to Waterford will continue. This traffic benefits from past investment in the freight yard facility in Ballina and the recent investment in signalling.
I understand that discussions are also being held with another shipping company regarding the potential for a trainload service for containers between Ballina and Dublin Port. The decision by Diageo to withdraw from keg distribution by rail will have an impact on the Claremorris freight facility. However, I understand from Iarnród Éireann that this facility will be retained and that replacement business is being actively sought.
157 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Transport the number of transport officers in his Department who have responsibility for the enforcement of tachograph regulations; the number of on-road inspections which have been carried out by the officers in each of the part five years; the number of prosecutions for breaches of tachograph regulations which have been taken by transport officers of his Department in each of the past five years; and the outcome of such prosecutions. [24233/06]
There are currently nine Transport Officers serving in my Department and this number will shortly increase to 18. Procedures are underway to recruit new Transport Officers in preparation for the transfer of the duties to the newly formed Road Safety Authority and decentralisation to Loughrea. Transport Officers attend all multi-agency checkpoints throughout the country. The schedule for these checkpoints is drawn up in advance with input from all the agencies concerned. A number of Transport Officers attend at each checkpoint. Occasionally checkpoints are also arranged on a bi-lateral basis with the Garda.
The number of multi-agency roadside checkpoints attended by Transport Officers and the number of prosecutions initiated for tachograph offences in each of the past five years is as follows:
|
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
|
93 |
97 |
101 |
103 |
108 |
|
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
|
4226 |
4,298 |
3,436 |
4,503 |
4,120 |
Details of the outcome of court cases can be obtained from the Courts Service. My Department does not retain complete records.
158 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the all-Ireland work which has been carried out in relation to transport; and if there have been discussions to establish an all-Ireland road and rail integrated public transportation strategy. [24240/06]
My Department and its agencies, assisted by the framework provided by the institutions established under the Good Friday Agreement, have been working closely with counterparts in Belfast and London to develop and implement transport policies, services and agreed initiatives so as to maximize the benefits for both jurisdictions. One of the most notable examples of this very practical all-island approach has been the development of the M1, where upgrading works to date on both sides of the border have already resulted in dramatically improved journey times. Meanwhile, significant improvements on the N2 from Dublin to the North West are being complemented by upgrades on the A5 in Northern Ireland, while the further development of the Atlantic Road Corridor from Waterford to the North West which is planned under the Transport 21 capital investment programme will have a beneficial impact on both sides of the border.
Further examples of this policy in action include: the decision in principle of both Governments to offer a joint package of funding to the City of Derry Airport. This airport is already linked to Dublin by an air service which is operated as a Public Service Obligation and funded by the Irish Government; close co-operation between the National Safety Council and the Northern Ireland Department of the Environment in developing joint road safety advertising campaigns; and work being undertaken by officials in both jurisdictions in the context of the British-Irish Council aimed at introducing bilateral arrangements for mutual recognition of driving disqualifications as envisaged in the EU Convention on Driving Disqualifications.
There is already a high level of co-operation and integration in the delivery of cross-border public transport services. Translink operate joint services with Bus Éireann on most of their cross-border routes, while Irish Rail are in discussions on an ongoing basis with NIR/Translink regarding the jointly-operated Enterprise service and options for its future development. There have been no discussions on the question of establishing a formal all-Ireland public transportation strategy. However, there is a clear record of making real progress on all-island transport issues through practical co-operation in the planning, delivery and improvement of both infrastructure and services. That policy will continue to underpin our efforts to achieve further tangible and cost-effective benefits for users of the island's public transport network.
159 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of reports commissioned by his Department by year since 2002 which have been published and made available to the public; the number that were conducted internally; the number that were carried out by consultants; what those reports were; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24295/06]
The information requested by the Deputy is being compiled and will be forwarded to her as soon as possible.
160 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Transport the directive he has given with regard to the provision of the new rail carriages on the Sligo Dublin line; when will they be in use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24304/06]
The deployment of its fleet is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann. However, I am advised by the company that, most of 36 new modern DMU railcars delivered in 2005 were allocated to the Dublin-Sligo railway line to replace life-expired rolling stock as well as increasing capacity. The frequency of service on this line was improved from three to five daily return services. In addition, an order for a fleet of 150 new high-specification Intercity railcars has been placed by Irish Rail. They will enter service from 2007 onwards and some of these will be deployed by the company on the Dublin-Sligo route from 2008, further improving levels of passenger comfort and frequency of service.
161 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Transport the commitments the Government have given for 2011, with regard to Transport 21, as this a realistic timescale for the completion of the Sligo Claremorris line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24305/06]
Transport 21 provides for the re-opening of the Western Rail Corridor in 3 phases, Ennis to Athenry (2008), Athenry to Tuam (2011) and Tuam to Claremorris (2014). These projects are to be implemented in conjunction with rail commuter services from Athenry and Tuam serving a new station in Oranmore en route to Galway.
The current position regarding the Western Rail Corridor is that Iarnród Éireann has submitted detailed business proposals to my Department relating to Phase 1 (the reopening of the Ennis to Athenry section) and Phase 2 (re-opening of the Athenry to Tuam section). These proposals have been assessed in my Department and I will be reporting on them to Government shortly. In addition, Iarnród Éireann is working with the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, to agree arrangements and funding under the CLÁR Programme for the preservation of the alignment from Claremorris to Collooney.
162 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the mechanism available to a community group (details supplied) in County Kildare to apply for funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24175/06]
The Programme of Grants for Locally-Based Community and Voluntary Organisations is funded by my Department and operates throughout the country. It is advertised annually and supports the activities of local voluntary and community groups in their community. The 2005 Programme made funds available for small scale refurbishment of premises, for the purchase of essential equipment, including I.T. equipment, and for education, training and research. The maximum grant for refurbishment was €40,000; for equipment was €10,000; and for training, education and research was also €10,000.
The Scheme is currently being reviewed and the 2006 Programme will be advertised in the coming weeks in the national and provincial newspapers. I have arranged for a copy of the application form and guidelines to be sent to the group in question as soon as they become available should the group wish to make an application under this year's scheme. It is possible also that funding for a project such as this may be available under the LEADER Programme. Further information on funding possibilities is available from the group's local LEADER company.
164 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the weekly payment including the rate for the adult dependent allowance compared to what a person (details supplied) in County Mayo receives on farm assist, if they were to transfer to a rural social scheme; and if they will earn a stamp while on that scheme to ensure that their contributions are earned towards their pension for the future. [24261/06]
A person in receipt of Farm Assist with an adult dependant who qualifies to participate on the Rural Social Scheme, will receive a personal weekly rate of €190.20 and an adult dependant rate of €110 per week, provided the adult dependant's weekly earnings are less than €250. Class A PRSI contribution is made to RSS participants who qualify on the basis of Farm Assist, Unemployment Assistance and Unemployment Benefit and who hold a qualifying herd number.
165 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of reports commissioned by his Department by year since 2002 which have been published and made available to the public; the number that were conducted internally; the number that were carried out by consultants; what those reports were; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24296/06]
In the time available I am not in a position to give a comprehensive reply. My Department is collating the material for reply and will forward the material directly to the Deputy when it is complete.
166 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the measures she is taking to prevent the spread of equine infectious anaemia swamp fever amongst horses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24208/06]
My Department has identified the presence of Equine Infectious Anaemia in two horses on two separate establishments in County Meath. My Department's immediate priority has been to identify the source and extent of the disease and to trace the direct and indirect contacts from the infected premises. The two premises in question are now both under restriction for trade purposes. Our initial investigations suggest that the source of the disease may have been from imported equine serum that was inadvertently or accidentally contaminated with the EIA virus prior to importation. Enquiries are continuing to confirm this initial view.
Based on our enquiries and the knowledge acquired to date, we have no reason to believe that the disease is any more widespread than those cases of which we are currently aware. Results of blood tests from other horses on the two infected premises have, to date, been negative for EIA and tracing of animals that passed through those premises is continuing. As a precaution, and in the interests of horse owners, trainers, stud managers and the bloodstock industry, my Department has advised that all horses that may have moved during the breeding season be tested for any evidence of the disease. Approximately 1,000 tests taken by owners/trainers/stud managers throughout the bloodstock industry have all been negative for EIA.
The Department had advised any other Member States to which horses were exported from either of the infected premises since the suspected date of infection and the date of confirmation and all blood test results from any such horses have, to date, been negative, though they are not yet complete. I expect that within a week, by which time we will have more test results available, we will be in a position to clarify the position further.
167 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action she has taken in relation to the regulation of the transport of consignments of dogs within the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24234/06]
168 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action she has taken to regulate the transportation standards, including minimum space requirements, ventilation, route plans, journey durations, feeding and watering intervals for the export of consignments of dogs to other jurisdictions, including the UK; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24235/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 167 and 168 together.
Council Directive 91/628/EEC on the protection of animals during transport, as transposed by the recently adopted European Communities (Protection of Animals during Transport) Regulations 2006, sets down the conditions for the transport of dogs within Ireland and to and from Ireland. The legislation does not apply to non-commercial transport or to the transport of pet animals accompanying their owners on private journeys or to the transport of animals over distances of less than 50 km.
Provisions in the legislation include inter alia requirements that transporters must ensure that the animals are fit for transport and that they are accommodated so as to avoid risk of injury or unnecessary suffering. Animals must be provided with adequate ventilation and space to stand naturally and to lie down. Food and water must be available to the animals so that they can be fed at intervals not exceeding 24 hours and watered at intervals not exceeding 12 hours.
The legislation also requires that transport of animals by air must be undertaken in accordance with the requirements of the latest edition of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) live animals Regulations. These Regulations relate to international standards for containers, pens or stalls appropriate for the transport of live animals by air. The IATA is a self regulating body that represents airlines in promoting safe, reliable and secure air services.
In March 2004 my Department introduced a system of registration of transporters of dogs for commercial purposes and the inspection of vehicles engaging in such transport to the Continent. Commercial consignments of dogs are examined and certified prior to departure to ensure compliance with the provisions of EU and national legislation. However, these requirements do not apply in respect of commercial consignments to the UK and vice versa due to the common rabies-free status of both territories. Nevertheless commercial consignments transiting ports or airports are liable to random welfare inspections.
Council Regulation (EC) 1 of 2005 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations will come into operation on 5 January 2007. This Regulation replaces Council Directive 91/628/EEC and will introduce additional conditions in relation to the authorisation of the mode of transport, loading and unloading facilities and in particular the training of transporters and operators. I believe that this Regulation will further improve the conditions under which animals are transported throughout the European Union. My Department is currently preparing legislation to provide for implementation of the Council Regulation.
169 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding the Nitrates Directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24236/06]
The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government made Regulations in December 2005 giving legal effect to Ireland's Nitrates Action Programme. They came into effect on 1 February 2006, but the Minister then announced a brief de facto deferral of the implementation of Part 3 of the Regulations dealing with nutrient management. This was to allow time for Teagasc to submit revised scientific advice, which was received early in March.
