Written Answers.

CSO Publications.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

14 Mr. Gogarty asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the Central Statistics Office publication Vital Statistics Fourth Quarter 2005 and Yearly Summary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24027/06]

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Mr. Kitt)

The Central Statistics Office published the Fourth Quarter and Yearly Summary on Vital Statistics for 2005 on the 15th of June this year, when it was also laid before this House. The statistics contained in the report are classified by year of registration. The Fourth Quarter and Yearly Summary 2005 contains a wealth of information on Ireland's social and demographic development. Some of the main general findings include:

•The number of births registered in 2005 was 61,042. This was 642 fewer than the number registered in 2004.The total period fertility rate (TPFR), was 1.88 children in 2005. This was lower than the 2004 rate of 1.95 children, but is still the highest rate in the EU.

•The number of deaths registered in 2005 was 27,441. This was 710 fewer than the number registered in 2004.

•The number of marriages registered in 2005 was 20,723. This was 104 more than the number registered in 2004.

•The number of divorces granted by the Circuit Court and the High Court in 2005 was 3,433. This was 86 more than the corresponding 2004 figure.

For the benefit of Deputies, the following statement summarises the principal findings of the 2005 Yearly Summary.

Summary of main points from the 2005 Yearly Summary

•The number of births that was registered in 2005 was 61,042 comprisong 31,369 males and 29,673 females. This was a decrease of 642 on the 2004 figure. The birth rate in 2005 was 14.8 births per 1,000 population. This was a decrease on the 2004 figure of 15.3 births per 1,000 population.

•40.5% of births registered in 2005 were to first time mothers. 32% of births were to second time mothers. 17% of births were to third time mothers. 10.5% of births were to mothers who already had three or more live born children.

•The average age at maternity was 31.0 years in 2005, compared with an average age of 30.8 years in 2004. The average age at first birth was 28.7 years in 2005, compared with an average age of 28.5 years in 2004.

•The number of births outside marriage registered in 2005 was 19,528. This was 410 fewer births outside marriage than registered in 2004. 32% of all births registered in 2005 were outside marriage.

•The total period fertility rate (TPFR) gives the theoretical average number of children who would be born alive to a woman during her lifetime if she were to pass through her childbearing years conforming to the age-specific fertility rates of a given year. The TPFR in 2005 was 1.88 children. This was a decrease on the 2004 figure of 1.95 children.

•The number of deaths registered during 2005 was 27,441, comprising 13,904 males and 13,537 females. This was a decrease of 710 on the 2004 figure.

•Of the deaths registered in 2005, 28% were due to cancer; 24% of deaths were due to ischaemic and other forms of heart disease; 12% of deaths were due to other diseases of the circulatory system; 14% of deaths were due to diseases of the respiratory system.

•There were 431 deaths due to suicide, 353 male and 78 female deaths.

•During 2005 the number of deaths of infants under one year was 244 compared with 300 in 2004. The infant death rate in 2005 was 4.0 per 1,000 live births. This was a decrease on the 2004 figure of 4.9 infant deaths per 1,000 live births. The Irish rate is lower than the current estimated EU average of 4.5 infant deaths per 1,000 live births. 35% of infant deaths occurred on their first day.

•The number of marriages registered during 2005 was 20,723. This was 104 more than the number registered in 2004. The number of divorces granted by the Circuit Court and the High Court was 3,433. This was 86 more than the corresponding 2004 figure.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

15 Mr. Gogarty asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the Central Statistics Office publication Consumer Prices, Bi-Annual Average Price Analysis, Dublin and Outside Dublin, May 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24028/06]

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Mr. Kitt)

In May and November of each year the Central Statistics Office (CSO) undertakes a special average price analysis for Dublin and Outside Dublin using the prices collected for the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for those months. The CSO collects approximately 55,000 prices quotations at various locations throughout the State for a range of goods and services for the purpose of compiling the monthly CPI. From this extensive database it has been possible to calculate comparable average prices for two regions, namely Dublin and Outside Dublin, in respect of 73 common goods and services. These 73 goods and services account for approximately 24.5% of the total value of the CPI basket of goods and services. The results of this exercise have been published by the CSO on a bi-annual basis commencing with the May 2004 publication and the most recent figures relate to May 2006.

The publication contains four tables presenting information on average price levels and comparisons for Dublin and Outside Dublin for the goods and services in question. A copy of the publication can be obtained by download from the CSO website or on request from the CSO.

In May 2006, 40 of the 73 goods and services (55%) showed higher average prices in Dublin with the remaining 33 (45%) showing lower average prices in Dublin. Overall, on a weighted basis for the products covered, average prices in May 2006 in Dublin were 3.5% higher than elsewhere. Similar differences of 3.1% and 3.2% were recorded in November 2005 and May 2005 respectively. When the price of drink in licensed premises is excluded from the comparison the remaining difference in overall average prices between Dublin and the rest fell to just 0.3% in May 2006.

Land Prices.

Denis Naughten

Question:

16 Mr. Naughten asked the Taoiseach the increase in agricultural land prices since 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23614/06]

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Mr. Kitt)

The average price of agricultural land in 1999 was €11,264 per hectare. The latest year for which figures are currently available is 2004, when the average price of agricultural land was €16,261 per hectare. This was an increase of €4,997 per hectare or 44.4% over the five year period. These figure exclude transactions involving small areas of land (i.e. under 2 hectares) and sales where the price was below €500 or above €35,000 per hectare.

Questions Nos. 17 to 22, inclusive, answered orally.

Telecommunications Services.

Enda Kenny

Question:

23 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position held by Ireland in the European league in terms of full availability of broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26552/06]

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

35 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he expects 100% availability of broadband throughout the country, as is the case in Northern Ireland; if he has identified ways and means to speed up the provision of the technology; his views on whether the utilisation of the various means available through a variety of service providers can achieve the objective much sooner than anticipated, provided that technical or financial obstructions are removed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26556/06]

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

70 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the time schedule recognised for the provision of 100% broadband services throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26554/06]

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

83 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason for the low uptake of broadband at various locations throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26555/06]

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

120 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that over 900 households in the greater Stamullen region in County Meath have no access to broadband facilities; if he will bring forward measures to ensure that Stamullen and numerous other rural and urban communities across the country are broadband enabled; the reason he has no plans to make Ireland 100% broadband enabled as has occurred with great success in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26637/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 23, 35, 70, 83 and 120 together.

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

The Government's regulatory and infrastructure policy has supported the private sector developing a competitive, affordable, and rapidly growing broadband market that offers choice of products and providers to Irish consumers and businesses.

Ireland's broadband take-up is growing very strongly. By end-March 2006, there were 322,500 broadband subscribers in Ireland. This is equivalent to almost 8% of the population or about 22% of households. Broadband take-up in Ireland grew by 112% over the twelve months to March. In fact, broadband take-up is continuing to accelerate compared to the 106% growth rate in 2005. This is more than twice the EU broadband growth rate.

It is estimated that there are already well over 350,000 broadband subscribers up to mid-2006, which is equivalent to approximately 8% of the population or one-quarter of households with broadband. This compares to about 3 in 10 households in the EU at the end of 2005.

It is accurate to say that Ireland is currently ranked low in terms of broadband take-up. However, Ireland's low ranking in the ‘take-up' league tables reflects the relatively late launch of affordable and competitive broadband services in Ireland by telecoms and cable TV companies in the early 2000s. In contrast, Ireland is now one of the fastest growing broadband markets in the European Union. In fact, broadband take-up has more than tripled to date since I set a target of 400,000 in late 2004.

In a fully liberalised market, my Department does not provide broadband services to customers. Broadband is, in fact, available in almost all parts of Ireland through a combination of DSL, fixed-wireless, cable-TV, and satellite technologies. The availability and pricing of these specific services is a matter for the private companies themselves. The Government is supporting the growth in broadband services throughout Ireland through its telecoms regulation and infrastructure policies.

The combination of telecommunications regulation and competition is driving prices down for the benefit of Irish consumers and businesses. For example, DSL pricing fell by 25% in 2005 and, according to ComReg data, it is now estimated to be about 30% below the EU average. Irish consumers now benefit from the third cheapest entry-level broadband product compared to other EU countries.

The Government is addressing the infrastructure deficit in the regions by building high-speed, open-access Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) in 120 towns and cities nationwide. Phase One of this Programme has delivered fibre optic networks to 27 towns and cities throughout the country. This Programme has been extended to over 90 towns in various locations nationwide. It is expected that these MANs will be completed during 2006 and 2007. These networks will allow the private sector operators to offer world-class broadband services at competitive costs.

My Department also offers funding assistance for smaller towns and rural communities through the County and Group Broadband Scheme (GBS). The scheme, which is technology-neutral, subsidises the roll-out of the most suitable broadband infrastructure for a particular area. The most recent call for proposals has now closed and I expect to launch further schemes of this nature shortly. To date, over 150 projects have been approved for funding under this Programme. In relation to the Stamullen region in County Meath, raised by Deputy Lynch, the GBS programme was available to fund broadband infrastructure in that area but no application was received. The GBS initiative is continually under review to ensure that it is supporting the private sector rolling out broadband services to new locations.

My Department's website, www.broadband.gov.ie, gives full details of broadband pricing and availability around the country, including DSL, cable, fibre, satellite and fixed wireless technologies. The website also lists the different products on offer and the contact details for each service provider. There is a choice of broadband services that can technically deliver broadband to any customer in Ireland at the moment.

Today, there are almost 70 of these broadband providers, a mixture of DSL, fixed wireless, satellite and cable. They are offering almost 300 different types of broadband products. Wireless broadband technology is improving rapidly. The lowering of equipment prices has made this technology much more attractive of late especially in rural areas that cannot obtain ADSL connectivity. The developments of Wi-Max and HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) offer considerable potential for the future.

Question No. 24 answered with QuestionNo. 22.

Offshore Exploration.

Liam Twomey

Question:

25 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which he has had discussions with principals or interested parties involved in oil, gas or other mineral explorations, on or offshore; if discussions have taken place regarding the licensing regime in the future; if previous commitments will be honoured; if discussions have taken place regarding the structures of a future regime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26574/06]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

29 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals in relation to the operation regarding the issue of licences for oil, gas or other mineral exploration; if it is intended to review existing procedures in this regard. [26585/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 29 together.

My Department has ongoing and widespread contacts with both the industry and the sector in general in relation to a wide range of issues. I recently put in motion a review of the licensing regime under which offshore exploration companies operate in this country. My Department will engage the advice of external experts to independently validate the proposed changes and terms of reference for such engagement are being finalised at present.

My concern is that the regime in place must be sufficiently progressive to accommodate both future variations in oil and gas prices and the high cost of deep-water field development. Any amendment of the existing terms would only apply to future licences.

With regard to non-petroleum minerals, exploration and development is undertaken by private enterprise and regulated under the Minerals Development Acts, 1940 to 1999. The current Programme for Government includes a commitment to consolidate and update the Minerals Development Acts, 1940 to 1999. Last week the Government gave its approval for the priority drafting of a new Minerals Development Bill to give effect to that commitment. This Bill, when enacted, will streamline procedures for permitting exploration for and development of mineral deposits and will help make Ireland more attractive for investment in mineral exploration. All extraction of minerals under the current Minerals Development Acts, is subject to payment of royalties to the State. I do not propose to change that policy in the new legislation.

Interested parties were consulted in our consideration of the proposed legislation by way of an invitation to prepare submissions and officials of my Department and representatives of the Irish Mining and Exploration Group of IBEC last year concluded a joint review of our exploration and mining legislation.

Electricity Interconnectors.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

26 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the progress to date in the provision of east west electricity interconnectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26545/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

Security of energy supply is a key imperative for Ireland and the European Union. The relatively small size of the Irish electricity market underlines the need for greater interconnection as a means of enhancing security of supply, promoting competition and integrating the Irish electricity market. In this context, the East-West electricity interconnector project is a key priority for the Government. I recently brought the matter to Government for a decision as to the mechanism to secure East-West interconnection in terms of financing and developer selection, informed by the advice of the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER).

My Department will now contact the CER to communicate the actions which should now be taken to ensure that the target date of no later than 2012 for operation of the interconnector is met. An announcement will be made shortly of the full detail of the Government decision proceeding with East-West interconnection. The Deputy will also note that the Committee Stage of the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill is scheduled to take place on 13th July next.

The Bill provides the necessary legislative powers for the CER, with my consent, to secure the construction of an interconnector by means of competitive tender, authorisation process, or inclusion in the development plans of the transmission system operator. The Bill provides for the possibility that related costs can be recouped through the transmission use of system charge. The Bill also addresses a present anomaly facilitating a regulated interconnector not owned by the ESB.

Proposed Pipeline.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

27 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position with regard to mediation efforts of the Corrib gas issue; the effect of recent planning rulings on Shell’s pipeline and proposed refinery and if and when he expects an announcement on an agreed approach to bringing the gas deposit ashore; the way this will benefit County Mayo, Connaught and Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26657/06]

Michael Ring

Question:

34 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position in regard to the availability of supply from the Corrib gas field; if the issues which have impeded the progress of the project in the past have been fully addressed by the various interested bodies involved; if any or all of the contentious issues have been addressed; if there are remaining matters to be dealt with; when it is expected that all outstanding issues, existing or potential, have been fully examined, evaluated and resolved with a view to making supply available; the schedule in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26583/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 34 together.

As Deputies will be aware, as a result of local concerns over the safety of the Corrib gas pipeline, I commissioned a comprehensive independent safety review last August. Following a detailed review process, including two separate phases of public consultation, Advantica, the international consultants contracted to do the work, provided me with their report earlier this year. This review found that proper consideration was given to safety issues in the selection process for the design option and route. Moreover, the review found that if a number of additional provisions were made, there would be a substantial safety margin in the design.

The most important of these provisions was that an additional pressure limitation mechanism, to ensure that the pressure in the pipeline can never go above 144bar, be incorporated into the design. Other recommendations included the drawing up of an integrity management plan and the use of PD8010 as the design code for the project.

The Review was published in May, along with a report to me on the Advantica report by my Technical Advisory Group (TAG). This Group accepted the recommendations of the Advantica Report and made a number of recommendations of their own.

I have accepted these recommendations, and any future consents to conduct further work on the project will be dependent upon the developer meeting the requirements set out in these reports. I also appointed Mr. Peter Cassells, to act as mediator between the various parties. The developer, Shell, has already accepted the recommendations made by both Advantica and TAG and has committed itself to co-operating fully with the mediation process. Given the sensitivities involved, I do not consider it would be helpful for me to comment on the mediation process that is ongoing. I remain hopeful that a successful conclusion will be achieved.

When the mediation process has concluded and the additional requirements made of Shell arising from the Advantica Review, TAG recommendations and my own Department's recommendations are met, a significant construction period will be required before gas can be brought ashore.

The Corrib gas will bring significant benefits to the State as a whole. It will have a positive impact on the security of gas supply and the balance of payments. It will also encourage further exploration and investment. In addition there will be local benefits, in terms of employment and infrastructure development.

An Bord Gais has recently had its new connection policy approved by the energy regulator. This policy will frame a feasibility study of connections to towns in Co. Mayo with a view to providing services as soon as the Corrib field is on stream.

As regards the planning issue raised by Deputy Stagg I can advise him that I have no function in relation to planning matters and that this is a matter between the planning authority and the developers of the Corrib Gas Field.

Electricity Generation.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

28 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposed role for the ESB for the generation and transmission of electricity in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26570/06]

Denis Naughten

Question:

38 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his preferences for the future ownership of the electricity grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26577/06]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

54 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if discussions have taken place with ESB management or staff regarding the future development of the ESB in conjunction with increased electricity demands and deregulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26567/06]

Denis Naughten

Question:

59 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his preferred options for the future role of the ESB in the energy market at both generation and transmission levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26578/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 28, 38, 54 and 59 together.

Future possible directions for the electricity sector, taking into account all relevant considerations including the development of the all-island Single Electricity Market, competition, security of supply, generation adequacy and consumer needs, will be articulated in the forthcoming Energy Policy Green Paper. The Green Paper, informed by the Deloitte & Touche report, among other contributions, will confirm the need for change, over time, in the electricity sector and considers the role of ESB in that regard.

As I indicated recently, the Government recognises the strategic value of maintaining the ESB as a strong and commercially viable company into the future. The retention of natural monopoly networks including the grid, in State ownership, is also a core policy tenet for the Government. I have stated that the Government does not in any circumstances favour the privatisation or atomisation of ESB. EirGrid has been fully established operationally as the national independent Electricity Transmission Operator with effect from 1st July.

Future market structures will need to take account of the reluctance of independent generators to enter the market on foot of the perceived and actual dominance of ESB. They will also reflect the creation of the Single Electricity Market from July 2007 under the all-island energy framework. The Single Electricity Market will be both a driver and enabler of further change.

In regard to my contacts with ESB Board management and staff, these are an ongoing part of my role as Minister, and that of my Department, with responsibility for the corporate governance of the ESB. On the particular issue of the future development of the company, I can confirm that representatives of the ESB unions, along with ICTU representatives, last week made a presentation to me on their joint submission to the Deloitte & Touche Review. I expect that both management and staff will take the opportunity presented by publication of the Green Paper to provide further input on this issue.

Question:

107 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the Government will institute a comprehensive biofuels strategy including the refinery and distribution network; if he has liaised with the Department of Agriculture and Food in relation to sugar refinery assets at Mallow which could be converted to biofuels and in relation to the cultivation of biofuels crops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26659/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 30, 49, 50, 93, 104 and 107 together.

Biofuels and biomass policies are critical components of overall energy policy objectives to significantly enhance the contribution of renewable energy sources to electricity, heat and transport. The Renewables Directive (2001/77/EC) obliges Ireland to develop and implement a programme capable of increasing the amount of electricity from renewable energy sources to 13.2% of total consumption by 2010. The target of 13.2% approximates to 1450 Megawatts (MW) of installed generating capacity to be operational to the electricity network by 2010. This figure has been the minimum required by the EU Directives but I have now increased Ireland's target to 15% of consumption, which approximates to 1650MW, by 2010.

Currently Ireland has over 850MW of renewable capacity connected. This consists of approximately 590MWs of wind powered plant, 236MW of hydro powered plant with the balance (circa 35MWs) made up of different biomass technologies. The additional new capacity required to achieve the target will be delivered by projects already selected under the Alternative Energy Requirement programme and the new Renewable Energy Feed In Tariff (REFIT) programme. Developers of biomass electricity generating plant may enter the REFIT programme. Biomass offers new opportunities for rural communities through diversification into energy crops and management of forest by-products. It offers significant potential for environmentally sustainable energy production, and provides valuable waste management solutions.

For these reasons I have provided for a significantly higher biomass feed-in price in the recently launched REFIT programme (€72 per megawatt hour compared to €57/MWh for wind-powered plants). I have also established new programmes to support the renewable heat and transport fuel sectors, which provide significant new opportunities for the development of bio-energy.

I have recently launched a new grant aid scheme for commercial renewable heat technologies. The scheme will allow companies and small businesses to obtain grants for the installation of wood chip and wood pellet boilers in large buildings and commercial premises. This programme is in addition to the Greener Homes scheme that I launched in March, which provides grant aid for individual domestic householders for renewable heat technologies, which includes grants for the provision of wood chip and wood pellet stoves and boilers. There has been very strong interest in the scheme since it was launched.

The 2005 pilot mineral oil tax relief scheme for biofuels has resulted in eight projects being awarded excise relief and will result in 16m litres of biofuels being placed on the Irish transport market by next year. Building on the success of this scheme, and following extensive discussions with industry and relevant Government Departments and agencies, I agreed with the Minister for Finance a further targeted package of excise relief valued at over €200m, which was announced in the Budget. The new excise relief programme will be rolled out from this year to 2010 and will enable us to reach the initial target of 2% market penetration of biofuels by 2008. This approximates to the amount of biofuels that can be produced in Ireland at present under current land use patterns, and bearing in mind the technical advances that would be required to support the economic large-scale development of second-generation biofuels from elephant grass, straw, wood and waste products.

Under current EU fuel standards, biofuel blends above 5% are not covered by all engine warranties, and any market levels around 10% could require widespread engine modification. The Department is currently reviewing these projections with the Department of Agriculture and Food and relevant industry players. When fully operational the new scheme is expected to support the use and production of some 163 million litres of biofuels each year and will provide new opportunities for the farming sector. The scheme will achieve CO2 savings of 257,000 tonnes by 2010 and represents 52% of the annual CO2 reductions to be achieved through vehicle and fuel tax measures identified in the National Climate Change Strategy.

The scheme requires State-aids approval from the Commission and I intend to launch the scheme in the coming weeks subject to ongoing discussions with the Commission. The Government is also providing funding towards the capital cost of developing biofuels processing facilities, which will critically underpin the excise relief package.

The potential for using existing facilities at the former sugar factory in Mallow for the production of biofuels and switching to the production of energy crops, is ultimately a commercial decision for developers. The new excise relief programme, which is subject to State-aid approval, will provide a framework in which farmers and potential developers can consider all such options.

One of the aims of the new scheme is to stimulate the development of biomass/feedstock production in Ireland to support a sustainable domestic biofuels industry. There are considerable potential benefits to be accrued from a cohesive approach to bio energy and biofuels for both the demand and supply sides. The Government is committed to ensuring that all relevant Departments and Agencies deliver collectively to best effect and consultations are ongoing across a range of Government Departments, including the Department of Agriculture and Food.

I will continue to work closely with my colleague the Minister for Agriculture and Food, in ensuring an integrated approach to bio energy issues and in the area of transport fuels I have asked my officials to give particular priority to maintaining and enhancing a fully holistic approach across Departments to progressing the biofuels/bio energy agenda, addressing supply and demand challenges and opportunities in a strategically planned way.

Telecommunications Services.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

31 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the amount spent on phase 1 of the MANs; the amount it is estimated that Phase 2 and 3 of the MANs project will cost; the amount of the MANs network that is currently lit; the level of uptake on the MANs; the recent contact he has had with the MANs operator; the way he intends to invigilate the operator if the present multi-million euro level of losses continues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26624/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The total cost of the Phase One MANs was approximately €85 million. All 27 networks are now complete. They have been handed over to the Management Services Entity, eNet, which was contracted in June 2004 to manage, market and maintain the networks on behalf of the State for a period of fifteen years. All the completed networks are lit and open for business. There were forty-four MAN customers by the end of April 2006.

It is important to note that the MANs will realise a return on investment over a longer period than the private sector is prepared to risk. The creation of such open-access infrastructure is seen as an essential enabler of development, and is already offering opportunities for businesses both large and small to become and remain competitive through ICT.

e-Net's contractual obligations for the management, operation and maintenance of the MANs are set out in the Concession Agreement between my Department and e-Net. Tight controls exist within the Concession Agreement to closely monitor e-Net's performance. e-Net formally reports to my Department on a quarterly basis and is obliged to file various documents throughout the contract term dealing with its activities. e-Net also publishes an annual set of accounts. The Department is at all times entitled to carry out an audit of the networks.

The cost for phase two is estimated to be in the region of €140 million. Phase two will provide networks in more than 90 towns. Subject to funding being available, a further phase that would construct networks in the remaining towns with populations greater than 1,500, could cost €80 million.

Departmental Schemes.

Mary Upton

Question:

32 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the uptake of the scallop and whitefish decommissioning programmes and the expected outcome on the whitefish programme up to the conclusion of these supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26661/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Browne)

The fishing vessel decommissioning scheme, the most extensive ever announced by the Government was originally launched in October 2005 and provides up to €45 million in funding to remove up to 25% of the older, larger and more active vessels in the whitefish sector and also remove excess capacity in the scallop fleet.

To date, twenty-one whitefish vessels and nine scallop vessels and have been decommissioned under the first phase of the decommissioning scheme. €11.6 million in grant aid has been paid in respect of these vessels and funds are available to pay the €4.4 million balance of grant aid allocated to these vessels, subject to the necessary proofs of compliance with the conditions of the scheme being provided to BIM. Consequently, some €29 million in grant aid remains available to fund the decommissioning of additional whitefish vessels.

The decommissioning scheme sets itself the target of removing up to 11,000 Gross Tonnes of capacity from the polyvalent and beam trawl segments of the whitefish fleet and to reduce the capacity of the scallop sector to approximately 4,800 kilowatts of engine power. The twenty-one whitefish vessels removed, to date, have a capacity of 3,354 Gross Tonnes, which represents approximately 30% of the whitefish target. The nine scallop vessels removed from the scallop sector represents the full programme of decommissioning recommended by Mr. Padraig White's report of July 2005.

At the ‘Fish Ireland Expo' in Killybegs last Thursday, I launched the second round of the Fishing Vessel Decommissioning Scheme. This round, which is restricted to whitefish fleet, seeks to retire a further significant portion of the older whitefish vessels, so that those vessels remaining in the fleet, can operate in a climate where their catching power and economic requirements are in better balance with the resources available to the State, under the Common Fisheries Policy.

The closing date for the second round of the scheme is Friday 18 August and I anticipate that eligible whitefish vessels will be approved for decommissioning grants in September 2006.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Damien English

Question:

33 Mr. English asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of potential electricity or renewable energy suppliers with whom his Department has had discussions in the context of the development of renewable energy, compliance with Kyoto principles, adherence to the EU objectives and his Department’s projections for the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26558/06]

David Stanton

Question:

74 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has satisfied himself regarding the progress to date in the provision of alternative electricity generating sources with particular reference to renewables and import substitution; if he intends to incentivise alternative generating capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26580/06]

Additional targets beyond 2010 will be determined in the context of the development of an all-island electricity market. The aim is to develop a long term strategy to support increased renewable energy penetration on the island as a whole. To this end a consultation paper entitled "2020 Vision for Renewable Energy" was published in July 2005. The responses to this paper are available on my Department's website and will inform future policy in this area.

As part of this work a major all-island grid study is underway to examine the implications of significantly increased renewables in the electricity mix on the island by 2020.

Question No. 34 answered with QuestionNo. 27.

Question No. 35 answered with QuestionNo. 23.

EU Regulations.

John Perry

Question:

36 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will clarify the position in view of the EU position on minimum import price against the Norwegian salmon industry, which is designed to remain in place for five years, and in further view of the fact that Brussels was clear to note that that intervening period should be used by the Government to restructure the industry, and make it more competitive and ready for open market trading; the action being taken regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26588/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Browne)

On 21 January 2006, the Council of the European Union adopted a Regulation imposing anti-dumping measures in the form of a Minimum Import Price of EUR 2.80 per kilogram for imports of farmed salmon (whole fish, fresh, chilled or frozen) from Norway to the EU. The Norwegian government decided on 21st February 2006 to file a complaint with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in respect of the European Union's Anti-Dumping measures. The case is under consideration by the Disputes Settlement Body of the WTO. The Department will continue to work closely with the industry representatives, the EU Commission and the UK authorities to ensure that there is a robust case made in defence of the current Anti Dumping measures.

In relation to the restructuring of the Irish farmed salmon sector, under the National Development Plan, grant aid is available to support investment in aquaculture aimed at increasing the competitiveness of the Irish salmon farming sector.

In addition, a new grant aid initiative was announced late last year to improve the competitiveness and environmental impact of marine based salmon farms, in the context of restructuring the sector. The rate of grant aid applicable to qualifying projects is to 65% of eligible expenditure with a total grant aid budget available of €1 million. The impact of this measure is intended to allow the Irish salmon farming industry to achieve a more competitive unit cost of production. The Measure is being implemented during the course of 2006 and is designed to be part of a co-ordinated response to restructure the sector during the period of the Minimum Import Trade Protection Measure put in place by the Commission of the EU.

I am pleased to announce that last Wednesday, the 28th June 2006, the NDP Aquaculture Measure Selection Committees approved grant aid, under the Technical and Environmental Support Programme (TESP), on 7 projects with a total investment value of €3.5m. It is expected that these projects will be completed by the end of 2006 and that the effect of these investments will be to substantially improve the competitiveness and the environmental impact of the Irish salmon farming sector.

BIM is also stepping up its marketing effort by pursuing a strategy of differentiating Irish farmed salmon in the home and international market, through the use of the world class product quality assurance scheme already in place, together with increased niche marketing of the unique Irish organic salmon.

Broadcasting Services.

Joan Burton

Question:

37 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the analysis of RTÉ, that the process of digital switch over that has already begun in the UK will affect the television reception in Irish homes along the eastern seaboard by 2008 and along the border regions by 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26650/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The UK has a schedule to switch off analogue TV in different regions from 2008 to 2012. In the development of a switchover plan, the Irish communications regulator will work closely with the UK to ensure the continued protection of analogue TV in Ireland. Notwithstanding, it should be noted that as the UK switch off analogue TV progresses, reception in Irish homes will be affected because Irish analogue TV viewers will no longer be able to receive UK channels. It is expected that viewers who have digital TV will continue to receive UK channels.

Currently, digital TV is available in Ireland over cable and satellite. A pilot to explore the possibilities for introducing digital terrestrial television is also being launched by my Department with a view to ensuring that Ireland's broadcasting services continue to compete with the rest of Europe in the future.

Question No. 38 answered with QuestionNo. 28.

Energy Reserves.

Joe Costello

Question:

39 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the Government’s target for oil reserves to be held in Ireland or abroad under the auspices of the National Oil Reserves Agency; the number of days the reserve currently stands at; his views on access to stocks held abroad in the event of an oil crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26633/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

Under the European Communities (Minimum Stocks of Petroleum Oils) Regulations, 1995, the National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) acts as an agent of the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and is responsible for the maintenance of such levels of strategic oil reserves as I, as Minister, determine at least once a year.

On 1 May 2006 Ireland's oil stocks reserves were estimated — using the International Energy Agency methodology — at 99 days net imports. This comprised 32 days stocks held in Ireland by NORA, 32 days held in Ireland by oil companies and oil consumers, with the balance of 35 days being held abroad either directly by NORA or on its behalf under what, in the industry, is termed "stock tickets" — the latter being a mechanism whereby NORA has the option to buy, under commercial contracts and at market prices, volumes of oil in the event of an oil emergency being declared. At 1 May 2006 therefore some 64 of the 99 days stocks were held in Ireland, with 67 of the 99 days being under the control, either directly or indirectly, of NORA.

The holding of stocks in other EU Member States is provided for in the relevant EU Directive on oil stocks which provides that where stocks are held abroad the actual availability of the stocks for the beneficiary body — in this case NORA — must be guaranteed at all times throughout the period of the contract by the undertaking holding the stocks.

Over the past 5 years, Ireland's monthly levels of oil reserves — using the IEA methodology — have been consistently in or around 100 days. In addition, in the event of a significant global oil supply crisis, Ireland's oil reserves would be extended out over the period to supplement continuing available commercial supplies. In this context reserves provide cover for periods far in excess of their expression in terms of number of days.

Internet Use.

Simon Coveney

Question:

40 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which directly, through the Regulator or through the use of improved technology, he will ensure the elimination of spam on the internet. [26534/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) has no function with regard to spam. The development of technology is a matter for the industry itself.

My Department and the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner are represented on working groups set up by the EU and the OECD to explore the options for controlling spam, the EU in the context of the Member States and the OECD in the wider global context.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

41 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the plans he has to follow the example of the British Government and ensure that Government offices are carbon neutral by 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26646/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

Under the Public Sector programme, operated by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), energy performance is enhanced through improved design, investment and management in new and refurbishment projects. This programme recognises the diversity of buildings, potential for improvement, impending regulations and directives, and the capacity to influence other sectors of the economy.

To date the public sector programme has supported over 150 projects within this sector. The annual energy savings relating to public sector approved projects is €4.4m. This represents a 39% reduction in CO2 emissions per SEI funded public sector buildings after intervention. Recently supported projects include the new civic offices for Kildare County Council, an 850kW wind turbine at Dundalk Institute of Technology, and the refurbishment and extension of Cork County Hall.

The OPW is playing a key role by establishing an energy management bureau for 200 of the largest central government offices. A web based monitoring and reporting system will enable comparison of the performance for all buildings. The bureau will identify poor and abnormal performing buildings and conduct selective energy audits to determine causes and report on remedial measures or investment opportunities. Under the recent Energy End-use Efficiency and Energy Services Directive of the European Union, the public sector is required to give a lead to the rest of the economy in energy efficiency.

Officials in my Department are currently in contact with the OPW and SEI with regard to examining the possibility of installing energy efficient technologies in decentralised buildings. I will be publishing a Green Paper on Energy Policy within weeks which will launch the consultation on this and related issues with a view to publishing a White Paper towards the end of the year.

Proposed Legislation.

Shane McEntee

Question:

42 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the satisfaction he expressed at the joint launch of the new geological map of Ireland is indicative of his intention to reintroduce the GSI Bill, previously withdrawn from circulation; his views on whether it is timely to update the relevant legislation having particular regard to the vintage of the existing law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26576/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I accept fully that it is important to modernise the legislation governing the operations of the Geological Survey of Ireland. A certain amount of preparatory work on such legislation has been undertaken in my Department.

However, the question of converting the GSI into a non-commercial state agency, as distinct from its current status as a division of the Department, has arisen separately from the preparatory work on the draft legislation. I believe that it is important to form conclusions in relation to this issue before proceeding withnew legislation. If a change of status is proposed then the proposed legislation will need to be expanded in scope.

Fisheries Conservation.

Jack Wall

Question:

43 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will report on the work of the three person expert group in relation to salmon fishery; if he will follow the scientific advice and the decision of the National Salmon Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26662/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Browne)

I announced last March that I had decided to adopt the recommendations made to me by the National Salmon Commission (NSC) in relation to the total allowable salmon catch for 2006. At the same time I also reaffirmed the Government's commitment to fully align with the scientific advice provided on the management of the wild salmon fishery by 2007.

Arising from my undertaking to follow the recommendations of the Standing Scientific Committee of the National Salmon Commission to fully align the management of the wild salmon fishery with their scientific advice for 2007, I established the Independent Group, to which the Deputy refers, to examine the implications for the commercial sector in 2007 and beyond. The Group will make recommendations on the options available to address any financial hardship arising for individuals involved in commercial salmon fishing from full compliance with the scientific advice for 2007.

I have previously described the specific remit of the Independent Group to the House, which requires them, inter alia, to draw on the reports already generated through the National Salmon Commission, by the National Fisheries Managers Executive and the Standing Scientific Committee and engage in appropriate consultation with relevant stakeholders.

The group placed advertisements in the media last April inviting submissions from interested parties, the closing date for which was 30th June 2006. I am also advised that the group has taken a number of meetings with stakeholder representatives. I expect that this approach will allow for an appropriate level of consultation with all stakeholders in the sector. The independent group is continuing its work and is expected to present its report to me in September 2006.

Question No. 44 answered with QuestionNo. 22.

Fisheries Industry.

Willie Penrose

Question:

45 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason there are no figures available for the numbers of people employed in the seafood processing industry for the years 2001 to 2004; the way he plans to develop a seafood strategy without any hard data for seafood production and employment in those years; the directions given to his Department and the marine agencies such as BIM on establishing statistical data on the seafood sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26639/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Browne)

Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) maintains a comprehensive set of annual data on aquaculture production, domestic seafood sales, seafood exports and imports. A census of employment in all seafood processing and marketing companies generated comprehensive data on this sector for the years 2000 and 2005. A specific database is maintained on all client companies in this sector on which data, including employment numbers, is regularly updated thereby allowing for estimates to be produced.

Council Regulation (EC) No. 1543/2000 of 29 June 2000 establishing a Community framework for the collection and management of the data needed to conduct the common fisheries policy came into force on 1 January 2004 in respect of the fishing fleet and 1 January 2006 in respect of the processing sector. The collection of data as provided for in the above Regulation is being undertaken by BIM in respect of employment in the fisheries sector. I will make available to the Deputy a detailed compendium of statistics on the seafood sector as provided for by BIM.

This data will be made available to the 3-man Strategy Group that I recently appointed to oversee the development of a new seafood strategy to take the industry forward.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

46 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the measures he has taken to promote condensed boilers. [26599/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The House of Tomorrow programmes of Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) stimulate the widespread take-up of more sustainable energy planning, specification and construction practices in both new home building and the home improvement markets.

Among the demonstration projects funded under the House of Tomorrow programme are many featuring condensing boilers which show a higher efficiency in their use of energy. The experience in these pilot projects is a valuable input to consideration of policy options for the future.

In order to comply with the requirements of Article 8 of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), SEI is also developing a programme for the promotion of energy efficient boilers and boiler servicing in Irish homes. The first step in the programme is the development of a national database that will provide details regarding the efficiency of home-heating appliances which are placed on the market in Ireland.