Detailed proposals for amendments to the Regulations, along with the scientific arguments to justify the changes, were forwarded to the Commission by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on 18 May. There have since been discussions and other contacts between officials of the two Departments, Teagasc representatives and the European Commission.
The proposals, which the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has outlined, were developed in conjunction with my Department and with the input of Teagasc and address a range of important issues identified in the Teagasc submission and raised by the farming bodies. I am satisfied that the changes proposed to the Commission will be of major benefit to Irish farmers, in that they will provide them with greater flexibility in complying with fertiliser limits and simplify certain aspects of the Regulations.
170 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason for the stoppage of payment of insurance based pensions to farmers and their spouses who qualify for farm retirement pension since neither pension is means tested; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24286/06]
It is a requirement of the EU Council Regulations under which the 1994 and 2000 Early Retirement Schemes were introduced that the Early Retirement Pension can be paid only as a supplement to any national retirement pension to which the participant, and his or her spouse or partner in a joint management arrangement, is entitled. This means that the value of any such national retirement pension payable must be deducted from the Early Retirement Pension.
It has been determined in consultation with the European Commission that the following pensions are National Retirement Pensions: Old Age Contributory pension Old Age Non-Contributory pension Widow/Widower's Contributory pension (at age 66) Widow/Widower's Non-Contributory pension (at age 66) Retirement pension Invalidity pension Blind Person's pension (1994 Scheme only).
171 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the status and entitlements in respect of farm retirement pension scheme and other outstanding payments or entitlements arising from farm support or aid for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24287/06]
It is a requirement of the EU Council Regulation under which the 1994 Early Retirement Scheme was introduced that the Early Retirement Pension can be paid only as a supplement to any national retirement pension to which the participant, and his or her spouse or partner in a joint management arrangement, is entitled. This means that the value of any such national retirement pension payable must be deducted from the Early Retirement Pension.
The person named entered the Early Retirement Scheme on 3 January 1997 under the joint management arrangement and her participation in the Scheme is due to finish on 2 January 2007 when she has completed 10 years in the Scheme. Her husband became entitled to a Contributory Old Age pension from 6 July 2001 and, as required under the Scheme, the amount of his Old Age pension had to be offset against the Early Retirement pension.
The person named became entitled to a Contributory Old Age pension in her own right from 6 June 2003. As the total amount of her and her husband's Old Age pensions exceeded the amount payable under the Early Retirement Scheme, no further payments could be made to her under the Early Retirement Scheme.
Due to difficulties experienced by the person named in finding a qualified transferee to lease her lands and the fact that payment of the Early Retirement pension has ceased, she is now being afforded the opportunity of opting out of the Early Retirement Scheme, without penalty. My Department wrote to the applicant concerned on 13 June 2006 advising her of this option.
172 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of reports commissioned by her Department by year since 2002 which have been published and made available to the public; the number that were conducted internally; the number that were carried out by consultants; what those reports were; the cost of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24297/06]
The material requested by the Deputy in relation to reports commissioned and published by my Department is not readily available. However, that material is being compiled at present and I will arrange to have it forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
173 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when payment from the National Reserve Fund will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24315/06]
The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the 2005 Single Payment Scheme National Reserve under Category B. Category B caters for farmers who, between 1 January 2000 and 19 October 2003, made an investment in production capacity in a farming sector for which a direct payment under Livestock Premia and/or Arable Aid schemes would have been payable during the reference period 2000-2002. Investments can include purchase or long term lease of land, purchase of suckler and/or ewe quota or other investments.
A formal letter setting out my Department's decision has issued to the person named and if he is dissatisfied with my Department's decision in relation to the National Reserve he now has the opportunity to appeal this decision to the Independent Payment Appeals Committee. An appeals application form is available from any of my Department's offices or on the Department website at www.agriculture.gov.ie.
174 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number and nationality of adults found to have been trafficked into the State for each of the past five years; and the number and nationality of children found to have been trafficked into the State for each of the past five years. [24210/06]
An Garda Síochána and the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), in particular, take a proactive and vigorous approach in preventing and combating trafficking of human beings. The GNIB works closely with other specialist units, e.g., the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation, the Garda National Drugs Unit, the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Criminal Assets Bureau. A number of ongoing Garda operations, including "Operation Hotel" and "Operation Quest", are in place to tackle the phenomenon. The approach taken in tackling trafficking is, where possible, to prevent it occurring, or where it does occur, to seek to prosecute the perpetrators and to protect the victims.
The Illegal Immigrants (Trafficking) Act 2000, Section 2, created the offence of Trafficking in Illegal Immigrants. I have been informed by An Garda Síochána that since the enactment of the Act, convictions have been achieved in respect of ten breaches of Section 2 of the Act.
The information available to me from the Garda Authorities indicates that two convictions were secured in 2001. These related to organising or facilitating the arrival of Ukrainian nationals in the State; another two convictions occurred in 2004 and related to Brazilian nationals while the remaining six convictions in 2006 related to Indian nationals.
Section 3 of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998 creates an offence of trafficking in children for sexual exploitation. I am informed that no prosecutions have been achieved in respect of this offence to date.
175 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of civilians employed in Waterford Garda station in 2001; the number of civilians currently employed there; the number of posts in Waterford Garda station that were occupied by gardaí in 2001 that are currently occupied by civilians; his plans to further fill such posts in Waterford Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24222/06]
There were eight civilian staff employed in Waterford Garda Station in 2001. In the years since 2001, these numbers have been increased and today stand at 11, including 1 District Finance Officer, 1 Staff Officer, and 9 Clerical Officers. The District Finance Officer was appointed in line with the 2001 Civilianisation Report and is carrying out the Finance function previously performed by a member of An Garda Síochána.
While progress in relation to the appointment of additional Clerical Officers to Garda Stations has been stalled for some time now due to the Equal Pay case taken by the Civil, Public and Services Union (CPSU), I am pleased to say that other elements of the Civilianisation Programme are continuing apace and are contributing to the freeing-up of Gardaí for front-line policing. I would refer the Deputy in particular, to the establishment of the Garda Information Service Centre (GISC) in Castlebar. Whereas previously Gardaí had to return to their Stations following a crime event to enter data on PULSE, they now make a call to GISC, where civilian colleagues input the data for them, allowing officers to remain "on the beat". This new system, which has already been rolled out in the South-East Region, including Waterford, is yielding enormous benefits to the Garda Síochána.
177 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of hand held terminals used to record road traffic offences which have been provided to the Gardaí; the cost of same; if they are being used in every region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24260/06]
I am advised by the Garda authorities that 493 hand-held units which are used to record road traffic offence data at the roadside have been procured by An Garda Síochána. The cost of these units was €1,885,305 inclusive of VAT, which includes the cost of the unit together with ancillary items such as chargers. These units are in use throughout all Garda regions nationwide.
178 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to residency status in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24280/06]
The person in question arrived in the State on 18 December, 2000 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, he was informed by letter dated 26 November, 2002, 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 case file to be passed to me for decision in due course.
179 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if and when a green card will be approved in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare in view of the fact that they are anxious to take up employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24281/06]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 25 June, 1999 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 28 December, 2001, 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).
The person concerned is not entitled to be issued with a green card (registration book) as he has not been granted permission to remain in the State. I expect the file to be passed to me for decision in due course.
180 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will grant temporary residency status on health and humanitarian grounds in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; if the circumstances of their case will be considered under Council Regulation (E.C.) No. 343/203; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24282/06]
I would refer the Deputy to my Reply to his Parliamentary Question No. 244 of 25 May 2006. My position in relation to the person concerned, legally and operationally, is as set out therein.
The person concerned continues to be classified as having evaded her transfer to the United Kingdom, pursuant to the provisions of the Dublin II Regulation. Consequently, she is liable to arrest and detention. Given that the person concerned lodged her first asylum claim in the United Kingdom on 4 March 2003, it is entirely appropriate that she be transferred to that State to have her asylum claim determined there.
181 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will grant temporary residency status in the case of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24283/06]
The first named person arrived in the State on 17 August, 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 23 November, 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.
The second named person has been granted permission to remain in the State until the 5 April, 2007 on the basis of her parentage of an Irish born child.
182 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when green card or residency status will issue in the case of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24284/06]
The first named person arrived in the State on 25 April, 2003 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, he was informed by letter dated 30 August, 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.
The second named person was granted leave to remain in the State on 24 January, 2005 on the basis of being a family dependant of a person who had permission to remain in the State based on parentage of an Irish born child.
183 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if persons (details supplied) could have their cases reconsidered on humanitarian or compassion grounds or under Council Regulation (E.C.) No. 343/203. [24285/06]
I would refer the Deputy to my Reply to Dáil Question No. 74 of 15 June, 2006 in relation to the cases of the persons concerned.
As the Deputy is aware, the asylum cases of the two persons concerned fall under the terms of Council Regulation (E.C.) No. 343/2003 and, as stated in my previous Reply, a Transfer Order has been signed and issued in respect of the mother in this case.
As previously stated, I understand from the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC), that they are in the process of requesting the United Kingdom to accept the asylum case of the child under Article 4 (3) of the Regulation. It should be noted that as the Regulation is an asylum measure, the provisions of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, (and in particular Section 3 of that Act), do not apply to such cases. The facility therefore for making representations to the Minister for permission to remain temporarily in the State is not applicable in this instance.
All representations in relation to Dublin II cases must be made to the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner for consideration in advance of its determination. Any appeal afterwards in relation to a determination to transfer should be made directly to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, and not to the Minister. If such an appeal is successful, the person concerned is admitted to the substantive asylum process in this State. However since the ORAC have already made a determination on the mother's case, it is not possible for her to make representations on humanitarian or compassionate grounds at this late stage.
The Deputy should note that it is not open to an asylum applicant to choose whether their asylum application is examined in this State or in another State. Instead, the provisions of the Dublin II Regulation apply where asylum applications have been lodged in more than one jurisdiction and this is clearly the case in so far as the mother in this case is concerned. In the case of the child, his position has not yet been finalised, but this will be done as soon as all necessary formalities with the UK authorities have been satisfactorily completed. However, on the basis of all known information, it would appear that the provisions of the Dublin II Regulation will apply equally to his case.
184 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of reports commissioned by his Department by year since 2002 which have been published and made available to the public; the number that were conducted internally; the number that were carried out by consultants; what those reports were; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24298/06]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the tabular statement. As can be seen from the content of this table, a broad range of my Department's activities are captured by the terms of the question. The reports listed vary considerably in nature, scale and purpose but, taken together, the value of the activities reflected in this table cannot be overestimated.
A significant proportion of the documents are annual or other regular reports on the activities of my Department and its associated agencies including the Prison Visiting Committees. Other reports included in the list comprise detailed research projects which have a vital role in creating the foundation for sound, evidence based policy making. Others again represent the culmination of major reviews of legislation and policy in such key areas as the management of the Garda Síochána. A further category of reports are those which include the findings of inquiries established over time into certain matters in the public interest.
|
Name of Report |
Estimated Cost |
Date of Publication |
Conducted Internally or by Consultants? |
Length of Time Taken to Prepare |
|
Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform Annual Reports 1998-2004 |
From 2002 onwards the update of Strategy Statement was amalgamated with the Annual Report 2002 — €38,216.67 2003 — €41,076.99 2004 — €26,126.71 |
2002 report in 2003 2003 report in 2005 2004 report in 2005 |
Internally |
Not available |
|
Commission on Liquor Licensing Second Interim Report Commission on Liquor Licensing Report on Admission and Service in Licensed Premises Commission on Liquor Licensing Final Report |
The total costs of the Commission since 2002 were €147,203.16, not including the salaries of the staff of the Department who were seconded to the Commission. |
July, 2002 December, 2002 April, 2003 |
Conducted by Commission on Liquor Licensing |
The Commission was established in November 2000 and submitted its final report in April 2003 — length of time since 2002 is therefore 1 year and 4 months. |
|
Report on the Operation of Part 111 of the Extradition Act, 1965 in the year 2001 made to the Houses of the Oireachtas by the Government pursuant to Section 6 of the Extradition (Amendment) Act, 1987 as amended by section 15 of the Extradition (Amendment) Act, 1994 |
Not Available |
December, 2002 |
Internally |
Not Available |
|
The Programme for Prosperity and Fairness Report of the Working Group on the Review of the Parental Leave Act 1998 |
€11,973.81 |
April, 2002 |
Internally |
1 Year 2 Months |
|
Uptake of Parental Leave and Force Majeure Leave Research by MORI MRC |
€56,711.58 |
April, 2002 |
Consultants |
9 Months |
|
Review of the Parental Leave Act, 1998: Attitudinal Survey of Employees, Employers and Trade Union Representatives regarding the provisions of the Act (Newmarket Consulting Ltd) |
€60,795.06 |
April, 2002 |
Consultants |
5 Months |
|
Equality for Women Measure Annual |
||||
|
Report 2001 Report 2002 Report 2003 |
€7,000.00 €8,000.00 €9,000.00 |
September, 2002 September, 2003 September, 2004 |
External — WRC |
2 months for each |
|
Name of Report |
Estimated Cost |
Date of Publication |
Conducted Internally or by Consultants? |
Length of Time Taken to Prepare |
|
Getting out of the House — Women returning to employment, education and training |
€49,729.00 |
September, 2002 |
External — ESRI |
1 Year |
|
Aspirations of Women collected in the course of the Consultation process on the National Plan for Women 2002 |
€82,201.00 |
September, 2002 |
External — Genesis |
5 Months |
|
International Comparative Study of Migration Legislation and Practice |
€77,200.00 |
August, 2002 |
International Organization for Migration (IOM) |
8 Months |
|
Towards the Development of a National Action Plan Against Racism in Ireland |
€9,472.00 |
March, 2002 |
Internally |
Not Available |
|
Quality Childcare and Lifelong Learning |
€424,727.00 |
September, 2002 |
Consultants |
2 Years 7 Months |
|
Report of the Committee to Review the Offences Against the State Acts, 1939-1998 and Related Matters |
€79,152.01 |
May, 2002 |
Externally |
Not Available |
|
Report by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on the Operation of the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Legislation for 2001 |
No direct costs |
April, 2002 |
Internally |
Not Available |
|
Policy Research Relating to the Victim Support Organisation |
€70867.57 |
December, 2002 |
Consultants |
6 Months |
|
Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform Strategy Statement 2003-2005 |
€36,805 |
Submitted to Department of an Taoiseach — February, 2003, Published — July, 2003 |
Internally |
5 Months |
|
Report on the Operation of Part 111 of the Extradition Act, 1965 in the year 2002 made to the Houses of the Oireachtas by the Government pursuant to Section 6 of the Extradition (Amendment) Act, 1987 as amended by section 15 of the Extradition (Amendment) Act, 1994 |
Not Available |
November, 2003 |
Internally |
Not Available |
|
Review of Equality Initiatives in the Justice and Equality Sector |
€42,258.00 |
March 2003 |
Consultants |
12 Months approx. |
|
Name of Report |
Estimated Cost |
Date of Publication |
Conducted Internally or by Consultants? |
Length of Time Taken to Prepare |
|
Research on the Integration into the Local Community of Persons who achieve Refugee Status/Leave to Remain |
€57,668.32 |
September, 2003 |
Consultants — Pearn Kandola |
Not Available |
|
Report of the Legal Advisory Group on Defamation |
€1,108.00 |
March, 2003 |
7 Months |
|
|
Developing Sectoral Strategies to address gender pay gaps |
€38,517.00 |
March, 2003 |
External — DTZ Pieda |
1 Year |
|
Study of Gender pay gaps at Sectoral Level in Ireland |
€118,917.00 |
February, 2003 |
External — Indecon |
1 Year |
|
Women and Men as Entrepreneurs and Business Managers |
€32,881.00 |
November, 2003 |
Both — field work by E-Training International. Report by Mark Manto NDP Gender Equality Unit. |
1 Year |
|
Ireland’s combined 4th and 5th Reports under the UN Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women |
€9,880.00 |
May, 2003 |
Internally |
4 Months |
|
Diverse Voices: A summary of the outcomes of the consultative process and a proposed framework for the National Action Plan Against Racism |
€5,448.00 |
July, 2003 |
Internally |
Not Available |
|
National Anti-Racism Awareness Programme Report on Activities 2001-2002 |
€7,828.00 |
February, 2003 |
Internally |
Not available |
|
Report of the Coroners Rules Committee |
€5,204.00 |
November, 2003 |
Internally |
24 Months |
|
Drugs Crime & Community in Dublin “Monitoring Quality of Life in the North Inner City” |
€10,800.00 |
June, 2003 |
Consultants |
13 Months |
|
Cory Collusion Inquiry Report — Lord Justice Gibson and Lady Gibson |
€1,586.00 |
December, 2003 |
Externally |
Not Available |
|
Name of Report |
Estimated Cost |
Date of Publication |
Conducted Internally or by Consultants? |
Length of Time Taken to Prepare |
|
Cory Collusion Inquiry Report — Chief Superintendent Breen and Superintendent Buchanan |
€1,962.00 |
December, 2003 |
Externally |
Not Available |
|
Garda Youth Diversion Project Guidelines |
€58,338.00 |
May, 2003 |
Dublin Institute of Technology |
Not Available |
|
Report by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on the Operation of the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Legislation for 2002 |
No direct costs |
April, 2003 |
Internally |
Not Available |
|
First Annual Report of the Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention for the Year 2002-2003 |
No direct costs |
July, 2003 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Report of the Inspection of Cloverhill Prison by the Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention 2002-2003 |
No direct costs |
July, 2003 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Report of the Inspection of Mountjoy Prison and the Dochas Centre by the Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention 2002 -2003 |
No direct costs |
July, 2003 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Report of the Inspection of Portlaoise Prison by the Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention 2002-2003 |
No direct costs |
July, 2003 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Report of the Inspection of Limerick Prison by the Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention 2002-2003 |
No direct costs |
July, 2003 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Annual Report of the Parole Board 2002 |
€930 (publication cost) |
September 2003 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Report on the Operation of Part 111 of the Extradition Act, 1965 in the year 2003 made to the Houses of the Oireachtas by the Government pursuant to Section 6 of the Extradition (Amendment) Act, 1987 as amended by section 15 of the Extradition (Amendment) Act, 1994 |
Not Available |
December, 2004 |
Internally |
Not Available |
|
Name of Report |
Estimated Cost |
Date of Publication |
Conducted Internally or by Consultants? |
Length of Time Taken to Prepare |
|
Codifying the Criminal Law |
€64,717.53 |
November, 2004 |
Expert Group |
1 Year 11 Months |
|
Report on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace in EU Member States |
€54,208.00 |
June, 2004 |
Consultants |
4 Months |
|
Extending the Scope of Employment Equality Legislation: Comparative Perspectives on the Prohibited Grounds of Discrimination |
€21,216.78 |
September, 2004 |
Consultants |
2 Years |
|
Report on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace in EU Member States |
€54,207.00 |
June, 2004 |
Joint project between the Department, Gardai and External consultants. |
6 Months |
|
The Final Report of the Garda SMI Implementation Steering Group |
€1,701,415.92 (Cost for the last six years, inclusive of cost of consultants appointed to assist project) |
June, 2004 |
Joint project between the Department, Gardai and External consultants. |
6 Years 6 Months |
|
United Nations International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination — First National Report by Ireland. |
€13,569.00 |
March, 2004 |
Internally |
Not Available |
|
Developing Childcare in Ireland |
Not readily available. Carried out by Department staff |
June, 2004 |
Internally |
2 Months |
|
Report of the Inspection of Wheatfield Prison by the Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention 2003-2004 |
No Direct Costs |
February, 2004 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Report of the Inspection of Fort Mitchel Place of Detention by the Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention 2003-2004 |
No Direct Costs |
February, 2004 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Report of the Inspection of Loughan House Place of Detention by the Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention 2003-2004 |
No Direct Costs |
February, 2004 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Report of the Inspection of Arbour Hill Prison by the Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention 2003-2004 |
No Direct Costs |
April, 2004 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Name of Report |
Estimated Cost |
Date of Publication |
Conducted Internally or by Consultants? |
Length of Time Taken to Prepare |
|
Report of the Inspection of Cloverhill Prison by the Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention 2003-2004 |
No Direct Costs |
May, 2004 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Report by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on the Operation of the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Legislation 2003 |
*Minimal Irish Translation Costs |
May, 2004 |
Internally |
Not Available |
|
Annual Report for 2003 of the Visiting Committee to Wheatfield Prison |
*Minimal Irish Translation Costs |
May, 2004 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Annual Report for 2003 of the Visiting Committee to Arbour Hill Prison |
*Minimal Irish Translation Costs |
May, 2004 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Annual Report for 2003 of the Visiting Committee to Fort Mitchel Place of Detention |
*Minimal Irish Translation Costs |
May, 2004 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Annual Report for 2003 of the Visiting Committee to Castlerea Prison |
*Minimal Irish Translation Costs |
May, 2004 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Annual Report for 2003 of the Visiting Committee to Loughan House Place of Detention |
*Minimal Irish Translation Costs |
May, 2004 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Annual Report for 2003 of the Visiting Committee to Cloverhill Prison |
*Minimal Irish Translation Costs |
May, 2004 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Annual Report for 2003 of the Visiting Committee to Mountjoy Prison |
*Minimal Irish Translation Costs |
May, 2004 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Annual Report for 2003 of the Visiting Committee to Cork Prison |
*Minimal Irish Translation Costs |
May, 2004 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Annual Report for 2003 of the Visiting Committee to Shelton Abbey Place of Detention |
*Minimal Irish Translation Costs |
May, 2004 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Annual Report for 2003 of the Visiting Committee to the Training Unit Place of Detention |
*Minimal Irish Translation Costs |
May, 2004 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Name of Report |
Estimated Cost |
Date of Publication |
Conducted Internally or by Consultants? |
Length of Time Taken to Prepare |
|
Annual Report for 2003 of the Visiting Committee to Limerick Prison |
*Minimal Irish Translation Costs |
May, 2004 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Annual Report for 2003 of the Visiting Committee to the Midlands Prison |