The database will have two functions (1) to provide data on heating appliance efficiency for the energy rating of homes to meet the requirements of the EPBD and (2) to provide general consumer information on the efficiency of heating appliances available for purchase in Ireland.

The database will be known as the Home-heating Appliance Register of Performance (HARP) Database and is expected to be published in September 2006. The appliances will be listed in order, with the most efficient appliances placed at the top of the list. This will serve to highlight and promote the more efficient heating appliances that are available on the market, such as condensing boilers.

The registration process involved will also enable the Government to ensure that all boilers listed in the database comply with the requirements of the Boiler Efficiency Directive, which sets minimum energy efficiency requirements for boilers placed on the market.

Post Office Network.

Paul McGrath

Question:

47 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has received information regarding the closure of post offices throughout the country in the past five years; the number of post offices downgraded or closed down; the number of sub-post offices closed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26564/06]

Tom Hayes

Question:

87 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number and location of rural post offices and urban post offices that have been closed or downgraded in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26560/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 87 together.

The opening, conversion and closure of individual post offices is a matter for the board and management of An Post. With regard to the post office network, as clearly set out in the Programme for Government, this Government and the board of An Post are committed to the objective of securing a viable and sustainable nationwide post office network.

Notwithstanding that, in line with similar trends across Europe, An Post has undertaken some network restructuring in recent years, Ireland still has one of the highest number of post offices per head of population in the EU. While the Government will support the network in any way it can, the best way to maintain a viable nationwide network is for An Post to enhance existing services and, building on existing strengths, to develop new product offerings. In this light, I asked An Post to bring forward a strategy to put the network on a long-term financially sustainable footing while maintaining its nationwide reach.

The Government recently approved that the board and management of An Post enter into exclusive negotiations with the company's preferred bidder, Fortis, to expand the range of retail financial services available through the post office network with a view to increasing the levels of post office business.

I would refer the Deputies to Appendix 1 as follows which outlines the information requested on the location of the 435 post offices closed or converted to agency in the last five years.

Appendix: Location and number of post offices either converted to agency or closed
Carlow	4
Cavan	27
Clare	10
Cork	50
Donegal	22
Dublin	12
Galway	19
Kerry	10
Kildare	5
Kilkenny	17
Laois	7
Leitrim	16
Limerick	24
Longford	8
Louth	9
Mayo	39
Meath	10
Monaghan	14
Offaly	10
Roscommon	20
Sligo	21
Tipperary	27
Waterford	4
Westmeath	20
Wexford	20
Wicklow	10

Internet Use.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

48 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will estimate the level of e-literacy across the State; if there are significant differences in e-literacy due to age, gender, geographical differences; the measures he is recommending to his colleagues in the Departments of Education and Science and Finance to address the lack of basic computer skills across certain demographic categories; if he and his Government colleagues are considering bringing forward a digital inclusion strategy; the reason the Government supplied no data to the EU and Eurostat in a recent survey on e-literacy across the EU; the way he interacts with his colleague e-Minister Mr. Tom Kitt on e-literacy issues; the way responsibilities are divided between the two Ministers in relation to these matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26636/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I have no function in these matters. This question is more appropriate for the inclusion Policy Unit in Department of the Taoiseach.

Questions Nos. 49 and 50 answered with Question No. 30.

Fishing Industry Development.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

51 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the Government is supporting proposals by the European Commission to ease the fisheries aid rules and introduce a new limit on fisheries aid to be set at €30,000 per person over a three year period; the timeframe for introducing this new limit; the amount of times his Department has sanctioned the payment of fisheries aid in the years 2000 to 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26635/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Browne)

Bord Iascaigh Mhara is the responsible authority for the administration of de minimis aid for the fisheries sector in Ireland. Currently the Commission Regulation on de minimis aid to the agriculture and fisheries sectors, Commission Regulation (EC) No 1860/2004, allows Member States to make grant aid payments up to a maximum of €3,000 per individual in any period of 3 years without requiring approval under EU State Aid rules.

The European Commission has now proposed a new Regulation for the fisheries sector. The new regulation proposes raising the ceiling to €30,000 per beneficiary, per three year period. In accordance with the procedure applying to the setting of de minimis aid, the Commission will now consult the Advisory Committee on State Aid, and will subsequently publish the draft Regulation in the Official Journal of the European Union for consultation purposes. I will examine the new proposals, in consultation with Industry representatives to determine Ireland's position with regard to this draft Regulation. The draft Regulation will be discussed at EU level during the autumn.

Under de minimis rules BIM, as the implementing body for grant aid to the fisheries sector, has made 237 grant payments between 2000 and 2005 amounting to €199,499, for projects concerning vessel safety and tonnage re-measurement.

Harbours and Piers.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

52 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will provide information on the €7.9 million funding for coastal protection and small harbours during 2006; if this funding will increase in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26629/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Browne)

Under the Small Fishery Harbours Programme 2006 €4.186 million has been allocated for the improvement of facilities at small harbours and landing places with a key role in maintaining jobs in fishing, aquaculture and ancillary activities. €3.721 million has been allocated under the Coastal Protection Programme 2006 to address priority coast protection works around the coastline.

A number of the projects are being co-funded with the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and this Department under the CLÁR scheme. This scheme is to facilitate minor repairs and safety works on small piers, slipways and coastal erosion in CLÁR areas, including Gaeltacht areas and islands.

A list of projects under the Coastal Protection and the Small Harbours Programmes showing breakdown of funding is attached.

The financial envelope including funding requirements for the fishery harbours and coast protection measures under the NDP 2007-2013 is currently being formulated.

Small Harbours Programme 2006
Project	Project Description	DCMNR Cost 75%/ 37.5%	Co-funded DCRGA 37.5%	Total cost 100%
		€000’s	€000’s	€000’s
Wexford
Courtown	Grouting and structural repairs to harbour wall	37.5	—	50
Kilmore Quay	Site investigation to complement hydrographic survey	135	—	180
Killurin Pier	Slipway reconstruction and safety works	22.5	—	30
Slade Harbour	Structural improvements to old pier wall	30	—	40
Cahore	Protection works	18.75	—	25
Waterford
Ardmore Pier	Raising of the Deck Level	12	—	16
Blackwater	Construction of slipway and turning circle	45	—	60
Cork
Knockadoon	Redecking & reproofing of slipway	75	—	100
Schull Pier	Relocation of services and new lighting	33.75	33.75	90
Kerry
Caherciveen Pier	Additional fendering	7.5	7.5	20
Renard	Repair and stabilisation of pier (study)	75	—	100
Tarbert	Structural assessment	8	—	10
Limerick
Kilteery	Surface decking	19	—	25
Clare
Ballyvaughan	Pier Repairs	44.625	44.625	119
Doonbeg	Pier extension and dredging (SI and design)	22.5	—	30
Carrigaholt	Repairs to old pier & dredging	64	64	170
Galway
Cleggan Pier	New Berthage & access (preliminary report)	54.75	—	73
Blackweir, Maree	Holding tank & breakwater	120	—	160
Rosroe	New key wall and slipway	74.55	74.55	198.80
Ballyconnelly	Construction of access road	60	60	160
Wallace Quay	Construction of access road, new deck slab and parapet wall	75	75	200
Parkmore Pier, Kinvara	Essential repairs	22.5	—	30
Mayo
Purteen	New development options study	75	—	100
Newport	Repairs to quay and dredging	37.5	—	50
Roigh pier	New Slipway	75	75	200
Cloghmore	Re-deck old pier and structural improvements	56.25	56.25	150
Sligo
Raghly Pier	Harbour Improvement works	202.5	—	280
Donegal
Dungloe	Slipway and turning area	67.5	67.5	180
Burtonport	Dredging	585	—	780
Buncrana	Breakwater	225	—	300
Woodquarter	Lighting	7.5	—	10
Portnoo	Urgent safety works	22.5	—	30
Arranmore, Stacamore Pier	Re-decking and mooring rings	7.5	7.5	20
Donegal Town	Pontoons for small craft and waterbus with slipway extension	150	—	200
Totals	—	2,568.17	565.67	4,186.80

Coast Protection Programme 2006
Project	Project Description	DCMNR Cost 75%/ 37.5%	Co-funded DCRGA 37.5%	Total cost 100%
		€000’s	€000’s	€000’s
Louth
Port Beach	Study	29.25	—	39
Annagasssan	Rock revetment Phase 3 (Continuation)	97.5	—	130
Meath
Mornington	Armour Protection	75	—	100
Bettystown-Laytown	Coastal Protection Study	9	—	12
Laytown-Seafield Road	Coastal Protection study	9	—	12
Dublin (Fingal)
Portrane	Repairs to dunes at the Borrow	75	—	100
Dublin City Council
Clontarf	Studies/advanced design/site investigations	187.5	—	250
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown
Killiney	Gabions at Killliney Beach (continuation)	215.981	—	287.975
Wicklow
The Murrough	Coastal Studies	41.25	—	55
Bray	Flood prevention works work to promenade	4.5	—	6
Bray to Greystones	Protection works to cliff walk (continuation)	69.085	—	92.113
Wexford
Courttown	Project planning and design stage for major protection scheme	75	—	100
Rosslare	Rock revetment	375	—	500
Ballinamona	Restore access to beach	37.5	—	50
Carne	Rock revetment	75	—	100
Rosslare	Study of coastal dynamics and protection requirements	150	—	200
Rosslare	Maintenance work at Rosslare Strand	45	—	45
Waterford
Bonmahon	Reconstruction of sand dunes Protection works scheme design	656.2	—	875
Ballyquin	Rock armour and Gabion wall	75	—	100
Cork
Glyeen	Cliff protection works (Continuation)	206.25	—	275
Kerry
Rossbeigh	Cliff and road protection studies and design. Linked to dredging at Cromane Pier project	15	—	20
Maharees	Revetment works	14	—	18
Baile an Rannaig	Protection to sand dunes in Smerwick Harbour	26.25	26.25	70
Cooncrome	Protection works to car park	18.75	18.75	50
Gleesk	Repairs and strengthen sea wall	11.25	11.25	30
Mayo
Mulranny Beach	Repairs to causeway and bridge	37.5	37.5	100
Donegal
Bundoran	Construction of retaining wall	78.375	—	104.500
Total		2,709.94	93.75	3,721.588

Alternative Energy Projects.

Jack Wall

Question:

53 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the implications of the consolidation of the national retail and wholesale oil distribution network on his expressed aim of developing a vibrant Irish biofuels sector and network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26647/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The importation, distribution and retail oil industries are fully privatised and deregulated. Companies make business decisions based on commercial considerations.

Under the merger provisions of the Competition Act 2002, parties to mergers and acquisitions must notify the Competition Authority of their proposed merger or acquisition in advance and obtain regulatory clearance before they can complete the transaction. The Authority is independent in respect of its statutory functions.

Biofuels are not generally available through the petrol station network at present. I do not expect that current trends in the network, which is a commercial matter for the companies concerned, will adversely affect ambitions to progressively mainstream biofuels within the fuel supply system.

Question No. 54 answered with QuestionNo. 28.

Broadcasting Services.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

55 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which radio and television programmes here are being made available throughout the island; if he has examined the prospect for a higher degree of transmission to other jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26542/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

There are no specific legislative impediments to commercial broadcasters who wish to broadcast to the Irish community in Britain, or elsewhere in the European Union, on a purely commercial basis.

As regards public service broadcasting, RTÉ's statutory mandate, as defined in section 28(1) of the Broadcasting Act, 2001, provides that RTÉ's radio and television services shall be made available, in so far as is reasonably practicable, to the whole community on the Island of Ireland. As such RTÉ's statutory mandate does not extend to the provision of radio or television services to Irish communities living in Britain or elsewhere.

As a consequence RTÉ may not use the proceeds of the television licence fee to provide such services. However, it should be noted that many people living outside of the Island of Ireland already enjoy access to a considerable quantity of RTÉ's television programming by way of the Internet, and to RTÉ's radio services by way of satellite, LW and MW and the Internet.

In the light of the recommendations of the Task Force on Emigration, the issue of amending RTÉ's public service remit to include the provision of television services to Irish communities in Britain is currently being considered in the context of development of the legislative proposals that will form the basis of the proposed Broadcasting Bill.

It is anticipated that these legislative proposal will be published shortly.

Postal Services.

Damien English

Question:

56 Mr. English asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which postcodes are expected to be used to improve the viability of An Post and the quality of service to the consumer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26559/06]

Michael Noonan

Question:

66 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the total cost of the introduction of postcodes; the revenue expected to be generated therefrom in a single year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26547/06]

Martin Ferris

Question:

82 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has had meetings with An Post or unions regarding his pledge to have new postcodes in place by 2008; and if he has taken their concerns on board. [26504/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 56, 66 and 82 together.

In order to examine the introduction of a postcode system in Ireland, I established a Working Group comprised of people with experience of the postal sector, together with the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, which is the lead Department for the Irish Spatial Data Infrastructure Initiative to examine the issue of the introduction of a postcode system in Ireland.

This group produced its report last year which found that the introduction of a publicly available postcode could deliver many potential benefits by improving efficiencies and quality in the postal sector, stimulating mail volume growth, assisting utilities and emergency services and assisting in the delivery of Government services.

To further investigate the matter, I asked ComReg to appoint consultants with the specialist expertise to provide technical and economic advice including assessing the costs and benefits of the introduction of a postcode. ComReg appointed both technical and economic consultants. I appointed a National Postcode Project Board, comprising representatives of Government departments, together with public and private sector organisations to oversee the work and output of the consultants.

One constituent part of the consultants' work programmes was that they were to engage in a process of stakeholder consultation with a view to arriving at a postcode model that best meets the needs of the stakeholders and measures the likely costs and benefits of the introduction of such a postcode.

Both the technical and cost benefit advisors to the project engaged have concluded their consultations with key stakeholders including An Post and its union and are now finalising their reports to the postcode board the most appropriate postcode system for Ireland, the costs and benefits arising from its introduction along with a detailed implementation plan. The board will then present its recommendation to me for my consideration in the coming week.

Electricity Generation.

Billy Timmins

Question:

57 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the persons to whom the responsibility will fall to build the new electricity generation station at Aghada; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26569/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

Within the liberalised, competitive energy market, it is open to any person to apply for the necessary authorisations and permissions to construct a power generating station. Naturally, this would be a commercial decision for the individuals involved.

In the event that new generation capacity is necessary to ensure security of supply, Regulation 28 of S.I. 60 of 2005 provides that it is the responsibility of the Transmission System Operator to so advise the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). The CER is then required to take such measures as it considers necessary to protect security of supply. Such measures may include securing, with my consent as Minister, the provision of new or additional generating capacity by competitive tender.

Under Section 16(1) of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999, as amended by Regulation 13 of S.I. 60 of 2005, a person shall not construct or reconstruct a generating station unless the Commission for Energy Regulation has granted an authorisation to the person. Section 16(2) of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 specifies that this applies also to ESB.

Section 18 of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 provides that the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources shall specify by order the criteria in accordance with which an application for an authorisation to construct or reconstruct a generating station may be determined by the Commission.

S.I. 309 of 1999 sets out these criteria. In summary, the criteria are: safety and security of the electricity system, efficient use of energy, compliance with grid or distribution code(s), application for relevant statutory consents, ability to construct / commission in specified timeframe, provision of specified ancillary services, fuel-switching capability, fitness of applicant (including financial capacity and technical skills), and ability to comply with Public Service Obligations.

In addition to the authorisation to construct a generating station from the CER, a proposed developer of a generating station must also obtain the necessary planning permissions and a grid connection offer from the Transmission System Operator.

The Aghada power generation site is owned by the ESB and, in accordance with section 2(1) of the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Act 1982, ESB would require prior Ministerial approval for any major capital expenditure proposed for that site, including the development of a new electricity generating station. No formal proposal has been received to date by the Minister from the Board in this regard.

Dan Boyle

Question:

58 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources further to his recent commitment to increase the share of electricity generated from renewable sources to 15 per cent by 2010, the proposed means by which the new target will be achieved; and if he intends to increase the renewable energy feed in tariff programme accordingly. [26591/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I launched REFIT on 1st May and the programme opened on 1st June. Sixty one applications were received and my officials are currently in consultations with the applicants.

The published target in REFIT is an additional 400 megawatts (MW). However the programme is designed in such a manner that it can continue to accept any additional applications and the capacity limit can be increased. There is, therefore, no administrative barrier to preclude the current REFIT programme from delivering the additional capacity required.

Question No. 59 answered with QuestionNo. 28.

Offshore Exploration.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

60 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the stage oil and gas exploration licenses are at for the Slyne and north west exploration province; the persons who are carrying out his promised review of licensing terms and conditions; the terms of reference of the review; when it will be complete and available to the Houses of the Oireachtas; if he will be making a submission to the Department of Finance in time for Budget 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26658/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I expect to issue licence offers to successful applicants in the Slyne/Erris/Donegal Round shortly.

In relation to the review of licensing terms under which exploration companies operate, my Department has already carried out considerable analysis with a view to amending the licensing terms. Terms of reference for an independent review of licensing terms and the work already completed by my Department are being finalised with a view to being put out to tender. Consultation with the Minister for Finance would of course be necessary in circumstances where it is proposed to amend the existing fiscal terms.

Navigational and Communications Technology.

Shane McEntee

Question:

61 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if, arising from the recent launch of the new geological map of Ireland, it is intended to complete GPS associated mapping throughout the whole country with a view to enhancing navigational and communications technology with consequence to consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26575/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I understand from my colleague, the Minister for Finance that Ordnance Survey Ireland has completed national coverage of GPS compatible mapping for the state and has the capability to supply such data in either the widely used Irish Grid format or new developed Ordnance Survey GPS compatible format known as Irish Transverse Mercator (ITN). I have no function in this matter.

Natural Gas Grid.

Eamon Ryan

Question:

62 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if, with regard to the recommendations made in the Advantica Report for changes to pipeline and valve stations to ensure that the Corrib pipeline pressure does not exceed 150 bar, he has received information from the developer on the changes which will be required to fulfil this recommendation; and if this will require changes to the project approval process. [26589/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I have not yet received the information referred to in the Deputy's question. The company has informed my officials that there is extensive redesign work to be done, involving some ten or so different technical teams, and that, because of the developer's internal quality control procedures, it will take some time for such work to be cleared through their internal system before they are submitted for my approval. The consent to construct a pipeline in connection with the Corrib Field development included a condition that my consent is required prior to installation.

In relation to the process that will apply to future projects, I have accepted recommendations arising from the safety review, which will result in change. An example of such change is that I will in future be requiring certain information at the beginning of the consenting process, which currently is asked for on a phased basis.

Communications Masts.

Dan Neville

Question:

63 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has received information indicating health problems arising from the proximity to mobile phone masts or electricity transmission lines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26549/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The consensus of scientific literature to date regarding possible adverse health effects from exposure to electromagnetic fields from facilities such as power lines, mobile phones and their base stations is that there is no evidence of a causal relationship between such exposure and illhealth.

The Government approved the establishment of an inter-departmental committee on the health effects of electromagnetic fields in September of last year. The committee is chaired by my Department and will provide advice to Government on the appropriate action to be taken on foot of the recommendations contained in the report, "Non-ionising radiation from mobile phone handsets and masts", published in June, 2005 by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications Marine and Natural Resources.

This committee has overseen the establishment of an expert group on the health effects of electromagnetic fields, which has undertaken a thorough review of the latest scientific reports and will report to the committee on the current scientific consensus and science based policy. The inter-departmental committee expects to report to Government by the end of the summer.

Mobile Telephony.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

64 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals to encourage greater competition through deregulation of the mobile telephone service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26533/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I have no function in the matter raised by the Deputy.

The communications market in Ireland is fully liberalised. Responsibility for the regulation of electronic communication service providers rests with the independent regulator, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), in accordance with the requirements of the Communications (Regulation) Act, 2002 and the regulations, which transpose the EU Regulatory Framework for Electronic Communications.

ComReg is independent in the exercise of its functions and has as one of its key objectives, under the Communications Regulation Act, 2002, the promotion of competition in the exercise of its functions.

Broadcasting Services.

Joe Sherlock

Question:

65 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if there have been developments to the digital television policy that Ireland informed the European Commission it was preparing in 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26653/06]

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

85 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of households which have a television; the number of households with two or more television sets; the breakdown of the main television platforms in households including satellite, Irish terrestrial, cable or MMDS and multi-terrestrial; if each individual television set in a household will need to be converted to digital; the percentage of digital households here; if the remaining households with a television set will be affected by the turning off of the analogue signal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26648/06]

Joe Sherlock

Question:

94 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the overall cost for the digital switch over, including costs for infrastructure, trials for promoting and evaluating DTT and DAB, costs for the simulcast period, of establishing a general digital information campaign and of developing a digital stakeholders group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26652/06]

Richard Bruton

Question:

111 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if it is intended that digital television will be free to air; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26528/06]

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

119 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on statements made by a European Commission official at the recent ComReg and OECD conference on spectrum management that the EU believes digital switch-over should be well advanced by 2010 in all Member States with a final deadline of early 2012; if he has made a decision on when the analogue signal should be switched off; if the analogue transmission network will survive beyond 2012 to 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26649/06]

Joan Burton

Question:

124 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the prospect of a national rollout of digital audio broadcasting services; his views on establishing a national information campaign to inform the general public on digital television and radio services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26651/06]

Seán Ryan

Question:

125 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the way Irish digital television and broadcasting rollout compares with the best international performers in the UK, the rest of the EU and further afield; the level of digital development reached and that we should aspire to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26654/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 65, 85, 94, 111, 119, 124 and 125 together.

A digital terrestrial television (DTT) pilot programme is currently being implemented by my Department. The purpose of the pilot is to bring further momentum to the transition to digital terrestrial broadcasting and to test and trial various aspects of the service.

The infrastructure for the DTT pilot is now in the roll-out phase and is expected to be operational by autumn 2006. The initial transmission sites are at Clermont Carn in the northeast and Three Rock covering parts of the Dublin region. The trial is planned to continue over a two-year timeframe and will provide the opportunity for technical and user testing of both existing and new broadcast services, including both television and audio services.

Figures by the CSO from February 2006 indicate that the total number of households with a television in 2005 was 1.43 million. Surveys by ComReg suggest that at the end of the first quarter of 2006, there were approximately 641,000 digital TV subscribers which include cable/MMDS and satellite customers. Digital households now represent approximately 45% of all households with a television.

At the end of the 1st quarter of 2006, there were approximately 570,300 subscribers to cable/MMDS television services in Ireland. Digital subscribers, as opposed to analogue subscribers, have increased in number, now representing 41% of cable/MMDS subscribers. Surveys by ComReg indicate that approximately 32% of Irish households currently receive free-to-air analogue services.

My Department's broadcasting policy objectives include seeking to retain access to a range of high quality programming in analogue and digital format on a universal and free-to-air basis. The DTT pilot demonstrates my commitment to the long-term provision of free-to-air DTT in Ireland. The trial will operate under a trial licence granted by Comreg and as such, it is not intended that any charges will be applied for services broadcast during the two-year period.

As the pilot is developed and proposals for a national DTT rollout emerge, I will outline my intentions regarding digital switchover. Switch-off of analogue television services is being strongly advocated by the European Commission, with 2012 a target date suggested by the Commission. While the pilot is underway, I intend to hold discussions with all relevant stakeholders around the issue of digital switchover.

When decisions have been taken about the nature and timing of analogue switch over, it will be necessary to ensure that Irish viewers are fully informed of all the issues arising.

According to a report by Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, nearly 70% of UK households received digital television services at the end of 2005. Western European countries have an average of 30% digital households while the United States have nearly 55% of households with digital services. Surveys indicate that Finland, Sweden, Norway and Italy all have at least 30% of digital households currently. By comparison, Ireland currently has approximately 45% of households receiving digital services.

Question No. 66 answered with QuestionNo. 56.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

67 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he is going to publish the Deloitte & Touche and William Fry solicitors report on TG4; if he has decided to make TG4 an independent statutory body; the timeframe for this development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26628/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I have examined the consultants' report on the implementation plan for the establishment of TG4 and have formulated my proposals, which I will circulate shortly to Government. I will consider publishing the report after the Government has considered my proposals.

Resource Exploration.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

68 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent of positive indicators arising from oil, gas or other mineral explorations, onshore or offshore; if adequate scientific resources are being made available to develop the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26584/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

267 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if there have been indications of a viable oil, gas or other mineral finds in the past 12 months; if he expects further developments or announcements in this area in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26749/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

278 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent of positive indicators arising from oil, gas or other mineral explorations, onshore, or offshore; if adequate scientific resources are being made available to develop the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26760/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 68, 267 and 278 together.

Traditionally and for sound reasons exploration for hydrocarbons and other minerals is a private sector activity licensed by the State.

The Corrib Gas Field (1996) is the only recent offshore discovery that can be said at this stage to have a definite commercial viability. In the case of Seven Heads, production has not reached anticipated levels and the results of the Dooish (2002) discovery are still being assessed. Earlier this year there was a media report relating to the Lough Allen Basin. This article in a business magazine, reported an estimate of the resource potential which was carried out for the operator. This is a stage in the exploration process and may form the basis or justification for further exploration. Unfortunately, this estimate does not constitute a discovery.

A challenge for Ireland is the fact that some companies still view Ireland as a high-risk area for hydrocarbon exploration, lacking the potential for commercial discoveries. The fact is that very few wells have been drilled in comparison to other regions. It is worth noting that while only 9 exploration wells were drilled west of Ireland in the past 10 years, two significant discoveries were made — Corrib and Dooish. In order to promote a more positive international view of prospectivity in the region, my Department has been actively involved in the assessment of petroleum systems west of Ireland. These in-depth studies, which are available to the industry at a reasonable price, demonstrate that contrary to what some believe, the Irish offshore has a potential for undiscovered oil and gas on a par with other producing regions in the North Atlantic. My Department is actively seeking opportunities to communicate this message to the Industry.

With regard to non-petroleum resources no new economic deposits of non-petroleum minerals have been discovered in recent years. There have been some encouraging results, however. Exploration adjacent to existing base metal mines at Navan, Co. Meath (Boliden Tara Mines Ltd.) and Galmoy, Co. Kilkenny (Galmoy Mines Ltd.) has discovered additional resources which have the potential to extend the life of those mines. I have recently granted new State Mining Licences to both companies for extraction of parts of these additional resources. My Department will continue to promote exploration both offshore and onshore.

Telecommunications Services.

Phil Hogan

Question:

69 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of new entrants to the telecommunications market who have applied to or are willing to get involved in the provision of broadband or other telecommunications services or facilities throughout the country; if his attention has been drawn to the obstacles encountered by such companies; his proposals to free up the system and give the customer the benefit of an open deregulated and competitive service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26529/06]

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

113 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of potential broadband service providers of which he is aware and which are anxious but unable to compete effectively in the provision of broadband services throughout the country; the action which is required to ensure that those in a position to provide services can do so without obstruction of either financial or technical nature; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26557/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 69 and 113 together.

The authorisation regime under the current regulatory framework for telecoms has lowered the barriers to entry for operators. The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully-liberalised market. The Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, is the statutory body with responsibility for regulatory oversight of this market.

Question No. 70 answered with QuestionNo. 23.

Departmental Agencies.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

71 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the way he has invigilated the performance of the marine agencies including the Marine Institute, Bord Iascaigh Mhara and his own Department in performing their duties; the agency which has been primarily mandated with collecting data on production and employment levels in the whole marine sector; the reason returns have not been made to the EU Commission for 2002 to 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26642/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Browne)

Performance governance of both the Marine Institute and Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) is subject to a number of stringent measures. Both Agencies have signed performance contracts with the Department. Performance contracts are agreed yearly in advance between the Department and Agency, and are subject to rigorous quarterly reviews. In addition, the Marine Institute and BIM publish an Annual Report and Annual Review which details progress against objectives each year.

The strategy for the development of the seafood sector is encapsulated in the Department's Statement of Strategy 2005-2007. Governance of performance is on a quarterly and annual basis.

The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) was responsible for the collection of data relating to employment for the annual economic reports (AER) of the fishing fleet from 1998-2004. BIM took over this activity in 2005. Council Regulation (EC) No. 1543/2000 of 29 June 2000 establishing a Community framework for the collection and management of the data needed to conduct the common fisheries policy came into force on 1 January 2004 in respect of the fishing fleet and 1 January 2006 in respect of the processing sector.

In relation to data on production, the Department provides details to the EU Commission of landings of all stocks on a monthly basis. This information has been provided to the Commission for the years 2000-2005.

Telecommunications Services.

Seán Crowe

Question:

72 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on whether it is fair that taxpayers have to foot the bill of addressing deficient broadband infrastructure while the private sector, and Eircom in particular, will then come in and reap the profits. [26501/06]

Arthur Morgan

Question:

110 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if, in view of the fact that the reason for the slow roll-out of broadband services in this state has been due to the lack of investment by the private sector in the necessary infrastructure to deliver broadband to all areas, he will admit that privatisation in this sector has been a disaster; and if he will encourage companies such as Eircom to address the deficiencies in broadband infrastructure. [26503/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 110 together.

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

The Government recognises however, that a principal reason for the slow roll-out of competitive, affordable broadband services in Ireland, principally in the regions, has been a lack of investment by the private sector in the necessary infrastructure.

The Government is addressing the infrastructure deficit in the regions by building high-speed, open-access Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) in 120 towns and cities nationwide. Phase One of this Programme has delivered fibre optic networks to 27 towns and cities throughout the country.

This Programme has been extended to over 90 towns in various locations nationwide. It is expected that these MANs will be completed during 2006 and 2007. These networks will allow the private sector to offer world-class broadband services at competitive costs.

It is important to note that the MANs will realise a return on investment over a longer period than the private sector is prepared to risk. The creation of such open-access infrastructure is seen as an essential enabler of development, and is already offering opportunities for businesses both large and small to become and remain competitive through ICT.

The Department also offers funding assistance for smaller towns and rural communities through the County and Group Broadband Scheme. The scheme is technology-neutral, allowing the community to select the most suitable broadband delivery platform for the area. To date, over 150 projects have been approved for funding under this Programme.

The privatisation of Eircom was driven by the liberalisation of the market and was part of a broader trend that was reflected across the EU. It was a good sale for Eircom shareholders — the taxpayers of Ireland. It is worth pointing out that Ireland in 2006 has more choice in terms of telecoms services and providers. The basic price basket for telephony is now much cheaper than before Eircom was privatised.

The result of Government investment in the Regional Broadband Programme has meant increased activity and competition in the broadband market and greater choice for the consumer.

Broadcasting Legislation.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

73 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the discussions he has had with the various interested parties in the context of a review of broadcasting legislation with particular reference to the public and independent sector, local and national, radio and television; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26538/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The priority issues to be addressed by the legislative proposals that will form the basis of a new Broadcasting Bill are as follows: the establishment of a single content regulator for commercial, community and public service broadcasters, the establishment of RTÉ as a company under the Companies Acts, the provision of a statutory mechanism for future adjustments to the level of the television licence fee, and the development of the Right of Reply mechanism, allowing persons whose reputation and good name have been damaged by an assertion of incorrect facts in a television or radio programme to gain redress.

Work on developing the legislative proposals needed to address these issues is continuing. I anticipate that I will be in a position to bring the proposals to Government shortly, with publication of the Broadcasting Bill in 2006. My intention in framing the legislative proposals will be to ensure that the broadcasting regulatory environment continues to encourage the parallel development of high quality broadcasting by Irish public service, commercial and community broadcasters.

In the context of the development of broadcasting policy, my officials and I have cause, on a regular basis, to meet with the various interests that comprise the broadcasting sector including, but not limited to, commercial broadcasters, public service broadcasters and independent producers.

At many of these meetings the issues to be addressed in the forthcoming Broadcasting Bill, given their relative importance to the sector, have been raised and discussed in general terms.

Question No. 74 answered with QuestionNo. 33.

Fishing Industry Development.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

75 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the sea fisheries output including the tonnage and the main species caught for each of the years 2001 to 2005 for the five national harbours Killybegs, Castletownbere, Howth, Ros a' Mhíl, Dunmore East and for Dingle, Clogherhead, Greencastle, Kilmore Quay, Union Hall and for the fifteen or so smaller fishery harbours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26630/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Browne)

The information sought is being compiled in the Department and I will arrange for it to be transmitted direct to the Deputy at an early date.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

76 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the percentage of the European catch, Ireland’s TAC for demersal, pelagic and shellfish represent for each of the years 2001 to 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26631/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Browne)

Details of the EU Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and Ireland's quota as a % of this TAC for the years 2001-2005 are provided in the following table.

Common Name	Area	EC TAC	IRL Quota	IRL % of TAC	EC TAC	IRL Quota	IRL % of TAC	EC TAC	IRL Quota	IRL % of TAC	EC TAC	IRL Quota	IRL % of TAC	EC TAC	IRL Quota	IRL % of TAC
Anglerfish	Vb (1), VI, XII, XIV	8,000	800	10%	4,770	477	10%	3,180	318	10%	3,180	318	10%	4,686	469	10%
Anglerfish	VII	23,000	1,740	8%	18,600	1,410	8%	15,810	1,198	8%	20,902	1,584	8%	25,082	1,901	8%
Blue whiting	Vb (1), VI, VII, XII, XIV	163,000	26,080	16%	107,281	17,165	16%	433,000	17,165	4%	209,653	62,174	30%	474,333	75,893	16%
Cod	I, II	16,150	242	1%	16,355	245	1%	16,353	245	1%	19,800	293	1%	19,499	292	1%
Cod	Vb (1), VI, XII, XIV	3,700	833	23%	4,600	1,035	23%	1,808	407	23%	848	191	23%	721	162	22%
Cod	VIIa	2,100	1,385	66%	3,200	2,017	63%	1,950	1,284	66%	2,150	1,416	66%	2,150	1,416	66%
Cod	VIIb-k, VIII, IX, X	10,500	1,070	10%	8,700	977	11%	6,700	875	13%	5,700	824	14%	6,200	849	14%
Haddock	Vb (1), VI, XII, XIV	19,000	1,730	9%	14,100	1,535	11%
Haddock	VIa,							7,973	1,214	15%	6,503	1,010	16%	7,600	598	8%
Haddock	Vib							702	107	15%	702	55	8%	702	55	8%
Haddock	VII, VIII, IX, X	13,200	2,930	22%	9,300	2,067	22%	8,185	1,819	22%	9,600	2,133	22%	11,520	2,560	22%
Hake	Vb (1), VI, VII, XII, XIV	23,600	1,300	6%	15,118	834	6%	16,823	1,114	7%	21,926	1,209	6%	23,888	1,318	6%
Herring	I, II	73,840	6,670	9%	73,840	6,670	9%	48,493	4,377	9%	72,804	6,458	9%	89,537	7,942	9%
Herring	Vb (1), VIaN, VIb	35,700	5,390	15%	35,700	5,393	15%	29,340	4,432	15%	29,340	4,432	15%	29,440	4,447	15%
Herring	VIaS, VIIbc	13,900	12,640	91%	14,000	12,727	91%	14,000	12,727	91%	14,000	12,727	91%	14,000	12,727	91%
Herring	VIIa	6,900	1,800	26%	4,800	1,250	26%	4,800	1,250	26%	4,800	1,250	26%	4,800	1,250	26%
Herring	VIIghjk	20,000	17,290	86%	8,000	6,914	86%	13,000	11,235	86%	13,000	11,235	86%	13,000	11,236	86%
Horse mackerel	IIa (1), NorthSea (1)	49,400	1,950	4%	49,400	1,950	4%	41,667	1,641	4%	46,788	1,846	4%	40,616	1,599	4%
Horse mackerel	Vb (1), VI, VII, VIII, XII, XIV	233,000	55,010	24%	143,000	33,763	24%	130,000	30,693	24%	131,879	31,137	24%	133,223	31,454	24%

Common Name	Area	EC TAC	IRL Quota	IRL % of TAC	EC TAC	IRL Quota	IRL % of TAC	EC TAC	IRL Quota	IRL % of TAC	EC TAC	IRL Quota	IRL % of TAC	EC TAC	IRL Quota	IRL % of TAC
Mackerel	II, Vb (1), VI, VII, VIII, XII, XIV	329,410	70,270	21%	345,012	73,597	21%	317,869	67,807	21%	296,349	63,216	21%	217,477	46,149	21%
Megrims	Vb (1), VI, XII, XIV	4,840	630	13%	4,360	565	13%	4,360	565	13%	3,600	466	13%	2,880	373	13%
Megrims	VII	17,920	2,970	17%	13,350	2,210	17%	14,336	2,373	17%	18,099	2,996	17%	19,263	3,189	17%
Norway lobster	Vb (1), VI	12,600	170	1%	11,340	153	1%	11,340	153	1%	11,300	153	1%	12,700	172	1%
Norway lobster	VII	21,000	7,750	37%	17,790	6,561	37%	17,790	6,561	37%	17,450	6,436	37%	19,544	7,207	37%
Plaice	Vb (1), VI, XII, XIV	2,400	880	37%	1,728	630	36%	1,534	559	36%	1,227	447	36%	982	358	36%
Plaice	VIIa	2,400	1,365	57%	2,400	1,364	57%	1,675	1,173	70%	1,340	876	65%	1,608	1,051	65%
Plaice	VIIbc	300	240	80%	180	144	80%	160	128	80%	160	144	90%	160	128	80%
Plaice	VIIfg	800	80	10%	680	209	31%	660	46	7%	560	39	7%	476	202	42%
Plaice	VIIhjk	1,350	590	44%	970	424	44%	582	255	44%	466	203	44%	466	204	44%
Pollack	Vb (1), VI, XII, XIV	1,100	150	14%	1,100	155	14%	880	124	14%	704	99	14%	563	79	14%
Pollack	VII	17,000	1,300	8%	17,000	1,298	8%	17,000	1,298	8%	17,000	1,298	8%	17,000	1,298	8%
Saithe	Vb (1), VI, XII, XIV	7,000	395	6%	14,000	425	3%	17,119	415	2%	19,713	478	2%	15,044	494	3%
Saithe	VII, VIII, IX, X	6,500	1,960	30%	8,710	2,450	28%	8,710	2,450	28%	6,968	1,960	28%	5,574	1,568	28%
Sole	Vb (1), VI, XII, XIV	155	125	81%	125	100	80%	106	85	80%	85	68	80%	68	54	79%
Sole	VIIa	1,080	130	12%	1,100	134	12%	1,010	123	12%	800	98	12%	960	117	12%
Sole	VIIbc	100	85	85%	80	65	81%	80	65	81%	65	55	85%	65	55	85%
Sole	VIIfg	1,160	35	3%	1,070	33	3%	1,240	39	3%	1,050	33	3%	1,000	31	3%
Sole	VIIhjk	720	325	45%	650	293	45%	390	176	45%	390	176	45%	650	293	45%
Whiting	Vb (1), VI, XII, XIV	4,300	1,250	29%	3,500	1,029	29%	2,000	582	29%	1,600	466	29%	1,600	478	30%
Whiting	VIIa	2,640	1,525	58%	1,000	576	58%	500	288	58%	514	296	58%	514	296	58%
Whiting	VIIb-k	22,500	6,260	28%	31,700	8,814	28%	31,700	8,814	28%	27,000	7,507	28%	21,600	6,006	28%

Telecommunications Services.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

77 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he anticipates entering into discussions with the new owners of Eircom with a views to achieving a higher degree of investment in communication technology, the completion of local loop unbundling and the removal of barriers to an accelerated programme for the delivery of broadband and the telecommunications sector generally, having particular regard to the need to achieve a specific level of investment commensurate with the scale of the companies responsibilities and the requirements of the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26544/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I recently met with Mr. Pierre Danon, who is to be the non-executive Chairman of Eircom. I meet with industry players on a regular basis. Any investment in infrastructure would be a commercial decision for Eircom in a fully liberalised market.