*Minimal Irish Translation Costs |
May, 2004 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Annual Report for 2003 of the Visiting Committee to Portlaoise Prison |
*Minimal Irish Translation Costs |
May, 2004 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Annual Report for 2003 of the Visiting Committee to St. Patrick’s Institution |
*Minimal Irish Translation Costs |
May, 2004 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Annual Report for 2003 of the Visiting Committee t the Curragh Place of Detention |
*Minimal Irish Translation Costs |
May, 2004 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Annual Report of the Parole Board 2003 |
Published and translated into Irish at a cost of €2,533.96 |
November, 2004 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Report of the Inspection of Limerick Prison by the Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention 2003-2004 |
No Direct Costs |
December, 2004 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Report of the Inspection of Portlaoise Prison by the Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention 2003-2004 |
No Direct Costs |
December, 2004 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform Strategy Statement 2005-2007 |
€18,888.20 |
Submitted to Department of the Taoiseach — July 2005 — Published 30th November, 2005 |
Internally |
7 Months |
|
Closing the Gap Conference Report |
€3,655.00 |
April, 2005 |
Internally |
Not Available |
|
National Action Plan Against Racism (includes the final report on activities of Know Racism 2001-2003) |
€38,952.00 |
January, 2005 |
Part-External |
Not Available |
|
Review and Evaluation of the National Anti Racism Awareness Programme, Know Racism (published as part of the National Action Plan Against Racism) |
€19,314.00 |
January, 2005 |
Part — External |
Not Available |
|
Name of Report |
Estimated Cost |
Date of Publication |
Conducted Internally or by Consultants? |
Length of Time Taken to Prepare |
|
28th Interim Report of the Committee on Court Practice and Procedure — The Rules Committee of the Courts |
€2,048.00 |
January, 2005 |
Conducted by a standing committee external to the Department but appointed by the Minister, consisting of judges, lawyers and lay persons. |
Not Available |
|
A study of the Number,Profile and Progression Routes of Homeless Persons before the Court and in Custody |
€11,166 |
July, 2005 |
Consultants |
Not Available |
|
29th Interim Report of the Committee on Court Practice and Procedure — Inquiry to Examine all aspects of Practice and Procedure relating to Personal Injuries Litigation |
€4,732.00 |
January, 2005 |
Conducted by a standing committee external to the Department but appointed by the Minister, consisting of judges, lawyers and lay persons. |
Not Available |
|
Making the Link: Evaluation of a Pilot Juvenile Arrest Referral Scheme in Dublin’s North Inner City |
€20,000.00 |
April, 2005 |
Consultants |
18 Months |
|
Annual Report on the Garda Síochána Superannuation Scheme |
Cost is minimal |
October of each year |
Internally |
1-2 Days |
|
School Age Childcare in Ireland |
€25,000.00 |
June, 2005 |
Internally |
4 Years |
|
Report of Mountjoy Complex Replacement Site Committee |
No Direct Costs |
February, 2005 |
Internally |
Not Available |
|
Report of the Inspection of Castlerea Prison by the Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention 2004-2005 |
No Direct Costs |
February, 2005 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Annual Report for 2004 of the Visiting Committee to Cloverhill Prison |
*Minimal Irish Translation Costs |
April, 2005 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Annual Report for 2004 of the Visiting Committee to Portlaoise Prison |
*Minimal Irish Translation Costs |
April, 2005 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Annual Report for 2004 of the Visiting Committee to the Training Unit Place of Detention |
*Minimal Irish Translation Costs |
April, 2005 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Name of Report |
Estimated Cost |
Date of Publication |
Conducted Internally or by Consultants? |
Length of Time Taken to Prepare |
|
Annual Report for 2004 of the Visiting Committee to Arbour Hill Prison |
*Minimal Irish Translation Costs |
April,2005 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Annual Report for 2004 of the Visiting Committee to Midlands Prison |
*Minimal Irish Translation Costs |
April,2005 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Annual Report for 2004 of the Visiting Committee to Loughan House Place of Detention |
*Minimal Irish Translation Costs |
April, 2005 |
Independent Body |
Not available |
|
Annual Report for 2004 of the Visiting Committee to Castlerea Prison |
*Minimal Irish Translation Costs |
April, 2005 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Annual Report for 2004 of the Visiting Committee to Shelton Abbey Place of Detention |
*Minimal Irish Translation Costs |
April, 2005 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Report of the Inspection of St. Patrick’s Institution by the Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention 2004-2005 |
No Direct Costs |
April, 2005 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Report of the Inspection of Mountjoy Prison and Dochas Centre by the Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention 2004-2005 |
No Direct Costs |
April, 2005 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Second Annual Report of the Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention for the year 2003-2004 |
Irish Translation costs of €5,902.77 |
April, 2005 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Report by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on the Operation of the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Legislation 2004 |
Irish Translation costs of €529.02 |
May, 2005 |
Internally |
Not Available |
|
Annual Report for 2004 of the Visiting Committee to Limerick Prison |
*Minimal Irish Translation Costs |
May, 2005 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Annual Report for 2004 of the Visiting Committee to Wheatfield Prison |
*Minimal Irish Translation Costs |
May, 2005 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Annual Report for 2004 of the Visiting Committee to Cork Prison |
*Minimal Irish Translation Costs |
May, 2005 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Name of Report |
Estimated Cost |
Date of Publication |
Conducted Internally or by Consultants? |
Length of Time Taken to Prepare |
|
Annual Report for 2004 of the Visiting Committee to Mountjoy Prison |
*Minimal Irish Translation Costs |
May, 2005 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Annual Report for 2004 of the Visiting Committee to St. Patrick’s Institution |
*Minimal Irish Translation Costs |
May, 2005 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Third Annual Report of Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention for the year 2004-2005 |
Irish Translation cost of €4,319.28 |
July, 2005 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Report on Victim Support Organisation |
€13,955.71 |
February, 2005 |
Consultants |
3 Months |
|
Report of the Auctioneering / Estate Agency Review Group |
€35,605.32 |
July, 2005 |
Expert Review Group |
12 Months |
|
Annual Report of the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime |
€600 approx. Published on Website Only |
May, 2005 |
Internally |
11 Month |
|
An Evaluation of Intervention Programmes in Ireland working with abusive men and their partners and ex partners |
€62,305.64 |
September, 2005 |
External — Thangam Debbonaire Consultant |
1 Year 5 Months approx. |
|
Report on the Youth Justice Review |
€4,580 |
December, 2005 |
Internally |
8 Months |
|
Market Research into Public Opinion regarding Fireworks Policy |
€19,965.00 |
October, 2005 |
Consultants |
1 Month |
|
Annual Report of the Parole Board 2004 |
Published and translated into Irish at a cost of €2,448.07 |
August, 2005 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Report of the Inspection of Cork Prison by the Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention 2004-2005 |
No Direct Costs |
October, 2005 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Report of the Inspection of the Training Unit by the Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention 2004-2005 |
No Direct Costs |
October, 2005 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Name of Report |
Estimated Cost |
Date of Publication |
Conducted Internally or by Consultants? |
Length of Time Taken to Prepare |
|
Report on the Operation of the European Arrest Warrant Act 2003 in the year 2004 made to the Houses of the Oireachtas by the Central Authority in the person of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform pursuant to section 6 (6) of the European Arrest Warrant Act 2003 |
Not Available |
December 2005 |
Internally |
Not Available |
|
Report of the Inspection of the Midlands Prison By the Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention 2004-2005 |
No Direct Costs |
December, 2005 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Equality for Women Measure Annual Report 2004 |
€13,500 |
December, 2005 |
External — WRC |
2 Months |
|
Degrees of Equality: Gender Pay Differences among recent graduates (ESRI) |
€100,000 |
November, 2005 |
External — ESRI |
23 Months |
|
Report on the Operation of Part III of the Extradition Act, 1965 in the year 2004 made to the Houses of the Oireachtas by the Government pursuant to Section 6 of the Extradition (Amendment) Act, 1987 as amended by section 15 of the Extradition (Amendment) Act, 1994 |
Not Available |
December 2005 |
Internally |
Not Available |
|
Second Progress Report of the Committee to Monitor and Co-ordinate the Implementation of the Recommendations of the Taskforce on the Travelling Community |
€5,566.00 |
December, 2005 |
Internally |
Not Available |
|
The High Level Group Report on Traveller Issues |
None — Published on Website |
March, 2006 |
Internally |
Not Available |
|
Report by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on the Operation of the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Legislation 2005 |
Not available at present |
April, 2006 |
Internally |
Not Available |
|
Report of the Inspection of Loughan House by the Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention 2004-2005 |
No direct costs |
May, 2006 |
Independent Body |
Not Available |
|
Keeping Drugs of Prison — IPS Drugs Policy & Strategy |
No direct costs |
3 May, 2006 |
Internally |
Not available |
|
Name of Report |
Estimated Cost |
Date of Publication |
Conducted Internally or by Consultants? |
Length of Time Taken to Prepare |
|
Report of Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and An Garda Síochána on Trafficking in Human Beings |
No direct costs — prepared internally |
5 May, 2006 on the Departments website |
Internally |
7 Months approx. |
|
Market Research into Public Opinion regarding Crime and Law Enforcement |
€16,335.00 |
March, 2006 |
TNS — MRBI Questionnaire |
1 Month |
|
Report of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 Implementation Review Group |
€7,123.26 |
February, 2006 |
Conducted by Review Group comprising of Senator Maurice Hayes as Chairman assisted by Mr. John Donnelly, Ms. Caitriona Murphy, Mr. Vincent O’Doherty, Professor Frances Ruane and Mr. Michael Flahive. |
1 Month |
|
Report of Legal Costs Working Group |
€10,428.72 |
10 January, 2006 |
Working Group established by the Minister, which comprised representatives internal and external to his Department. |
13 Months |
|
Report of the Inspection of Shelton Abbey by the Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention 2004-2005 |
No direct costs |
May, 2006 |
Independent Body |
Not available |
|
Probation & Welfare Service Multi-Annual Reports 2000-2003 |
€70,180 |
PWS Website in March, 2006 |
Consultants |
Not Available |
|
Report on the Operation of Part III of the Extradition Act, 1965 in the year 2005 made to the Houses of the Oireachtas by the Government pursuant to Section 6 of the Extradition (Amendment) Act, 1987 as amended by section 15 of the Extradition (Amendment) Act, 1994 |
Not Available |
April 2006 |
Internally |
Not Available |
|
Report on the Operation of the European Arrest Warrant Act 2003 (as amended) in the year 2005 made to the Houses of the Oireachtas by the Central Authority in the person of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform pursuant to section 6 (6) of the European Arrest Warrant Act 2003 |
Not Available |
April 2006 |
Internally |
Not Available |
185 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the directive he has issued with regard to Sligo being 17th on list for provision of closed circuit television as Sligo must have closed circuit television in order to curb the crime on its streets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24307/06]
It is not true to say that Sligo is 17th on list for provision of closed circuit television. As the Deputy is aware Sligo is one of the 17 remaining locations nationwide which form part of the Garda CCTV programme. As part of this programme 17 Garda Town Centre CCTV Systems, including Sligo, will be implemented in the following locations: Athlone, Ballyfermot, Carlow, Castlebar, Clondalkin, Clonmel, Drogheda, Dungarvan, Ennis, Kilkenny, Kinsale, Mullingar, Portlaoise, Sligo, Tallaght, Tullamore and Waterford. The locations are listed in alphabetical order.