Promotion and regulation of local loop unbundling is the responsibility of the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg under the Communications Regulation Act of 2002 and the transposed EU regulatory framework for Electronic Communications Networks and Services.

Natural Gas Grid.

John Perry

Question:

78 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he expects to turn on supply from the Corrib gas pipeline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26581/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

Completion of the development works is clearly the principal factor that will determine the date for the developer to turn on first gas. This is a matter for the developer.

Energy Resources.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

79 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has made suggestions, issued instructions or expressed opinions in regard to the impact on the consumer of higher energy prices with particular reference to current and future economic needs, incorporating higher demands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26566/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I have no function in relation to the regulation of electricity and gas charges. This is a matter which falls within the statutory responsibility of the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) under the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999, as amended by section 3 of the European Communities (Internal Market in Electricity) Regulations 2005 (S.I. No. 60 of 2005). Nor do I currently have powers to issue policy directions to the CER in this respect.

However, as the Deputy may be aware, during the course of the second stage debate on the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill on the 18th of May of this year, I expressed the view that when various applications were made to the CER for increases in electricity and gas charges, and the CER granted large increases to the companies concerned, it resulted in the airing of considerable comments and criticism.

Some of that criticism was based on the belief that the CER was only looking at one aspect of the issue, that is, providing an economic return for the companies and trying to attract other competitors into the market. While I am not saying I agree with that criticism, it was expressed widely.

People raised concerns about consumer protection, which is also a role for the Regulator and one it has tried to balance with the competition elements of its remit. It is foreseeable that in future, depending on the operation of political leadership, a Government or this House might be unanimous in the view that the balance between the weighting the CER gives to issues such as competitiveness as opposed to that given to consumer protection is wrong. However, the power provided for in section 6 of the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill will allow the House and the Government to have a say on such matters, in an open and transparent fashion.

Section 6 of the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill amends the Act of 1999 by inserting a new section 10A, which provides that the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources may give general policy directions to the CER to be followed by the CER in exercise of its functions. Before giving such a direction the Minister shall publish a draft of the proposed direction and give reasons for it. Interested parties would have at least 21 days within which to make representations for the Minister's consideration prior to the direction being given with or without amendment.

Broadcasting Services.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

80 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has had recent discussion with broadcasting or sporting authorities with a view to ensuring free to air transmission in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26541/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

On 5th April last, I announced that it was my intention, following consultation with my Cabinet colleagues, to continue to designate the current list of designated events as events of major importance to society for which the right of a qualifying broadcaster to provide coverage on a live basis on free television should be provided in the public interest.

This decision was made following a public consultation process conducted by my Department that resulted in close to 190 submissions being received from members of the public and interested parties. The criteria that must be met in order to justify designation are set down in the Broadcasting (Major Events Television Coverage) Act, 1999.

Fishing Industry Development.

John Gormley

Question:

81 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the implications of the EU agreement on €4 billion fisheries fund for the National Strategic Plan; and the plans he has put in place for the allocation of the fund. [26597/06]

Willie Penrose

Question:

106 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the way the recent agreement on the European Fisheries Fund has impacted on his aquaculture strategy; his targets for the growing Irish aquaculture production up until 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26640/06]

Brendan Howlin

Question:

117 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will report on the agreement on the new €4billion European Fisheries Fund; the level of funding the Irish fishing industry and coastal communities will receive under the EFF; the level of funding on an annual basis between 2007 and 2013; the amount which will be allocated to young fishermen, aquaculture, Leader-type initiatives in coastal communities and stock conservation measures under the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26626/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Browne)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 81, 106 and 117 together.

The period of the 2000-2006 NDP has seen the beginning of the process of restructuring and transformation of the fisheries industry across all its sectors as it adapts to changing conditions. Our key strategic goal to 2013 must be to ensure the long-term economic, social and environmental sustainability of this industry, and maintain the value of its activity to the coastal and rural communities who rely on it, as well as to the economy as a whole.

This will require the targeting of investment so as to achieve the highest possible level of value generation within the seafood industry. To achieve this, it will be necessary to take integrated, market led action to improve competitiveness and profitability across all sectors of the industry — sea fishing, aquaculture, processing and marketing, and at each stage of the value chain.

Detailed priorities for all areas of the industry including aquaculture will be defined as part of the development of the overall programme for investment in the seafood sector under the new NDP, taking into account the final form of the European Fisheries Fund, which was agreed at the EU Fisheries Council on 19 June. In order to inform this process, I have proposed plans for the development of a comprehensive strategy to take the sector forward and inform funding priorities for the 2007-2013 period.

I launched the Seafood Strategy Group at the Fish Ireland Exhibition on Friday last. This 3-person Strategy Group will lead the review of the seafood sector including, engaging in detailed consultation with all stakeholders and to come up with a visionary Seafood Development Strategy. This strategy is to feed into the National Strategic Plan required by the EFF and in turn the new National Development Plan that the Government is drawing up for the 2007-2013 period. It is vital that the needs of the Seafood Sector are reflected in the new NDP so that the sector can access the necessary development funding in coming years.

With regard to future priorities for aquaculture under the NDP 2007-2013, given that Ireland is no longer a low cost economy, constant improvement in efficiency is required of this sector for it to remain competitive. Key to achieving this will be the application of technological innovation to further develop environmentally sustainable techniques, including organic farming, and achieve successful diversification into new species, while ensuring the highest international quality standards are met.

The next step is to develop a detailed programme of investment for the seafood industry as a whole, through which the funds to be available under the EFF can be utilised to best advantage and, which is in line with our commitments under the European Common Fisheries Policy. Allocation of these funds to the various sectors and initiatives has not yet been agreed. This will be done in consultation with the key industry stakeholders as outlined above.

Question No. 82 answered with QuestionNo. 56.

Question No. 83 answered with QuestionNo. 23.

Telecommunications Services.

Seán Ryan

Question:

84 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the recent proposals by European Commission Information Society Commissioner, Ms. Viviane Reding to establish an EU telecoms regulator and an EU spectrum management and licensing agency; the implications of these proposals for the forthcoming Electronic Communications Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26655/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The European Commission is undertaking a review of the regulatory framework for electronic communications, which came into force in 2003. The Commission has just recently published proposals and possible policy options for change to the overall framework as part of a consultation that will run until the end of October.

The Commission's proposals are currently being examined and each of the options listed will be considered fully.

Question No. 85 answered with QuestionNo. 65.

Communications Masts.

Dan Neville

Question:

86 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has satisfied himself that non-ionising radiation from mobile telephone or electricity transmission lines are within EU guidelines in terms of safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26548/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The international limits on exposures for non-ionising radiation, developed by the International Commission for Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), have been adopted in Ireland on the basis of EU Council Recommendation 1999/519/EU on the limitation of exposure of the general public to electromagnetic emissions. These limits cover both mobile telephony and electricity transmission.

The Commission for Communication Regulation (ComReg) requires compliance with these limits as part of the licence agreement with operators and audits emissions of non-ionising radiation from telecommunication sites including masts.

The ESB complies with the most up-to-date international electromagnetic fields guidelines and recommendations in its operations. The ESB ensures that the above guidelines are not exceeded.

Question No. 87 answered with QuestionNo. 47.

Broadcasting Services.

In November 2005, I announced the acceptance of tenders for two sites, with a combined area of almost 5.6 acres for approximately €118 million. In return for the land, the State will receive a combination of €72.4 million in cash and €45.7 million in high quality offices, which will accommodate digital enterprises as the Digital Hub grows. The break down of the tenders means that the Digital Hub will receive over 13,000 square metres (140,000 sq.ft.) of office space.

In relation to industry development in the cluster, about 50 companies, employing approximately 500 employees, are located in the Hub. These enterprises are involved in a range of activities including games software development, mobile technology, animation and TV production. As private companies, it would not be appropriate for the Minister to seek or publicise their investments in the Digital Hub.

Question No. 91 answered with QuestionNo. 22.

Enda Kenny

Question:

92 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the frustration of the business sector in their efforts to obtain broadband services at various locations throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26553/06]

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

118 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the numerous requests for provision of broadband from the domestic and the corporate market; his proposals to ensure the delivery of such services in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26586/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 118 together.

The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully-liberalised market, regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. Part of the difficulty lies in the slow pace of Local Loop Unbundling (LLU). Promotion and regulation of Local Loop unbundling is the responsibility of ComReg under the Communications Regulation Act of 2002 and the transposed EU regulatory framework for Electronic Communications Networks and Services. ComReg has been in ongoing discussions with the industry on progressing LLU in recent months.

A principal reason for the slow roll-out of broadband services generally has been the lack of investment by the private sector in the necessary infrastructure to deliver broadband to all areas. The Government in partnership with the Local Authorities is addressing the broadband infrastructure deficit in the regions by building high-speed, open-access Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) in 120 towns and cities nationwide. Phase One of this Programme has delivered fibre optic networks to 27 towns and cities throughout the country.

When designing the networks, the Local Authorities, in co-operation with the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and other relevant development agencies, take account of existing and proposed business parks and areas zoned for industrial development. The route of each MAN incorporates all these elements where economically and technically feasible. These networks are offering these towns opportunities to attract inward investment in advanced technology and knowledge based enterprises.

This Programme has been extended to over 90 towns in various locations nationwide. It is expected that these MANs will be completed during 2006 and 2007. These networks will contribute to balanced regional development and allow the private sector to offer world-class broadband services at competitive costs.

The creation of such open-access infrastructure is seen as an essential enabler of development, and is already offering opportunities for businesses both large and small to become and remain competitive through ICT. There are currently 14 service providers using the MANs, including Smart, Vodafone, Magnet, which have enabled broadband connectivity to thousands of end users.

My Department also offers funding assistance for smaller towns and rural communities through the County and Group Broadband Scheme. The scheme is technology-neutral, allowing the community to select the most suitable broadband delivery platform for the area. To date, over 150 projects have been approved for funding under this Programme.

My Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie gives full details of broadband availability in all areas, including ADSL, cable, fibre, satellite and fixed wireless. The website also lists prices of the various service levels on offer and contact details for each service provider.

Broadband subscriber numbers have increased hugely in the last year. The latest ComReg quarterly report states there are 322,500 broadband subscribers as of end-March 2006, which represents a year-on-year increase of 112%. This is equivalent to 8% of the population or 22% of households. While DSL dominates the Irish broadband market (74% market share), Fixed Wireless Access and Cable show continued high growth. ComReg have estimated that there are over 350,000 subscribers as of end-June 2006.

Question No. 93 answered with QuestionNo. 30.

Question No. 94 answered with QuestionNo. 65.

Proposed Legislation.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

95 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals to introduce legislation governing the broadcasting sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26537/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The priority issues to be addressed by the legislative proposals that will form the basis of a new Broadcasting Bill are as follows: The establishment of a single content regulator for commercial, community and public service broadcasters. The establishment of RTÉ as a company under the Companies Acts. The provision of a statutory mechanism for future adjustments to the level of the television licence fee. The development of the Right of Reply mechanism, allowing persons whose reputation and good name have been damaged by an assertion of incorrect facts in a television or radio programme to gain redress.

Work on developing the legislative proposals needed to address these issues is continuing. I anticipate that I will be in a position to bring the proposals to Government shortly with publication of the Broadcasting Bill in 2006.

My intention in framing the legislative proposals will be to ensure that the broadcasting regulatory environment continues to encourage the parallel development of high quality broadcasting by Irish public service, commercial and community broadcasters.

Electricity Generation.

Billy Timmins

Question:

96 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if evaluation or appraisal has been carried out of the various power stations throughout the country currently due for decommissioning or with an identifiable limited lifespan in the context of deregulation and the introduction of generating capacity from sustainable sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26568/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I was recently apprised of a decision by the ESB Board not to undertake any further significant investment in the 620 Megawatt generating station at Tarbert, which is likely to lead to the closure of the plant within a number of years. I am also aware that a number of other plants within the ESB's portfolio may be subject to similar consideration over the next few years, however I have not been given any formal notification by the ESB Board of its intentions in this regard.

However, in accordance with the electricity transmission system Grid Code (i.e. the Regulations which all generators are required to adhere to), there is a requirement for a plant / operator to give a minimum of 24 months notice of plant closure. It should be noted that EirGrid, the Transmission System Operator {TSO}, has not been formally notified of any plant closures over the coming 10 year period and therefore, at this juncture, no planned closures have been confirmed.

The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) has responsibility for the security of supply of electricity and gas in Ireland. EirGrid {TSO} is responsible for the production of an annual assessment of the adequacy of generation over the subsequent seven year period ("Generation Adequacy Report"), which takes into account both historical and forecast demand and supply (generation).

The results of the most recent Generation Adequacy Report, covering the period 2006-2012, noted that there would be a requirement for new generation capacity on the system from 2009 onwards. However, this study was completed in November 2005, before the announcement concerning the decision on the Tarbert Station was made.

With regard to the assessment of plant with an identifiable limited lifespan, the CER has advised that it is aware that certain plant are of an age that consideration in the future will be given to their expected remaining lifespan. It is noted that there has been some poor performing plant in recent years and this poor performance can be attributed to, amongst other things, the age of some plant on the system.

The EirGrid "Generation Adequacy Report 2006-2012" considers plant availability / performance, which can be linked in part to plant age, and concludes that new generation plant is required from 2009 onwards. The report also concludes that "the timing and quantity of new plant required will largely depend on the availability performance of the existing plant."

EirGrid will take cognisance of this and all other factors relating to electricity supply and demand, in the preparation of its next Generation Adequacy report, which is expected to be published at the end of this year, to cover the period 2007-2013.

I would also advise the Deputy that significant new thermal generation capacity of up to 536 MW came on stream in the first quarter of this year at Tynagh, Co. Galway (384MW) and Aughinish, Co. Limerick (152MW). In addition to the above, Viridian (Huntstown Power Ltd.) has announced, and is proceeding with, the construction of a second new 400MW generating station in Huntstown, which is currently scheduled to come on stream in late 2007.

The CER is currently planning the introduction of an All Island Market for electricity, which, with the introduction of a specific capacity mechanism, is intended to provide for the appropriate incentives and market signals to attract new generation capacity, including sustainable sources of generation. The new market design will also take into account the particular attributes of sustainable forms of generation and will be designed to support such generation.

Support programmes put in place by this Government have more than doubled the capacity of renewable energy powered electricity generating plants connected to the electricity target in the last two years.

Building on this progress, I also announced recently an ambitious programme to treble to 15%, the contribution of renewable energy sources to electricity production by the year 2010.

There are over 860 Megawatts (MW) of renewable capacity connected to the national grid today. This consists of approximately 590MW of wind-powered plant, 236MW of hydro powered plant with the balance (approximately 35MWs) made up of different biomass technologies.

The new target will require growth in the sector to more than double from the 860 MW or so, currently connected to, 1650 MW by 2010. The target will be delivered by projects built under the Alternative Energy Requirements (AER) support programme and the new Renewable Energy Feed in Tariff (REFIT) programme. The terms and conditions of the REFIT programme are available on my Department's website at www.dcmnr.gov.ie.

Broadcasting Services.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

97 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his preferred options for the development of the radio and television industry with particular reference to terrestrial broadcasting and the changing and growing needs of the consumer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26550/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

My core policy objectives for the development of the broadcasting sector are detailed in my Department's Statement of Strategy, 2005- 2007. These objectives are: To create an environment that encourages the maintenance of high quality Irish radio and television services by both independent broadcasters and RTÉ. To secure a viable future for high quality public service broadcasting. To seek to retain access to a range of high quality programming in analogue and digital form on a universal and free-to-air basis.

My key priorities for achieving these objectives include the following: Developing the regulatory framework by bringing forward a Bill to provide for the establishment of a single content regulator for both public and private broadcasters and restructuring RTÉ from a corporate point of view; Ensuring adequate public funding for RTÉ and TG4 so that they can deliver on their statutory mandate; Building on progress made in maximising the effectiveness of television licence fee collection; and facilitating the successful establishment of a Digital Terrestrial Television platform on a pilot basis in 2006.

I am of the opinion that Irish viewers will be best served by a broadcasting environment that includes a strong public service broadcasting presence together with private broadcasters.

Fisheries Protection.

Joe Costello

Question:

98 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the measures he has introduced to deal with alleged illegal fishing activity on Irish waters or ports; the estimates from his Department for black fish catches in each of the years 2001 to 2005; the percentage of the overall annual fishing turnover in terms of both tonnage and profit carried out in the black economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26632/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Browne)

Where illegal fishing activity is detected by the Department or the Naval Service, the case is referred to the Attorney General's Office for consideration and appropriate action. Details of all landings known to the Department are reported to the EU Commission, as required by EU legislation.

In relation to wide ranging allegations brought to the attention of the Ministers in the summer of 2004 and subsequent wide ranging allegations, taking account of the matters raised and the potential seriousness of the allegations, the matters were formally referred to An Garda Síochána for investigation. Those investigations are solely a matter for An Garda Síochána and I have no role in these investigations. Any findings of illegal landings determined in such investigations and reported to the Department will, in accordance with legal advice, be reported to the EU Commission.

Insofar as fisheries control and surveillance is concerned, the position is that all fishing vessels operating within the Irish fisheries patrol area are subject to checks by Irish control authorities, at sea or in Irish ports. Checks at sea include an inspection or records and catch onboard to ensure the proper recording of catches in the EU logbook. The Department's land-based inspectorate also does regular checks of all vessels landing into Irish ports.

In this regard, I wish to stress in particular the great importance which Ireland attaches to compliance with the rules of the CFP including the reporting obligations on fishermen. As part of the drive to increase the effectiveness of fisheries surveillance, major enhancements to national fisheries control and enforcement capabilities have been implemented in recent years, and currently there is a recruitment process under way for additional Sea-Fisheries Protection Officers. This commitment is also demonstrated by the recent decision to establish an independent body charged with the enforcement of national, EU and international sea-fisheries law. This independent body is an important feature of the new sea fisheries legislation, the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006 recently enacted by the Oireachtas. This legislation is intended to strengthen Ireland's capacity to provide a dissuasive code of deterrents and sanctions to address over-fishing and all illegal fishing activity.

Postal Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

99 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will make a statement regarding his future plans of privatisation regarding An Post; and the percentage of the company the State will retain. [26505/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

This Government has no plans to privatise or part-privatise An Post.

Fishing Fleet Modernisation.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

100 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the judgement of the European Court of First Instance against the European Commission over its refusal to allow 20 Irish fishing vessels to increase the size of their vessels; and the implication of the Court’s ruling for the €21 million in penalties levied on six of the vessel owners by the Government for exceeding their tonnage. [26596/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Browne)

The EU Regulations covering fleet policy for the period up to the end of 2001 provide that an increase in the capacity of a sea fishing boat could be allowed where the capacity increase results exclusively from safety improvements and does not increase the fishing effort of the vessel concerned. The EU Regulation provides that the decision, in respect of each application, must be made by the EU Commission on a case by case basis. A number of owners of Irish fishing vessels made applications to the EU Commission to have "safety tonnage" granted in respect of their vessels. In April 2003 a Commission decision (No 245/2003) determined the amounts of "safety tonnage" granted based on the applications made to the EU Commission. Many of the applications made by Irish vessel owners were rejected.

23 owners of Irish fishing vessels, whose applications were rejected, challenged the Commission Decision. The State supported the case made by the vessel owners in the Court. The European Court of Justice in its judgment has annulled the Commission Decision 245 / 2003 in so far as it applies to 20 applicants who appealed.

I have been advised by the Attorney General that, as a result of the Court judgment, the options open to the EU Commission would appear to be as follows: the Commission may now undertake a "case by case" assessment of the applications to determine if they meet the requirements of the EU Regulation or it may lodge an appeal to the Court of Justice.

It should be noted that the State has adhered to its obligations and was not a party to the error made by the Commission in dealing with the applications. The national fleet policy requires that vessel owners remove 100% replacement capacity when introducing a fishing boat into the Irish fleet. In the event that a vessel owner wished to introduce a fishing vessel, in respect of which an application for "safety tonnage" was made to the EU Commission, any allocation of tonnage granted subsequently was allocated to the recipients who were able to use or trade that capacity which is a valuable tradeable commodity.

Seven fishing vessels in the RSW Pelagic Segment of the fleet were permitted to introduce larger vessels without the provision of the necessary 100% replacement capacity on the basis that the relevant capacity was not readily available on the market and applications were being made to the EU Commission for "safety tonnage" in respect of the increased capacity involved. Following the Commission Decision of 245/2003, the Minister introduced a policy (Fleet Policy Directive 2/2003) that required these vessel owners remove equivalent replacement capacity from the whitefish fleet. This Ministerial Policy provided for equality of treatment for all vessels within the fleet whereby all vessels must provide 100% replacement capacity "up-front". Any additional capacity granted to these vessel owners following a revised Commission decision on "Safety Tonnage" will be allocated to them on the same basis as that allocated to the rest of the fleet.

Telecommunications Services.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

101 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason the Government made no submission to a EU consultation process on the extension of the European Universal Service Obligation for broadband internet services; if he subsequently supported a decision on foot of this consultation process to exclude broadband internet services and mobile telephony services from the scope of universal service; his views on the recent comments by the new chairperson of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, Mr Eugene McCague, who said that the Government must establish new targets for the establishing of widespread availability of open-access, affordable, always-on broadband infrastructure and services as they had completely failed to achieve any of their previous targets and that Ireland may lose out on inward investment due to the too slow roll-out of broadband services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26623/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

My Department engages fully with the EU Commission on communications issues. As the Deputy may be aware, universal service in the communications area is a safety net for those whose financial resources or geographical location do not allow them to access the basic communications services that are already available to the great majority of citizens.

I assume that the Deputy is referring to the EU Commission's investigation into the funding of RTÉ. As the Deputy may be aware this investigation arose in the context of a formal complaint by TV3, made originally in 1999, alleging infringements of Articles 92-94 of the EC Treaty relating to, among other things, the payment of licence fee revenue and direct grants to RTÉ. This is one of a number of complaints made by commercial television operators across the European Union against the funding arrangements in various member states for public service broadcasters.

Following a period of investigation, the EU Commission forwarded an Article 17 letter to the Irish authorities on 3 March 2003 setting out its preliminary views. The letter included a number of recommendations which the Commission considers must be implemented before the funding scheme for RTÉ can be considered as compatible with the relevant provisions of the EC Treaty, including recommendations relating to the implementation of the transparency directive. The recommendations proposed by the Commission are of a detailed legal and regulatory nature and have been subject to ongoing constructive discussion with the Commission.

The outcome of the Article 17 process is a matter of negotiation between the Irish authorities and the European Commission. Accordingly, it would be inappropriate for me to make any detailed comments. At this stage, however, I am confident that Ireland will be able to achieve a satisfactory outcome.

Question No. 113 answered with QuestionNo. 69.

Electricity Generation.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

114 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of the existing power plants here which are scheduled to be closed down in the next ten years; and the consequences of the proposed closure of Tarbert Power Station on the generation adequacy requirements for the country. [26595/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I was recently apprised of a decision by the ESB Board not to undertake any further significant investment in the 620 Megawatt generating station at Tarbert, which is likely to lead to the closure of the plant within a number of years. I am also aware that a number of other plants within the ESB's portfolio may be subject to similar consideration over the next few years, however I have not been given any formal notification by the ESB Board of its intentions in this regard.

However, in accordance with the electricity transmission system Grid Code (i.e. the Regulations which all generators are required to adhere to), there is a requirement for a plant / operator to give a minimum of 24 months notice of plant closure. It should be noted that EirGrid, the Transmission System Operator {TSO}, has not been formally notified of any plant closures over the coming 10 year period and therefore, at this juncture, no planned closures have been confirmed.

The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) has responsibility for the security of supply of electricity and gas in Ireland. EirGrid {TSO} is responsible for the production of an annual assessment of the adequacy of generation over the subsequent seven year period ("Generation Adequacy Report"), which takes into account both historical and forecast demand and supply (generation).

The results of the most recent Generation Adequacy Report, covering the period 2006-2012, noted that there would be a requirement for new generation capacity on the system from 2009 onwards. However, this study was completed in November 2005, before the announcement concerning the decision on the Tarbert Station was made.

EirGrid will take cognisance of the decision on the Tarbert Station, and all other factors relating to electricity supply and demand, in the preparation of its next Generation Adequacy report, which is expected to be published at the end of this year, to cover the period 2007-2013.

The CER is currently planning the introduction of an All Island Market for electricity, which, with the introduction of a specific capacity mechanism, is intended to provide for the appropriate incentives and market signals to attract new generation capacity, including sustainable sources of generation. The new market design will also take into account the particular attributes of sustainable forms of generation and will be designed to support such generation.

I would also advise the Deputy that significant new thermal generation capacity of up to 536 MW came on stream in the first quarter of this year at Tynagh, Co. Galway (384MW) and Aughinish, Co. Limerick (152MW). In addition to the above, Viridian (Huntstown Power Ltd.) has announced, and is proceeding with, the construction of a second new 400MW generating station in Huntstown, which is currently scheduled to come on stream in late 2007.

Natural Gas Grid.

Liam Twomey

Question:

115 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he, officials of his Department or others appointed by him, have concluded their discussions with the various interest groups involved in the construction of the Corrib gas pipeline; if all the issues have been resolved to the satisfaction of the various interests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26582/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

As the Deputy will know, I appointed Mr. Peter Cassells as mediator in the dispute between objectors to the proposed development and the developers. He has, for some months now, been meeting with concerned parties and individuals. I understand that he is nearing completion of his work and I await his report, which I expect to receive shortly. Neither my officials nor I have been involved in the mediation discussions.

Question No. 116 answered with QuestionNo. 33.

Question No. 117 answered with QuestionNo. 81.

Question No. 118 answered with QuestionNo. 92.

Question No. 119 answered with QuestionNo. 65.

Question No. 120 answered with QuestionNo. 23.

Telecommunications Services.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

121 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will provide information on reports that the European Commission’s proposals on tackling roaming fees imposed on mobile phone users have been watered down; the measures the Government brought forward at the European level in this regard; if he is examining measures to reduce the high level of termination charges that Irish mobile users face; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26644/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

As Minister for Communications, I have strongly supported Commissioner Reding's initiative to bring forward a Regulation on international roaming charges. High roaming charges are a barrier to communications across Europe and have a negative impact on the economic and social development of the Union and I have raised this issue at Council and the Taoiseach raised it also at the last Spring Council. The Commission has recently published detailed proposals on tackling international roaming charges, which I am currently studying. In regard to my response to the Commission's proposal, the overriding principle will be that this initiative results in real and tangible reductions in users' costs.

Roaming is also an important issue for Ireland in a North/South context, with operators introducing initiatives following discussions I had with my former Northern Ireland colleague, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Angela Smith M.P. and regulators from both jurisdictions.

Dan Boyle

Question:

122 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the recent incidents of successful legal challenges to the regulatory decisions of the Commission for Communications Regulation with regard to the opening up of both the fixed line and mobile phone network; the legal bill for the State in these two legal challenges; and the changes which are proposed to be made to the regulatory or appeal processes as a result of these recent decisions. [26592/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

Matters arising from the outcome of appeals of regulatory decisions, including costs, are primarily a matter for ComReg, which is independent in the exercise of its functions under the provisions of the Communications Regulation Act 2002. However, as part of my overall policy-making role for the telecommunications sector, I keep the operations of all the bodies under the aegis of my Department under review and where improvements are necessary, to develop the overall environment in which the sector operates, they will be made.

Departmental Agencies.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

123 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will report on the recent establishment of the Irish Energy Council; the amount of money which will be designated to the IEC for its establishment and maintenance; the way Sustainable Energy Ireland will be affected by the new institute; if the level of funding to SEI’s will be reduced; if the Irish Energy Council will be the lead energy authority in the State; the way responsibilities in the energy sector will be divided between IEC and SEI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26627/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

Energy issues are very much centre-stage right now, nationally, in the EU and world-wide and the groundwork which resulted in the creation of the Irish Energy Council commenced a strategic review of the whole energy research area some time ago. This was followed up through last year by extensive consultation with interested parties, resulting in my decision to establish the Council. The Council has a number of important tasks to undertake. These include making recommendations to me on priority areas for research, and helping to ensure that energy research policy sits well with national energy policy, as well as relevant policy in transport, environment, agriculture, enterprise, science and education. I have required the Council to have regard to the all-Island dimension in doing its work, which I believe is important in the light of other joined-up work we are doing in the energy sector.

The role of SEI is not diluted by the creation of the Council. SEI is the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, and the Council is a non-statutory body. The Council is intended to be a light-touch co-ordinating body which will provide the framework within which SEI and other agencies involved with energy research can work more effectively, and it will also address issues which are somewhat outside the remit of the existing players, such as developing and maintaining the appropriate research capacity, both intellectual and physical, to serve our needs on a long-term basis. A sum of €3.5M was provided in this year's Estimates for Energy RTDI (which means energy research, technological development and innovation), and includes the work of the Council. The exact amount of money required by the Council itself has not been determined, and will not be until the Council has itself got itself properly into gear.

Questions Nos. 124 and 125 answered with Question No. 65.

Electricity Generation.

Pat Breen

Question:

126 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his preferred options for the generation of electricity in the future from wind, oil, gas, coal, hydro or renewable fuels; the most appropriate blend of generation capacity in view of the need to maintain continuity of supply and compliance with Kyoto and the optimum use of natural renewable resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26572/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

Maintaining diversity in fuels for electricity generation is one of the key issues in energy policy. While our electricity fuel mix is currently heavily reliant on fossil fuels, particularly gas, we have doubled our renewable generating capacity over the past two years and are on course to exceed our target of 13.2% of electricity from renewable energy by 2010. Because of this rapid progress, I recently announced that I am setting a revised target of 15% for 2010. The forthcoming Energy Green Paper will set an even more ambitious target for 2020.

In addition, the Green Paper will also address the importance of maintaining a diverse mixture of other fuels such as coal, clean coal, peat and gas in the future. The Commission for Energy Regulation is responsible for issuing authorisations for the construction of generating stations and, accordingly, is responsible for taking account of the mix of plant type on the system and the type of plant required in the context of the Generation Adequacy Report published by the Transmission System Operator.

Consultancy Contracts.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

127 Mr. Gilmore asked the Taoiseach the total amount paid in terms of fees or expenses for the appointment of press or public relations consultants from outside his Department for each year since 2002; the firms appointed and the specific project or responsibility for which they were engaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26966/06]

The Taoiseach

My Department has engaged Public Relations Consultants to a value of €77,353.38 since 2002. The breakdown for each year is as follows:

	€
2002	Nil
2003	Nil
2004	77,208.18
2005	145.20
2006	Nil

These payments comprised of the following transactions:

		€
2004	RTE	35,256.79	PR Consultancy — EU Presidency
2004	Grayling Gilmore	29,803.65	PR Consultancy — EU Presidency
2004	Carr Communications	12,147.74	Disability Bill — Public Relations.
2005	The Design Consultancy	145.20	Short Jpeg Film — Asia Strategy

The projects associated with these payments were: promotion of awareness of Ireland's hosting of the EU Presidency from July 2003 to January 2004; preparatory work on the National Disability Strategy from May 2004 to July 2004; and promotion of the new "Asia Strategy" during 2005.

Departmental Appointments.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

128 Mr. Gilmore asked the Taoiseach the number of political appointees and non established civil servants appointed to his Department since June 2002; the nature of the post to which each such person is appointed; the annual cost in terms of salaries or expenses in respect of each such post for each year since 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26981/06]

The Taoiseach

The information sought by the Deputy is contained in the following schedule.