As I indicated previously I am anxious to accelerate the implementation of this CCTV programme and reduce as far as possible the workload of the Garda Síochána in this regard. I believe that the answer is to outsource the installation of Garda CCTV systems to the greatest extent possible, making use not only of the technical but also of the project management expertise in the private sector.
I am informed that the Garda authorities are currently finalising a comprehensive and detailed Request for Tender (RFT) for the outsourced service provision of these 17 Garda CCTV systems, including Sligo. Once finalised, this RFT will be subject to a peer review process by the Department of Finance. My Department and the Garda authorities have consulted with the Department of Finance with a view to preparing for the required peer review process in respect of this procurement. Following the successful conclusion of this review it is intended to issue the Request for Tender.
My ambition is to have a Garda CCTV system operating in Sligo and in the other 16 locations at the earliest opportunity, subject to compliance with relevant procurement legislation and procedures.
186 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to increase the numbers of gardaí on the beat in areas of high density population in Sligo. [24308/06]
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of An Garda Síochána increased to a record 12,641 (all ranks) 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 further informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of the Sligo/Leitrim Division as at 21 June, 2006 was 283 (all ranks). The personnel strength of the Sligo/Leitrim Division as at 31 December, 1997 was 257 (all ranks). This represents an increase of 26 (or 10.11%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date.
Garda Management state that this includes seven Gardaí allocated to the Sligo/Leitrim Division on 9 June, 2006 in conjunction with the most recent allocation of Probationer Gardaí. Local Management report that these newly allocated Gardaí will take up duty on the regular uniform units at Sligo Garda Station, which will result in extra members performing beat duty.
Local Garda Management report that a high visibility pilot scheme has been introduced throughout the Sligo/Leitrim Division, which will result in an increased visible Garda presence in the high density population centres in County Sligo namely Sligo Town, Ballymote and Tubbercurry. As part of this pilot scheme local Garda Management have introduced "Operation Yellow" a local initiative in Sligo town, which commenced on 14 June, 2006 ensuring that Gardaí at all ranks perform more beat duty.
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 areas referred to by the Deputy will be given the fullest consideration.
187 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if fines, issued by way of the new hand held terminals used by the Gardaí, will be issued by ordinary post; if so, the way in which proof of delivery is to be achieved. [24317/06]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the notices will be served by ordinary post. Section 18 of the Road Traffic Act 2004 provides that in a prosecution for a fixed charge offence it shall be presumed until the contrary is shown that the relevant notice under that section has been served or caused to be served.
188 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the longest period of time an applicant has had to wait for a decision from his office of a decision on the right to remain here on humanitarian grounds; and the reason for such a delay. [24323/06]
It is assumed that the Deputy is referring to applications for permission to remain in the State made pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended).
As the Deputy will appreciate, my Department will at any time have a considerable number of such cases on hands with these cases arising predominantly from persons whose asylum applications have been formally rejected with smaller numbers of cases arising in respect of persons who have otherwise become illegal in the State, e.g. where they overstayed a Visa or Work Permit etc. In all such cases, regardless of their origin, each person is served with a notice of intention to deport, as set out in Section 3(3) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and the person is advised of the three options open to them at that point in time namely to leave the State voluntarily, to consent to deportation or to submit, within 15 working days, written representations setting out reasons why they should not be deported i.e. why they should be permitted to remain temporarily in the State.
Where an application for permission to remain temporarily in the State is submitted, this must be examined having regard for all of the factors specified in Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) which are as follows:
(a) the age of the person,
(b) the duration of residence in the State of the person,
(c) the family and domestic circumstances of the person,
(d) the nature of the person's connection with the State, if any,
(e) the employment (including self-employment) record of the person,
(f) the employment (including self-employment) prospects of the person,
(g) the character and conduct of the person both within and (where relevant and ascertainable) outside the State (including any criminal convictions),
(h) humanitarian considerations,
(i) any representations duly made by or on behalf of the person,
(j) the common good and
(k) considerations of national security and public policy.
It might be noted that each case is considered individually and regardless of whether written representations are submitted or not by or on behalf of the person. Following a detailed examination of each individual case, including a consideration having regard to Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, a recommendation is made as to whether a Deportation Order should be issued or permission to remain in the State granted. Refoulement essentially relates to the safety of returning a failed applicant to their country of origin.
In light of the detailed assessment required to be carried out in each individual case, the Deputy will appreciate that this is a resource intensive exercise and, as such, it is obviously difficult to have some of the more complex cases processed as quickly as would be desirable. The Deputy will appreciate also that other factors sometimes come into play while such an application is being examined, i.e. where an applicant's circumstances change, e.g. where they marry an EU or Irish National or a recognised refugee and seek to have their position in the State regularised on such a basis. Equally, some applicants, either directly or indirectly, submit several sets of written representations which makes it difficult to complete the processing of a case within a short time-frame.
Overall, I would estimate that a relatively straight-forward application can be finalised within a matter of weeks of receipt while some others, because of the complexity of the case or other factors, will take considerably longer to finalise.
The Deputy might also wish to note that cases from certain prioritised countries, namely Bulgaria, Croatia, Nigeria, Romania and South Africa, have their asylum applications and, where appropriate, their applications for permission to remain temporarily in the State finalised within prescribed timeframes. Such cases, with occasional exceptions, are the subject of accelerated processing on the basis that, in the case of four of those States, they have been designated as safe countries of origin while, in the case of Nigerian applications, the accelerated processing of such cases is based on the fact that Nigeria would not normally be regarded as a refugee generating country.
The Deputy can be assured that all applications for permission to remain temporarily in the State are considered on their individual merits, having regard for all relevant criteria. The Deputy can also be assured that, in general, any delay in having such a case finalised will arise from the complexities associated with such a case.
189 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will appoint an additional teacher to a national school (details supplied) in County Cork where there are currently seven teachers teaching eight classes; and if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties this is causing for the class which is divided into two other classes. [24201/06]
The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year and by reference to a staffing schedule. The staffing schedule for the 2006/07 school year is outlined in Primary Circular 23/06 which issued to all primary schools recently.
The staffing schedule is structured to ensure that all primary schools will operate to an average mainstream class size of 29 pupils. Where some classes in a school have class sizes of greater than 29, it is generally because a decision has been taken at local level to use their teaching resources to have smaller numbers in other classes. Next year this is being reduced to 28 children per classroom teacher and in 2007/2008 it will be reduced to 27 children per classroom teacher. School authorities should ensure that there is an equitable distribution of pupils in mainstream classes and that the differential between the largest and the smallest classes is kept to a minimum.
In the current school year the staffing of the school referred to by the Deputy comprises of a Principal and seven mainstream class teaching posts. This is based on an enrolment of 180 pupils at 30 September, 2004. The school also has two Permanent Learning Support-Resource posts and one Temporary Learning Support-Resource post.
The mainstream staffing of the school for the 2006/2007 school year will remain at a Principal and seven mainstream class teaching posts. This is based on an enrolment of 190 pupils at 30 September, 2005.
190 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposed changes to the staffing schedule and appointment figures for teachers and principals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24209/06]
The information requested by the Deputy can be found in Circular 0023/2006 which is available on my Department's website www.education.ie. Hard copies of this circular issued to all primary schools in March 2006.
191 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science when the acquisition of a site will be completed for the proposed new second level school at Monasterevin, County Kildare; the timescale for the completion of the project in view of the school’s inclusion in the public private partnership arrangement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24212/06]
Officials in the Planning and Building Unit of my Department are actively pursuing the acquisition of the site for St Paul's Secondary School, Monasterevin, Co. Kildare which has been identified for the school.
The make up of further school bundles in my Department's PPP school building programme will be determined on such issues as the band rating allocated to each school in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria, site availability for each school, outline planning permission having being secured and the estimated total cost of the proposed school bundle.
In addition to the above, while the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) has responsibility for the procurement of the projects, the precise make-up of school bundles will be determined by my Department, in consultation with the NDFA.
192 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans for educational buildings at a site (details supplied) in County Dublin. [24223/06]
My Department is in discussions with the owners of the property referred to by the Deputy regarding the possibility of it being retained for educational use. These discussions are ongoing.
193 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made regarding the proposed new building for a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; when it is intended to apply for planning permission; and the estimated date for completion of the new school building. [24224/06]
The project referred to by the Deputy is one of 122 projects I announced last year for proceeding to tender and construction over a 12 to 15 month period.
Issues in relation to the site for this new 16 classroom school have recently been finalised and this now enables work to be done on the detailed design for the lodgement of planning permission. My Department is using a generic repeat design for this project to facilitate the early lodgement of planning permission and progression to tender and construction as soon as possible.
194 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of an application for funding for refurbishment and extension for a school (details supplied) in County Cork; if the application has been examined; if it satisfies qualifying criteria; and when a decision will be made on the application. [24225/06]
An application for capital funding towards the provision of an extension to provide ancillary accommodation has been received from the school referred to by the Deputy. The application has been assessed and is being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2006-2010.
195 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 526 of 4 April 2006, if she will furnish a reply to the correspondence; if she has satisfied herself that the service is complying with the terms of the school transport scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24226/06]
My Department has requested Bus Éireann to establish if there are sufficient numbers of pupils eligible for school transport in the area to warrant the establishment of a dedicated school transport service to the school in question. My Department will advise the families concerned on the outcome of this investigation.
196 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the percentage of primary schools that have a dedicated national educational psychological service in each of the cities Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford. [24227/06]
197 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the percentage of post-primary schools that have a dedicated national educational psychological service in each of the cities Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford. [24228/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 196 and 197 together.
The information sought by the Deputy is in the table. All primary and post primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through my Department's National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA) that is administered by NEPS and full details of which are available on my Department's website.