Title	Year	Salary (incl. Overtime & allowances)	Expenses
Special Adviser and Programme Manager	2002	172,699.00	1,089.91
	2003	179,280.00	1,778.51
	2004	193,426.00	3,060.23
	2005	197,764.00	248.6
	2006	218,845.00	556.73
Special Adviser	2002	83,595.00	277.02
	2003	95,041.00	0
	2004	107,456.00	0
	2005	115,073.00	0
	2006	129,483.00	0
Special Adviser	2002	83,595.00	584.47
	2003	95,041.00	767.91
	2004	107,456.00	3,761.98
	2005	115,073.00	1,067.54
	2006	129,483.00	1,290.18
Special Adviser	2002	57,971.00	0
	2003	71,577.00	0
	2004	82,578.00	0
	2005	87,774.00	0
	2006	94,417.00	0
Special Adviser	2002	103,320.00	0
	2003	106,074.00	0
	2004	114,443.00	169.49
	2005	117,153.00	162.88
	2006	129,483.00	0
Programme Manager to Tanaiste	2002	122,113.00	850.5
	2003	125,496.00	1,998.16
	2004	135,397.00	1,027.22
	2005	138,433.00	2,111.44
	2006	153,190.00	0
Special Adviser (with responsibility for co-ordination between all Ministers of State)	2004	41,521.00	0
	2005	57,051.00	2,036.45
	2006	62,200.00	0
Government Press Secretary	2002	48,783.00	971.25
	2003	92,628.00	1,005.97
	2004	109,869.00	2,428.1
	2005	115,073.00	1,879.91
	2006	129,482.00	1,229.58
Deputy Government Press Secretary — left 31/07/05	2002	72,837.00	2,878.87
	2003	97,352.46	2,128.02
	2004	96,482.26	2,158.03
	2005	55,670.82	1,533.39
Deputy Government Press Secretary	2005	32,789.00	517.69
	2006	101,303.00	1,226.34
Personal Assistant	2002	33,561.69	0
	2003	38,390.89	364.84
	2004	45,525.98	0
	2005	46,137.00	0
	2006	49,912.00	385.63
Personal Assistant	2002	45,883.35	760.37
	2003	48,912.25	0
	2004	56,554.63	316.36
	2005	57,256.00	1,333.59
	2006	58,732.00	194.74
Personal Assistant — left 29/10/04	2002	39,805.00	0
	2003	27,972.46	0
	2004	23,351.59	0
Personal Assistant	2002	40,832.00	404.59
	2003	45,975.25	1,094.59
	2004	51,281.63	2,763.81
	2005	52,321.00	1,385.99
	2006	55,339.00	584.73
Personal Assistant	2002	42,154.75	0
	2003	42,366.95	0
	2004	46,669.58	0
	2005	50,661.82	0
	2006	51,087.00	0
Personal Assistant	2002	55,237.60	0
	2003	46,547.04	0
	2004	54,280.02	0
	2005	54,596.00	0
	2006	54,720.00	0
Personal Assistant to Minister of State and Government Chief Whip — started 26/10/04	2004	6,915.15	0
	2005	40,107.00	0
	2006	49,080.00	0
Personal Secretary	2002	20,043.52	0
	2003	26,484.99	0
	2004	23,493.45	0
	2005	32,309.04	0
	2006	36,673.00	0
Personal Secretary to Minister of State and Government Chief Whip — started 29/09/04	2004	8,172.84	0
	2005	40,677.00	0
	2006	42,947.00	0
Usher	2002	27,499.93	0
	2003	29,051.38	0
	2004	31,558.76	0
	2005	33,522.71	0
	2006	36,193.00	0
Special Adviser to Minister of State & Govt. chief whip started 1/10/04	2004	16,797.00	1,342.34
	2005	74,519.00	3,054.69
	2006	81,374.00	0
Special Adviser — left 13/01/03	2002	68,889.00	774.76
	2003	4,734.38	0
Special Adviser to Chief Whip & MOS Hanafin — left 8/10/04	2002	31,131.00	0
	2003	66,134.41	0
	2004	59,243.85	0
Personal Secretary to MOS Roche — left 29/09/04	2002	15,364.00	0
	2003	28,096.51	0
	2004	28,022.08	0
Personal Assistant to Chief Whip & MOS Hanafin — left 8/10/04	2002	13,666.00	0
	2003	43,157.29	832.15
	2004	43,786.09	0
Personal Secretary to Chief Whip & MOS Hanafin 28/07/03-10/10/04	2003	10,486.01	0
	2004	23,998.15	0
Personal Secretary to Chief Whip & MOS Hanafin — left 18/03/03	2002	19,336.00	0
	2003	9,807.16	0
		7,223,154.72	58,438.57

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

129 Mr. Gilmore asked the Taoiseach the number of staff broken down by grade employed within the private office and the constituency office; the number of such staff who are permanent civil servants; the number who are political appointees; the annual cost of each such office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses in respect of each Minister of State allocated to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26996/06]

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

130 Mr. Gilmore asked the Taoiseach the number of staff broken down by grade employed within his private office and his constituency office; the number of such staff who are permanent civil servants; the number who are political appointees; the annual cost of each such office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27011/06]

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 129 and 130 together.

I refer the Deputy to the answers he was given on Wednesday, 7 December 2005 (Ref 38323/05) and Tuesday 13 December, 2005 (Ref 39019/05). There have been no changes in the staffing of these offices since that date.

The projected annual cost of these Offices for 2006 are as follows:

Office	Salary (incl. overtime)	Expenses
	€	€
Taoiseach’s Private Office	673,731.00	17,023.09
Taoiseach’s Constituency Office	265,388.00	Nil
Office of the Chief Whip & Minister of State	456,941.00	7,719.21
Office of the Minister of State for European Affairs	124,675.87	1,166.03

Departmental Advertising.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

131 Mr. Gilmore asked the Taoiseach the total amount spent by his Department in terms of advertising in newspapers, magazines and electronic media in respect of each year since 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27026/06]

The Taoiseach

Details of advertising undertaken by my Department in each year since 2002 are set out in the attached table. This all related to newspaper advertising.

Year	Amount
	€
2002	51,164*
2003	10,212*
2004	21,608*
2005	27,731
2006 (Jan to June)	46,991*

*Included in the above figures are payments made by my Department for advertisements which were or are due to be recouped from the Change Management Fund. The following details apply:

2002 — €18,203

2003 — €5,444

2004 — €16,685

I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 to 136, inclusive, together.

The current sanctioned staffing level in the Office of the Attorney General is 120. At present, there are 117.73 staff members serving with 5.27 vacancies. However, 3 of the staff are supernumerary while training for secondment to other Departments (see below). Two vacancies are expected to be filled on 10 July.

In November, 2005 the Department of Finance gave sanction to the Office to recruit up to 6 Advisory Counsel (Grade III). These recruits are to be trained in the AGO before being seconded as legal advisors to other Departments. Ultimately, these new staff are to be counted as part of the sanctioned staff numbers in their host Department but are counted as supernumeraries in the AGO until they actually take up duty in these Departments. At present, the Office has 3 of these supernumerary staff and a further 3 are expected in the next few months. Additionally, the Office in April 2005 received Department of Finance sanction to increase the number of Assistant Parliamentary Counsel (Grade II) by 6. However, such an increase is dependent on a similar reduction in the number of Contract Drafters engaged so that, overall, the total staff numbers remain unchanged.

The current sanctioned staffing level for permanent staff in the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel is 19. As stated above, this figure can increase to 25 provided such an increase is offset by an identical reduction in the number of Contract Drafter positions. At present, there are 2 vacancies (the precise figure is 1.7 as staff numbers are affected by atypical working patterns) in the number of Assistant Parliamentary Counsel.

Earlier this year, in conjunction with the Public Appointments Service, the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel held a recruitment competition for permanent drafting staff. Although there were 40 applicants, only 3 were successful at all stages of the competition and were offered positions. Of these, 1 accepted the offer and took up duty on 26 June, 1 has declined the position and 1 is still considering the offer of appointment. The Office of the Parliamentary Counsel has sanction to fill up to 8 Contract Drafters positions in total and currently it engages 7 drafters on a contract basis. However, not all of these work full-time and their contribution is equivalent to 5 full-time drafters.

The Contract Drafting positions are filled pursuant to Department of Finance sanction. All Contract Drafters engaged by the Office have significant drafting experience in common-law jurisdictions similar to our own. In the past, all have previously held senior drafting positions, including, former heads of office of the UK Office of Parliamentary Counsel, the Canadian Federal Drafting Office and the Office of the Scottish Parliamentary Counsel. All Contract Drafters come highly recommended. Typically, a Contract Drafter will be given a one-year contract which may subsequently be extended depending on the level of work dictated by the Government's Legislative Programme and the availability of permanent staff, which can be affected by term-time working arrangements, maternity leave etc.

The last promotional competition for a post of Assistant Parliamentary Counsel (Grade I) in the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel took place in September, 2003, resulting in the promotion of an existing Assistant Parliamentary Counsel (Grade II). While there are currently 2 promotional vacancies at the Grade I level, staff at the Grade II level are relatively new and still undergoing training. Up to this time, management's view has been that, in the main, the staff were not yet ready for promotion to this Principal Officer equivalent position. However, the situation will be reviewed in the Autumn.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

137 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the matters discussed at her meeting on 28 June 2006 with the leaders of the main Protestant Churches; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26031/06]

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

175 Mr. O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will report on her meeting with leaders of the main Protestant churches here on 28 June 2006 in Government buildings regarding Tallaght Hospital; her views on the issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27167/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The Taoiseach, Professor Brendan Drumm and I met with the leaders of the Protestant Churches and representatives of the Adelaide Hospital Society on 28 June 2006 to discuss a number of issues relating to the Adelaide and Meath Hospital incorporating the National Children's Hospital, Tallaght. The delegation expressed concern at the implications for the National Children's Hospital of the recent Government decision to endorse the development of a single national tertiary paediatric hospital on a site to be made available by the Mater Hospital at Eccles Street, Dublin 1. A number of other matters relating to the provision of hospital services at Tallaght were also discussed.

The delegation submitted a document proposing a wide range of service developments at the hospital over the next 10 years. It was agreed that the proposals, which have very significant resource implications, would be examined by my Department and the Health Service Executive.

Health Services.

Finian McGrath

Question:

138 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a public nursing home place for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3; and if he will support the family on this matter. [27283/06]

Finian McGrath

Question:

159 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3 will be assisted in obtaining a place in a public nursing home; and if he will work with the family on this matter. [26908/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. S. Power)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 138 and 159 together.

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. B. Lenihan)

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 (HSE) under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Services.

John Gormley

Question:

142 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of major incidents that have been declared in hospitals between 21 June 2005 and 21 June 2006; the reason, in each case, for those major incidents being declared; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26776/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

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

Medical Cards.

Pat Breen

Question:

143 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the new income threshold guidelines for availing of general practitioner visit cards as contained in the press release (details supplied) on her Department’s website are correct; if so, if the details contained in the link which follows are incorrect; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26778/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

In my Department's press release of 26 June 2006 I announced the increase in the basic income guidelines for the GP visit card to 50 per cent above the medical card income guidelines. The press release listed a range of examples based on persons with different earnings and expenses and in different family situations — this information is correct. The following table gives details of these and other sample cases outlining the weekly income and outgoings which would allow persons to be entitled to a GP visit card on foot of these recently increased income guidelines.

Increases in GP Visit Card Guidelines — June 2006
Sample Cases
	Medical Card	GPV Card	Weekly Outgoings	Total Outgoings	Total Guidelines
	Base guidelines	Mortgage/rent	Childcare	Travel to work
Single Person Living Alone
Aged up to 65 years	184.00	276.00	100	0	50	150	426.00
Aged between 66-69 years	201.50	303.00	100	0	50	150	453.00
Single Person Living with Family
Aged up to 65 years	164.00	246.00	0	0	50	50	296.00
Aged between 66-69 years	173.50	260.00	0	0	50	50	310.00
Married Couple / Single Parent Families with Dependent Children
Aged up to 65 years	266.50	400.00	200	0	100	300	700.00
With 1 Child	304.50	457.00	200	150	100	450	907.00
With 2 Children	342.50	514.00	200	300	100	600	1,114.00
With 3 Children	383.50	576.00	200	450	100	750	1,326.00
With 4 Children	424.50	637.00	200	600	100	900	1,537.00
Aged up to 65 years	266.50	400.00	250	0	100	350	750.00
With 1 Child	304.50	457.00	250	150	100	500	957.00
With 2 Children	342.50	514.00	250	300	100	650	1,164.00
With 3 Children	383.50	576.00	250	450	100	800	1,376.00
With 4 Children	424.50	637.00	250	600	100	950	1,587.00
Aged up to 65 years	266.50	400.00	300	0	100	400	800.00
With 1 Child	304.50	457.00	300	150	100	550	1,007.00
With 2 Children	342.50	514.00	300	300	100	700	1,214.00
With 3 Children	383.50	576.00	300	450	100	850	1,426.00
With 4 Children	424.50	637.00	300	600	100	1,000	1,637.00
Aged up to 65 years	266.50	400.00	350	0	100	450	850.00
With 1 Child	304.50	457.00	350	150	100	600	1,057.00
With 2 Children	342.50	514.00	350	300	100	750	1,264.00
With 3 Children	383.50	576.00	350	450	100	900	1,476.00
With 4 Children	424.50	637.00	350	600	100	1050	1,687.00†

†This is the amount of nett income a person can earn if they have the outgoings shown

Legislative Programme.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

144 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps taken to deal with hallucinogenic substances other than magic mushrooms; if consideration has been or will be given to considering such substances, including magic mushrooms, as Class B drugs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26827/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1988, arising under the Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977 and 1984 set out in Schedules 1 to 5 the specific restrictions, exemptions and obligations which apply to various controlled substances. Substances included in Schedule 1 have the highest level of control whereas substances in Schedule 5 are subject to less stringent controls.

Schedule 1 mainly includes hallucinogenic substances which are not recognised in this country as having legitimate medical use and as such are not generally available through normal commercial channels. The use of these drugs is, by virtue of the Misuse of Drugs (Designation) Order, 1998, limited primarily to scientific research or forensic analysis. The production, supply (including administration) and possession is, in all cases, subject to special licensing. Examples of drugs in Schedule 1 are cannabis and cannabis resin, raw opium and ecstasy. Psilocin and Psilocybin, the active ingredients in magic mushrooms, and magic mushrooms in their raw state are already included in Schedule 1.

Hospital Services.

Damien English

Question:

145 Mr. English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on whether it is wise to remove emergency services from Our Lady’s Hospital in Navan that is built over a mine that employs some 600 people underground; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26836/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

I presume that the Deputy is referring to a recommendation contained in a report by consultants who were engaged by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to undertake a review of acute hospital services in the former North Eastern Health Board area. The review, which commenced in March 2006, has recently been completed and the report has been considered by the Board of the HSE. It concludes that the present system, where five local hospitals deliver acute care to relatively small populations, is exposing patients to increased risks, that it is not serving the community well and is not sustainable.

The consultants believe that there is an unprecedented opportunity over the next 10 years to develop a very high quality responsive emergency and planned care service, in line with international standards, by developing local services within existing hospitals and other local centres supported by a new Regional Hospital. The HSE is to establish a North East Steering Group to quickly address the issues that require immediate attention and at the same time develop a longer term strategy to deliver a world class health service during the next 10 years. The Group will have representation from key stakeholders such as clinicians and primary care providers. There will also be a widespread public engagement on the issues highlighted in the report.

Damien English

Question:

146 Mr. English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of people on dialysis in the north east; the number of people receiving this treatment in hospitals in the north east; the name of the hospital’s providing this treatment; the number of patients receiving this treatment in their homes; the number of patients who leave the north east to go to Dublin for dialysis; the travelling costs involved in providing this treatment in Dublin to patients from the North East; if there are plans to provide for kidney dialysis at Our Lady’s Hospital in Navan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26839/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

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.

Damien English

Question:

147 Mr. English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of home care packages that have been applied for by people in County Meath; the number of successful applicants that have been provided; the number of applicants that have yet to be processed; the requirements for a person to apply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26841/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. S. Power)

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.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

John McGuinness

Question:

148 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite an application under the housing aid for the elderly scheme in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if the application will be approved to allow the work to commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26875/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. S. Power)

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. This includes responsibility for the provision of the Housing Aid Scheme for the Elderly, on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Accordingly, the Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

John McGuinness

Question:

149 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite an application for funding under the housing aid for the elderly scheme in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26876/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. S. Power)

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. This includes responsibility for the provision of the Housing Aid Scheme for the Elderly, on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Accordingly, the Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Paddy McHugh

Question:

150 Mr. McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the expenditure to be incurred on a project (details supplied) in 2006; the elements of works on which moneys will be expended; the elements of the project that will proceed in 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26877/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. This includes responsibility for considering new capital proposals or progressing those in the health capital programme.

Question:

158 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason the IHS, IKA, PA and TA were not informed of the radical proposals to the Hepatitis C Compensation Bill 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26907/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 157 and 158 together.

The Hepatitis C Compensation Tribunal Act 1997 and 2002 provide for a no-fault compensation scheme for persons who were infected with Hepatitis C, or HIV, or both, from the administration within the State of infected blood or blood products, including Anti-D Immunoglobulin and products used to treat persons with haemophilia or other blood clotting disorders.

Under the Health (Amendment) Act 1996, a person who in the opinion of the Chief Executive Officer of the Health Service Executive has contracted Hepatitis C directly or indirectly from the use of Anti-D or the administration of blood or blood products within the State, is entitled to a range of health and personal social services, regardless of means. The Hepatitis C Compensation Tribunal (Amendment) Bill, 2006 provides for a new definition of Hepatitis C diagnosis for the purposes of the Hepatitis C Compensation Tribunal Acts 1997 and 2002. Briefly, persons making claims after 20 June 2006 will have to show that they have tested positive for Hepatitis C with one of a list of internationally recognised diagnostic tests for Hepatitis C, or that they had an acute episode of jaundice within 16 weeks of the administration of Anti-D, in order to be eligible to apply for compensation. The Bill also provides that the same definition will apply to the Health (Amendment) Act 1996. Applications seeking to establish entitlement to relevant health care services lodged with the HSE prior to 20 June, 2006 will not be affected.

As I advised the House during the debate on the Bill last week, certain sections of the Bill were drafted as a result of litigation and for legal reasons I was unable to discuss their content in advance of publication on 20 June last.

Question No. 159 answered with QuestionNo. 138.

Nursing Home Subventions.

Finian McGrath

Question:

160 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason the mother of a person (details supplied) was turned down for subvention allowance for a nursing home. [26909/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. S. Power)

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

Health Services.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

161 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 will receive an appointment for a hearing test and an appointment with a speech therapist; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26910/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. T. O’Malley)

The tables detail the number and grade of staff employed in my private and constituency offices and the annual cost of each office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses. All staff are permanent civil servants except for Special Advisers, Personal Assistants and Personal Secretary.

Private Office
Grade	Number of Officers (Wholetime Equivalents)
Special Advisers	3
Personal Assistant	1
Higher Executive Officer (Private Secretary)	1
Executive Officer	2
Staff Officer	1
Clerical Officer	6

Constituency Office
Grade	Number of Officers (Wholetime Equivalents)
Personal Assistant	1
Personal Secretary	1
Clerical Officer	2.5

Annual Cost — (1/7/05-30/6/06)
	Private Office	Constituency Office
	€	€
Salary including PRSI ER and Pension Contributions	794,941.50	316,339
Overtime	615.88	—
Expenses	23,143.70	3,283.50

In addition to the three Special Advisers listed above, a senior manager is on loan from the Health Services Executive (HSE) and works as part of my advisory team but is not contracted by the Department and continues to be an employee of the HSE.

The tables detail the numbers, grade and remuneration of staff employed in the private and constituency offices of the Ministers of State. All staff are civil servants except for Special Adviser, Personal Assistants, Personal Secretaries and Civilian Drivers.

Minister of State, Brian Lenihan TD — Private Office
Grade	Number of Officers
Special Adviser	1
Higher Executive Officer (Private Secretary)	1
Executive Officer	1
Clerical Officer	3
Civilian Drivers	2

Minister of State, Brian Lenihan TD — Constituency Office
Grade	Number of Officers
Personal Assistant	1
Personal Secretary	1
Clerical Officer	2.8

Minister of State, Tim O'Malley TD — Private Office
Grade	Number of Officers
Higher Executive Officer (Private Secretary)	1
Executive Officer	1
Staff Officer	0.5
Clerical Officer	2.6
Civilian Drivers	2

Minister of State, Tim O'Malley TD — Constituency Office
Grade	Number of Officers
Personal Assistant	1
Personal Secretary	1
Executive Officer	1
Staff Officer	0.8
Clerical Officer	1

Minister of State, Seán Power TD — Private Office
Grade	Number of Officers
Higher Executive Officer (Private Secretary)	1
Executive Officer	1
Clerical Officer	3.25
Civilian Drivers	2

Minister of State, Seán Power TD — Constituency Office
Grade	Number of Officers
Personal Secretary	1
Executive Officer	1
Clerical Officer	2

Annual Cost — Minister of State Brian Lenihan TD — (1/7/05-30/6/06)
	Private Office	Constituency Office
	€	€
Salary including Employer PRSI and Pension Contributions	295,604.94	195,753.13
Overtime	—	21,433.66
Expenses	6,053.14	77.53

Annual Cost — Minister of State Tim O'Malley TD — (1/7/05-30/6/06)
	Private Office	Constituency Office
	€	€
Salary including Employer PRSI and Pension Contributions	261,271.92	207,682.88
Overtime	282.90	896.67
Expenses	21,334.88	—

Annual Cost — Minister of State Seán Power TD — (1/7/05-30/6/06)
	Private Office	Constituency Office
	€	€
Salary including Employer PRSI and Pension Contributions	267,601.01	146,998.31
Overtime	—	—
Expenses	20,946.46	—

The Government is concerned about alcohol-related harm and the increase in consumption in the total population as well as the increased prevalence of high-risk drinking. This problem calls for a concerted cross-Departmental approach involving a range of key Departments and stakeholders. The two reports of the Strategic Task Force on Alcohol (STFA) provide a blueprint for tackling alcohol related harm. The reports have been presented to the Government and the Department of Health and Children and other relevant Departments have been authorised to implement the recommendations coming within their remit.

Significant progress has been made in implementing the recommendations of the reports in areas such as advertising, responsible serving, education and research. A Working Group on Alcohol was established under the Special Initiative on Tackling Alcohol and Drug Misuse in Sustaining Progress to help mobilise the stakeholders through social partnership to achieve targeted and measurable reductions in these areas. The Group's remit was to examine the areas of high-risk drinking, underage drinking and drink driving and to identify actions which member organisations could adopt to address these issues with a view to developing a programme of action. The Working Group has now submitted its report which includes recommendations on issues such as community mobilisation, workplace alcohol policies, advertising, labelling, education and awareness.

As aspects of the Deputy's question relate to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, including the future development and implementation of alcohol awareness initiatives and campaigns, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Services Executive to arrange to have this matter further investigated and to have a response issued directly to the Deputy.

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

174 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when she will commence the issue of repayment under the nursing homes repayment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27069/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006 was signed by the President on 23 June 2006. This Act provides a clear legal framework for a scheme to repay recoverable health charges for publicly funded long term care.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) have announced the appointment of a preferred service provider, a consortium comprising of KPMG accountancy group and McCann Fitzgerald solicitors, to administer this repayment scheme. The consortium has already commenced its preparatory work and intends to launch the scheme publicly in mid-July. The HSE has indicated that the consortium will, within four weeks of appointment, begin to issue application forms and begin notifying approximately 7,600 living patients of the amount of repayment due to them. The HSE has indicated that the details of these repayments have been prepared in advance of the appointment of the company. On submission of an application and receipt of notification of the calculated amount of repayment due, the applicant will have a period of 28 days in which to appeal or reject the calculated amount of repayment due prior to the issuing of money by the HSE.

Repayments will be made as soon as possible, with priority given to living persons, and provision has been made for repayments to continue up to 2008 . It is anticipated that all repayments will have been completed within this period, however if required the cut off date for receipt of applications can be extended.

Question No. 175 answered with QuestionNo. 137.

Health Services.

Phil Hogan

Question:

176 Mr. Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in reaching a conclusion regarding the recognition of a clinic (details supplied) in County Kilkenny, in respect of the provision of dialysis for kidney patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27168/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

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.

Pension Provisions.

Seán Ryan

Question:

177 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress on the implementation of the contents of circular S 12/05 for pensioners who were employed as non-officers in the former health boards throughout the counties; if the necessary finance and resources have been made available to ensure that the benefits of the circular are passed on to the pensioners; and the approximate number of pensioners involved in each area. [27169/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The Deputy's question relates to the administration and management of superannuation payments for former employees of the health boards, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to have this matter investigated and to issue a reply directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

John Cregan

Question:

178 Mr. Cregan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the situation regarding entitlements to the primary school dental service; if entitlement extends to children attending a private or fee-paying school; the reason for refusals and the legislative base for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27173/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. S. Power)

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

David Stanton

Question:

184 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 238 of 3 May 2006, the details of topics discussed and outcome of the three consultation workshops held in May 2006; the number of people who participated in each event; if her Department has reached conclusions as a result of the workshops; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27209/06]

David Stanton

Question:

185 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 238 of 3 May 2006, if she has received notification from either the Health Service Executive, the Department of Education and Science or the National Council for Special Education as to when the consultation process regarding part two will be completed; when the necessary regulations provided for in part two will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27210/06]

David Stanton

Question:

186 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 238 of 3 May 2006, the timescale for commencement of the provisions of Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27211/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. T. O’Malley)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 184 to 186, inclusive, together.

The three consultation workshops which were held in May 2006 focused specifically on the area of assessment of need. Around 300 people were invited and over 200 attended over the three days. The key themes which were discussed during the February conference on the assessment of need process were also discussed at these sessions, which provided an opportunity for a broader range of people with disabilities to have an input into the process. The key themes were: the Assessment of Need process; building on best practice to deliver on obligations under the Disability legislation; and strengthening the links "on the ground" i.e. links between education, other statutory bodies and HSE. The views expressed during the consultation as a whole fed into the development of the Department's and the HSE's thinking in relation to assessment of need process.

They were particularly helpful in the preparation of the part of my Department's Sectoral Plan which outlines the arrangements for the implementation of Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005. The Department also worked with the Department of Education and Science, the HSE and the National Council for Special Education in the preparation of the arrangements for the implementation of this Part. The Sectoral Plan for the Department will be published within the next two to three weeks.

Child Care Services.

David Stanton

Question:

187 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 238 of 23 May 2006, the updated figures for the number of enquiries that the city and county childcare committees have received with regard to voluntary notification for childminders; the number of notifications the childcare committees have received since the introduction of the tax exemption for childminders; the breakdown of same per childcare committee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27212/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. B. Lenihan)

With reference to the information provided to the Deputy in Parliamentary Question No. 238 of 23 May 2006, regarding the number of enquiries received by City and County Childcare Committees (CCCs) from childminders, in relation to voluntary notification since the introduction of the tax exemption in respect of income from childminding, I am advised that further updated information is not readily available at this point in time.

I understand that on 23 June 2006, a supplementary letter issued, advising the Deputy that the Office of the Minister for Children is currently putting new arrangements in place with the CCCs to improve the quality of future data collection and to ensure that it is available in a more timely and consistent format. When this exercise is completed, the Deputy will be advised of any updated information available.

As the Deputy is aware, the new Childminding Relief was introduced in Budget 2006. This Relief means that where an individual minds up to three children in the minder's own home, no tax will be payable on the childminding earnings, provided the amount is less than €10,000 per annum. If childminding income exceeds €10,000, the total amount will be taxable, as normal, under self-assessment. An individual will be obliged to return his/her childminding income in a tax return and also to notify their CCC that they are providing a childminding service.

The first tax year for which this tax exemption applies is 2006 and tax returns for 2006 must be made by October 2007. Until that time, the final take-up of this initiative cannot be fully established.

Health Service Staff.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

188 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that changed regulations by the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Britain in relation to registration of psychiatrists has resulted in such changed circumstances as would breach the regional expectations for qualification and employment of a person (details supplied) from abroad working in the Irish system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27218/06]

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

189 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that the implementation of regulations, changes to same, and their implementation by health boards or the appropriate section of the Health Service Executive, will not deprive those who have been taken in to training schemes as consultant psychiatrists within the Irish health system or will not have the circumstances for their qualification arbitrarily changed in such a way as to endanger their employment, temporary or permanent; if she will further ensure that those affected by such changes will be treated on a basis of equality, with equal opportunities for meeting such additional conditions being available to European and non-European applicants, and those at all stages of the qualification process. [27219/06]

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

190 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that changes in required qualification by such bodies as the Royal College of Psychiatrists in London will not be implemented in such a way as to undermine the protection afforded to existing employees in Irish hospitals under the protection of the Fixed Term Employees Act 2002. [27220/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The Irish Psychiatric Training Committee oversees postgraduate training in psychiatry and advises the Medical Council as to the suitability of trainees for the specialist register. It is working closely with the Royal College of Psychiatrists in the UK and is fully appraised of relevant developments there.

A working group was set up some months ago, by the Committee, to review training in Ireland and the Postgraduate Medical and Dental Board has provided funding to the Committee to engage a project director to review and implement new processes of training in the light of the changes in the UK.

I understand that the Medical Council will be discussing the issue further with the Irish Psychiatric Training Committee and that the Council's Registration Committee, at its next meeting, will consider any potential impact on applications for entry to the register of medical specialists.

The National Hospitals Office/Comhairle na nOspidéal has set down the qualifications, training and experience necessary to become a consultant psychiatrist in Ireland. The Irish Psychiatric Training Committee will continue to provide the training necessary to fulfil those requirements.

Financial Confidentiality.

Joe Costello

Question:

191 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that anti-terrorist agencies in the USA have been monitoring all money transactions between the US and Ireland since 2001; if the Government was informed of the illegal activity at any time; the steps the Government propose to take to protect the confidentiality of citizens here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26874/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

As I indicated yesterday in reply to a question on this issue from Deputy Michael D Higgins, it is my understanding from media reports that the US authorities have had access, for the purpose of identifying terrorist financing, to information from a Belgium-based and financial industry owned company with US offices that operates a worldwide messaging system used to transmit electronic messages among banks to facilitate financial transactions.

If it was the case, as has been reported, that the subpoena was served on the banking consortium's US subsidiary, then the monitoring in question — especially with the knowledge of the consortium that owns the network — on foot of a subpoena, would appear to be a matter of US law.

The Government were not aware of the data transfer until these reports were published in the media.

The Deputy may wish to note that the activities of this financial intermediary are overseen, but only in so far as they relate to financial stability, by a committee drawn from the major central banks under the leadership of the National Bank of Belgium.

As regards the wider issue of access to data on financial transactions, I would remind the Deputy that, while there is a strong general principle that confidential banking information should not be disclosed to third parties, this principle may be over-ridden where there are compelling public policy considerations — for example where breaches of the criminal law arise. For instance, in Ireland, banks are obliged to report any suspicions of an offence under the money laundering provisions of the Criminal Justice Act, 1994 to the Gardaí and the Revenue Commissioners.

Flood Relief.

Joe Costello

Question:

192 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Finance the progress on works undertaken to secure the Tolka River against flooding; the amount of work that has been completed; the work which remains to be completed; when the entire work will be completed. [26872/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. Parlon)

Flood relief works on the River Tolka are in the main being undertaken by the Commissioners of Public Works on behalf of the three local authorities concerned, Fingal and Meath County Councils and Dublin City Council. I take it the question relates to works in the Dublin City Council area.

Most of the major works planned have been completed at this stage. Works to strengthen the wall upstream of Glasnevin Bridge and to widen the channel at Griffith Park are continuing. Some minor pointing of the wall at East Wall Road will be completed this summer.

I intend to take Questions Nos. 194, 195, 196, 198 and 200 together.

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that PRSI and income levies are not included in the tax figures used in the study. The Revenue Commissioners collect PRSI and income levies on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Department of Health and Children. They are treated as income tax only for collection purposes as provided for by the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, 1993 and the Health Contributions Act, 1979.

It should be noted that there are no reliefs against PRSI and the Health Levy in the same way generally as there are reliefs against income tax so the need to study the effect of such reliefs does not arise in these cases.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the breakdown of the gross income figure used in the study of the effective tax rates of the top 400 earners in 2002 is approximately as follows:

	€m
Schedule D, Case I and II	175
Rental Income	55
Directors’ PAYE Income	210
Other Income	273*
Total	713

*Includes distributions, investment and other PAYE income.

It is not possible to identify separately dividends from quoted and unquoted companies or other investment income. Since capital gains do not attract income tax, these figures were not included in the study of the effective rates of the top 400 earners.

The cost to the Exchequer of the exemption of certain earnings of writers, composers and artists in 2002 was €23.9m. The study of the top 400 earners for the tax year 2002 did not include artists' exempt income. Of the top 400 earners, ten had artists' exempt income totalling €2.18m, giving rise to a putative reduction in tax liability of some €915,000 assuming that it was all taxable at 42%.

A Revenue Commissioners' study of the effective tax rates of the top 400 earners in 2003, on the lines of that recently published for 2002, is not yet available.

The Revenue Commissioners have advised that the purpose of the study is to inform them in general terms about trends and about the behaviour of high earners. It is a study which requires detailed research and analysis. In this context having regard to business priorities it is generally carried out in the later part of the year.

As regards the remaining information sought by the Deputy, in particular the cost of write offs, I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that it could not be compiled within the time allowed. I am further advised that the Commissioners will be in touch with the Deputy and will make available as much as possible of the information sought within a few weeks.

Tax Collection.

Joan Burton

Question:

197 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 113 of 8 June 2006, if he will provide details to support the information in view of the fact that the average rate of tax paid by high wealth individuals increased from 24.3 percent in 2002 to 30.2 percent in 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26889/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

I am not clear what additional details the Deputy requires in relation to the information provided in my reply to question no. 113 of 8th June 2006.

However, I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the average rate of tax paid by high wealth individuals in 2002 and 2003 was arrived at by expressing the aggregate tax paid as a percentage of the aggregate income of the individuals concerned.

As explained in my earlier reply the aggregate income figures used is the figure before the deduction of certain reliefs, such as capital allowances and trading losses, but it does not include certain income such as artists' exempt income and patent income. It was not possible to include deposit interest retention tax ("DIRT") as tax paid in the computation of average rate for the years 2002 and 2003 whereas the related income has been included.

Question No. 198 answered with QuestionNo. 194.

Joan Burton

Question:

199 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance if, in respect of the Revenue Commissioners study of the effective tax rates of the top 400 earners for the tax year 2002 recently published, the effect the Christina O case had on the liabilities of the individuals concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26891/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they do not comment on the tax affairs of specific taxpayers. In relation to the methodology used for the top 400 study, I am advised that in calculating the effective rate used in the study, the income figure used was the figure before deducting specific reliefs, such as capital allowances or trading losses. Speaking generally, ships or yachts which are used for the purposes of transporting either passengers or freight do qualify for capital allowances in the same way as other plant and machinery used for the purpose of a business.

Question No. 200 answered with QuestionNo. 194.

Departmental Publications.

Joan Burton

Question:

201 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance when he intends to publish the TSG papers for the 2006 Budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26893/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

The TSG papers for the 2006 Budget were published on the Department of Finance website on Friday, 30th June 2006. The documents may be viewed on www.finance.gov.ie — Policy Areas and Publications — TSG Group.

Public Procurement Contracts.

John Deasy

Question:

202 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Finance the status of the proposed new forms of public procurement contracts; if he will revise the third draft of the proposed contracts, that was issued by his Department on 7 April 2006, to take account of outstanding issues raised by the contractors; his views on whether the contractors have genuine concerns that the proposed contracts have elements that are contrary to the principles of appropriate risk transfer and fair payment conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26894/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

The Government in mid 2004 decided to reform construction procurement so as to help achieve greater cost certainty, better value for money and more cost effective delivery of public works projects. My Department, with the assistance of the Government Contracts Committee for Construction (GCCC), specialist legal drafters and external technical expertise, has now developed a suite of Standard Forms of Construction Contract.

My officials have had extensive and constructive consultations with the construction industry over the last year on the content of the contracts. During this process, there has been very significant movement on the part of the State to help meet the industry's concerns without compromising the core policy of having fixed price lump sum contracts with appropriate risk transfer, tendered on a competitive basis as the norm for future capital works projects. Following a very useful exchange of views with representatives of the construction industry in early June, I am aware that there are a small number of outstanding concerns for the industry. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the details at this time. However, let me say that I have listened carefully to the industry's comments and views and I am currently reflecting on the points made with a view to finalising the contracts very shortly.

It is important that we move the process on now and prepare for the next phase of implementation, which is a comprehensive training programme for public sector practitioners, to ensure that the new arrangements are used appropriately across the public sector as soon as possible.

Tax Code.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

203 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider the hardship being imposed on coach operators who have to pay VAT on new school buses where such a vehicle would be exempt from VAT if it was to be used as a tour bus; and if he will consider this situation in view of the new safety regulations which have to be met now on all school buses and the additional financial expenditure being imposed on operators. [26895/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

The provision of passenger transport services, including school transport services, is exempt from VAT under the EU Sixth VAT Directive. This means that school transport providers do not charge VAT on the services they supply and cannot recover VAT on the goods and services that they purchase for use in providing that service. Essentially, only VAT registered businesses which charge VAT are able to recover VAT.

Refund orders have in the past been used in a limited way to provide refunds of VAT on certain aids and appliances for the disabled, medical equipment donated voluntarily to hospitals and certain touring coaches. These orders are focused and are designed to target particular sectors. However, it is no longer possible under EU law to introduce new schemes which would allow for VAT refunds to exempt bodies or non-taxable persons.

Tax Yield.