The number of psychologists in NEPS has increased from 43 on establishment to 122 at present. The Public Appointments Service recently concluded a new recruitment competition for the appointment of Educational Psychologists to NEPS and Regional panels have been established to allow my Department give greater priority in filling vacancies to areas with the greatest need. My Department is currently in the process of recruiting a further 9 psychologists.
|
Total schools |
NEPS schools |
% schools with NEPS service |
Total pupils |
NEPS pupils |
% pupils with NEPS service |
||
|
% |
% |
||||||
|
Cork |
Primary |
76 |
50 |
66 |
16,288 |
12,680 |
78 |
|
Post-primary |
29 |
17 |
59 |
15,757 |
7,351 |
47 |
|
|
Limerick |
Primary |
35 |
13 |
37 |
7,151 |
1,881 |
26 |
|
Post-primary |
16 |
7 |
44 |
7,705 |
3,001 |
39 |
|
|
Galway |
Primary |
31 |
26 |
84 |
6,485 |
6,148 |
95 |
|
Post-primary |
10 |
10 |
100 |
5,279 |
5,279 |
100 |
|
|
Waterford |
Primary |
25 |
15 |
60 |
5,314 |
4,053 |
76 |
|
Post-primary |
9 |
9 |
100 |
4,925 |
4,925 |
100 |
|
|
Dublin |
Primary |
471 |
305 |
65 |
109,862 |
76,337 |
69 |
|
Post-primary |
185 |
155 |
84 |
90,622 |
73,890 |
82 |
Note 1: We do not have information on city boundaries. We have included all schools with the city name in the address.
For Dublin we have included city and county
Note 2: There are 46 schools in Dublin that receive service from Dublin VECs. These 46 schools are included in the NEPS figures.
198 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 460 of 23 May 2006, if the application form for certain works will be sent to a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny as requested. [24238/06]
I wish to inform the Deputy that an application form for the proposed works has been re-issued to the school in question on 20th of June 2006. When the completed form is returned to my Department, the matter will be considered as a matter of urgency.
199 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received a petition in June 2006 from the INTO regarding the issue of class size and other Government commitments; her views on the issues raised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24239/06]
I can confirm that a petition has been received in my office. Major improvements in school staffing have been made in recent years with the hiring of more than 5,000 additional primary teachers. This represents the largest increase in teacher numbers since the expansion of free education.
Today there is one teacher for every 17 children, the lowest pupil teacher ratio in the history of the State. Aside from decreasing average class size, the unprecedented increase in school staffing in recent years has also greatly improved the services provided for children with special needs and those from disadvantaged areas. Under DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) the action plan for educational inclusion that I launched in May, 2005, there will be a reduction in class sizes to 24:1 at senior level and 20:1 at junior level in the 180 primary schools serving communities with the highest concentrations of disadvantage. With more than 600 extra resource teachers put in place in this school year, children with special needs are getting more support than ever before. It should be acknowledged how much progress has been made in this area in recent years.
Recently I announced that I have secured sufficient funding to provide even smaller classes in our primary schools in the next school year, and the Minister for Finance has committed to a further reduction in class size in the following year. Accordingly, over the next 2 years, my Department will put 500 extra teachers into primary schools to reduce class size and to tackle disadvantage.
The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on the 30th September of the previous school year. The actual number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule which is issued annually to all primary schools.
At present the general rule is that the schedule provides at least one classroom teacher for every 29 pupils in the school. Of course, schools with only one or two teachers have much lower staffing ratios than that — with two teachers for just 12 pupils in some cases and so on — but the general rule is that there is at least one classroom teacher for every 29 children in the school. Next year this is being reduced to 28 children per classroom teacher and in 2007/2008 it will be reduced to 27 children per classroom teacher.
In speaking about staffing in our schools, we have consistently said that priority would be given in the first instance to children in disadvantaged schools and those with special needs. We have done this. And now, in line with the Government commitment, mainstream class sizes are also being reduced.
200 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of reports commissioned by her Department by year since 2002 which have been published and made available to the public; the number that were conducted internally; the number that were carried out by consultants; what those reports were; the cost of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24299/06]
The information sought by the Deputy is being compiled in my Department and will be sent to her as soon as possible.
201 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the arrangements she intends to put in place to reduce class sizes where the practical constraint of physical space is a limiting factor; when those arrangements will be implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24318/06]
Any instances where planned reductions in class sizes are likely to be constrained by limited availability of space in particular schools will be addressed through the Schools Building and Modernisation Programme in the normal way.
202 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science if the purchase of the site for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare is complete, or complete subject to planning permission being granted; if plans to build the school are running parallel with the planning process; if it is anticipated the school will be built in time for September 2007; if not the contingency measures which are in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24320/06]
A suitable site for the new school has been identified and an agreement on price, subject to contract, has been reached. The contract documents were only recently received in the office of the Chief State Solicitor and are currently being examined by same. It is my intention to progress the building of the school as soon as the site has been acquired.
203 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 355 of 7 June 2006, if she will further clarify the situation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24325/06]
My Department will contact the individual concerned directly in relation to the issues raised.
204 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the decision to refuse free transport to a person (details supplied) on a school bus, which passes their home to the national school nearest to their home; and if she will use her discretion to deal with this anomaly and have a school bus ticket issued to them rather than having to depend on the vagaries of a fare paying concessionary arrangement. [24326/06]
My Department has requested Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport services on behalf of my Department, to furnish a report on the background to the case referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied.
206 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence if foreign armies can train here; if not, the reason for same; his plans to address this in view of Ireland’s commitment to participate in the EU battlegroups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24181/06]
The Attorney General has advised that there is a constitutional impediment to training of foreign troops in Ireland. As such, there are no plans for training of foreign troops in Ireland. However, as we are not a framework nation, this should not be a problem.
207 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if members of the Army, Navy or Air Corps are scheduled to engage in training exercises with EU or NATO forces in preparation for participation in EU emergency or battlegroups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24262/06]
Defence Forces personnel have for many years attended workshops, training courses, desktop exercises, seminars and other events overseas as part of their military training and will continue to do this. The Defence Forces have also attended training courses and workshops under PfP PARP, the purpose of which is to learn from best practice in other Defence Forces and includes improving the level of interoperability between forces in the context of Peace Support Operations and the Petersberg Tasks. While there are no plans for the involvement of Naval or Air Corps assets, individual members of the Naval Service or Air Corps may be deployed on overseas peace support operations as they have been in the past. Members of the Naval Service and Air Corps being deployed on overseas missions undergo the same training as any other personnel.
In relation to training for Battlegroups, most training will take place in the contributing member States, i.e. Irish troops will mainly be trained in Ireland. That said, some level of joint training with other Battlegroup participants will be an imperative. The extent of any such joint training and whether training will extend to exercising is a matter for decision by Battlegroup participants. No such training has taken place to date.
There are no plans to engage in general EU or NATO based field exercises and no basis or reason for such. The rationale for field exercises will be to improve interoperability among Battlegroup participants and, as such, I would expect that any field exercises will be for the Battlegroup participants alone.
208 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which members of the Defence Forces are expected to be trained in the use of modern equipment in preparation for PfP involvement in Europe or elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24263/06]
Ireland's Presentation Document for participation in PfP was approved by Dáil Éireann on 9 November, 1999 and, following Dáil approval, Ireland joined PfP on 1 December, 1999. Ireland also participates in the PfP Planning and Review Process (known as PARP). In common with the other EU neutrals, Ireland is using the PARP process in connection with planning for humanitarian and rescue tasks, peacekeeping and crisis management, collectively known as the Petersberg tasks. The scope of our involvement in PARP is focused on enhancing interoperability and familiarity with operating procedures in a multinational environment.
Participation in Partnership for Peace (PfP) activities is entirely voluntary and is based on the principle of self-differentiation, that is, a State selects for itself the nature and scope of its participation. It is Government policy to stay in the mainstream of peacekeeping. Ireland's participation in Partnership for Peace (PfP) enables our peacekeepers to remain abreast of developments in preparation for peacekeeping in areas such as training, interoperability and humanitarian aspects of peacekeeping. Participation enhances the ability of our peacekeepers to work with those of other countries and also enables us to share our own peacekeeping skills with a wide range of countries.
Ireland currently participates in 2 NATO/PfP-led peace support operations under UN authorisation, namely in Kosovo (KFOR) and Afghanistan (ISAF).
209 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if it is anticipated that an increase in the strength of the Army, Navy and Air Corps is warranted, in view of the likely overseas commitments with the EU or the UN; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24264/06]
210 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the strength, rank and gender, of the Army, Navy and Air Corps; if further recruitment is intended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24265/06]
211 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if an increase in strength in the Defence Forces is contemplated with a view to improved air and sea surveillance to enhance the detection of drugs consignments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24266/06]
215 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the total strength of the Army, Navy and Air Corps reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24270/06]
217 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if it is intended to increase the strength of the army, navy and air corps in line with requirements necessitated by the posting of personnel overseas having particular regard for likely requirements in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24272/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 209, 210, 211, 215 and 217 together.
The White Paper on Defence of February 2000 sets out a figure of 10,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force, comprising 930 for the Air Corps, 1,144 for the Naval Service and 8,426 for the Army. It is my intention to maintain the established Government policy of ongoing recruitment to the Defence Forces. Recruitment into the Permanent Defence Force will continue to maintain the strength at the level set out in the White Paper as required to meet military needs. The Defence Forces continue to have a proactive approach to all aspects of recruiting.
The strength of the Permanent Defence Force, the number of female personnel by rank and the strength of the Reserve Defence Force, as advised by the military authorities, is provided in the form of a Tabular Statement, which I propose to circulate with the Official Report. The figures provided are as at 30 April, 2006.
The White Paper on Defence provides for an allocation of up to 850 Permanent Defence Force personnel to be deployed overseas at any one time through the United Nations Stand-by Arrangements System (UNSAS). While this may be exceeded for short periods, deployments above this level are not sustainable on an ongoing basis within existing resources. Any commitments to EU or UN missions will be met within this context. There are no plans to increase the numbers serving in the Defence Forces above the levels provided for in the White Paper.
Responsibility for the prevention of drug trafficking and other such illegal activities rests primarily with the Garda Síochána and the Revenue Commissioners. The White Paper on Defence provides for a security role for both the Naval Service and the Air Corps to assist and support the civil authorities in this important work. While the main day to day role of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union, Government measures to improve law enforcement in relation to drugs, (including the establishment in 1993 of a Joint Task Force involving the Gardaí, the Customs Service and the Naval Service), have helped to maximise the effective use of Naval Service resources in combating drug trafficking. The Air Corps provide air support and on occasion carry the Customs National Drugs Team in an observation capacity, for the purpose of monitoring vessels suspected of drug trafficking or other such illegal activities.
There is close co-operation between the civil authorities and the Naval Service and the Air Corps in this important area. I am satisfied that the extent of Naval Service and Air Corps reconnaissance, in conjunction with the Gardaí and the Customs Service, has had a major and beneficial impact in deterring drug trafficking and other such illegal activities.
|
30 April 2006 |
|||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Lt Gen |
Maj Gen |
Brig Gen |
Col |
Lt Col |
Comdt |
Capt |
Lt |
Total Offrs |
SM |
BQMS |
CS |
CQMS |
SGTS |
CPLS |
Total NCOS |
PTES |
Cadets |
Total |
|
|
Army |
1 |
2 |
6 |
39 |
126 |
333 |
277 |
256 |
1,040 |
34 |
41 |
136 |
242 |
1,050 |
1,527 |
3,030 |
4,378 |
86 |
8,534 |
|
Air Corps |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
14 |
31 |
45 |
42 |
135 |
7 |
4 |
50 |
15 |
132 |
195 |
403 |
291 |
17 |
846 |
|
Naval Service |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
12 |
48 |
38 |
62 |
163 |
6 |
7 |
76 |
15 |
204 |
179 |
487 |
394 |
14 |
1,058 |
Lt Gen = Lieutenant General
SM = Sergeant Major
Maj Gen = Major General
BQMS = Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant
Brig Gen = Brigadier General
CS = Company Sergeant
Col = Colonel
CQMS = Company Quartermaster Sergeant
Lt Col = Lieutenant Colonel
SGTS = Sergeants
Comdt = Commandant
CPLS = Corporals
Capt = Captain
NCOS = Non Commissioned Officers
Lt = Lieutenant
PTES = Privates
|
30 April 2006 |
|||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Lt Gen |
Maj Gen |
Brig Gen |
Col |
Lt Col |
Comdt |
Capt |
Lt |
Total Offrs |
SM |
BQMS |
CS |
CQMS |
SGTS |
CPLS |
Total NCOS |
PTES |
Cadets |
Total |
|
|
Army |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
16 |
40 |
32 |
89 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
10 |
103 |
117 |
225 |
18 |
449 |
|
Air Corps |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
12 |
14 |
6 |
1 |
24 |
|
Naval Service |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
11 |
16 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
6 |
32 |
2 |
56 |
|
30 April 2006 |
|||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Lt Gen |
Maj Gen |
Brig Gen |
Col |
Lt Col |
Comdt |
Capt |
Lt |
Total Offrs |
SM |
BQMS |
CS |
CQMS |
SGTS |
CPLS |
Total NCOS |
PTES |
Cadets |
Total |
|
|
Army |
1 |
2 |
6 |
39 |
125 |
317 |
237 |
224 |
951 |
34 |
41 |
133 |
241 |
1,040 |
1,424 |
2,913 |
4,153 |
68 |
8,085 |
|
Air Corps |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
14 |
31 |
43 |
41 |
132 |
7 |
4 |
49 |
15 |
131 |
183 |
389 |
285 |
16 |
822 |
|
Naval Service |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
12 |
48 |
33 |
51 |
147 |
6 |
7 |
76 |
15 |
204 |
173 |
481 |
362 |
12 |
1,002 |
|
30 April 2006 |
||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Lt. Col |
Comdt |
Capt |
LT |
Total Offrs |
SM |
BQMS |
CS |
CQMS |
SGTS |
CPLS |
Total NCOS |
PTES |
Total |
|
|
Army Reserve |
4 |
109 |
188 |
374 |
675 |
22 |
21 |
119 |
113 |
881 |
1,428 |
2,584 |
5,963 |
9,222 |
|
Naval Reserve |
0 |
3 |
10 |
12 |
25 |
0 |
4 |
13 |
1 |
23 |
31 |
72 |
291 |
388 |
|
30 April 2006 |
||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Lt. Col |
Comdt |
Capt |
LT |
Total Offrs |
SM |
BQMS |
CS |
CQMS |
SGTS |
CPLS |
Total NCOS |
PTES |
Total |
|
|
Army Reserve |
4 |
109 |
188 |
320 |
621 |
22 |
21 |
118 |
111 |
817 |
1,060 |
2,149 |
4,050 |
6,820 |
|
Naval Reserve |
0 |
3 |
10 |
10 |
23 |
0 |
4 |
13 |
1 |
22 |
24 |
64 |
197 |
284 |
|
30 April 2006 |
||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Lt. Col |
Comdt |
Capt |
LT |
Total Offrs |
SM |
BQMS |
CS |
CQMS |
SGTS |
CPLS |
Total NCOS |
PTES |
Total |
|
|
Army Reserve |
0 |
0 |
0 |
54 |
54 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
64 |
368 |
435 |
1,913 |
2,402 |
|
Naval Reserve |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
7 |
8 |
94 |
104 |
|
30 April 2006 |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
TOTAL OFFRS |
TOTAL NCOS |
PTES |
TOTAL |
|
|
Army |
96 |
16 |
135 |
247 |
|
Air Corps |
23 |
2 |
11 |
36 |
|
Naval Service |
38 |
13 |
45 |
96 |
212 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of occasions in which military escorts have been provided for cash in transit consignments; the cost involved; the extent to which financial institutions have paid for the services in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24267/06]
I had a number of discussions with the Irish Bankers Federation (IBF) in relation to this matter last year, with a view to increasing the level of contribution by the Banks in respect of the costs incurred by the Department in the provision of Cash Escorts. Following detailed and intensive discussions between officials of the IBF, the member Banks and the Department, a detailed formal agreement was signed on 11 May, 2005.
This agreement, which is for a 5 year period, provides that the banks will pay the total actual costs incurred by the Defence Forces in the provision of cash escorts. Costs in respect of each 12 month period to end-December, will be paid the following year on or before the 1st June. This is to allow for the compilation of returns from the brigades and allocation of costs following the year-end. The first payment under the new system was paid on 1 June 2006. I agreed, at the bank's request, to defer the first payment to that date to meet the banks budgeting and accounting timeframe.
In return for my agreement to this deferral, a transitional payment of €1 million, payable before the end of 2005, was negotiated as part of the overall agreement. Therefore in 2005 the banks made their annual payment of €2.86m plus the additional €1m making a total contribution of €3.86m. A figure of €6.03 million was paid in 2006. The amount to be paid in 2007 (costs for 2006) will not be available until early 2007.
Prior to this initiative it had been the case that an annual contribution of €2.86m was being paid by the banks to my Department in respect of the provision of cash escorts since 1995. This figure was set by the Department of Finance in the 1995 budget and had not been altered since. The contribution from the Banks was designed to part-cover the total costs to the State of providing cash escorts. At that time, the contribution covered approximately 72% of the total cost arising to the Defence Forces. Based on annual costings by the Department, the relative level of the contribution had fallen in real terms over the years to the situation where it was only covering 43% of the total costs.
The total cost in respect of the provision by the Defence Forces of assistance to the Garda Síochána in protecting movements of cash for the years 2001 to 2005 is contained in the table.
|
Year |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
|
Total number of escorts |
2,488 |
2,516 |
2,335 |
2,425 |
2,252 |
|
Cost of Escorts |
€6.57m |
€6.87m |
€6.5m |
€7.5m |
€6.03m |
|
Payment received |
€2.86m |
€2.86m |
€2.86m |
€3.86m |
€6.03m |
Pay accounts for about 54% of the total costs of providing cash escorts. The non-pay costs include Security Duty Allowance (7%), Subsistence(8%), Transport (28%), and Aerial Surveillance(3%).
213 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the members of the Army, Navy and Air Corps have been issued with the necessary protective equipment in the event of having to deal with an emergency, such as chemical spillage or gas attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24268/06]
218 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence when he expects all members of the Defence Forces to be supplied with the most modern equipment in terms of body armour or respiratory protection in the event of a gas or other attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24273/06]
219 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if all members of the army, navy and air corps are supplied with breathing apparatus or other means of protection in the event of a terrorist attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24274/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 213, 218 and 219 together.
An Garda Síochána have primary responsibility for law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State. The potential threats to the State arising from terrorism are continuously monitored by them in cooperation with the Defence Forces. It is important that all prudent precautions are taken and that matters are kept under continuous review. The objective of the Government is to ensure that all State bodies can react quickly and efficiently to any large-scale emergency irrespective of whether it arises from an act of terrorism or from a man-made or natural disaster. The key issue in relation to responding to any terrorist attack is to have in place appropriate and effective plans to respond to the impact of that attack and to protect the civilian population.
The Government Task Force on Emergency Planning has worked, since it was set up in 2001, to coordinate emergency planning and response arrangements across those Government Departments that lead and support the State's response in an emergency. The focus for this work continues to be on making the necessary arrangements to, at best, prevent or, at least, minimise the risks from terrorist activities, ensuring that the protection available to the Irish people is maximised, putting mechanisms in place to support the response agencies and providing coordination for maximum efficiency and effectiveness.
The Defence Forces make contingency plans for a range of scenarios where the security of the State may be at risk. In addition, the Defence Forces have contingency plans in place in relation to the provision of Aid to the Civil Power (meaning in practice to assist, when requested, an Garda Síochána), and the provision of assistance to the Civil Authorities for a range of emergency situations.
The Defence Forces have available to them equipment for monitoring and protecting their members in dealing with Nuclear, Biological or Chemical (NBC) threats identified from time to time. They hold an extensive range of modern NBC equipment that meets their current requirements. This range includes approximately 9,500 NBC suits, of which 800 were delivered in January 2006. In addition, the Defence Forces has sufficient stock of Respirators for each individual soldier. They also have 98 of the most technologically up to date Chemical Agent Monitors and Defence Forces personnel have been trained on their operation. Other equipment on hands includes Biological Agent Detector and Screening Kits, Group Decontamination Equipment and Personal Decontamination Equipment.
The requirement for additional NBC equipment is kept under continuous review by the Defence Forces. A programme for the purchase of NBC equipment is ongoing and whatever equipment deemed necessary is purchased expeditiously to meet the changing requirements.
The Deputy specifically refers to body armour. In that regard, a tender competition was held in 2005 for the provision of body armour for the individual soldier on operational duties. An order has now been placed for 6000 units for delivery this year. The new body armour provides significantly greater protection, comfort and coverage than the old model as well as a doubling of the range of sizes available.
214 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if all Army overholders are accommodated in local authority or other housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24269/06]
Personnel on being discharged from the Permanent Defence Force are obliged to vacate married quarters within a short period of the dates of their discharge. The provision of housing is primarily a matter for the local authorities and married personnel have an equal claim on such housing as other members of the community in the same income category.
My Department is continuing to examine all options, including affordable housing and voluntary and co-operative housing schemes, in relation to the re-housing of those overholders who would in the normal way be eligible for Local Authority Housing.
216 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of trained military personnel available for air and sea rescue services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24271/06]
The Defence Forces are committed to providing support to the civil authorities specifically in relation to Search and Rescue. The Irish Coast Guard has overall responsibility for the provision of maritime Search and Rescue services within the Irish Search and Rescue Region, and the Naval Service and the Air Corps provide support to the Coast Guard in this regard as the need arises and within their available capability. While the Air Corps has withdrawn from the direct provision of Search and Rescue services, Air Corps pilots continue to train in search and rescue techniques and to provide a limited non-maritime search and rescue response. The specification for the new helicopters being acquired for the Air Corps includes a Search and Rescue capability.