John McGuinness

Question:

204 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance the revenues that would have been lost if VAT on house purchases had not been increased in Budget 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26896/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that it is not possible to furnish precise figures of the VAT take on house purchases, as the information sought on VAT returns does not require the yield from particular sectors of trade to be identified. However, based on data published by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the estimated additional net VAT yield from the sale of new houses (including apartments) as a result of the VAT rate of 12.5% being increased to 13.5% on 1 January 2003 is as follows: €115.6m in 2003; €144.3m in 2004; and, €151.5m in 2005.

A decrease of 1% in the reduced VAT rate would cost the Exchequer €358m per annum. Such a reduction would have little or no impact on the price of new houses but would be very costly to the Exchequer.

John McGuinness

Question:

205 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance the yield from the two per cent insurance levy in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26897/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

A 2% stamp duty is charged on most non-life insurance premiums and is part of the normal stamp duty system. The exceptions are re-insurance, voluntary health insurance, marine, aviation and transit insurance and export credit insurance. It was introduced in 1982.

The yield in 2005 is €90.8m.

The purpose of the non-life levy is to broaden the stamp duty base while maintaining low direct tax rates.

Tax Collection.

John McGuinness

Question:

206 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance the cost of increasing the income disregard threshold so that home carers can qualify for a tax credit equivalent to the PAYE credit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26898/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that statistics are not available at this time which would enable the information requested by the Deputy to be provided.

Budget 2006 introduced a new tax exemption for childminding where an individual minds up to three children, who are not their own, in the minder's own home. The cost of the exemption was estimated to be €4 million in a full year.

Where the gross annual income from the provision of these childcare services does not exceed €10,000, the income is fully exempt from tax. To avail of this relief, the care provider must be self-employed (not an employee) and include the gross income in their annual return of income to the Revenue Commissioners. The claim for tax exemption is made in this return. The claim must be accompanied by evidence that the care provider has notified the Health Service Executive that they are providing childminding services. In practice, this will mean the officer appointed by the local City or County Childcare Committee. An individual must ‘elect' to claim the exemption by notice in writing to the inspector on or before the specified return date for the chargeable period.

The specified return date for 2006 is 31 October 2007. Accordingly, it will be some time after that before comprehensive statistics in relation to the number of claimants become available and the cost of any increase in the threshold can be estimated.

Flood Relief.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

207 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the John’s River, Waterford City flood relief scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26899/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. Parlon)

The Commissioners of Public Works are in discussion with Waterford City Council with a view to finding the most effective way to advance the proposed flood relief scheme.

Consultancy Contracts.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

208 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Finance the total amount paid in terms of fees or expenses for the appointment of press or public relations consultants from outside his Department for each year since 2002; the firms appointed and the specific project or responsibility for which they were engaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26968/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

I take it that the Deputy is referring to payments made in each of the years 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005. My Department did not make payments solely for public relations work in those years. It did, however, make payments in respect of two contracts in the period which, while mainly for other purposes, involved a public relations element. Details are in the first table. In addition, the Euro Changeover Board of Ireland, which operated under the aegis of my Department, made a payment in 2002 for public relations services. Details are in the second table. Finally, the National Development Plan/Community Support Framework (NDP/CSF) Information Unit, which operates under the aegis of my Department and is part-funded by the EU, made two payments in respect of public relations work in the period. Details are in the third.

The Department of Finance
Year	Company	Total Amount Paid	Project/Responsibility
		€
2004	Q4	23,700	To provide project and event management, advice and media support in relation to the informal meeting of the Council of Economics and Finance Ministers of the EU in Co Kildare on 2-4 April 2004 during the Irish Presidency of the EU. It is estimated that some €23,700 of the total cost of that contract related to the public relations aspect, i.e. support in dealing with the national and international media attending the event.
2004	Media Group, Ogilvy & Mather and Elucidate	38,500	General marketing of the E-tenders website, including advertising and public relations. It is estimated that some €38,500 of the total cost of that contract related to public relations.
2005	Media Group, Ogilvy & Mather and Elucidate	54,000	General marketing of the E-tenders website, including advertising and public relations. It is estimated that some €54,000 of the total cost of that contract related to public relations.

Euro Changeover Board of Ireland
Year	Company	Total Amount Paid	Project/Responsibility
		€
2002	Carr Communications	37,394	Public relations services for the Euro Changeover Board of Ireland.

NDP/CSF Unit
Year	Company	Total Amount Paid	Project/Responsibility
		€
2003	Grayling Communications (Formerly Curtin Communications)	306,000	To raise awareness and increase understanding of the NDP/CSF (National Development Plan/Community Support Framework) 2000-2006.
2004	Drury Communications Research	46,198	Public awareness research on National Development Plan/Community Support Framework 2000-2006

Departmental Staff.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

209 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Finance the number of political appointees and non-established civil servants appointed to his Department since June 2002; the nature of the post to which each such person is appointed; the annual cost in terms of salaries or expenses in respect of each such post for each year since 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26983/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

During my tenure as Minister for Finance since September 2004, a Special Adviser, a Personal Assistant anda Personal Secretary have been appointed on an unestablished contract basis in my Department, the annual salaries costs and other expenses for whom are as follows:

Position Held	Special Adviser	Personal Assistant	Personal Secretary
	€	€	€
Salaries (other expenses)
2006 (6 months)	40,255 (16,358)	35,326 (3,285)	12,342
2005 (12 months)	77,729 (32,465)	55,336 (2,589)	24,968
2004 (3 months)	17,076 (1,000)	10,398	5,340

For the period June 2002 to September 2004, the following staff were employed on an unestablished contract basis in this Department during the tenure of my predecessor Mr. Charlie McCreevy TD:

Position Held	Personal Assistant	Personal Secretary
	€	€
Salaries (other expenses)
2004 (9 months)	34,811 (13,447)	39,931 (1,737)
2003 (12 months)	42,234 (8,927)	43,403 (1,674)
2002 (7 months)	23,575 (6,720)	24,568

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

210 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Finance the number of staff broken down by grade employed within the private office and the constituency office; the number of such staff who are permanent civil servants; the number who are political appointees; the annual cost of each such office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses in respect of each Minister of State allocated to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26998/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

The staffing of the office of the Minister of State in my Department is set out as follows:

Minister of State's Office
Grade	Number	Salary Range
		€
Higher Executive Officer	1	42,180-53,541
Clerical Officer	1	20,995-34,050

Both of these staff members are permanent civil servants.

To date in 2006, allowance payments amount to €9,344.

The amount paid in expenses for the same period amounts to €660.92. There have been no overtime payments to date in 2006.

The Office of Public Works, for which the Minister of State in my Department holds responsibility, has provided the following details of the staffing in that office:

Minister of State's Private Office (OPW)
Grade	Number	Salary Range
		€
Executive Officer	2	29,152-48,078
Staff Officer	1	31,656-42,268
Clerical Officer	2	20,995-34,050

Minister of State's Constituency Office (OPW)
Grade	Number	Salary Range
		€
Personal Assistant	1	42,180-49,856
Personal Secretary	1	21,002-40,520

The five staff in the Private Office are permanent civil servants. The two staff serving in the Constituency Office are each employed on an unestablished contract basis for the duration of the tenure of the Minister of State. In addition two civilian drivers are employed on an unestablished contract basis with an annual salary of €31,552.

To date in 2006, overtime and allowance payments in respect of the Minister of State's Private Office (OPW) amount to €10,120. Overtime and allowance payments to staff in the Constituency Office (OPW) for the same period amount to €5,662.

The amount paid in expenses, travel — foreign and domestic — official entertainment and miscellaneous this year to date is €9,597 in respect of the staff and €22,963 in respect of the Constituency Office.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

211 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Finance the number of staff broken down by grade employed within his private office and his constituency office; the number of such staff who are permanent civil servants; the number who are political appointees; the annual cost of each such office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27013/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

The staffing of my private office and constituency office is set out below:

Minister's Private Office
Grade	Number	Salary Range
		€
Administrative Officer	1	31,828-56,361
Executive Officer	2	27,692-43,944
Staff Officer	2	31,656-34,448
Clerical Officer	3	22,102-35,838

Minister's Constituency Office
Grade	Number	Salary Range
		€
Executive Officer	1	27,692-43,944
Staff Officer	1	31,656-34,448
Personal Assistant	1	42,180-53,541
Personal Secretary	1	21,002-40,520

To date in 2006, overtime, salary related allowances and allowance payments amount to €38,165.

The amount paid in expenses, travel — foreign and domestic — official entertainment and miscellaneous for the same period amounts to €45,876.

In addition to the above, there are 4 Clerical Officers, (Salary Range €22,102-35,838) who provide typing and administrative support services to my private office, the constituency office and to the Department of Finance Press Office. 2 of these Clerical Officers workshare.

The Personal Assistant and Personal Secretary in my Constituency Office are employed on an unestablished contract basis for the duration of my tenure as Minister for Finance. All of the other staff in my Private Office and Constituency Office, as set out above, are permanent civil servants.

Departmental Advertising.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

212 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Finance the total amount spent by his Department in terms of advertising in newspapers, magazines and electronic media in respect of each year since 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27028/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

As the Deputy will appreciate, in the time available for answering the present question it has not been possible to compile the information sought. However, I am having the information compiled and it will be forwarded to him as soon as it is possible.

Tax Code.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

213 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance if it is proper for a chief tax inspector to threaten a client with further penalties and interest if the client decides to appeal to the Revenue Commissioners as set out in the revenue Charter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27049/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that there are no circumstances in which it is appropriate for an officer of the Revenue Commissioners to ‘threaten' a customer. As stated in Revenue's Customer Service Charter ‘You can expect to be treated courteously, with consideration and in a non-discriminatory way in your dealings with Revenue'.

There are separate mechanisms in place for a customer to:

1. Lodge a CUSTOMER SERVICE complaint about the standard of service received in their personal contact with Revenue, whether by phone, correspondence, Fax, E-mail or as a caller at one of our Public Offices.

2. Request an INTERNAL REVIEW in relation to any aspect of the way in which their tax and duty affairs have been handled.

3. Make an APPEAL under statutory provisions.

Revenue's Customer Service Leaflet CS4, sets out the relevant procedures to be followed and is available at any Revenue office and on the Revenue website www.revenue.ie.

A taxpayer's right to seek a review of Revenue's handling of his or her tax or customs affairs, or of decisions made by a Revenue official, has always existed. This right is specifically recognised in our Customer Service charter. The taxpayer may choose to have the review undertaken locally, or by a Revenue Principal Officer appointed to carry out such reviews, or by an External Reviewer and that Principal Officer jointly.

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that recourse to the internal review procedure does not interfere in any way with a person's right to take his or her case to the independent Appeal Commissioners or to the Ombudsman, where appropriate.

If the Deputy has information in relation to a specific case, he should submit the details to the Revenue Commissioners (Mr. Michael Treacy, Operations Policy and Evaluation Division — tel: 01 644 56 47; e-mail: mltreacy@revenue.ie). I have been assured that any information supplied will be fully investigated.

Departmental Correspondence.

Joe Costello

Question:

214 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Finance if he will respond to correspondence from a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 which is critical of the services provided by the Revenue Commissioners Office to citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27050/06]

Joe Costello

Question:

219 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Finance his views on a letter (details supplied) in relation to services provided by the Revenue Commissioners to citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27196/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 214 and 219 together.

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the telephone service for PAYE customers was temporarily restricted to deal with a backlog of correspondence and also to allow staff to become familiar with a major new computer system. This system will enable Revenue to provide an enhanced customer service to PAYE customers. A full telephone service from 9.15am to 5.30pm was restored on 15 May and the backlog of correspondence has now been substantially reduced. Revenue regrets the difficulties that PAYE customers had in making contact by phone and also regrets the delays that occurred in dealing with correspondence.

In relation to the particular case referred to, the Revenue Commissioners have advised that if the matter has not yet been resolved contact should be made directly with the District Manager at Dublin Region North City District, Áras Brugha, 9-15 O'Connell Street, Dublin 1, Telephone no. 01 8894001, who will deal with the matter immediately.

Decentralisation Programme.

Donal Moynihan

Question:

215 Mr. D. Moynihan asked the Minister for Finance if he has secured accommodation to facilitate decentralisation to Macroom, County Cork. [27165/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. Parlon)

The Commissioners of Public Works have been consulting the Department of Agriculture & Food about the latter's detailed brief and will advertise the site requirement as soon as agreement has been reached with the Department on the size of the site required.

Tax Code.

John Cregan

Question:

216 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Finance the rates of stamp duty on private dwellings; the various thresholds; the amount it would cost if the €318,000 exemption level was given as an exemption against all sales, to all first time buyers and all buyers up to €500,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27175/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

In the case of second-hand residential property, the rates of stamp duty are:

Consideration	First-time owner-occupiers	Others
	%	%
Up to €127,000	0	0
From €127,001 to €195,500	0	3
From €195,501 to €254,000	0	4
From €254,001 to €317,500	0	5
From €317,501 to €381,000	3	6
From €381,001 to €635,000	6	7.5
Over €635,000	9	9

All owner occupiers can purchase a new home between 38sq. m and 125sq. m, where a Floor Area Compliance Certificate has been obtained, without a liability to stamp duty. Where a new house is over 125sq. m, stamp duty is charged on either the value of the site or 25% of the value of the property, whichever is the greater, using the rates listed above.

In the case of a non-owner occupier of a new home, stamp duty is charged at the rates applying to non-first-time buyers of second-hand residential property, ("Others" — listed above).

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the estimated cost of extending the current stamp duty exemption of €317,500 to all residential property is €244 million in a full year, based on the 2005 stamp duty yield. The cost of charging stamp duty only on the difference between €317,500 and the purchase price of residential property up to €500,000 for all first buyers and other purchasers is estimated at €200 million in a full year, based on the 2005 stamp duty yield.

Tax Yield.

John Cregan

Question:

217 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Finance the tax take from DIRT tax in 2004 and 2005; if there is an analysis of the size of accounts or age of account holders; if tax take from accounts under €100,000 is known or can be estimated; if tax take from accounts under €100,000 held by pensioners can be estimated; and if DIRT can be abolished in total or part as it is adding to the disincentive to save due to the fact that interest rates are below the rate of inflation. [27176/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the net yield from DIRT collected in 2004 and 2005 was €144 million and €167 million respectively.

The amount of DIRT due to be paid each year is dependent on the amount of monies on deposit and the rates of interest applying to such deposits rather than on the number of accounts involved. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the statutory return of DIRT filed by the financial institutions requires details only of the relevant amount of interest paid in the year and the appropriate tax in relation to the payment of that interest. There is, therefore, no basis for compiling the information requested in relation to the yield by size of accounts, by ages of account holders or by reference to account holders who are pensioners.

A refund of deposit interest retention tax is provided for where an individual is not liable or fully liable to income tax and is over 65 years of age at some time during the tax year or is permanently incapacitated by reason of mental /physical infirmity from maintaining himself or herself. (Bodies qualifying for 'charitable' status and companies are also entitled to refund of DIRT). The taxpayer must advise Revenue that he or she meets the legislative requirements and the amount of the retention tax suffered. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the total amount of DIRT repaid in 2005 was €2.3 million and the number of such repayments was 971.With deposit interest rates being very low in recent years, the quantum of the interest earned and tax retained would be very small in many cases and may be considered uneconomic to reclaim.

I have no plans to make changes to the DIRT system.

Disabled Drivers.

John Cregan

Question:

218 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on the disabled drivers scheme; the number of approvals which were given for new cars for drivers in the most recent year for which figures are available; the number of approvals for passengers that are accompanied; the estimated cost of the scheme; if the scheme has been or is under review; and the status of such a review. [27177/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the number of vehicles purchased in 2005 that had VRT remitted/repaid under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme, was 1,884 for drivers and 2,729 for passengers (total, 4,613).

There are around 9,500 persons, including both drivers and passengers currently availing of the scheme. In 2005, the scheme cost over €56 million.

The operation of the scheme was reviewed by a special Interdepartmental Review Group. The terms of reference of the Group were to examine the operation of the existing scheme, including the difficulties experienced by the various groups and individuals involved with it, and to consider the feasibility of alternative schemes, with a view to assisting the Minister for Finance in determining the future direction of the scheme.

The Group's Report, published on my Department's website in July 2004, sets out in detail the genesis and development of the scheme. It examines the current benefits, the qualifying medical criteria, the Exchequer costs, relationship with other schemes and similar schemes in other countries. The Report also makes a number of recommendations, both immediate and long-term, encompassing the operation of the appeals process and options for the possible future development of the scheme. The short-term recommendations in respect of the appeals process have been implemented.

In respect of the long-term recommendations, including the qualifying disability criteria, I should say that given the scale and scope of the scheme, further changes can only be made after careful consideration. For this reason, the Government decided that the Minister for Finance would consider the recommendations contained in the Report of the Interdepartmental Review Group in the context of the annual budgetary process having regard to the existing and prospective cost of the scheme.

The best way of addressing the transport needs of people with disabilities of whatever kind, and the effectiveness, suitability or otherwise of the Disabled Drivers Scheme in that regard will be considered and progressed in consultation with the other Departments who have responsibility in this area. A car tax concession scheme can obviously only play a partial role in dealing with this serious issue, and examination of the scheme is taking place in that context. Any changes to this scheme will be considered in the context of the overall development of policy in this area.

Question No. 219 answered with QuestionNo. 214.

Tax Code.

John Cregan

Question:

220 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Finance if he will examine the situation in relation to tax relief for medical bills, rent payments, service charge payments and so on for pensioners who are below the tax exemption limits which have increased in recent years; if a system to allow relief against such costs will be arranged as is the case whereby such pensioners reclaim DIRT tax deductions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27224/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

The age exemption limits system applies where total income is not more than €17,000 for a single person aged 65 or over and not more than €34,000 in the case of a married couple where one or other spouse is aged 65 or over.

The system applies only as an alternative to the normal system of credits and bands. It is therefore not possible to combine elements of the two systems.

To allow tax relief for medical bills, rent payments, service charge payments etc. where tax has not been paid, as seems to be suggested by the Deputy, would amount to the provision of a subsidy through the tax system and would raise issues of policy, practicality and cost. I have no plans to provide for such a system at this time.

The position in relation to DIRT is different in that it is an actual deduction of tax. It was introduced in 1986 and only two reliefs apply viz. in respect of those aged 65 or over and those who are physically or mentally incapacitated. In these cases, DIRT which is deducted by a financial institution on deposit interest may be refunded if the person claiming the refund is not otherwise liable to income tax on their total income.

Foreshore Licences.

Pat Breen

Question:

221 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the progress which has been made with foreshore licences as regards Quilty, Scariff and Feakle, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26782/06]

Pat Breen

Question:

222 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the progress which has been made with foreshore licences as regards Labasheeda, Cooraclare and Carrigaholt in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26783/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Browne)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 221 and 222 together.

The Office of the Chief State Solicitor, acting on behalf of the Department, has drawn up a draft Foreshore Licence Agreement for the Quilty, Scariff and Feakle sewerage schemes. At the request of Clare County Council the Department has agreed to amend one of the terms and the revised draft Agreement has been sent to the Council for execution.

The Department has no record of an application for Foreshore Licences in respect of the Labasheeda, Cooraclare and Carrigaholt sewerage schemes.

Telecommunications Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

223 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans for the accelerated provision of broadband services necessary for the economic well-being of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26963/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The Deputy may be aware that the communications market in Ireland is fully liberalised and that the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, is the statutory body with responsibility for regulatory oversight of this market.

The Government's regulatory and infrastructure policy has supported the private sector developing a competitive, affordable, and rapidly growing broadband market that offers choice of products and providers to Irish consumers and businesses.

Ireland's broadband take-up is growing very strongly. By end-March 2006, there were 322,500 broadband subscribers in Ireland. This is equivalent to almost 8% of the population or about 22% of households. Broadband take-up in Ireland grew by 112% over the twelve months to March. In fact, broadband take-up is continuing to accelerate compared to the 106% growth rate in 2005. This is more than twice the EU broadband growth rate.

It is estimated that there are already well over 350,000 broadband subscribers up to mid-2006, which is equivalent to approximately 8% of the population or one-quarter of households with broadband. This compares to about 3 in 10 households in the EU at the end of 2005. Ireland is now one of the fastest growing broadband markets in the European Union. In fact, broadband take-up has more than tripled to date since I set a target of 400,000 in late 2004.

The Government is addressing the infrastructure deficit in the regions by building high-speed, open-access Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) in 120 towns and cities nationwide. These networks will allow the private sector to offer world-class broadband services at competitive costs.

My Department offers funding assistance for smaller towns and rural communities through the County and Group Broadband Scheme (GBS). The GBS initiative is continually under review to ensure that it is supporting the private sector rolling out broadband services to new locations.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

224 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the progress to date in the provision of broadband in County Louth, and in particular to detail any problem in the provision of broadband; if he will comment on the problem in Monasterboice and any other areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26693/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

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

It has been clear for some time that the sector has failed to invest at the level necessary to keep pace with the demand for broadband, so my Department's regional broadband programme is addressing the infrastructure deficit by building high speed, open access broadband networks, in association with the local and regional authorities, in the major towns and cities. These Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) will allow the private sector to offer world-class broadband services at competitive costs.

Twenty-seven MANs are now completed under Phase One, including Dundalk and Drogheda in County Louth. The second phase of the programme involves the building of MANs in over 90 towns with a population of 1,500 and above that do not have a satisfactory broadband offering from the private sector. Ardee is one of five towns included as part of the North East Phase Two rollout. The works contractor has recently been appointed and construction is about to commence. The estimated completion date for these networks is quarter two 2007.

My Department administers a group broadband scheme which is designed to promote the rollout of broadband access through the establishment of sustainable broadband services in towns, villages, rural hinterlands and under-served areas of larger towns on the basis of local and regional authority coordination and community driven initiatives. The most recent call for proposals has now closed and I expect to launch further schemes of this nature shortly.

There were two group broadband schemes projects approved for County Louth and these cover the areas of Omeath, Ravensdale, Kilcurry, Knockbridge, Faughart, Ballymascanian, Bellurgan, Jenkinstown, Rampark, Giles Quay and Clogherhead, Termonfeckin, Grangebellow, Waleshestown.

These projects represent a total capital investment by the Internet service providers of over €330,000 in Co. Louth and a total of over €150,000 in grant aid was approved to implement these projects. These projects will cover 14 communities with a population of over 7,800.

My Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie gives full details of broadband availability in all areas, including ADSL, cable, fibre, satellite and fixed wireless. The website also lists prices of the various service levels on offer and contact details for each service provider. It currently lists eleven service providers in Monasterboice offering broadband by either wireless or satellite means.

Furthermore, a joint industry/Government fund of €18 million has been established for the Broadband for Schools Programme, which should provide every school in the country with broadband in 2006. This is a crucial strand in the strategy of integrating ICT into teaching and learning, and my Department's wider vision of promoting the use of broadband technologies in local communities around the country. The installation phase is now almost complete, with over 90% of all schools broadband enabled.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 227, 228 and 247 together.

The digital terrestrial television (DTT) pilot programme is currently being implemented by my Department. The purpose of the pilot is to bring further momentum to the transition to digital terrestrial broadcasting and to test and trial various aspects of the service.

Detailed procurement processes, inviting expressions of interest and tenders for various aspects of the infrastructure build programme, were recently completed by my Department. The infrastructure for the DTT pilot is now in the roll-out phase and is expected to be operational by autumn 2006.

The initial transmission sites are at Clermont Carn in the northeast and Three Rock covering parts of the Dublin region. The trial is planned to continue over a two-year timeframe and will provide the opportunity for technical and user testing of both existing and new broadcast services.

The DTT pilot project currently under way demonstrates my commitment to the long-term provision of DTT in Ireland. I expect that the pilot will generate awareness and discussion among broadcasters, investors and other interested parties with a view to moving towards a full national rollout of DTT in time.

Telecommunications Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

229 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of entrants to the telecommunications market who have applied or are willing to get involved in the provision of broadband or other telecommunications services or facilities throughout the country; if his attention has been drawn to the obstacles encountered by such companies; his proposals to free up the system and give the customer the benefit of an open deregulated and competitive service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26700/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

•The establishment of a single content regulator for commercial, community and public service broadcasters.

•The establishment of RTÉ as a company under the Companies Acts.

•The provision of a statutory mechanism for future adjustments to the level of the television licence fee.

•The development of the Right of Reply mechanism, allowing persons whose reputation and good name have been damaged by an assertion of incorrect facts in a television or radio programme to gain redress.

Work on developing the legislative proposals needed to address these issues is continuing. I anticipate that I will be in a position to bring the proposals to Government shortly with publication of the Broadcasting Bill in 2006.

My intention in framing the legislative proposals will be to ensure that the broadcasting regulatory environment continues to encourage the parallel development of high quality broadcasting by Irish public service, commercial and community broadcasters.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

234 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the discussions he has had with the various interested parties in the context of a review of broadcasting legislation with particular reference to the public and independent sector, local and national, radio and television; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26709/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The priority issues to be addressed by the legislative proposals that will form the basis of a new Broadcasting Bill are as follows:

•The establishment of a single content regulator for commercial, community and public service broadcasters.

•The establishment of RTÉ as a company under the Companies Acts.

•The provision of a statutory mechanism for future adjustments to the level of the television licence fee.

•The development of the Right of Reply mechanism, allowing persons whose reputation and good name have been damaged by an assertion of incorrect facts in a television or radio programme to gain redress.

Work on developing the legislative proposals needed to address these issues is continuing. I anticipate that I will be in a position to bring the proposals to Government shortly, with publication of the Broadcasting Bill in 2006.

My intention in framing the legislative proposals will be to ensure that the broadcasting regulatory environment continues to encourage the parallel development of high quality broadcasting by Irish public service, commercial and community broadcasters.

In the context of the development of broadcasting policy, my officials and I have cause, on a regular basis, to meet with the various interests that comprise the broadcasting sector including, but not limited to, commercial broadcasters, public service broadcasters and independent producers.

At many of these meetings the issues to be addressed in the forthcoming Broadcasting Bill, given their relative importance to the sector, have been raised and discussed in general terms.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

235 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has had recent consultations with the Department of Agriculture and Food with a view to the utilisation of farm land previously used for beet growing for bio-fuel production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26710/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

236 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which various alternative and renewable fuels are being developed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26711/06]

There are no specific legislative impediments to commercial broadcasters who wish to broadcast to the Irish community in Britain, or elsewhere in the European Union, on a purely commercial basis.

As regards public service broadcasting, RTÉ's statutory mandate, as defined in section 28(1) of the Broadcasting Act, 2001, provides that RTÉ's radio and television services shall be made available, in so far as is reasonably practicable, to the whole community on the Island of Ireland.

As such, RTÉ's statutory mandate does not extend to the provision of radio or television services to Irish communities living in Britain or elsewhere.

As a consequence RTÉ may not use the proceeds of the television licence fee to provide such services.

However, it should be noted that many people living outside of the Island of Ireland already enjoy access to a considerable quantity of RTÉ's television programming by way of the Internet, and to RTÉ's radio services by way of satellite, LW and MW and the Internet.

In the light of the recommendations of the Task Force on Emigration, the issue of amending RTÉ's public service remit to include the provision of television services to Irish communities in Britain is currently being considered in the context of development of the legislative proposals that will form the basis of the proposed Broadcasting Bill.

It is anticipated that these legislative proposal will be published shortly.

Digital Hub.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

239 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the public and private or corporate investment in the Digital Hub to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26714/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question 90 of 5th July 2006.

Telecommunications Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

240 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he anticipates entering into discussions with the new owners of Eircom with a view to achieving a higher degree of investment in communication technology, the completion of local loop unbundling and the removal of barriers to an accelerated programme for the delivery of broadband and the telecommunications sector generally, having particular regard to the need to achieve a specific level of investment commensurate with the scale of the companies responsibilities and the requirements of the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26715/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

Question:

244 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has satisfied himself that non-ionising radiation from mobile telephone or electricity transmission lines are within EU guidelines in terms of safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26721/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I refer the Deputy to my answer to Question No. 86 of 5th July 2006.

Communications Masts.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

245 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has received information indicating health problems arising from the proximity to mobile phone masts or electricity transmission lines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26722/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I refer the Deputy to my answer to Question No. 63 of 5th July 2006.

Broadcasting Legislation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

246 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his preferred options for the development of the radio and television industry with particular reference to terrestrial broadcasting and the changing and growing needs of the consumer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26723/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

My core policy objectives for the development of the broadcasting sector are detailed in my Department's Statement of Strategy, 2005-2007. These objectives are: to create an environment that encourages the maintenance of high quality Irish radio and television services by both independent broadcasters and RTE; to secure a viable future for high quality public service broadcasting; to seek to retain access to a range of high quality programming in analogue and digital form on a universal and free-to-air basis.

My key priorities for achieving these objectives include the following: developing the regulatory framework by bringing forward a Bill to provide for the establishment of a single content regulator for both public and private broadcasters and restructuring RTE from a corporate point of view; ensuring adequate public funding for RTE and TG4 so that they can deliver on their statutory mandate; building on progress made in maximising the effectiveness of television licence fee collection; facilitating the successful establishment of a Digital Terrestrial Television platform on a pilot basis in 2006.

I am of the opinion that Irish viewers will be best served by a broadcasting environment that includes a strong public service broadcasting presence together with private broadcasters.

Question No. 247 answered with QuestionNo. 227.

Question No. 248 answered with QuestionNo. 237.

Question:

258 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has received information regarding the closure of post offices throughout the country in the past five years; the number of post offices downgraded or closed down; the number of sub post offices closed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26739/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 257 and 258 together.

Question:

261 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if evaluation or appraisal has been carried out of the various power stations throughout the country currently due for decommissioning or with an identifiable limited life span in the context of deregulation and the introduction of generating capacity from sustainable sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26743/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 96 of 5 July 2006.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

262 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the person to whom the responsibility will fall to build the new electricity generation station at Aghada; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26744/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 57 of 5 July 2006.

Question No. 263 answered with QuestionNo. 260.

Consultancy Contracts.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

264 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he expects to publish the Deloitte and Touche report; the bodies, groups, persons or agencies who have to date had sight of this report; if he expects the contents of the report to be reflected in proposed legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26746/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

273 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason he has not published the Deloitte and Touche report; if he has set a date for the publication; the groups, persons or bodies who have to date had access to part of its contents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26755/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 264 and 273 together.

I refer the Deputy to my answer to Questions Nos. 22, 24, 44, 91 of 5 July 2006.

Electricity Generation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

265 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his preferred options for the generation of electricity in the future from wind, oil, gas, coal, hydro or renewable fuels; the most appropriate blend of generation capacity in view of the need to maintain continuity of supply and compliance with Kyoto and the optimum use of natural renewable resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26747/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

270 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the satisfaction he expressed at the joint launch of the new geological map of Ireland is indicative of his intention to reintroduce the GSI Bill, previously withdrawn from circulation; his views on whether it is timely to update the relevant legislation having particular regard to the vintage of the existing law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26752/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 42 of 5 July 2006.

Questions Nos. 271 and 272 answered with Question No. 260.

Question No. 273 answered with QuestionNo. 264.

Question No. 274 answered with QuestionNo. 33.

The table below lists ESB dividends in respect of 2001 to 2004, as paid to the Exchequer. The dividend in respect of 2005 will be approved at the company's Annual General Meeting, which is scheduled for September this year.

Year	2001	2002	2003	2004
Total Dividend Accruing to Exchequer	NIL	€37.7m	€63.7m	€73.5m

286 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of staff broken down by grade employed within his private office and his constituency office; the number of such staff who are permanent civil servants; the number who are political appointees; the annual cost of each such office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27014/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

There are currently nine staff employed in my private office, details as follows: one Administrative Officer, three Executive Officers and four Clerical Officers, all of whom are permanent civil servants; and One Special Advisor who is a political appointee. The current annual salary cost of m y private office is €359, 410. In the last 12 months, overtime costs amounted to €1,190.

There are five people employed in my constituency office as follows: one Executive Officer and two Clerical Officers, all of whom are permanent civil servants; and one Personal Assistant and one Personal Secretary who are political appointees. The current annual salary cost of my constituency office is €170, 525. No overtime costs have been incurred in the last 12 months.

Expenses for the last 12 months for both my private and constituency offices amounted to €169,210.

Departmental Expenditure.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

287 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the total amount spent by his Department in terms of advertising in newspapers, magazines and electronic media in respect of each year since 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27029/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

Advertising by my Department is the subject of a drawdown contract which is put out to tender on a regular basis by the Government Supplies Agency (GSA). The Department's advertising is placed under the GSA contract with the selected advertising agency, except for recruitment notices, which are placed through the Public Appointments Service and certain other advertisements, which go through the Office of Public Works or the Government Publications Office.

The attached table shows the total amounts spent on advertising each year on behalf of my Department.

Advertising Spend for the years 2002-2005
Year	Amount Paid
	€
2002	536,000.00
2003	443,323.59
2004	282,965.47
2005	352,283.60

Notes

2002: new Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources was created in June, 2002.

2001 to 2004 include expenditure by the Forestry Service (transferred to Department of Agriculture and Food on 1 January, 2005).

Energy Resources.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

288 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has received communication from any of the parties involved in the delivery of natural gas from the Corrib gas field; if agreement has been reached with a view to delivery of supply to the consumer in early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27041/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions Nos. 27 and 34 of today.

Over the course of the project my Department has had detailed communication with the developers of the Corrib Gas Field on matters relating to the project.

In relation to the supply of gas to consumers, completion of the development works by the developer is clearly the principal factor that will determine the date for first gas.

John Perry

Question:

289 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on whether the petroleum affairs division are doing enough to encourage Irish businesses to participate in exploration and production here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27187/06]

John Perry

Question:

290 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on whether the petroleum affairs division facilitates mechanisms whereby Irish businesses benefit from exploration and production here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27188/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 289 and 290 together.

The objective of my Department in promoting the Irish offshore is to attract a good amount of interest from competent companies to undertake exploration here. While it is of course open to Irish companies along with international companies to seek exploration licences, my Department does not and could not discriminate in favour of Irish companies. The activity generated by exploration companies operating here generates opportunities for Irish companies involved in shipping, engineering and other relevant sectors.

John Perry

Question:

291 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when there will be a decision on the latest licensing round relating to oil production and exploration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27189/06]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

296 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised with the British Prime Minister the perceived breech of European Directive 2004-38 in relation to Irish citizens resident in the UK who are being threatened with deportation. [26849/06]

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

297 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the deep concern of their relatives and others, and the human rights and European law implications, he has ascertained the number of Irish citizens who continue to be detained in the United Kingdom further to service of criminal sentences while suitability for deportation is considered or who have been served with notice of intention to deport; if he has raised these matters with the British authorities; and if he will indicate such action as he proposes to take. [26845/06]

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

298 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised with the United Kingdom Government the potential breech of common obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms which arises on foot of the detention of Irish citizens in UK prisons who have served their sentences and who are being detained in prison while deportation is considered. [26848/06]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 294 to 298, inclusive, together.

I am aware that, as a result of the recent controversy in Britain about the release and reoffending records of foreign born prisoners, the British Home Office announced a full review of its policies in relation to foreign born prisoners. I understand that this policy review is still ongoing. In the meantime, pending the outcome of this policy review, some Irish prisoners have been put on notice that they may be considered for deportation, and some have been detained beyond their release dates, while their cases are under review.

The Embassy in London has asked the British Home Office if they can (a) quantify the number of Irish prisoners who are in detention and who have been put on notice of possible deportation, (b) secure clarification on the implications generally for Irish prisoners, and (c) formally state the Irish Government's concerns about this new departure from standard practice and procedure whereby, at the completion of their sentences, Irish prisoners were released. The Embassy also formally made the Home Office aware of the Government's concern about a noticeable increase in the number of Irish nationals currently being served with deportation letters either at the time of sentence or leading up to their release date, noting that these deportation letters appear to take little cognisance of a prisoner's commitments in Britain, such as having a spouse/partner and children living there, having a firm job offer on release, or the number of years that a person has been living in Britain and, also, that they do not take into account positive aspects of prison progress reports.

The Embassy also conveyed the concern about the legality of such deportations, not only in the context of the freedom of movement of EU nationals within the European Union, but also in the context of the special relationship that exists between Ireland and Britain.

The Home Office has indicated that, in the context of its policy review, these issues as they affect Irish prisoners are being carefully considered in the context of the close relations between the two countries. In relation to EU directive 2004-38, the Home Office has informed the Embassy that their policy guidance on its implementation is currently being finalised and they hope to disseminate it throughout their system in the near future. The Home Office has been made fully aware of the Government's views that many of the possible deportation cases involving Irish prisoners should be covered by this directive.

I can assure the Deputy that the Embassy has impressed upon the Home Office the importance of an early clarification of their policies in relation to Irish prisoners and, of course, our willingness to discuss these matters further as the Home Office internal review develops. I have asked the Embassy to remain in constant contact with the Home Office on this sensitive issue.

International Agreements.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

299 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a comprehensive statement detailing Ireland’s position on Turkey’s continued refusal to implement its obligations under the Additional Protocol in a non-discriminatory manner to the Republic of Cyprus as one of the ten new Member States; if he has raised with Turkey its refusal to give access to Cypriot interest vessels and planes at its ports and airports and its policy of vetoing membership of the Republic of Cyprus to international organisations; if he also raised Turkey’s refusal to recognise the Republic of Cyprus and the need for it to urgently take steps for the normalisation of relations between Turkey and all EU Member States, including the Republic of Cyprus; and if he will present an update. [26900/06]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

I refer the Deputy to my reply of 29 June 2006 to question number 12 on this matter.

On 29 July 2005, as part of the preparations for the opening of Turkey-EU accession negotiations and in accordance with the conclusions of the December 2004 European Council, Turkey signed the Ankara Agreement Protocol to take account of the accession of the new Member States, including the Republic of Cyprus. At the same time, however, Turkey also issued a Declaration stating that its signature, ratification and implementation of the Protocol did not amount to recognition of the Republic of Cyprus.

In response to the Declaration, on 21 September 2005 the EU issued a Counter-Declaration recalling the status of the Republic of Cyprus as a Member State of the EU. The Counter-Declaration noted that recognition of all Member States, including, of course, Cyprus, is a necessary component of the accession process and underlined the importance the Union attaches to the normalisation of relations between Turkey and all Member States.

The European Council at its meeting on 15/16 June last recalled the need for Turkey to fulfil its obligations under the Association Agreement and its Additional Protocol. Turkey's progress in fulfilling these obligations, which include the need to recognise the economic, maritime and navigational rights of all EU Member States, as well as its implementation of the revised Accession Partnership, will be evaluated later this year. Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn has stated that failure by Turkey to implement its obligations in full will affect its overall progress in the negotiations.

Consultancy Contracts.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

300 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the total amount paid in terms of fees or expenses for the appointment of press or public relations consultants from outside his Department for each year since 2002; the firms appointed and the specific project or responsibility for which they were engaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26970/06]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

Earlier this year, in the context of the expanding budget of Ireland's official aid programme, Drury Communications were hired to provide assistance in developing a communications strategy for Irish Aid. While this short consultancy is nearly completed, as yet no payments have been made.

No other press or public relations consultancy firms were appointed by the Department since 2002. However, in the interest of completeness, the Deputy may wish to note the following. A consultancy contract also provides assistance to the Development Cooperation Directorate of the Department in the management of its public information policy and strategy on official development aid. The contract value is €34,880 and covers the period August 2005 to August 2006.

In November 2004, following an open tender process, the Department employed the Cork based company, Real Event Solutions, to design, organise and manage a primary school competition around the theme of international development and the UN Millennium Development Goals. The competition , which was completed in 2005, had a public relations aspect aimed at encouraging school participation, both at a regional and national level, and cost €17,204 (including VAT).

Following an open tender process during the autumn of 2005, Real Event solutions have again been employed to organise and manage a similar primary school competition around the same themes. The competition is due to be launched in September 2006, and to date no costs relating to public relations have been incurred by the Department.

Following a tender process, Red Dog Design were employed by the Department, on behalf of the Interdepartmental Presidency Administrative Planning Group, for work relating to the design and branding of the EU Presidency and the launch of the related logo. The company was paid €43,461.37 in 2003 for this work. The same company was paid €23,466.74 in 2004 for a promotion campaign for the EU Presidency Website. The greater part of this amount was for the purchasing of media advertising space in national newspapers and on local radio.

Departmental Staff.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

301 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of political appointees and non-established civil servants appointed to his Department since June 2002; the nature of the post to which each such person is appointed; the annual cost in terms of salaries or expenses in respect of each such post for each year since 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26985/06]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following tables:

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Dermot Ahern, T.D.
Function/Position	2004	2005	2006 (to date)
	€	€	€
Special Adviser (non-established)	25,781.34	81,435.86	43,038.99
Press Adviser (non-established)	23,187.20	97,331.04	45,822.01
Personal Assistant (non-established)	11,314.61	54,868.55	30,497.87
Personal Secretary (non-established)	11,272.58	57,452.84	26,317.89

Minister of State, Mr. Conor Lenihan, T.D.
Function/Position	2004	2005	2006 (to date)
	€	€	€
Personal Assistant (non-established)	8,041.59	48,038.53	25,379.37
Personal Secretary (non-established)	12,314.59	38,841.78	€19,450.21

Minister of State, Mr. Noel Treacy, T.D.
Function/Position	2004	2005	2006 (to date)
	€	€	€
Special Adviser (non-established)	16,136.12	81,191.48	43,038.99
Personal Secretary (non-established)	8,240.14	39,955.62	21,664.49

Former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Brian Cowen, T.D.
Function/Position	June-December 2002	2003	2004
Special Adviser (non-established)	38,323.89	68,295.60	58,756.59
Personal Assistant (non-established)		65,106.41	44,175.70
Personal Secretary (non-established)	21,944.08		13,352.82

Former Minister of State, Mr. Dick Roche, T.D.
Function/Position	June 2002-December 2002	2003	2004
	€	€	€
Personal Assistant (non-established)		33,880.12	33,768.97

Former Minister of State, Mr. Tom Kitt, T.D.
Function/Position	June 2002-December 2002	2003	2004
	€	€	€
Personal Adviser (non-established)	23,043.39	53,417.32	43,002.41
Personal Secretary (non-established)	16,780.47	35,965.89	30,295.69

The terms and conditions of all of the above appointments were set by the Minister for Finance, including the stipulation that they be coterminous with the appointment of the Minister concerned.

Overtime, travel and subsistence expenses are paid in accordance with normal civil service regulations.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

302 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of staff broken down by grade employed within the private office and the constituency office; the number of such staff who are permanent civil servants; the number who are political appointees; the annual cost of each such office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses in respect of each Minister of State allocated to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27000/06]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

The following tables set out the grades, numbers and remuneration of the personnel in the private and constituency offices of the two Ministers of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs:

Minister of State, Mr. Conor Lenihan, T.D. Private Office
Grade/Position	Number	Remuneration
Private Secretary	1	Executive Officer standard scale — PPC €29,152-€46,253
Executive Officer	1	Executive Officer standard scale — €27,692-€43,944
Clerical Officer	3 (2 of whom work-share)	Clerical Officer standard scale — PPC €22,102-€35,838
Total	5

Constituency Office
Grade/Position	Number	Remuneration
Personal Secretary (non-established)	1	€39,035
Personal Assistant (non-established)	1	Higher Executive Officer standard scale €42,180-€53,541
Clerical Officer	2	Clerical Officer standard scale — PPC €22,102-€35,838
Clerical Officer	1	Clerical Officer standard scale €20,995-€34,050
Total	5

Minister of State, Mr. Noel Treacy, T.D. Private Office
Grade/Position	Number	Remuneration
Special Adviser (non-established)	1	Principal Officer standard scale €78,066-€96,560
Private Secretary	1	Higher Executive Officer standard scale €42,180-€53,541
Clerical Officer	1	Clerical Officer higher scale €21,974-€34,786
Clerical Officer	1	Clerical Officer standard scale — PPC €22,102-€35,838
Clerical Officer	1	Clerical Officer standard scale €20,995-€34,050
Total	5

Constituency Office
Grade/Position	Number	Remuneration
Personal Secretary (non-established)	1	Secretarial Assistant scale €21,002-€40,520 (Plus a 10% attraction allowance)
Executive Officer	1	Executive Officer standard scale €27,692-€43,944
Clerical Officer	1	Clerical Officer standard scale — PPC €22,102-€35,838
Clerical Officer	2	Clerical Officer standard scale €20,995-€34,050
Total	5

The employment contracts of the non-established officers referred to in the tables are coterminous with the appointments of the Ministers of State. Overtime, travel and subsistence expenses are paid in accordance with normal civil service regulations.

Personal Pension Contribution (PPC) scales apply where officers were employed since 6 April 1995, pay class A rate of PRSI and make a personal pension contribution.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

303 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of staff broken down by grade employed within his private office and his constituency office; the number of such staff who are permanent civil servants; the number who are political appointees; the annual cost of each such office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27015/06]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

The following tables set out the number of personnel in my private and constituency offices, their grades and remuneration:

Private Office
Grade/Position	Number	Remuneration
Special Adviser (non-established)	1	Principal Officer standard scale €78,066-€96,560
Personal Secretary (non-established)	1	Executive Officer higher scale €27,692-€45,669
Private Secretary	1	First Secretary standard scale €59,956-€74,760
Higher Executive Officer	1	Higher Executive Officer standard scale €42,180-€53,541
Executive Officer	1	Executive Officer standard scale €27,692-€43,944
Clerical Officer	5	Clerical Officer standard scale — PPC €22,102-€35,838
Total	10

Constituency Office
Grade/Position	Number	Remuneration
Personal Assistant (non-established)	1	Higher Executive Officer standard scale — PPC €42,180-€53,541
Executive Officer	1	Executive Officer standard scale — PPC €29,152-€46,253
Clerical Officer	2	Clerical Officer standard scale — PPC €22,102-€35,838
Clerical Officer	1	Clerical Officer standard scale €20,995-€34,050
Total	5

The employment contracts of the non-established officers referred to in the tables are coterminous with my appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs. Overtime, travel and subsistence expenses are paid in accordance with normal civil service regulations.

Personal Pension Contribution (PPC) scales apply where officers were employed since 6 April 1995, pay class A rate of PRSI and make a personal pension contribution.

Departmental Expenditure.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

304 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount spent by his Department in terms of advertising in newspapers, magazines and electronic media in respect of each year since 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27030/06]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

Advertising undertaken by the Department typically includes advisory notices on public opening hours over holiday periods, changes in passport application procedures and fees, employment opportunities that arise in the Department from time to time, as well as public information notices relating to developments in the European Union or in regard to Ireland's official Development Aid Programme.

The following table shows the total amounts spent on advertising under Votes 28 (Foreign Affairs) and 29 (International Cooperation) for each year from 2002 to date:

Year	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006 (to end June)
	€	€	€	€	€
Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs)	81,954	79,527	228,410	132,925	37,368
Vote 29 (International Cooperation)	63,961	104,417	44,547	123,531	91,153
Total (Votes 28 & 29)	145,915	183,944	272,957	256,456	128,521

Human Rights Issues.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

305 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will request journey details from the relevant US Government departments of all prisoners both military and civilian who were detained, captured or arrested outside of the US and transported as prisoners to the US for detention, trial or release since 2001 to determine if there have been other administrative errors, in view of the recent administrative error on the part of the US Government in failing to request the permission of his Department to transport a military prisoner through Shannon Airport, and the statement by him that there is no record in his Department of applications for permission to transport prisoners via Irish airspace or facilities by the US Government since 2001. [27206/06]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

I would refer the Deputy to the replies of Minister of State Treacy and myself to Questions Nos. 3, 93 and 114 of 29 June 2006, where we stated our belief that, on the basis of our discussions with the US authorities, this was an isolated incident which arose from an administrative error.

It is not intended to request journey details from the US Government of all prisoners transported to the United States since 2001. The US Ambassador has already conveyed his deep regret for the breach of procedures in the above case, and has reaffirmed the US Authorities' determination that the use of Irish airspace and airports by the US should be completely in conformity with Irish law.

Foreign Conflicts.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

306 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in view of recent UN reports on the situation in Afghanistan, he will comment on the security trajectory in that country; and on the general conditions experienced by those refugees who have been returning home under the Afghan return program. [27216/06]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

I would refer the Deputy to my reply to questions numbers 87 and 160 on 29 June regarding the current political and security situation in Afghanistan.

The reply noted that, while significant progress has been achieved in Afghanistan in last four years, considerable challenges still remain. It stated also that in any country developing the democratic structures, institutions and administrative systems necessary to provide essential public services and ensure a secure environment for all is a process that takes time. Ensuring security in Afghanistan is an especially challenging and complex task, particularly given the presence of violent factions who stand to benefit considerably from a destabilised country.

The security situation remains a cause of serious concern. Levels of insurgency-related violence have risen since the beginning of the year and attacks, including suicide bombings, aimed at the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), other international security forces and Afghan security forces, have increased. The illicit narcotics industry also remains a major challenge to the long-term security, development and effective governance of Afghanistan.

Ireland and the EU are playing their part in the reform process currently underway, both through participation in the UN-mandated International Security Assistance Force and also in providing financial assistance through the Afghanistan Compact launched at the International Conference on Afghanistan in London on 31 January/1 February which was endorsed by the United Nations Security Council in Resolution 1659 (2006) on 15 February. Ireland pledged €5 million at the Conference in London which will be expended over the next two years. Ireland has contributed a total of €22 million to reconstruction and recovery programmes in Afghanistan since 2002.

Since 2002, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has overseen the largest repatriation programme in the world, with the voluntary return of over 3.65 million refugees to Afghanistan from Pakistan, Iran and non-neighbouring countries in the period to end May 2006. In 2005 alone over half a million Afghans returned home to all parts of the country. In the "UNHCR Global Report 2005", published very recently, it is acknowledged that the volatile security situation has hampered UNHCR access to some areas of return, especially in the border areas with Pakistan.

It is significant, however, that the UNHCR's latest statistical overview for the return programme, published in May, indicated that 92% of returnees state that they are not vulnerable. This is not to underestimate the considerable challenges that remain for the UNHCR return programme and in ensuring a secure, peaceful and stable environment for the people of Afghanistan. In this regard, the UNHCR and others will give particular focus in the period ahead to the need to find durable solutions and a long-term approach to the sustainable reintegration of returnees into the difficult socio-economic environment in Afghanistan.

Sports Capital Programme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

307 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the allocation of funding under the sports capital programme to each county in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26692/06]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Mr. O’Donoghue)

The national lottery-funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.

Applications for funding under the 2006 programme were invited through advertisements in the Press on November 27th and 28th last. The closing date for receipt of applications was January 20th 2006. A total of 1,338 applications for projects costing €670 million and seeking funding of €312 million were received before this deadline, of which 1,211 were classified as local projects and 127 as national, regional or municipal/multi-sport. Applications were evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme.

I was pleased on 6 June last to announce provisional grant allocations under the 2006 sports capital programme totalling €53.745 million to 719 projects classified as local. The breakdown of this funding by county is provided below and the full list of allocations is available at my Department's website at www.dast.gov.ie. I intend to announce the provisional allocations under the 2006 programme for projects classified as regional, municipal/multi-sport and national in the near future

	€
Carlow	652,500
Cavan	1,315,000
Clare	1,340,000
Cork	6,449,500
Donegal	1,672,500
Dublin	10,959,200
Galway	3,333,500

	€
Kerry	3,427,500
Kildare	1,406,500
Kilkenny	1,691,000
Laois	768,000
Leitrim	703,000
Limerick	2,119,000
Longford	551,000
Louth	1,144,000
Mayo	1,765,000
Meath	1,645,000
Monaghan	1,274,500
Offaly	869,000
Roscommon	1,098,000
Sligo	1,211,000
Tipperary	2,061,000
Waterford	1,642,000
Westmeath	747,000
Wexford	2,087,500
Wicklow	1,813,000
Total	53,745,200

Consultancy Contracts.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

308 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount paid in terms of fees or expenses for the appointment of press or public relations consultants from outside his Department for each year since 2002; the firms appointed and the specific project or responsibility for which they were engaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26971/06]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Mr. O’Donoghue)

The information sought by the Deputy in relation to my Department is set out as follows.

Press/PR Company	Project/Responsibility	Year	Fees
			€
Mahon O’Neill	Media relations to support launch of “Counties in Time” CD by the National Archives	2003	6,331
Mahon O’Neill	PR work in relation to the launch of the online exhibition entitled “Views of Four Presidencies” by the National Archives	2004	7,792
Mahon O’Neill	National Media campaign across print and broadcast media in relation to 1901/1911 Census Project by the National Archives	2005	6,331
Menyma Public Relations	PR for relaunch of Afterdark Programme and for two specific Afterdark events, National Museum of Ireland	2003	4,276
Brenda O’Hanlon	National Library PR	2002	13,303
Brenda O’Hanlon	National Library PR	2003	23,312
Brenda O’Hanlon	National Library PR	2004	24,046
Brenda O’Hanlon	National Library PR	2005	8,140
Kate Bowe PR Ltd	PR services ReJoyce	2004	4,800
Kate Bowe PR Ltd	Irish Festival in China provision of PR Management Services	2003-2004	72,834
Sheenagh Gillen	Relations Management Services for Irish China Festival	2004	7,000
Audrey Behan	Press Assistant Services	2004	3,200
Gerry Lundberg	Beckett Centenary Festival	2006	31,492
Siobhán Colgan	EU Presidency Cultural Programme PR Management Services	2003-2004	32,778
Fleishman Hilliard Bowe	PR services ReJoyce	2004	127,141
Fleishman Hilliard Bowe	PR Consultants for Department	2002	18,731
Murray Consultants	PR Consultants for Department	2003-2006	223,611
O’Herlihy Communications	PR Consultants for Department	2006 to date	14,151
Total	622,638

Departmental Staff.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

309 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of political appointees and non-established civil servants appointed to his Department since June 2002; the nature of the post to which each such person is appointed; the annual cost in terms of salaries or expenses in respect of each such post for each year since 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26986/06]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Mr. O’Donoghue)

Since the establishment of my Department in June 2002 I have made a total of 4 political appointments to non established positions in my Department.

Position	Salary paid	Expenses Paid to appointees
Special Adviser June 2002 to May 2006	Principal Officer Standard Scale plus 10% attraction allowance	2002; €4,789 2003; €7,979 2004; €5,067 2005; €3,051 2006; €1,297
Special Adviser Appointed May 2006	Principal Officer Standard Scale	Nil to date
Personal Assistant	Higher Executive Officer general service	2002; €8,519 2003; €20,946 2004; €17,633 2005; €18,782 2006; €4,828
Personal Secretary	Oireachtas Secretarial Assistant scale plus 10% attraction allowance	Nil

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

310 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of staff broken down by grade employed within the private office and the constituency office; the number of such staff who are permanent civil servants; the number who are political appointees; the annual cost of each such office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses in respect of each Minister of State allocated to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27001/06]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Mr. O’Donoghue)

As the Deputy is aware, there is no Minister of State at my Department.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

311 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of staff broken down by grade employed within his private office and his constituency office; the number of such staff who are permanent civil servants; the number who are political appointees; the annual cost of each such office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27016/06]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Mr. O’Donoghue)

There are currently 7 staff employed in my private office:

1 Special Adviser at Principal Officer level

1 Private Secretary at Higher Executive Officer level

1 Personal Assistant at Higher Executive Officer level

2 Executive Officers

2 Clerical Officers.

There are currently 5.6 staff employed in my constituency office:

1 Executive Officer

1 Personal Secretary at Oireachtas Secretarial Assistant level

3.6 Clerical Officers.

All of the above staff with the exception of my Special Adviser, Personal Assistant and Personal Secretary are permanent civil servants and are paid at the appropriate civil service rates. In addition, my Private Secretary is paid an allowance at the rate of €18,742 per annum for these duties. My Special Advisor and Personal Assistant who are political appointees are paid at the relevant civil service rates and my Personal Secretary who is also a political appointee is paid at the Oireachtas Secretarial Assistant rate with a 10% attraction allowance in respect of her position.

The expenses and overtime paid to these staff for the year ended 31 December 2005 are shown in the table

	Overtime	Expenses
	€	€
Constituency Office	453.89	Nil
Private Office	4,007.87	32,304.55

The staffing of both my private and constituency offices is in line with Department of Finance guidelines on this matter.

Departmental Advertising.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

312 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the total amount spent by his Department in terms of advertising in newspapers, magazines and electronic media in respect of each year since 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27031/06]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Mr. O’Donoghue)

The total cost for advertising since the establishment of my Department in June 2002, including advertising by the Cultural Institutions, was as follows.

	€
June-December 2002	186,797
2003	393,352
2004	392,178
2005	200,824
2006 to date	31,449

Film Industry Development.

John Cregan

Question:

313 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the annual financial resources given to the film industry here; if his Department has input into the way staff are recruited for film work; his views on claims in relation to same (details supplied); if he will investigate same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27170/06]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Mr. O’Donoghue)

The Irish Film Board is the independent State body, under my Department's aegis, that is charged with the promotion of film-making in the State. The Board provides a comprehensive framework of supports, both financial and non-financial. Total funding to the Board from my Department in 2006 amounts to €17.126 million.

In addition, my Department administers elements of the tax-based section 481 scheme for investment in film production. The benefits available to film producers under this scheme have recently been very dramatically increased, with the maximum amount that can be raised increasing from €15m to €35m, and the maximum percentage of a production budget that can be raised up from between 55% and 66%, to 80%. In 2005, 28 film projects were certified under this scheme, representing a total certified spend of €125.5m, and Irish spend of €63.9m. To date in 2006, 13 projects, with a total certified spend of €94.1m, and an Irish spend of €58.5m, have been certified.

I have no role as Minister in the recruitment of personnel by film producers.

Arts Council.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

314 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the paintings purchased by CIE under the 50 per cent scheme operated by the Comhairle Ealaíon — The Arts Council; the paintings from the CIE collection which were allocated by CIE to the Great Southern Hotels; the position in relation to this part of the Irish heritage; and the proposals he will make for their future. [27186/06]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Mr. O’Donoghue)

The Arts Council is a statutory body under my Department's aegis, and is the principal channel through which State support is directed to the Arts. It is understood from the Council that there are 143 works in the collection in question, which were jointly funded under the Arts Council's Joint Purchase Scheme. These works include works by Gerard Dillon, Patrick Collins, Louis le Brocquy and Basil Blackshaw. These were purchased primarily in the 1960's and 1970's, at a cost to the Council of £7,233. The total cost of these works came to £14,466.71.

The Arts Council is aware of the potential issues arising from the sale of these works and is in touch with the CEO of the Great Southern Hotel Group in this regard. On my instructions, my Department has also brought the matter to the attention of the CEO of the Dublin Airport Authority and has asked for a report on the matter. I understand that potential vendors are obliged to notify such intended sales to the OPW so that first option on such items may be exercised by the state collecting institutions. The Dublin Airport Authority has written to my Department confirming that it will consult in full with it before any decisions are taken, and in full compliance with all State guidelines.

Health and Safety Regulations.

Jack Wall

Question:

315 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans his Department have put in place and will put in place to educate the public in view of the lethal potential of asbestos; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26773/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Killeen)

The Health and Safety Authority has responsibility for the administration and enforcement of legislation dealing with the protection of the public and employees from the risks of exposure to asbestos fibres.

A range of detailed legislation currently applies, comprising—

(i) European Communities (Protection of Workers) (Exposure to Asbestos) Regulations 1989 (S.I. No. 34 of 1989),

(ii) European Communities (Protection of Workers) (Exposure to Asbestos) (Amendment) Regulations 1993 (S.I. No. 276 of 1993), and

(iii) European Communities (Protection of Workers) (Exposure to Asbestos) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I. No. 74 of 2000).

These Regulations are shortly to be revoked and replaced by new Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Exposure to Asbestos) Regulations 2006, which are designed to transpose Directive 2003/18/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27th March, 2003, which amends Council Directive 83/477/EEC, as previously amended by Council Directive 91/382/EEC on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to asbestos at work. Both of these Directives will be retransposed in the new provisions. The draft Regulations are also designed to retranspose Article 12 of Council Directive 87/217/EEC on the prevention and reduction of environmental pollution by asbestos. The Health and Safety Authority will produce Guidelines on the new Regulations.

In addition to Regulations referred to, the European Communities (Dangerous Substances and Preparations) (Marketing and Use) Regulations 2003 (S.I. No. 220 of 2003) ban the placing on the market, use, reuse or resale etc. of asbestos containing products or materials, irrespective of the type of asbestos and accordingly no new asbestos containing materials will be developed or used in this country.

In 2005, the Health and Safety Authority produced "Guidelines on Working with Materials Containing Asbestos". While these Guidelines are aimed primarily at those working with asbestos cement materials, e.g. corrugated roof sheets, slates, tiles, guttering etc., the information therein is relevant to a wide audience. This publication is available free of charge from the Authority's web site and may be readily and easily downloaded as required.

The Authority has also developed a "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQ) page on its web site relating to asbestos matters, issues and concerns which may be accessed by workers and member of the public alike. It provides useful information and answers to many questions submitted to the HSA by members of the public. The Authority's web site also provides links to others asbestos-related information sites. The web address for the Authority is www.hsa.ie.

The Health and Safety Authority is working to ensure that those persons who are at risk from existing asbestos materials in workplaces, or who work with such materials know the best way to control and prevent exposure occurring. By improving and monitoring adequate compliance with best practices the risk from fibres being released is controlled and prevented and any residual risk is then controlled and reduced.

Asbestos materials which are damaged, or at risk of being disturbed or in poor condition must be removed in a safe manner to prevent fibres being released to the air. However, where the asbestos material is in good condition and is not at risk from damage or being disturbed, it can remain safely in place but must be monitored and assessed regularly to ensure that it remains in good condition. Such materials, therefore, should be labelled and their location marked on plans of buildings so that their location is known in advance of any work or refurbishment which could disturb or damage those materials in the future. By appropriately managing asbestos-containing materials in situ the risk from possible exposure is minimised and, in general, should not create a risk to persons at work or in the vicinity of such buildings.

Community Employment Schemes.

John McGuinness

Question:

316 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the cost of bringing the total places on community employment to the level of placement at year end 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26798/06]

I have been assured by the agencies under the remit of my Department that they are endeavouring to attract new investment, encouraging the start-up of new businesses, helping to grow existing businesses and developing the labour market in county Meath. I have been informed by IDA Ireland that during 2005 there have been eleven site visits to County Meath, ten to Navan and one to Trim. No visits are recorded for Athboy or Kells during 2005.

I understand from the Agency that its itinerary visits have concentrated on Navan in 2005/2006. The Agency has 70 acres of serviced industrial land in Navan Business Park and has targeted the town as the sole East Region priority or target location for ICT projects in 2006. IDA's strategy for Meath is to target Greenfield and Expansion projects in Financial Services, International Services and ICT. Six IDA projects are located in the Business Park and at the end of 2005 there were 1,200 people employed in 17 IDA supported companies in County Meath.

Enterprise Ireland, the agency charged with the development of indigenous industry, informs me that currently there are 4,242 people employed in 170 Enterprise Ireland supported firms in County Meath. Enterprise Ireland has a wide range of supports for start up companies. As part of its new strategy, Enterprise Ireland is working more intensively with High Potential Start-Up companies (HPSUs) at their initial start up phase, in order to accelerate their growth, help build management capability, and provide direct financial support. In addition, they are further developing EI supported seed and venture capital funding. Through its overseas network, EI is assisting HPSUs to develop their exports.

Enterprise Ireland continues to work with companies in its portfolio to assist them grow their sales and exports and improve innovation in order that they can compete on world markets. Since the beginning of 2003 Enterprise Ireland has approved over €7m and paid over €5m in support to its client companies in County Meath. It is interesting to note that in recent years a number of Enterprise Ireland supported companies have moved their expansions to Co. Meath. Lir Chocolates relocated from Dublin city centre to the Navan Business Park while the manufacturers of ‘Tayto Crisp' has moved from Coolock to the Largo Foods plant at Kilbrew. Enterprise Ireland has approved funding of over €635,000 in support of Community Enterprise Centres at three locations in the county — Navan, Trim and Kells. The County Enterprise Centre in Navan also services the town of Athboy

Meath County Enterprise Board (CEB) was established in 1993 to provide a source of support for small businesses with 10 employees or less. In 2005 Meath CEB approved a total of €407,664 to 20 projects and paid out €297,949 in grant assistance, which resulted in the creation of 92 net jobs in CEB assisted companies throughout the County. Meath CEB provides a range of management training services to the micro-enterprises in order to assist the ongoing enhancement of their business management capabilities and in 2005, 831 people participated in training courses run by Meath CEB.

I would like to point out that in both 2005 and again in 2006 a special financial provision has been made available to Meath CEB specifically to cover the Board's commitment to the Kells Enterprise Centre.

Consultancy Contracts.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

321 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount paid in terms of fees or expenses for the appointment of press or public relations consultants from outside his Department for each year since 2002; the firms appointed and the specific project or responsibility for which they were engaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26972/06]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Martin)

Particulars of Public Relations Consultants appointed directly by my Department or its offices are set out in the tables. The purpose of the contracts was to improve public awareness across a range of issues including entitlements to the National Minimum Wage and Work Life Balance Campaigns.

2002
Name of Company	Nature of Project	Amount paid during 2002
		€
QMP D’Arcy	TV Press and Radio production to publicise the increase in the National Minimum Wage	13,944.04
Caden Communications	PR & Communications adviser to the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs (ODCA)	38,192.00

2003
Name of Company	Nature of Project	Amount paid during 2003
		€
Mr. John Armstrong	Consultant to the Department’s Press Office for the duration of Ireland’s Presidency of the EU	9,528.92
Carr Communications	Effective Communications with clients of the Companies Registration Office (CRO)	29,108.00
Caden Communications	PR & Communications adviser to the Director of Consumer Affairs (ODCA)	44,033.00
Zenith Optimedia	Press, Radio and Internet Advertising for Work Life Balance Day 2004	70,272.37
Language	Design Consultants re ad campaign for Work Life Balance Day 2004	26,589.75

2004
Name of Company	Nature of Project	Amount paid during 2004
		€
Mr. John Armstrong	Consultant to the Department’s Press Office for the duration of Ireland’s Presidency of the EU	41,545.44
Peter G White Ltd	Provision of media advice for the Personal Injuries Assessment Board prior to its establishment on a statutory basis	1,270.50
QMP Publicis	TV Press and Radio production to publicise the increase in the National Minimum Wage	29,040.00
Language	Design Consultants re ad campaign for Work Life Balance Day 2004	3,179.88
Language	Design Consultants re ad campaign for Work Life Balance Day 2005	36,358.08
Carr Communications	Effective Communications with CRO clients	64,493.00
Caden Communications	PR & Communications adviser to the Director of Consumer Affairs (ODCA)	55,539.00

2005
Name of Company	Nature of Project	Amount paid during 2005
		€
QMP Publicis	TV Press and Radio production to publicise the increase in the National Minimum Wage	33,387.53
Zenith Optimedia	Press, Radio and Internet Advertising for Work Life Balance Day 2005	106,4719.97
Language	Design Consultants re ad campaign for Work Life Balance Day 2005	8,771.01
Carr Communications	Effective Communications with CRO clients	38,722.00
Caden Communications	PR & Communications adviser to the Director (ODCA)	47,371.50

2006
Name of Company	Nature of Project	Amount paid during 2006
		€
Zenith Optimedia	Press, Radio and Internet Advertising for Work Life Balance Day 2006	91,409.37
Language	Design Consultants re ad campaign for Work Life Balance Day 2006	9,284.46
Carr Communications	Effective Communications with CRO clients	6,353.00

Departmental Staff.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

322 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of political appointees and non established civil servants appointed to his Department since June 2002; the nature of the post to which each such person is appointed; the annual cost in terms of salaries or expenses in respect of each such post for each year since 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26987/06]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Martin)

The information requested by the Deputy cannot be provided within the timescale available. Officials of my Department are currently compiling the data. I will have the information forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is compiled.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

323 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of staff broken down by grade employed within the private office and the constituency office; the number of such staff who are permanent civil servants; the number who are political appointees; the annual cost of each such office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses in respect of each Minister of State allocated to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27002/06]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Martin)

The breakdown of the staffing complement of those currently employed in the two offices of the Ministers of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is outlined in Table 1.

Table 1
Office
Office of the Minister for Labour Affairs (Mr. Tony Killeen TD)
Departmental Office	1 Higher Executive Officer 1 Executive Officer 2 Clerical Officers
Constituency Office	1 Personal Assistant 1 Personal Secretary 1 Clerical Officer
Office of the Minister for Trade and Commerce (Mr. Michael Ahern TD)
Departmental Office	1 Higher Executive Officer 1 Executive Officer 2 Clerical Officers
Constituency Office	1 Personal Assistant 1 Personal Secretary 1 Clerical Officer

Each Minister of State also employs 2 Civilian Drivers. The drivers work alternate weeks on a week on/week off basis. The current salary for a Civilian Driver is €30,782.02 per annum. There are 5 permanent civil servants and 4 political appointees, which includes the 2 Civilian Drivers in each Minister of State's Office.

The salary costs, overtime and expenses for each of the Minister's Offices from 1st June 2005 to 1st June 2006 are set out in Table 2. It should be noted that the salary costs are inclusive of overtime payments and the Civilian Driver salaries. The expenses refer to travel and subsistence costs and mobile phone expenses.

Table 2
	Salaries	Expenses
	€	€
Office of the Minister for Labour Affairs
Departmental Office	170,740.29	11,463.85
Constituency Office	155,747.87	26,013.41
Office of the Minister for Trade and Commerce
Departmental Office	173,719.22	15,035.74
Constituency Office	196,859.47	29,550.31

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

324 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of staff broken down by grade employed within his private office and his constituency office; the number of such staff who are permanent civil servants; the number who are political appointees; the annual cost of each such office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27017/06]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Martin)

The information in relation to staffing of my office is set out in the tables.

Staffing of Private Office

1 Higher Executive Officer (Private Secretary)

2 Executive Officers

5 Clerical Officers

Total: 8 staff

The staff in the table above are civil servants.

Constituency Office

2.8 Clerical Officers (Civil Servants)

1.5 Personal Assistants (non-civil servants)

1 Personal Secretary (non-civil servant)

Total 5.3 staff

Additional staff include 1 Special Advisor, 1 Policy Advisor and 1 Press Advisor. The individuals concerned transferred with me from the Department of Health and Children on my appointment as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment on September 29th 2004. My Special Advisor is a civil servant whilst my Policy Advisor and Press Advisor are non-civil servants.

The total annual cost of running the Private and Constituency Office from June 2005 to the end of May 2006 was €648,350.61 and €167,567.68 respectively.

Departmental Advertising.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

325 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the total amount spent by his Department in terms of advertising in newspapers, magazines and electronic media in respect of each year since 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27032/06]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Martin)

My Department incurred the expenditure listed below on advertising in newspapers (national/provincial) magazines and electronic media since 2002.

	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006
	€	€	€	€	€
Newspapers	172,683	261,972	119,592	236,689	83,781
Magazines	Nil	Nil	2,178.00	39,927.00	Nil
Electronic Media	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil

Job Creation.

Paul McGrath

Question:

326 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of site visits by IDA representatives, with interested parties, to towns (details supplied) in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27193/06]

Paul McGrath

Question:

327 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of site visits by IDA representatives, with interested parties, to Tullamore, County Offaly in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27194/06]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 326 and 327 together.

IDA Ireland is the Agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland, including its regions and areas. The agency hosted twenty four site visits to Athlone and two each to Mullingar and Longford during 2005. There were eight site visits to Tullamore during the year, but no site visits took place to Kinnegad, Kilbeggan, Moate or Ballymahon.

A key goal for IDA Ireland is the achievement of balanced regional development, with potential investors often indicating that they are only willing to consider an urban base close to third level educational facilities that provides infrastructure and services that are international in focus. The National Spatial Strategy provides a framework for this goal wherein the focus is on the Gateway and Hub locations throughout the State. However smaller locations can sometimes also be appealing to potential overseas investors who may wish to locate some functions away from the main centres of population and IDA Ireland, will encourage and facilitate such investments at every opportunity.

It is important to remember that success in attracting overseas investment to the Gateway and Hub locations not alone brings high-wage jobs to these locations but also has knock-on benefits in other sectors such as supply, distribution and transport, thus creating further investment/employment opportunities for local people in the immediate vicinity and surrounding areas. Ultimately decisions regarding where to locate, including what sites to visit as potential locations are taken by the investor.

IDA Ireland's Strategy for the Midlands Region is:

•To progress the development of a knowledge economy, in order that the Region can compete both nationally and internationally for foreign direct investment.