Search and Rescue capability requires a wide range of available skills: piloting, winching, medical, vessel crewing, radar etc. I am advised by the military authorities that the availability of these skills within the Defence Forces is sufficient to meet their continuing commitments in this area.
The White Paper on Defence of February 2000 sets out a figure of 10,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force all ranks comprising 930 for the Air Corps, 1,144 for the Naval Service and 8,426 for the Army. There are no proposals to increase the strength of the Permanent Defence Force above the White Paper figure of 10,500. Recruitment into the Permanent Defence Force will continue to maintain the strength at the approved level.
220 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the number of reports commissioned by his Department by year since 2002 which have been published and made available to the public; the number that were conducted internally; the number that were carried out by consultants; what those reports were; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24300/06]
The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the following tables.
|
Year |
Published Report |
Cost |
|
€ |
||
|
2002 |
Department of Defence Annual Report 2001 |
€ 7,602.41 |
|
Defence Forces Annual Report 2001 |
€19,025.00 |
|
|
2003 |
Defence Forces Annual Report 2002 |
€14,785.00 |
|
Department of Defence Annual Report 2002 |
€ 7,398.48 |
|
|
2004 |
Defence Forces Annual Report 2003 |
€24,745.00 |
|
Department of Defence Annual Report 2003 |
€ 9,270.41 |
|
|
2005 |
Defence Forces Annual Report 2004 |
€26,905.00 |
|
Department of Defence Annual Report 2004 |
€13,351.79 |
|
Year |
Published Report |
Cost |
|
€ |
||
|
2002 |
Report on the nature and extent of any harassment, bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment in the Defence Forces* |
€ 63,000 |
|
2004 |
Report from Independent Monitoring Group set up to give effect to recommendations of the Doyle Report concerning harassment, bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment in the Defence Forces* |
€161,259 |
* Group was chaired by Dr. Eileen Doyle and also included civil servants from the Department of Defence as well as members of the Defence Forces.
221 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status regarding a thatching grant for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [24170/06]
Approval for a grant issued in this case. However, the applicant subsequently advised my Department that he did not wish to proceed with the proposed work.
222 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 547 of 23 May 2006, the status of the application with his Department from Roscommon County Council to fund the construction of 16 sewerage schemes in the county; when these projects will be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24194/06]
I refer to the reply to Question No 547 of 23 May 2006. The matter should be ready for determination very shortly.
223 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the response he has received to circular letter PD 1/06 from Fingal, Galway and Laois County Councils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24248/06]
Further to the reply to Question No. 330 of 17 May the responses from Galway and Laois County Co are now available and are set out in the following table.
|
County Council |
How many housing estates do you anticipate will be taken in charge in your area this year? |
How many houses are affected? |
How many housing estates for which the life of the relevant planning permission expired more than 2 years ago in the county/city area have not yet been taken in charge? |
For how many of the estates referred to in Answer 2, did the relevant permission expire more than 7 years ago? |
Total number of housing estates for which the life of planning permission expired more than 2 years ago which have not been taken in charge? |
Total number of houses for which the life of planning permission expired more than 2 years ago which have not been taken in charge? |
|
Galway |
6 |
Information not available |
163 |
83 |
111 |
2,720 |
|
Laois |
16 |
1,174 |
19 |
3 |
19 |
863 |
224 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the dialogue he has had with Kildare County Council following the publication of the Irish Business against Litter survey in May 2006; if he has satisfied himself that Kildare County Council has sufficient staffing and financial resources to ensure adequate enforcement of the litter laws and seven day street sweeping systems; if he agrees with IBAL that these two elements are of key importance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24251/06]
IBAL is one of a number of anti-litter initiatives assisted by my Department aimed at raising public awareness of litter pollution and energising support for local authority anti-litter actions. This specific initiative has been supported since 2003. My Department liaise on a regular basis with local authorities in relation to anti-litter initiatives and activities, including IBAL.
Under the Litter Pollution Acts 1997 to 2003, primary responsibility for tackling litter pollution, including allocation of resources, rests with local authorities. The appointment of litter wardens, within each authority's current authorised staffing level, is also a matter for individual local authorities and is one in which my Department has no function.
Each local authority determines its level of expenditure on individual local services, including its anti-litter operations, as part of its annual estimates process. Such expenditure is funded from a variety of sources such as rates, fees, charges and the Local Government Fund. Since 2003, Kildare County Council has received increases in general purpose funding from the Local Government Fund in excess of 44%. In 2006, the general purpose allocation for Kildare County Council is €23.8 million, representing an increase of 9.6% over 2005 and is well ahead of the corresponding national average increase of 6.73%.
In addition, since 2003 my Department has allocated a total of over €1.85 million in grants to local authorities for public education and awareness initiatives against litter: Kildare County Council received €62,000 in grant aid during this period. I envisage making further allocations of this kind to local authorities in 2006.
The National Litter Pollution Monitoring System, which measures the extent and severity of litter pollution nationally, shows that there has been an improvement in litter pollution levels countrywide in recent years. The positive trend shown by the Monitoring system is also reflected in the IBAL League results, which record that cleanliness levels in the 53 participating towns and cities are generally improving.
Litter enforcement statistics are available in the Oireachtas Library and show that local authority performance on enforcement of the litter laws continues to improve. More litter wardens have been employed and there have been substantial increases in the number of prosecutions taken and on-the-spot fines issued annually.
The eradication of litter pollution will only be achieved through a partnership approach in which all sectors — businesses, community groups, residents associations, schools and individuals — play their part. In addition to enforcement of our litter laws, awareness raising and education initiatives are vitally important if we are to change the behaviour and attitude of people, so that they dispose of their litter in a responsible way.
225 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the review of the disabled persons grant scheme is expected to be complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24253/06]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 314 of 17 May 2006. The position is unchanged.
226 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress which has been made on a common template for updating the electoral register; if guidance has been issued to local authorities by his Department; if a formula for funding the process has been identified; if so, if he will outline same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24255/06]
In law, the preparation of the Register of Electors is a matter for each local registration authority. It is their duty to ensure, as far as possible and with the co-operation of the public, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the Register.
I recently announced a package of measures, to be implemented over the coming months, aimed at assisting local authorities to improve the Register. The measures include the use of Census enumerators or other temporary personnel to support local authorities in preparing the next Register.
My Department is working with a group of local authority managers and senior officials to put in place the enhanced programme for improving the next Register. This would include ensuring that each household is visited and provided with forms and information at least twice, if necessary. In the event that this process does not satisfactorily register the household, it is proposed that written notification would then be given cautioning of the danger of being omitted from the Register.
Updated and consolidated guidance has been issued by my Department to local authorities setting out best practice to be followed by authorities in preparing and maintaining the Register. I am prepared to make increased, ring fenced financial resources available to local authorities this year to update the Register; the details involved are being examined at present.
227 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the need for an upgrading of the fire-fighting services throughout the country; if he intends to provide the resources necessary to meet the requirements, such as, enhanced training and equipment, the provision of adequate body protection and where required, protection from vandalism; when he expected to put this programme in train; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24275/06]
228 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he expects to provide the necessary resources to meet the ongoing and future requirements of the firefighting services in County Kildare with particular reference to training, equipment, station facilities or other requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24276/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 227 and 228 together.
The provision of a fire service, including equipment, is a statutory function of the individual fire authorities and my Department has no direct role in this matter. My Department supports the local fire authorities through the setting of general policy, the provision of capital funding, the issue of guidance to fire authorities in relation to fire prevention and operational matters and other such initiatives.
Over the past 25 years, almost €240 million has been provided to local fire authorities under the fire services capital programme for the provision of new and refurbished fire stations and the purchase of fire appliances and other equipment. At this stage, over two-thirds of our fire stations, including almost all of the busiest stations, have been replaced, we have a modern fleet of front-line fire appliances, and we have a modern emergency response communications system. In the current year almost €20 million has been allocated to the Fire Services capital programme. This allocation will be used to further modernise and update the resources available to the fire authorities.
In addition, since 2001, my Department has provided almost €4.2 billion in general purpose grants to assist the local authorities in carrying out their statutory functions, including the provision of fire services.
229 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of reports commissioned by his Department by year since 2002 which have been published and made available to the public; the number that were conducted internally; the number that were carried out by consultants; what those reports were; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24301/06]
My Department constantly generates internal reports in the course of its work. These reports are generated on an almost daily basis, vary in size and complexity and cover a range of topics across the entire business remit of the Department. Among the Department's more significant published reports that were prepared internally are the National Spatial Strategy, the National Biodiversity Plan & Update, Progress Report on Climate Change Strategy, and the review of the operation of the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998. My Department also produces an Annual Report each year in accordance with the requirements under the Public Service Management Act.
A considerable number of external reports have also been commissioned within the different business areas of my Department. Details of these are being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy shortly.
In sourcing such consultancy reports, my Department operates in accordance with relevant guidelines from the Department of Finance, which are designed to ensure compliance with both good procurement practice and value for money.
230 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a coordinated national approach will be taken to the provision of adequate water services to all towns in the country, including a stronger water conservation publicity campaign and strategy; if he will restrict the ability of planning authorities to zone land unless they have the capacity to provide a constant, reliable and adequate water service to all households in their domains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24319/06]
My Department coordinates and finances a major programme of investment in new and improved water services infrastructure. Details of projects approved for Departmental funding are set out in the Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 which is available in the Oireachtas Library. The water supply schemes included in the Programme are derived mainly from regular assessments of needs undertaken by local authorities, at my Department's request, as an input to the overall strategy for meeting water supply production, treatment and distribution requirements.
Local authorities have recently been requested to carry out fresh assessments of needs and to submit these to my Department by end July 2006. Any new priorities identified by these latest assessments will inform scheme selection under future phases of the Water Services Investment Programme.
The Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 also incorporates a national water conservation sub-programme under which €281 million is available to local authorities specifically to fund:
(a) management systems to monitor water use and loss in supply networks;
(b) targeted leakage control measures; and
(c) rehabilitation and replacement of obsolete supply networks. In November 2005, I increased the rate of Exchequer grant available for network rehabilitation and replacement from 75% to 90% to secure greater progress on the sub-programme.
My Department's draft guidelines for Planning Authorities on Development Plans, which were issued for public consultation in April 2006, are explicit in enjoining regard for the existing and future availability of, or the capacity to provide, infrastructure. The draft guidelines emphasise that while services are not available, zoning for development should only be contemplated where there is a reasonable expectation of the services being provided in the development plan period. Land should not be zoned if there is no reliable prospect of providing key physical infrastructure, within the plan development period or a reasonable time period thereafter, such as improved roads, footpaths, drainage and lighting to serve likely future development.