•To work with the existing client base in the Counties and to expand their presence in the various Counties;

•To provide modern property solutions with supporting infrastructure;

•To work with Local Authorities and relevant infrastructure providers to influence the delivery of appropriate infrastructure to the various Counties.

I am confident that the strategies and policies being pursued by IDA Ireland, together with the ongoing commitment of Government to regional development will bear fruit in terms of additional sustainable investment and jobs for the area.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Tony Gregory

Question:

328 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason the social welfare rent allowance section reduced the weekly rent allowance of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1 by €4 per week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26815/06]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

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

Under standard SWA rules rent or mortgage interest supplements are normally calculated to ensure that a person, after the payment of rent or mortgage interest, has an income equal to the rate of SWA appropriate to their family circumstances less a minimum contribution, currently €13, which recipients are required to pay from their own resources. Many recipients pay more than €13 because recipients are also required, subject to income disregards, to contribute any additional assessable means that they have over and above the appropriate basic SWA rate towards their accommodation costs.

The Executive has been contacted concerning this case and has advised that following a routine review of the means of the person concerned, the amount of rent supplement payable was reduced due to an increase in the amount of UK pension payable to him. It is open to the person concerned to appeal this decision to the designated Appeals Officer within the Health Services Executive.

Willie Penrose

Question:

329 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason there is a delay of up to eight weeks in sending out the respite care grant to eligible applicants for same; if he will elaborate upon the reason for this delay and take steps to rectify the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26816/06]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

People providing full-time care who are in receipt of Carers Allowance, Carers Benefit or Prescribed Relatives Allowance receive the Respite Care Grant automatically, without having to apply for it. The same applies where a Constant Attendance Allowance is in payment in respect of the person being paid for. Payment is made on or after the first Thursday in June of the year to which the payment refers. This is the date each year on which the qualifying conditions must be met in order for the Grant to be paid in respect of that year.

Budget 2005 extended entitlement to the Grant to all full-time carers irrespective of means or contribution record but subject to certain conditions relating to the provision of full-time care and attention. A section was set up in my Department to process applications from people in this newly entitled category.

In 2005 such applications were solicited by means of a press and publicity campaign and as a result over 7,500 people have been paid the Grant in respect of that year. The closing date for receipt of applications in respect of 2005 is 31 December 2006 and applications in respect of 2005 continue to be received. The Grant in respect of 2006 is payable to people who meet the qualifying conditions on Thursday 1 June 2006 and is payable on or as soon as practicable after that date.

Applications for the 2006 Grant from those not entitled to receive it automatically by virtue of their primary payment, are being solicited in two phases. First, those who applied for and received the Grant in 2005 have been written to enclosing a brief questionnaire to establish whether they continue to satisfy the conditions for receipt of the Grant in 2006. On foot of this initiative, to date, approximately 6,000 applications have been received. In addition, a small number of unsolicited applications in respect of 2006 have been received and are also being processed. To date 1,191 Grants have been paid to successful applicants.

The second phase of the campaign to identify those people who may be eligible for the Grant for the first time in 2006 will take the form of a press and publicity campaign. This will take place over the coming months. An example of a person who may be entitled to the Grant for the first time in 2006 would be a carer who is employed or self-employed for a period of between 10 and 15 hours per week and would thus be in a position to avail of the increase in the number of permitted hours of employment or self-employment outside the home, announced in Budget 2006.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 331 to 333, inclusive, together.

There are ten staff employed in my private office. These include 8 administrative staff, a Press Adviser and a Special Adviser. The 8 administrative staff are all established civil servants, one Higher Executive Officer, 1.5 Executive Officers and 5.5 Clerical Officers. The Higher Executive Officer is on a payscale of €42,180 to €53,541 with a Private Secretary allowance of €18,742 per annum. The Executive Officers are on a payscale of €27,692 to €43,944 adjusted proportionally in the case of the work sharing officer. 1 Clerical Officer is on a pay scale of €21,974 to €34,786 (Clerical Officer Higher Scale) adjusted accordingly to take account of work sharing. 3 of the Clerical Officers are on a pay scale of €20,996 to €34,049 (Class B rate of PRSI contribution applies). The other 2 Clerical Officers are on a payscale of €22,102 to €35,838 (Class A rate of PRSI contribution applies as they commenced employment after 6 April 1995. The total overtime costs and expenses incurred from September 2004 to date for the administrative staff in this office are €22,301 and €11,732 respectively.

The duties carried out by the Press Adviser and Special Adviser, who were appointed by me on a contract basis for my term of office, are as set out in Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act, 1997 i.e. to assist the Minister by providing advice on a wide range of issues, by monitoring, facilitating and securing the achievement of Government objectives that relate to my Department and by performing such other functions as may be directed by me.

The Press Adviser is on a personal salary of up to €103,000 together with a private pension contribution of 11% of salary. The Special Adviser is on a Principal Officer payscale of up to €90,770. The total expenses incurred to date by my Press Adviser and Special Adviser are €31,605 and €18,132 respectively. No overtime costs have been incurred by these officers who are on call on a seven day per week basis.

There are a total of six full-time administrative staff assigned to deal with matters in my constituency office. There are four established civil servants, one Executive Officer on a payscale of €27,692 to €43,944 and three Clerical Officers on a payscale of €22,102 to €35,838. The total overtime costs incurred from September 2004 to date for the administrative staff in this office are €5,123. No expenses have been incurred by these officers.

I have also appointed, on a contract basis for my term of office, two non-established civil servants, a Personal Secretary and a Personal Assistant. The roles of my Personal Secretary and Personal Assistant are to provide administrative support and back-up in my capacity as a TD and in my constituency office. The annual salary for my Personal Secretary is €40,520. My Personal Assistant is on secondment from the Department of Education and Science. That Department will recoup from my Department on an annual basis the cost of a replacement teacher's salary, allowances, PRSI contributions and superannuation contributions. This will be in the region of €44,800. The total expenses incurred to date by my Personal Assistant and Personal Secretary are €840 and €496, respectively. No overtime costs have been incurred by these officers.

Departmental Advertising

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

334 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the total amount spent by his Department in terms of advertising in newspapers, magazines and electronic media in respect of each year since 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27033/06]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

My Department uses a mix of advertising media including national and provincial newspapers, radio and television, information leaflets, fact sheets, posters and direct mailshots to ensure that people are aware of their social welfare entitlements and are notified about improvements and changes affecting their payments and services. The amount spent on advertising in any one year is determined by the number of specific advertising campaigns which are undertaken.

The total amount spent by my Department on advertising in 2002 was €1,319,239. Expenditure covered a wide range of my Department's schemes and services and included specific campaigns such as the promotions of the Farm Assist Scheme, the Personal Public Service Number and an information campaign in relation to the improvements in the 2003 Budget.

The total amount spent by my Department on advertising in 2003 was €286,680. Most of the advertising expenditure in 2003 arose in connection with general advertising regarding office closures, staff vacancies, etc., and the Budget information campaign.

Expenditure in 2004 was €473,224. Two information campaigns were undertaken in 2004. The first campaign promoted the Carer's Benefit scheme and the second campaign alerted people coming up to pension age that they should apply for their pension at least three months before they reach pension age.

The total amount spent by my Department on advertising in 2005 was over €300,000. Two major information campaigns were undertaken in 2005; the first was on the Respite Care scheme and the second was a general advertising campaign carried out across credit unions throughout country, which highlighted a range of social welfare benefits, schemes and services available to citizens.

To date in 2006, my Department has spent over €340,000 on advertising. The principle element of the expenditure incurred to date this year related to the Family Income Supplement entitlements awareness campaign which resulted in a significant increase in the number of new applications. Advertising is a key part of my Department's information strategy to ensure that people are aware of and claim their social welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Benefits.

David Stanton

Question:

335 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the percentage breakdown of payments by electronic fund transfer for each of the various schemes in operation by his Department for each of the past three years; the controls in place to ensure that those receiving payment through EFT remain entitled to payment under the scheme; the number of cases for each of the schemes over each of the past three years where payment through EFT was withdrawn as a result of his Department’s discovering that the claimant was no longer entitled to payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27213/06]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

The detailed information requested in relation to the percentage of payments paid by EFT in each of my Department's schemes is set out in the table.

Risk analysis is a key element of my Department's control strategy. This entails the identification of areas of high risk of fraud and abuse in the various schemes and putting in place appropriate measures to address them in a systematic way. Any particular risks associated with each claim or payment type, are addressed in this context.

My Department's control strategy entails the use of a mix of measures to control fraud and abuse. These include desk reviews of claim papers, home visits, the issue of mailshots to selected claimants or groups of customers, database checking, employer inspections and medical reviews in the case of illness payments. This mix of measures provides flexibility to use the most appropriate measure in any given circumstance. The potential for fraud associated with any claim is dictated by the risks associated with a particular claim, for example, the claim type and characteristics of the claim, rather than the payment method.

Intensive control initiatives, involving people paid by various payment methods including EFT, have been undertaken by my Department in a number of areas and in relation to selected groups of customers in recent years. However a breakdown by payment method, of cases which have been disallowed, is not available.

Table: % of EFT Payments 2004 to 2006
Schemes	Dec-04	Dec-05	May-06
	%	%	%
OACP	44	53	54
RP	22	29	30
OAP	9	12	13
PRETA	20	23	25
DB	30	36	40
INVP	18	25	26
OIB etc	13	14	14
Disablement	0	0	10
DA	16	24	25
CB	38	31	29
WCP/ORCP	22	28	29
WNCP/ORNCP	5	7	7
DWB/DWA	5	7	8
OPFP	13	18	23
Maternity	85	85	85
FIS	84	85	85
Carers	9	14	16
Rent	0	0	0
SWA	12	15	16
BTWS-PENLIVE	97	98	98
BTW/ABI-ISTS	98	98	98
BPP	9	13	15
UB	45	52	49
UA	27	28	24
Smallholders	6	0	0
Farm Assist	27	29	29
All Schemes	25	30	30

John Cregan

Question:

336 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress on an application for the respite care allowance for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; if the processing of such applications is up to date; the percentage of applications which have been dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27232/06]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

People providing full-time care who are in receipt of Carers Allowance, Carers Benefit or Prescribed Relatives Allowance receive the Respite Care Grant automatically, without having to apply for it. The same applies where a Constant Attendance Allowance is in payment in respect of the person being paid for. Payment is made on or after the first Thursday in June of the year to which the payment refers. This is the date each year on which the qualifying conditions must be met in order for the Grant to be paid in respect of that year.

Budget 2005 extended entitlement to the Grant to all full-time carers irrespective of means or contribution record but subject to certain conditions relating to the provision of full-time care and attention. A section was set up in my Department to process applications from people in this newly entitled category.

In 2005 such applications were solicited by means of a press and publicity campaign and as a result over 7,500 people have been paid the Grant in respect of that year. The closing date for receipt of applications in respect of 2005 is 31 December 2006 and applications in respect of 2005 continue to be received. The Grant in respect of 2006 is payable to people who meet the qualifying conditions on Thursday 1 June 2006 and is payable on or as soon as practicable after that date.

Applications for the 2006 Grant from those not entitled to receive it automatically by virtue of their primary payment, are being solicited in two phases. First, those who applied for and received the Grant in 2005 have been written to enclosing a brief questionnaire to establish whether they continue to satisfy the conditions for receipt of the Grant in 2006. On foot of this initiative, to date, approximately 6,000 applications have been received. In addition, a small number of unsolicited applications in respect of 2006 have been received and are also being processed. To date 1,191 Grants have been paid to successful applicants.

The second phase of the campaign to identify those people who may be eligible for the Grant for the first time in 2006 will take the form of a press and publicity campaign. This will take place over the coming months. An example of a person who may be entitled to the Grant for the first time in 2006 would be a carer who is employed or self-employed for a period of between 10 and 15 hours per week and would thus be in a positionto avail of the increase in the number of permitted hours of employment or self-employment outside the home, announced in Budget 2006.

By its very nature the receipt of a large volume of applications over a relatively short period creates pressures in the section processing them. However every effort is made to process these applications as soon as possible. I am satisfied that the actions being taken will ensure that the 2006 Grant applications, will be processed at the earliest possible date.

In the case to which the Deputy refers, I understand the application was successful and payment will issue shortly.

Marine Accidents.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

337 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport if a trawler (details supplied) will be raised from the sea-bed in view of the recent naval dive of the trawler which was inconclusive and yielded no further information regarding the sinking of this trawler. [26764/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Transport (Mr. Gallagher)

The Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) is currently investigating the circumstances that led to the sinking of the Maggie B. The role of the MCIB, which is an independent body, is to investigate casualties such as this and to publish their findings. The MCIB will investigate all relevant matters pertaining to the sinking of the vessel and if they consider it necessary to raise the vessel to facilitate their investigation they will do so.

You may be aware that I met with family members of Mr. Glynn Cott and following that meeting I conveyed their views on the raising of the vessel to the MCIB.

Tourism Industry.

Pat Breen

Question:

338 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport if he will give a consultative role to the Shannon-based liaison group working with Government Departments as part of the preparation of a tourism and economic development plan for Shannon and the west of Ireland post Open Skies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26779/06]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

In announcing the agreement reached with the US authorities last December in relation to a transitional arrangement for Shannon Airport in the context of the proposed EU/US Open Skies, I indicated that I would prepare, in consultation with my colleagues, the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism and the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, a tourism and economic development plan for Shannon and the West of Ireland.

Preparation of this plan is at an advanced stage and I have received a number of inputs to the process. A local liaison group under the chairmanship the Clare County Manager have made an input that is under consideration at present.

Air Services.

Pat Breen

Question:

339 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport the arrangements which have been made to enable an airline (details supplied) operate transatlantic flights through Shannon and Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26780/06]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The airline in question operated scheduled services between Ireland and the USA in the 1980s and ceased operating these services in 1988. No notification has been received in my Department from the airline that they intend to recommence operations to Ireland.

Road Safety.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

340 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if there is a mandatory period set out in EU law in relation to the frequency of road worthiness tests; if so, the frequency of such tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26819/06]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

Council Directive 96/96/EC sets out the categories of vehicles subject to roadworthiness testing, the age at which vehicles must be first tested and the minimum frequency of such tests. Under the Directive it is open to a Member State to set earlier dates for the first testing of vehicles and to increase the frequency of such tests. The vehicles subject to roadworthiness testing by the Directive are buses, taxis, ambulances, goods vehicles, and goods trailers and semi-trailers exceeding 3,500 kilograms design gross weight.

Under the Directive, passenger cars and goods vehicles not exceeding 3,500 kilograms design gross weight are first liable to testing when they are 4 years old with subsequent tests due every 2 years thereafter. Buses, taxis, ambulances, goods vehicles exceeding 3,500 kilograms design gross weight, and goods trailers and semi-trailers exceeding 3,500 kilograms design gross weight are first liable to testing when they are one year old with subsequent tests due every year thereafter. The timeframes specified in the Directive apply in Ireland except in the case of goods vehicles not exceeding 3,500 kilograms design gross weight, which are required to undergo testing when they are 1 year old and every year thereafter.

Rail Network.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

341 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date in 2006 in the provision of a new railway station on the north-side of Drogheda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26820/06]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The location of stations on the rail network is a matter for Iarnród Éireann. The company informs me that there are currently no plans to open a new station on the north side of Drogheda and that any new station in that location would have to be supported by major development taking place within its catchment area.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

342 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date in the provision of a new railway station at Dunleer in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26821/06]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 186 of 30 March 2006 regarding this matter. The position remains the same as I outlined in that reply.

Road Traffic Offences.

Damien English

Question:

343 Mr. English asked the Minister for Transport the reason penalty points are not put on a persons driving licence on the date of the road traffic offence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26840/06]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The Road Traffic Act 2002, which provides the legislative basis for the introduction and operation of the penalty points system, contains specific provisions governing application of such points on the license record of an individual. Section 5 of the Act provides that where penalty points are to be endorsed on a record, a notification of that endorsement must be issued to the license holder involved. The notice sets out in particular the basis for the endorsement of the points.

Section 7 of the Act provides that, save in very limited and quite specific instances, the operative date for penalty points is 28 days from the date of the notice issued under Section 5. This date is referred to in the Act as the "appropriate date".

The provisions in the 2002 Act, in relation to the appropriate date, recognise that as a result of the endorsement of penalty points a person may face the application of an automatic disqualification from driving. Section 3 of the Act establishes that where a person accumulates at least 12 penalty points, he or she will be disqualified for a period of 6 months.

If penalty points were to be applied from the date of the commission of the offence in the first instance or from the date of the payment of the fixed charge, a person could be faced with the prospect that they would have already been disqualified in advance of any notification being sent to that effect. This would in turn create the situation that a person would be open to a charge of driving when disqualified where they had driven in the period between the commission of the original offence or the payment of the charge and the date of the notice.

The penalty points system has been designed and structured to ensure that any person who is accused of the commission of a penalty point offence is afforded a significant time period to chose whether or not to allow the matter to proceed to court. Save in respect of 8 of the offences scheduled to be penalty point offences in the 2002 Act, the option of the payment of a fixed charge is afforded to the accused person. A person presented with a fixed charge notice is given a period of 56 days in which to make such a payment before the certainty of a court summons is applied.

There is therefore a potentially significant period made available to a person to make a decision and all of the time lapses relating to the system that are established in the Act are set out in the fixed charge notice issued in respect of the alleged commission of the offence.

Consultancy Contracts.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

344 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Transport the total amount paid in terms of fees or expenses for the appointment of press or public relations consultants from outside his Department for each year since 2002; the firms appointed and the specific project or responsibility for which they were engaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26974/06]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The Department has, on limited occasions, employed outside professional public relations advice. Tony O'Brien Communications was employed in 2004 to assist the Department with media relations and was paid a fee of approximately €6,000. Laurie Cearr Associates was employed by the Department for the organisation and management of public relations activities and other work in 2002 and in 2004 and was paid approximately €15,000 in total.

Departmental Staff.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

345 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Transport the number of political appointees and non established civil servants appointed to his Department since June 2002; the nature of the post to which each such person is appointed; the annual cost in terms of salaries or expenses in respect of each such post for each year since 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26989/06]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The following tables provide the information sought by the Deputy. The grades of Clerical Officer, Executive Officer, Administrative Officers and equivalent grades, recruited under temporary contract, have been excluded.

Grade	Appointed since June 2002
Personal Assistants	4
Personal Secretaries	5
Press Officers	2
Advisers	2
Total	13

	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006
	€	€	€	€	€
Pay
Personal Secretaries
1	10,323	24,366	22,158
2			6,940	28,539	14,733
3			9,316	40,551
4					13,022
Personal Assistants
1		33,685	28,124
2	18,295	36,886	1,410
3			10,287	42,232	21,833
4				52,908
5					16,875
Press Officers
1		91,760	7,801
2			19,405	79,819	36,973
Advisers
1	33,933	75,448	2,833
2			11,463	47,063	24,333
Expenses
Personal Assistants
1			5,955
2		83	2,409
3
4
5					3,388
Press Officers
1			6,475	2,487
2			978	4,006	1,318
Advisers
1		733	11,516
2
Total	62,551	262,961	147,070	297,605	132,475

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

346 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Transport the number of staff broken down by grade employed within the private office and the constituency office; the number of such staff who are permanent civil servants; the number who are political appointees; the annual cost of each such office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses in respect of each Minister of State allocated to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27004/06]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The attached tables provide the information required by the Deputy. The salary costs are based on current salary scales.

The overall expenses including overtime incurred by the Minister of States's office over the past year (July 2005 to June 2006) is approximately €161,000. This includes travel and subsistence costs for staff and all other associated office costs.

Office	Grade/Job Title	Total staff	Status: Permanent or Political	Salary scale/cost per annum
Private Office	Private Secretary	1	Permanent	€44,399-€56,361 plus allowance of €19,727 per annum
Private Office	Executive Officer	1	Permanent	€29,152-€46,253
Private Office	Clerical Officers	4	Permanent	€21,563-€34,964
Constituency Office	Personal Assistant	1	Political appointee	€52,905
Constituency Office	Personal Secretary	1	Political appointee	€21,002-€40,520
Constituency Office	Staff Officer	1	Permanent	€33,321-€44,487
Constituency Office	Clerical Officer	2	Permanent	€20,995-€34,050
Total		11

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

347 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Transport the number of staff broken down by grade employed within his private office and his constituency office; the number of such staff who are permanent civil servants; the number who are political appointees; the annual cost of each such office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27019/06]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The following tables provide the information requested by the Deputy in relation to salary. The salary costs are based on current salary scales.

The overall expenses figure including overtime incurred by the Minister's office over the past year (July 2005 to June 2006) is approximately €213,920. This includes travel and subsistence costs for staff and all other associated officecosts.

Office	Grade/Job Title	Total staff	Status: Permanent or Political	Salary scale/cost per annum
Private Office	Private Secretary	1	Permanent	€44,399-€56,361 plus allowance of €19,727 per annum
Private Office	Special Adviser	1	Political appointee	€153,190
Private Office	Press Officer	1	Permanent (acting)	To be finalised
Private Office	Executive Officer	1	Permanent	€29,152-€46.253
Private Office	Clerical Officers	4	Permanent	€22,102-€35,838
		8

Office	Grade/Job Title	Total staff	Status: Permanent or Political	Salary scale/cost per annum
Constituency	Personal Assistant	1	Political appointee	€42,180-€53,541
Constituency	Personal Secretary	1	Political appointee	€21,002-€40,520
Constituency	Personal Administrative Assistant	1	Political appointee	€42,180-€53,541
Constituency	Staff Officer	1	Political appointee	€33,321-€44,487
		4

Departmental Advertising.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

348 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Transport the total amount spent by his Department in terms of advertising in newspapers, magazines and electronic media in respect of each year since 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27034/06]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

In relation to 2002, I refer the Deputy to Dáil Question 4184/03 of 13th February 2003 by Deputy Michael Ring when it was indicated that expenditure of €261,443 was incurred by the Department in 2002. In relation to 2003, I refer the Deputy to Dáil Question 4067/04 of 10th February 2004 by Deputy Michael Ring when it was indicated that expenditure of €191,342 was incurred by the Department in 2003.

The following table shows the approximate expenditure incurred by the Department in relation to advertising in respect of years 2004, 2005 and 2006 to date.

Year	Advertising Spend
	€
2004	145,000.00
2005	151,000.00
2006*	137,000.00

*This figure is for January to end June 2006.

Iarnród Éireann has advised me that the points giving access to the freight yard will remain terminated but not removed until the mini-CTC scheme is implemented in 2007/8. I also understand from Iarnród Éireann that termination involves removal of certain moving components and is required as a safety precaution. The remainder of the point installation may remain in place.

Iarnród Éireann has also informed me that the mini-CTC scheme will be implemented in such a way as to allow for future reconnection of the freight yard should viable new freight traffic flows be secured from Claremorris.

Departmental Schemes.

Damien English

Question:

352 Mr. English asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his Department has plans to extend the RAPID scheme in Navan, County Meath; the list of estates that will come under this scheme; the timeframe involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26830/06]

Damien English

Question:

353 Mr. English asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has plans to include Abbeylands Crescent and Clusker Park, Navan in the RAPID programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26831/06]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Éamon Ó Cuív)

There are currently six non established political appointees in my Department, three of whom were appointed in 2002. A Special Adviser and a Clerical Officer were appointed in 2004 and a Temporary Personal Secretary was appointed in 2006 replacing an officer on sick leave.

The actual cost in terms of salaries in respect of each post for each year from 2002 to date is as follows:

	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006
	€	€	€	€	€
Special Adviser	Nil	Nil	75,038	92,541*	53,582*
Media Adviser	32,806*	77,967*	94,501*	100,492*	52,749*
Personal Secretary	21,198	41,860	47,351	46,760	24,984
Personal Assistant	20,462	45,662	52,353	52,057	26,809
Clerical Officer	Nil	Nil	17,945	24,311	14,737
Personal Secretary (Temporary)	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil	2,295

* Includes superannuation payment adjustments

Departmental Staff.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

357 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of staff broken down by grade employed within the private office and the constituency office; the number of such staff who are permanent civil servants; the number who are political appointees; the annual cost of each such office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses in respect of each Minister of State allocated to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27005/06]

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

358 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of staff broken down by grade employed within his private office and his constituency office; the number of such staff who are permanent civil servants; the number who are political appointees; the annual cost of each such office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27020/06]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Éamon Ó Cuív)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 357 and 358 together.

Details of the number, role, function and cost of staff in my offices were given at the Annual Estimates debate of the Dáil Committee on Arts, Sports Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs on 10 May 2006. The Estimate was approved. Further to that, the facts are as follows: There are currently eleven staff members in my Private Office, made up as follows: Civil servants: one Private Secretary at Higher Executive Officer level, one Higher Executive Officer and six Clerical Officers.

Non civil servants: one Special Adviser, one Media Adviser, one Personal Secretary.

There are currently four staff in my Constituency Office made up as follows: Civil Servants: one Executive Officer and one Clerical Officer.

Non civil servants: one Personal Assistant, one Clerical Officer and one Temporary Personal Secretary.

There are currently three staff members in the Minister of State's Office in my Department and all three are civil servants including one Private Secretary at Executive Officer level and two Clerical Officers.

The annual payments for salaries including overtime and expenses for staff in 2005, the last complete year for which figures are available, were as follows:

Private Office
Salaries: €497,935.52	Expenses: €25,415.32

Constituency Office
Salaries: €142,175.23	Expenses: €735.10

Minister of State's Office
Salaries: €113,312.85	Expenses: Nil

Departmental Advertising.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

359 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the total amount spent by his Department in terms of advertising in newspapers, magazines and electronic media in respect of each year since 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27035/06]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Éamon Ó Cuív)

I refer the Deputy to my reply to PQ No. 466 of 10 February 2004 regarding expenditure on advertising by my Department in 2002 and 2003; and PQ No. 347 of 28 February 2006 regarding expenditure on advertising in 2004 and 2005.

Spending on advertising by my Department to date in 2006 is €58,988.23. [27020/06]

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

360 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will make available CLÁR funding towards the cost of the proposed group sewerage scheme at Newtown Bantry, County Cork. [27042/06]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Éamon Ó Cuív)

I understand that the group in question has only recently received planning permission for the group sewerage scheme and that discussions are on-going between themselves and Cork County Council.

CLÁR funds a €6,000 maximum top-up per house for group sewerage schemes in CLÁR areas where the cost per house exceeds €3,031 and where the Local Authority recommends that this is the most efficient way of providing sewerage treatment for these houses. The schemes are selected by the Local Authority on foot of applications received from local groups.

To date, my Department has not received an application on behalf of this group. [27020/06]

Partnership Boards.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

361 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has satisfied himself that the recruitment of employees by public based partnership boards is fair, professional and subject to independent oversight or audit (details supplied). [27043/06]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Éamon Ó Cuív)

The Local Development Social Inclusion Programme (LDSIP) provides a series of Measures, funded under the National Development Plan 2000-2006, that are designed to tackle social exclusion, deliver a more sustainable economy, improve employment prospects and balance regional development.

The LDSIP is delivered locally by 38 Partnerships, 31 Community Groups and 2 Employment Pacts, which are not-for-profit private companies focusing on combating disadvantage and social exclusion in their areas.

Each company is a private company and is responsible in the first place for its own governance. However, in its administration of the LDSIP on behalf of my Department, Pobal has an involvement in and keeps general oversight of the recruitment of senior personnel by area partnership companies. [27020/06]

National Drugs Strategy.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

362 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his proposals to address the increasing problem of drug misuse (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27065/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Mr. N. Ahern)

As the Deputy is aware, my Department has overall responsibility for co-ordinating the implementation of the National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008. The Strategy contains 108 individual actions, under the five pillars of supply reduction, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and research.

The actions outlined in the National Drugs Strategy are being progressed with the significant input of other Government Departments and Agencies — for example, the Health Services Executive, the Departments of Health and Children, Education and Science, Justice, Equality and Law Reform, An Garda Síochána, the Irish Prisons Service, the Customs Service of the Revenue Commissioners and FÁS. All of these bodies are playing important roles in the implementation of the overall Strategy and the structures in place facilitate inter-agency cooperation in relation to the details of the implementation.

The Mid-Term Review of the National Drugs Strategy was published in June 2005. This report was the culmination of a comprehensive review, which included extensive consultation with Government Departments and Agencies, the Community and Voluntary Sectors and the public in general. I am pleased that the Review Steering Group found that the current aims and objectives of the Drugs Strategy are fundamentally sound.

I believe that there are encouraging signs of progress over the past couple of years — be it in the areas of drug seizures, the expansion of treatment services, prevention programmes in schools or the establishment of the Regional Drugs Task Forces. While not underestimating the scale of the problem, I am confident that we will continue to make progress through a process of co-operation and partnership.

In relation to prevention programmes for young adults, the Department of Education and Science has implemented substance misuse prevention programmes in all schools. A consequence of this policy is that all students are equipped with knowledge about the dangers of drugs misuse. The Strategy also included a National Drugs Awareness Campaign, run by the Department of Health and Children until December 2005. This campaign was aimed at promoting greater awareness and understanding of the causes and consequences of drugs misuse throughout society. Aspects of the campaign were specifically targeted at the young adult population. Due to the reorganisation of the health services future campaigns will now be the responsibility of the Health Service Executive.

To date (since 1997) over €248 million has been expended by my Department on Drugs Initiatives in the Drugs Task Force areas and through the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund. This is in addition to the resources being input from the various Departments and agencies engaged in combating the drug crisis. I am pleased with the increasing levels of funding being made available to tackle the problems of drugs misuse. An allocation of €43m has been made to my Department's Vote for the Drugs Initiative/Young People's Facilities and Services Fund in 2006. This represents an increase of 37% on the original 2005 allocation and a massive 61% increase on the 2004 figure. It will allow us to consolidate and build on previous investment and to continue to tackle the drug problem in a comprehensive way and I remain hopeful that through this sizeable programme of investment we will continue to impact in a serious way on the availability and usage of illegal drugs.

I am confident that through the implementation of the actions in the National Drugs Strategy and the projects and initiatives operated through the Local and Regional Drugs Task Forces, the problem of drugs misuse can be addressed. Each of the Drugs Task Forces has in place an action plan to tackle drug misuse in their area based on their own identified priorities and they continue to have ongoing contact with their local communities.

While the problems of drugs misuse, including polydrug use, must not be underestimated, I believe progress is being made and I will continue to respond in a flexible and focused way as the situation evolves.

Grant Payments.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

363 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a single farm payment will be made available to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26684/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The person named established 27.31 entitlements under the Single Payment Scheme based on the livestock premia claimed during the 2000 to 2002 reference years and was paid his Single Farm Payment on 1 December 2005.

The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the Single Payments Scheme National Reserve under category C.

Category C caters for farmers who, between 1 January 2000 and 19 October 2003, sold the milk quota into the Milk Quota Restructuring Scheme and converted their enterprise to a farming sector for which a direct payment under Livestock Premia or Arable Aid Schemes would have been payable during the reference period 2000 to 2002.

A formal letter setting out my Department's decision issued to the person named and my Department's records indicate that an appeal was submitted by the person named. The Independent Payment Appeals Committee will carry out a full review of the case and will correspond directly with the person named following the outcome of their review.

It should be noted that to date the National Reserve section of my Department has received 981 appeals.

Michael Ring

Question:

364 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a grant payment in view of the fact that their application was passed several months ago. [26685/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The person named is an applicant for grant-aid under the Alternative Enterprises Scheme. Payment of €8,443.20 will be made by my Department to the person concerned shortly.

Tom Hayes

Question:

365 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding the case of a herd owner (details supplied) in County Tipperary who made an application under the Single Payment Scheme (National Reserve). [26686/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the Single Payments Scheme National Reserve under category C. Category C caters for farmers who, between 1 January 2000 and 19 October 2003, sold the milk quota into the Milk Quota Restructuring Scheme and converted their enterprise to a farming sector for which a direct payment under Livestock Premia or Arable AidSchemes would have been payable during the reference period 2000 to 2002. My Department has requested additional information from the person named. On receipt of the additional information requested this case will be examined and a formal letter setting out my Department's decision will issue to the person named.

If he is dissatisfied with my Department's decision in relation to the National Reserve, he then 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.

Forestry Sector

As well as assisting with operational aspects, funding has been provided towards the establishment of equine projects, where the relevant local authority has considered that its support for such a project is consistent with the implementation of the Act.

Grants allocated to local authorities by my Department are as follows:

	€m
2002	2.4
2003	2.1
2004	1.7
2005	1.9
2006 (to 30th June 2006)	0.8

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the Single Payment Scheme National Reserve under Categories B & D.

Category B caters for farmers who, between 1 January 2000 and 19 October 2003, made an investment in production capacity in a farming sector for which a direct payment under Livestock Premia and/or Arable Aid schemes would have been payable during the reference period 2000-2002. Investments can include purchase or long-term lease of land, purchase of suckler and/or ewe quota or other investments.

Category D caters for farmers who commenced farming after 31 December 2002 or who commenced farming in 2002 but who received no direct payments in respect of that scheme year.

It should be noted however that the rules governing the Single Payment Scheme stipulate that an applicant who is found to be eligible under more than one category in the Reserve may only receive an allocation of entitlements under whichever category is most beneficial to him/her.

The person named has been deemed successful under category B of the National Reserve. My Department has issued a formal letter setting out the details of the allocation and a payment will be made in the payment run scheduled for this week.

If the person named is dissatisfied with my Department's decision he has the opportunity to appeal the decision to the Independent Appeals Committee. An appeals application is available from any of my Department's offices or on the Department website at www.agriculture.gov.ie.

Departmental Staff.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

372 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the total amount paid in terms of fees or expenses for the appointment of press or public relations consultants from outside her Department for each year since 2002; the firms appointed and the specific project or responsibility for which they were engaged; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26976/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

My Department does not employ press or public relations consultants from outside the Department nor has it done so since 2002.

However, I did appoint a press adviser on a contract basis from 30 September 2004 to 17 February 2005 at an annual salary of €82,066. I am in the process of appointing a press adviser and an employment contract is currently being finalised.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

373 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of political appointees and non-established civil servants appointed to her Department since June 2002; the nature of the post to which each such person is appointed; the annual cost in terms of salaries or expenses in respect of each such post for each year since 2002; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26991/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The following tables give the information requested by the Deputy.

Appointments since June 2002
Year	Post	Number
2002	Personal Assistant	3
	Personal Secretary	3
2003	Personal Assistant	0
	Personal Secretary	0
2004	Personal Assistant	3
	Personal Secretary	3
	Press Adviser	1
2005	Personal Assistant	0
	Personal Secretary	0
2006	Personal Assistant	1
	Personal Secretary	1

I am currently in the process of appointing a Press Adviser.

Annual Salary costs for each year from 2002
Year	Posts	Salary Costs
		€
2002	Personal Assistants × 3	125,736
	Personal Secretaries × 3	76,148
2003	Personal Assistants × 3	105,081
	Personal Secretaries × 3	95,227
2004	Personal Assistant × 3	184,527
	Personal Secretaries × 3	102,147
	Press Adviser	83,837
2005	Personal Assistant × 3	97,655
	Personal Secretaries× 3	78,232
	Press Adviser	11,922

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

374 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of staff broken down by grade employed within the private office and the constituency office; the number of such staff who are permanent civil servants; the number who are political appointees; the annual cost of each such office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses in respect of each Minister of State allocated to her Department. [27006/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The following tables show the breakdown of staff in my two Ministers of State's private and constituency offices.

Minister of State Smith's Constituency Office
Grade	Number	Salary Scale
Personal Assistant (Non Civil Servant)	1	€42,180-€53,541 Higher Executive Officer scale
Personal Secretary (Non Civil Servant)	1	€21,002-€40,520 — Secretarial Assistants' scale + 10% allowance
Clerical Officer	1	€20,995-€36,616

Minister of State Smith's Private Office
Grade	Number	Salary Scale
Private Secretary	1	€42,180-€53, 541 + €18,285
Executive Officer	1	€27,692-€48,078
Clerical Officers	3*	€20,995-€36,616
Total	6 Civil Servants 2 Non Civil Servants

* One of the COs does some constituency work.

Expenses since January 2006 total €15,537.29.

Overtime since January 2006 totals €24,954.91.

Minister of State Wallace's Constituency Office
Grade	Number	Salary Scale
Personal Assistant (Non Civil Servant)	1	€42,180-€53,541 Higher Executive Officer scale
Personal Secretary (Non Civil Servant)	1	€21,002-€40,520 — Secretarial Assistants’ scale + 10% allowance

Minister of State Wallace's Private Office
Grade	Number	Salary Scale
Private Secretary	1	€42,180-€53,541 +€18,285
Executive Officer	2	€27,692-€48,078
Clerical Officer	1	€20,995-€36,616
Temporary Clerical Officer	1	€20,995-€34,050
Total	5 Civil Servants 2 Non Civil Servants

Expenses since 15th February 2006 are €11,807.36 on appointment as Minister of State.

Overtime since 15th February 2006 totals €4254.18 on appointment as Minister of State

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

375 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of staff broken down by grade employed within her private office and her constituency office; the number of such staff who are permanent civil servants; the number who are political appointees; the annual cost of each such office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27021/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The following table shows the breakdown of the numbers in my private and constituency office.

Grade	Number of Posts	Salary Scale
Special Adviser	1	€65,848-€82,338 Assistant Principal Officer scale + 10%
Private Secretary	1	€42,180-€53,541 Higher Executive Officer scale + 18,015 allowance
Personal Assistant	1	€42,180-€53,541 — Higher Executive Officer scale
Personal Secretary	1	€21,002-€40,520 — Secretarial Assistants’ salary scale + 10% allowance
Executive Officer	2	€27,692-€48,078
Clerical Officers	8	€20,995-€36,616
Temporary Clerical Officer	2	€20,995-€35,838
Total	16

I am currently in the process of appointing a Press Adviser and his salary is being negotiated.

The following four staff members are non Civil Servants employed on a contract basis:

Personal Assistant, Personal Secretary and a Temporary Clerical Officer.

Expenses relating to my office since January, 2006 total €5,273.61.

Overtime relating to my office since January, 2006 totals €16,447.05.

Departmental Advertising.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

376 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the total amount spent by her Department in terms of advertising in newspapers, magazines and electronic media in respect of each year since 2002; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27036/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The details sought by the Deputy in relation to the value of advertising placed by the Department each year since 2002 are set out in the table.

Advertising (including display/general advertising and Statutory Notices) 2002-2006
Year	€
2002	638,440
2003	442,887
2004	648,543
2005	913,167
2006	646,927

The Department's advertising consists mainly of regulatory display advertising and statutory notices. The increase in advertising in 2004 and 2005 is due largely to increased expenditure on forestry advertising, responsibility for which came within the remit of my Department in 2004.

EU Funding.

Jack Wall

Question:

377 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views in relation to a report in a newspaper (details supplied) that Greencore expects 90% of the EU compensation package for exiting the sugar market; the effect the position of Greencore importing sugar for the market here has on this proposal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27149/06]

Jack Wall

Question:

378 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views in relation to a report in a newspaper (details supplied); when the decision will be made in relation to the EU package; and if she will make a statement on the matter in regard to the restructuring funds. [27150/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 377 and 378 together.

I do not intend to comment on newspaper reports concerning the expectations of interested parties in relation to the allocation of the EU aid for restructuring of the sugar industry. The restructuring aid will be implemented strictly in accordance with the provisions of the relevant EU regulations. Council Regulation (EC) No 320/2006 provides that at least 10% of the restructuring aid shall be reserved for sugar beet growersand machinery contractors in order to compensate for losses resulting from factory closure under the restructuring scheme. That percentage may be increased by Member States after consultation of interested parties provided that an economically sound balance between the elements of the restructuring plan is ensured.

In that context, my Department in May issued an open call for submissions which will be subject to scrutiny by Indecon International Economic Consultants, who have been appointed by the Government to provide me with independent expert advice on matters relating to the implementation of the restructuring aid. Those who made submissions were subsequently invited to a series of consultation meetings to afford them the opportunity to make any supplementary points regarding their submissions. This consultation process is separate from any consultations engaged in by the processor. A final decision on the percentage will be made shortly having regard to the independent expert advice and following the recent publication of the Commission Regulation laying down detailed rules for the implementation of the restructuring aid.

The timescale for implementing the restructuring aid is very tight where, as in Ireland's case, restructuring takes place in the first year of the new regime. The Council Regulation requires that the application for restructuring aid must be made by the processor by 31 July 2006. The application must include a detailed restructuring plan for the industry. The application will be considered when received and a decision on the application must then be made by the Member State by 30 September 2006 at the latest.

Decentralisation Programme.

Donal Moynihan

Question:

379 Mr. D. Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of staff who have volunteered to transfer to Macroom under the centralised applications facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27166/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

According to the figures provided to my Department, there are 87 applications to the Central Applications Facility (CAF) for relocation to Macroom across the Civil and Public Service. The Decentralisation Implementation Group (DIG) in its report to the Minister for Finance in June 2005 indicated that construction of my Department's laboratories in Macroom should start by the end of 2007 and be completed by early 2009.

Grant Payments.

Tom Hayes

Question:

380 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a single farm payment has been applied for in 2006 on lands (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [27185/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The person named did not submit a 2005 Single Payment application. Therefore, in accordance with the provisions of the relevant EU Regulations the entitlements will be surrendered to the National Reserve.

With regard to the 2005 Single Payment Scheme the person named applied for consideration for an allocation of entitlements from the National Reserve under category C.

Category C caters for farmers who, between 1 January 2000 and 19 October 2003, sold the milk quota into the Milk Quota Restructuring Scheme and converted their enterprise to a farming sector for which a direct payment under Livestock Premia/or Arable Aid Schemes would have been payable during the reference period 2000 to 2002.

A formal letter setting out my Department's decision has issued to the person named and she has been notified that if she is dissatisfied with my Department's decision in relation to the National Reserve she 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.

Internet Crime.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

381 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in this country or throughout the EU efforts are being made to deter the use of the internet for the pursuit of child pornography or people trafficking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26719/06]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

By its very nature, the internet lends itself to being used for a wide range of criminal activities. This can include illegal pornography, racist or hate materials, financial fraud, intimidation or any other criminal activity carried out via the internet. Combatting such illegal, harmful and predatory use of the Internet requires a response at national, EU and international levels.

The Internet is an international and world-wide phenomenon with no borders and no single organisation controlling it. Measures to combat illegal materials and activities on the Internet are therefore hampered by a multiplicity of jurisdictions, differing legal systems, and differing societal norms. Furthermore, new developments in communications technologies allowing for Internet access by new means are a regular occurrence. These are largely positive developments but also bring particular challenges for those charged with protecting against the downsides of the internet.

A combination of responses, and the co-operation of all the stakeholders, at both national and international level — legislators, law enforcement, schools, child protection practitioners, parents and guardians, is essential. My Department is fully committed to playing its part in a proactive way.

In terms of legislation, in the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998, Ireland has one of the most robust pieces of legislation anywhere. Under the Act, the possession, distribution, importation and exportation or sale of all forms of child pornography — films, videos, or material in written or auditory form including material produced or transmitted via the internet, are offences with penalties of up to 14 years' imprisonment. Mere possession of child pornography can be punishable by imprisonment for up to 5 years. Using a child or allowing a child to be used for the production of child pornography is also punishable by up to 14 years' imprisonment.

An Garda Síochána are committed to the investigation of all cases of child pornography and the importance of investigating the child protection issues involved in such cases. The Paedophile Investigation Unit is in existence since November 2002 and operates under the umbrella of the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Unit.

Members of An Garda Síochána attached to the National Bureau of Investigation augment these units as the volume of work requires. Computer forensics are carried out by the members attached to the Domestic and Sexual Assault Unit and also by members attached to the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation utilising up-to-date forensic software.

Substantial Garda resources are utilised in the investigation of child pornography on the Internet. The recent operation Amethyst was a very successful operation utilising Garda personnel on a countrywide basis under the control and direction of personnel from the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

On the structural side, the Government established a Working Group in 1997 to examine and report on the whole question of the illegal and harmful use of the Internet with particular reference to child pornography. The Report of the Working Group on the Illegal and Harmful Use of the Internet was published in July 1998. The main recommendation of the Report was for a system of self-regulation by the Internet service provider industry and the components of such a system were to include:

•an Internet Advisory Board (IAB) — established February 2000 — to promote awareness of Internet downside issues, co-ordinate efforts to combat child pornography on the Internet and monitor the progress of self regulation by the Internet Service provider industry

•a public hotline for reporting child pornography (established 1999 and funded by the industry);

•an industry Code of Practice and Ethics setting out the duties and responsibilities of each Internet service provider (agreed February 2002 and reviewed in 2004).

The Internet Advisory Board oversees and monitors progress on anti-child pornography measures, and supervises a self-regulatory regime for the Irish Internet Service Provider industry. The self-regulatory approach to Internet regulation has been adopted world-wide, and the Internet Advisory Board helps and supports the Irish Internet Service Provider industry to deliver an effective self-regulation environment, in accordance with an agreed Code of Practice and Ethics for the industry. The Irish Code of Practice and Ethics is recognised throughout Europe as a model of its type.

The Internet Advisory Board's brief also extends to general downside issues on the Internet including general safety for children while online, the conduct of research, and information campaigns.

The Hotline (www.hotline.ie), funded by the Internet Service Providers’ Association of Ireland with support from the EU Safer Internet Action Plan, was launched in November 1999 and has been operating since that time. Special protocols operate between the Gardaí and the Hotline that maximise co-operation on law enforcement issues so that offences in the area of child pornography can be detected and prosecuted.

The Hotline works closely with, and is a founding member of, the international INHOPE Association (www.inhope.org), a network of European hotlines which is expanding to all parts of the world. The INHOPE Association develops procedures and shares information on the best practices for the tracing and tracking of illegal child pornography.

International co-operation is a vital part of the fight against pornography on the Internet, and Ireland is fully committed to playing its part.

In September, 2001 the Council of Europe Ministers approved the first international Convention on Cybercrime. Ireland signed up to the Convention in June 2002. The main objective of the Convention is to foster international co-operation in protecting society against cybercrime. The Convention deals specifically with the distribution of child pornography on the Internet, infringements of copyright, computer related fraud and violations of network security.

As the Deputy is aware, a New National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 was announced by the Minister for Finance, Mr. Brian Cowen, T.D. on 7 December last, in Budget 2006. Also announced was a landmark decision to create an Office of the Minister for Children, under the Minister for Children, Mr. Brian Lenihan, T.D. who will report directly to Cabinet on matters relating to children and their welfare. The New Programme is a key element of the National Childcare Strategy 2006-2010 to be implemented by the new Office of the Minister for Children. It is effective from 1 January, 2006 and succeeds the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme (EOCP) 2000-2006 which was run by my Department.

With regard to the application for capital grant assistance under the EOCP referred to by the Deputy, I understand that originally the project was not recommended for funding under the Capital Measure of the EOCP as it was not deemed to adequately meet the criteria of the Programme as the project did not represent value for money when considered in line with building costs guidelines. Furthermore there was limited evidence that the project would be sustainable into the future based on projected costs and potential income.

I understand from inquiries I have made that the Group submitted a new application for capital funding, and this appeal is currently under appraisal.

Following this assessment, the appeal will be considered by the Programme Appraisal Committee and a recommendation made to the Secretary General of the Department of Health and Children, before a decision is made regarding funding. The Group in question will be informed of the decision in due course.

Residency Permits.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

385 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for residency for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; the reason there has been a delay in the processing of this application. [26824/06]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The person in question applied for permission to remain in the State on the basis of being a parent of an Irish born child, born before 1 January 2005, in accordance with the revised arrangements announced by me on 15 January 2005, commonly referred to as the IBC/05 scheme.

It is a requirement of this scheme that each applicant is of good character. The person in question was convicted on 20 February 2002 of an offence under Section 3 of Non Fatal Offences Against the Persons Act 1977. Accordingly, he has not satisfied the requirement to be considered of good character and, as a result, his application for permission to remain under the IBC/05 scheme was refused. A letter was issued advising him of this decision on 17 November 2005. This letter was returned to the Department with the envelope marked "Gone Away". The refusal letter has been reissued to the person concerned to his current address on 03 July 2006. A further letter has issued to his legal representatives advising them of this refusal letter.

The person in question will have an opportunity to make representations as to his continued presence in the State when his immigration status is being reviewed.

Traveller Issues.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

386 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status and membership of the high level officials group on traveller issues; the efforts being made to ensure that there is, and will continue to, be inclusion of Traveller organisations in the work of the HLOG at both national and local levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26825/06]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The High Level Group on Traveller Issues was established in December 2003 at the request of the Taoiseach. Its role is to ensure that the relevant statutory agencies involved in providing the full range of services to Travellers, would focus on improving the practical delivery of such services. The High Level Group is a working group under the Senior Officials' Group on Social Inclusion which, in turn, reports to the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion. The High Level Group is chaired by Minister of State Fahey and includes members of the Senior Officials' Group and other senior public servants with responsibility for key areas of service delivery for Travellers. The High Level Group is intended to provide a forum for senior policy makers and service providers to meet to discuss barriers to service delivery and explore possibilities of approaching service delivery in a more integrated way. In this regard, the Group is considered as an extension of the Strategic Management Initiative process, an attempt to join up service delivery and to ensure that intended service outcomes for Travellers under the various sectoral strategies are achieved. The Report of the High Level Group was published in March 2006 following approval by the Government. The Report contains a total of 59 conclusions and recommendations across the full spectrum of public service activity relating specifically to the Traveller Community.

Traveller Organisations are represented at national level on a number of sectoral consultative fora. In addition the Traveller Monitoring Committee, (TMC) chaired by my Department and including representatives of Traveller Organisations worked to monitor the implementation of the recommendations of the Task Force on the Travelling Community (1995). Following publication of the TMC's Second Progress Report in December 2005 it was decided to re-constitute the committee to support an effective ongoing interaction at national level between state bodies and representatives of the Traveller Community. My Department is in touch with the national Traveller Organisations in this regard.

At local level, Traveller interagency groups are being established under the aegis of County and City Development Boards, in line with the recommendations of the High Level Group. An essential part of this work is meaningful consultation with local Travellers and this issue is emphasised in the High Level Group Report. The development of the interagency approach is being monitored by the High Level Group as part of its ongoing work.

Details of the membership of the High Level Group are in the following table.

Appendix 1: Membership of the High Level Group on Traveller Issues
Grade/Position	Department
Minister of State	Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Chair)
Assistant Secretary	Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform
Assistant Secretary	Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Gov.
Assistant Secretary	Department of Education and Science
Assistant Secretary	Department of Health and Children
Assistant Secretary	Department of An Taoiseach
Assistant Secretary	Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Assistant Secretary	Department of Community, Rural and G.A.
Assistant Secretary	Revenue Commissioners
Principal Officer	Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform
Principal Officer	Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Gov.
Principal Officer	Department of Community, Rural and G.A.
Principal Officer	Department of An Taoiseach
Principal Officer	Department of Education and Science
Principal Officer	Department of Health and Children
Principal Officer	Department of Social and Family Affairs
Principal Officer	Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Principal Officer	Revenue Commissioners
Principal Officer	Department of Health and Children
Assistant Principal Officer	Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform
County Manager	South Dublin County Council
County Manager	Clare County Council
Social Inclusion Area Manager (Leinster)	Health Service Executive
Director of Regimes	Irish Prison Service
Assistant Commissioner	An Garda Síochána

I have been further informed that the personnel strength (all ranks) of Waterford Garda Station as at 31 December, 2000-2005, inclusively, and as at 4 July, 2006 was as set out in the following table:

Station	00	01	02	03	04	05	4/7/06
Waterford	124	130	131	136	135	134	146

393 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount non-EU nationals pay for a working residence permit stamp and a student residence permit stamp; the way in which the annual cost to the applicant compares to costs for residency permits in other EU countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26855/06]

Joan Burton

Question:

394 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount Chinese nationals are required to pay for a working residence permit stamp and a student residence permit stamp; the number of times they are required to renew the permit; the way in which the cost to the applicant compares to costs for residency permits with other EU countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26856/06]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 393 and 394 together.

I presume that the Deputy is referring to the introduction of a fee for Immigration Registration Certificates and not to the cost for the issuance of work permits, which is a matter for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

All legally resident non-EEA nationals (including Chinese nationals) who have entered the State with the intention of residing in Ireland for a period of more than three months must register with their local immigration registration officer. The fee charged does not vary based on the nationality of the individual being registered.

Non-EEA nationals who register with an immigration registration officer receive a secure residence document in the form of a Certificate of Registration (registration card). From 27 May 2006, a fee of €100 is charged in respect of each such certificate of registration issued to a non-EEA national, subject to certain exemptions (outlined below). The introduction of such a fee has been flagged both in the Immigration Act 2004, and in the discussion document containing the outline policy proposals for an Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill.

The State must provide the administrative resources and computer systems necessary to deal with the issuing of these residence documents and the practice internationally is to charge for the issuing of residence permits. Ireland has now introduced a similar charging system and the fee of €100 is in line with the amounts charged in other States.

The fees charged in other countries may vary depending on the grounds on which one is residing in the State, or depending on the duration of the permit. For instance in the Netherlands the fee charged ranges from €188 to €830 according to the grounds on which a person is residing in the country (i.e. depending on whether they are entering the country to work, or to study, or to reside with a relative etc.), and in Greece the fee charged ranges from €147 to €880 according to the duration of the permit (i.e. 1 year or less costs €147, 1-2 years costs €294, 2-6 years costs €440, and over 6 years costs €880).

It should be noted that in other EU countries the fee charged may also vary depending on the age of the applicant. Some countries charge minors for the issuance of these residence permits (albeit at a reduced rate) whereas Ireland has exempted all persons under the age of 18 from payment of the fee.

Furthermore, it should also be noted that in Ireland not all applicants will have to pay the fee on a yearly basis. Each individual will be charged for the issue of the registration certificate regardless of the certificate's duration, so in effect if a person is entitled to be registered for more than one year, he/she will still only have to pay a fee of €100 for this certificate.

If a non-EEA national is granted permission to remain based on student conditions, the standard practice by the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) is to grant permission to remain in-line with the duration of the course. There are of course circumstances whereby an Immigration officer may deem it necessary to grant a student a shorter time frame than the duration of the course, however, this is the exception rather than the rule.

I would also like to take this opportunity to point out that the Regulations which I have introduced provide for exemptions from payment of the fee. There are six categories of persons who are exempt from payment of the fee and these categories are as follows:

1. Persons in respect of whom a declaration of refugee status under section 17 of the Refugee Act 1996 is in force (Convention Refugees);

2. Persons who have been reunified with such refugees under section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996;

3. Programme refugees within the meaning of section 24 of the Refugee Act 1996;

4. Persons who are under 18 years of age at the time of registration;

5. Spouses of Irish citizens;

6. Dependants of EU nationals who receive a residence permit under EU Directive 38/04.

International Agreements.

Joe Costello

Question:

395 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps which have been taken by the EU Commission to resolve the problems arising from the decision by the European Court of Justice to strike down EU-US Agreement on the transfer of passenger name records to US security agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26857/06]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

On 16 June 2006, the European Commission adopted a Communication containing a proposal for an authorisation by the Council to open negotiations for a new agreement with the US on the use of passenger name records. This proposal was subsequently adopted by the Council of Ministers on 27 June.

Arrangements are currently being made for the relevant negotiations to commence shortly.

Sentencing Policy.

Finian McGrath

Question:

396 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will intervene on the hunger strike by a person (details supplied) at the Kildare Street Gate; and if he will meet with them in order to resolve their grievance. [26858/06]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 123 of Wednesday 31 May, 2006.

Crime Levels.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

397 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of crimes committed by persons while on bail in each of the past five years to date; if any had been on bail for gun related crime, robbery with violence or head-line crime generally; if any, committed more than one offence while on bail; the highest number of offences committed by a person while on bail in respect of previous crime; if the records kept by his Department are adequate to accurately record such instances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26859/06]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The numbers of headline offences, by group, committed by persons on bail for years 2004 and 2005 are contained in the relevant Garda Annual Reports, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library.

I am further informed that 2004 was the first year information relating to the offences committed by persons on bail was published. Comparable statistics for years prior to 2004 are not readily available and would require a disproportionate expenditure of Garda time and resources to extract the data from manual records.

The statistics in the Commissioner's report classify offences committed while on bail under the ten headline crime groups under which the report's statistics are categorised. It should be noted that not all offences in the homicide group are the offences of murder and manslaughter. The homicide group of headline offences also includes the offences of attempted murder, threats, infanticide, abortion and procuring or assisting in an abortion.

I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the number of persons who committed more than one offence while on bail, and the highest number of offences committed by a person while on bail. I will contact the Deputy again when this information is to hand.

Garda Strength.

Joe Costello

Question:

398 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of community Gardaí attached to each Garda station in the Dublin metropolitan area; the percentage of Gardaí in each Garda station who are community Gardaí; the extra community Gardaí he expects to have when the Garda force increases to 14,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26880/06]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

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 that the personnel strength of each Garda Station in the Dublin Metropolitan Region as at the 30th of June 2006, the number of Gardaí attached to Community Policing in each Garda Station and the percentage of personnel so employed in each station as at the 30th of June 2006 was as set out in the following table:

Station	Community Gardaí	Station Total	%
Kevin Street	6	125	4.8
Kilmainham	5	81	6.2
Pearse Street	12	256	4.7
Harcourt Tce.	2	82	2.4
Donnybrook	4	124	3.2
Irishtown	2	54	3.7
Store Street	26	277	9.4
Bridewell	16	165	9.7
Fitzgibbon Street	17	117	14.5
Mountjoy	12	86	14.0
Santry	4	119	3.46
Dublin Airport	0	22	0.0
Whitehall	5	35	14.3
Ballymun	9	62	14.5
Raheny	5	64	7.8
Clontarf	6	65	9.2
Howth	4	47	8.5
Coolock	9	89	10.1
Swords	11	67	16.4
Malahide	4	42	9.5
Dún Laoghaire	4	103	3.9
Dalkey	2	26	7.7
Cabinteely	5	34	14.7
Kill-O-Grange	3	31	9.7
Bray	10	98	10.2
Shankill	8	58	13.8
Enniskerry	0	5	0.0
Greystones	5	33	15.2
Blackrock	7	82	8.5
Dundrum	6	73	8.2
Stepaside	2	27	7.4
Crumlin	5	94	5.3
Sundrive Road	5	68	7.4
Tallaght	23	170	13.5
Rathfarnham	6	70	8.6
Rathmines	3	72	4.2
Terenure	7	99	7.1
Cabra	6	70	8.6
Finglas	10	80	12.5
Blanchardstown	17	167	10.2
Lucan	7	67	10.5
Leixlip	4	25	16.0
Ronanstown	12	91	13.2
Ballyfermot	8	80	10.0
Clondalkin	9	86	10.5
Rathcoole	1	23	4.4
Total	334	3811	8.8

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 the 8th 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 Dublin Metropolitan area will be given the fullest consideration.

Drug Seizures.

Joe Costello

Question:

399 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he is taking to tackle the increase in drug pushing in an area (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26881/06]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that an operation to target drug dealing within Dublin's north inner city has been extended by local Garda management to include the specific area referred to by the Deputy.

This operation includes both uniformed and plain clothes Gardaí. Since the start of this operation, three people have been arrested for the possession of drugs for sale or supply under Misuse of Drugs legislation. To date in 2006, a total of ten persons have been arrested in this area for drug-related offences.

I have been assured by the Garda authorities that this area is continually monitored by local uniformed and plain clothes Gardaí, both on the beat and in mobile patrols, and that this work is supplemented by Divisional Mountain Bike Units, the Crime Task Force, Divisional and District Drug Units as well as Operation Anvil personnel. Gardaí from the Community Policing Unit are also allocated to the area and perform regular foot patrols.

Visa Applications.

Joe Costello

Question:

400 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of frontline staff in the Garda National Immigration Bureau, Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, who are responsible for issuing re-entry visas; the number of re-entry visas in each of the past five years that have been issued; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that applicants are queueing overnight; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that tickets are issued only at 8.00 am in the morning; his proposals to introduce an express or internet service; the number of people with language skills employed in the Bureau; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26882/06]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The public office in Burgh Quay houses the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) and the Visa Office, Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service. The Deputy in his question may be mixing up the functions of the two offices.

The responsibility for the issuing of re-entry visas lies with the Visa section of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service who took over this role from the Department of Foreign Affairs in January of this year and not the Garda National Immigration Bureau as stated by the Deputy in his question. The Visa Office is currently staffed by 10 officials and is open to the public from 8.30 am until 2.30 pm daily (Monday to Friday). Tickets are indeed issued at 8 am, this is simply to accommodate the large crowds who attend the office at this time and to differentiate between those seeking a re-entry visa and those wishing to register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) which is located in the same general area. Further tickets are available throughout the opening times for persons seeking re-entry visas and it is the practice of the office to ensure that all persons who attend the office daily are dealt with during this period and indeed the office remains open until all customers have been dealt with.

I can assure the Deputy that there is absolutely no need for persons seeking a re-entry visa to queue overnight or indeed at any time. It is also possible to make a postal application for a re-entry visa and such applications are dealt with within four working days and returned by registered post to the applicant. I am satisfied that the current practices and operation of the visa office provides an effective and efficient service to those seeking re-entry visas.

The number of re-entry visas issued during the period 1 January 2002 to-date are as set out below:

2002 = 42,390

2003 = 48,470

2004 = 54,094

2005 = 74,854

2006 (January-June) = 34,049.

Consultancy Contracts.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

401 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the total amount paid in terms of fees or expenses for the appointment of press or public relations consultants from outside his Department for each year since 2002; the firms appointed and the specific project or responsibility for which they were engaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26977/06]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The information requested by the Deputy, insofar as it relates to projects funded from my Department's own Vote is set out as follows. As can be seen from the details supplied, these projects relate to important public policy issues and services rather than the provision of public relations advice to myself in any personal capacity. The Deputy will see from the table below that disability projects account for the majority of the funds, with an expenditure of approximately €898,720. Anti-racism awareness programmes cost approximately €403,400 and €149,109 was expanded on the development and implementation of a targeted awareness campaign in relation to the National Age Card Scheme.

Year 2002-2006	Fees/Expenses Paid	Name of PR/Press Consultants	Project/Responsibility
	€
2001-2003	185,661	Edelmans Public Relations	Provision of Public relations services to the National Anti Racism Awareness Programme, Know Racism.
2002	18,980.60	Bill O’Herlihy Communications Group	Event Management/PR for National Information Day on Disability.
2002	5,329.13	Euro Events	Event Management for National Information Day on Disability.
2002-2006	149,109	Cawley Nea	This contract was for the development and implementation of a targeted awareness campaign in relation to the National Age Card Scheme.
2003	96,781.85	Origin Design Consultants	Production and distribution of information leaflet to public servants on disability awareness and management of launch event.
2003	265,793	Fleishman Hillard Saunders	PR services to the National Disability Authority
2003	2,420	Keating & Associates	Provision of public relations advice to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
2004	173,897	Fleishman Hillard Saunders	PR services to the National Disability Authority.
2004	73,318.97	Walsh PR	Event Management /PR for National Information Day on Disability
2004/2005	12,000	Carr Communications	PR Consultation on National Disability Strategy.
2005	€215,873	Fleishman Hillard Saunders	PR services to the National Disability Authority
Completed in 2005	11,070	Q4 Public Relations	Q4PR — PR services for European Week Against Racism.
2005 — Ongoing to end of 2006	109,914	Q4 Public Relations	Q4 PR — General Public Relations concerning the National Action Plan Against Racism.
2005-2006	96,800	Irish International BBDO	Developed a communications Strategy including six week radio advertising campaign in respect of National Action Plan Against Racism.
2006	15,145.52	Fleishman Hillard Saunders	PR services to the National Disability Authority
2006	21,656.58	Insight	PR services to the National Disability Authority
2006	6,186.73	Public Communications Centre	To develop a new corporate identity for the Probation Service.

Departmental Staff.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

402 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of political appointees and non established civil servants appointed to his Department since June 2002; the nature of the post to which each such person is appointed; the annual cost in terms of salaries or expenses in respect of each such post for each year since 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26992/06]

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

403 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of staff broken down by grade employed within the private office and the constituency office; the number of such staff who are permanent civil servants; the number who are political appointees; the annual cost of each such office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses in respect of each Minister of State allocated to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27007/06]

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

404 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of staff broken down by grade employed within his private office and his constituency office; the number of such staff who are permanent civil servants; the number who are political appointees; the annual cost of each such office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27022/06]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 402 to 404, inclusive, together.

The staffing of my constituency and private office and that of my Minister of State Mr. Frank Fahey T.D. is set out in the following table.

Civil Servants
Minister for Justice, Equality & Law Reform, Michael McDowell. T.D.	Minister of State Mr. Frank Fahey T.D.
Private Office	Constituency Office	Private Office	Constituency Office
1 Private Secretary	2 Executive Officers	1 Private Secretary	3 Clerical Officers
2 Executive Officers	3.5 Clerical Officers	1 Staff Officer
1 Clerical Officers		2 Clerical Officers

Political Appointees
Minister for Justice, Equality & Law Reform, Michael McDowell. T.D.	Minister of State Mr. Frank Fahey T.D.
Private Office	Constituency Office	Private Office	Constituency Office
1 Special Adviser	1 Personal Assistant		1 Personal Assistant
	1 Personal Secretary		1 Personal Secretary

In 2005 the total cost (including salaries, overtime and expenses) of political appointees and non civil servants employed in my constituency and private offices was €152,106.33. The total cost of the civil servants employed in those offices was in accordance with the appropriate pay rates set out for the relevant grades by the Department of Finance.

Dan Neville

Question:

408 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will allow the exhumation of a person (details supplied) to determine the true cause of death. [27057/06]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

It would appear from the information supplied by the Deputy that a Coroner's inquest has been held in this case. The Coroner's function in this regard is an independent, quasi-judicial one and the Minister has no role in this process.

Insofar as the authorisation of an exhumation is concerned, the position is set out in section 47(1) of the Coroners Act, 1962. This provides that the Minister, where requested by a Coroner on foot of a report from the Garda Síochána, may as he thinks proper either grant or refuse such a request. No such request has been received in this case.

Asylum Applications.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

409 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the views expressed by a senior official in his Department during submissions to the Dáil Public Accounts Committee on 22 June 2006, that the majority of asylum seekers are economic migrants and that in pursuance of their claims such persons invariably lie through their teeth and that the judicial process at his Department is ambushed right up to the point of deportation; if such statements express a Departmental assessment which guides his policy and decision making on asylum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27217/06]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The Deputy is referring to the recent appearance by the Secretary General of my Department accompanied by the Director General of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service and other officials before the Public Accounts Committee which was reviewing the Appropriation Accounts for 2004 and the C&AG's report thereon including a review of the cost of deportations of failed asylum seekers and other persons found to be in breach of immigration law.

In the course of those proceedings the Secretary General and the Director General outlined the absolute seriousness with which the State takes its obligations under the 1951 Geneva Convention relating to the status of refugees and the comprehensive nature of the resources being allocated annually across Departments and agencies to support the asylum and immigration process. They also, of course, referred to the serious concerns we have with the level of deliberate abuse of our current processes which we are seeking to comprehensively address on an ongoing basis.

In 2004 some €376 million approx. was allocated across Departments to asylum and immigration issues and some €308 million approx. in 2005. Over the past four years some €1.3 billion approx. has been spent in this area which represents a considerable portion of public funds.

Some €137 million was spent by my Department alone in 2005 on asylum and immigration related services such as the processing of asylum applications, provision of legal advice and representation by the Refugee Legal Service, provision of accommodation to asylum seekers by the Reception and Integration Agency on a countrywide basis and the operation of the immigration system including the deportation process.

At the Committee, the Secretary General also referred to the major improvements which have been made both in relation to the reduction in timescales for processing asylum applications and the reduction in the number of such applications on hands in the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Over recent years, very considerable work has been undertaken in ORAC and the RAT, to deal with applications for asylum and to speed up processing times. The work involved has resulted in a situation where:

—Processing has continued to move strongly in both ORAC and RAT. At the end of May 2006 there were 2,723 cases on hands in both agencies compared to some 5,542 cases on hands at the end of April 2004.

—The number of applications over six months in ORAC and RAT at the end of May 2006 stood at 581 as compared to some 6,500 at the end of September 2001. The backlog of applications has been effectively eliminated in ORAC with only 61 cases on hands over six months at the end of May 2006 and some 520 in RAT a large number of which are at an advanced stage of processing.

—There is continued momentum in processing timescales for asylum applications with arrangements for the speedier processing of prioritised applications (from nationals of Nigeria, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia and South Africa) introduced in January 2005, with an 18 working day processing time at first instance in ORAC and 15 working days at appeals stage in RAT. Currently, approximately 40% of total applications fall into the prioritised category.

—With effect from 1 November 2005, all applicants for asylum are notified of their interview date by ORAC at the time they make their applications. The interview appointment is normally within 20 working days of application. However, for those applicants within the prioritised category, interviews in ORAC are held, more speedily, within 9 to 12 days.

—The typical processing time in the ORAC for non-prioritised cases is in the region of 8-9 weeks. The average length of time taken to process and complete substantive appeals in the RAT is approximately 14 weeks.

My officials also referred to the number of judicial review applications on hands in relation to the asylum and repatriation process. I can inform the Deputy that at 31 May 2006, there were over 1,000 such cases live in ORAC, RAT and the judicial review area of the repatriation process. Nearly 500 of these judicial reviews are live at the latter end of the process namely at deportation stage. We are seeking to address the judicial review backlog on an ongoing basis in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of the Chief State Solicitor.

The allocation of such a comprehensive level of resources by the State, along with the very great improvements outlined above point very clearly to both our commitment to continuing to meet our obligations under the 1951 Geneva Convention relating to the status of refugees and the success of our asylum strategy.

The State's asylum strategy is based on a number of key principles:

—meeting our obligations under international law such as the 1951 Geneva Convention and, of course, under national law relating asylum;

—dealing fairly but efficiently with the large number of unfounded asylum claims which are being received which represent some 90% of the total number of asylum applications being processed annually;

—ensuring that persons who are found, after a fair and efficient determination process, not to need protection are returned to their countries of origin as quickly as this can be arranged;

—implementing the provisions of the Dublin II Regulation to ensure that asylum applicants who lodged asylum claims in more than one jurisdiction, are returned to the State where they first claimed asylum; and

—ensuring that we have robust systems in place to root out and prevent abuse in our protection system by persons who are entering the State for purposes other than seeking protection from persecution.

I am strongly of the view that the State has a comprehensive asylum system in place which is both fair and transparent and compares well with other EU States. Indeed this fact was recently acknowledged by a former UNHCR Representative to Ireland who is quoted as stating that Ireland is now a model for the new Member States of the European Union and that "we now have a system which, in many respects, is one of the best in Europe". More recently, the UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Protection on a visit to Ireland expressed her appreciation for the asylum system which the State operates and is also quoted as saying that in the view of the UNHCR it is "a system which we believe functions very well".

The Refugee Act 1996 established two independent statutory offices to consider applications and appeals in respect of refugee status and to make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted. These offices are the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal (RAT).

Both agencies are highly resourced and staff members receive specialised, UNHCR-based training before processing cases. Due regard is also had to particularly vulnerable applicants, such as minors or victims of trauma, and appropriate training is given towards the sensitive processing of such claims.

When an applicant claims asylum, that applicant is provided with all the necessary information governing the asylum process, including a detailed information leaflet which is available in nearly 30 languages.

Every asylum applicant, with the exception of those to whom the Dublin II Regulation apply, is guaranteed an investigation and determination of his or her claim at first instance by the Refugee Applications Commissioner. Each application is assessed on the basis of the circumstances of the individual case and having regard to both the subjective elements (the applicant's own account or personal history) and objective elements (up-to-date information on the applicant's country or place of origin). This country of origin information comes from a wide variety of objective and respected sources, including organisations such as the UNHCR, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, UK Home Office, US State Department and other EU member states as well as media and internet sources.

In the event of a negative recommendation at first instance, our system also guarantees every asylum applicant a right of appeal to the independent Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Every appellant is furnished with a copy (in the language of their own country where possible) of the Tribunal's information leaflet, which sets out the appeals process in full. Also important to note in terms of fairness is that access to legal assistance at all stages of the process is provided by the Refugee Legal Service and, under the provisions of the Refugee Act 1996, UNHCR is given full access to our refugee determination process.

Finally, those applicants who are found to have no protection needs have the opportunity to make representations to the Minister under the Immigration Act, 1999 on a large number of grounds as to why they should not be deported as well as having any possible refoulement issues addressed.

In addition to this comprehensive determination process, applicants have the opportunity to access the courts by seeking judicial review on procedural aspects of the decision-making.

However, as the Secretary General pointed out at the Public Accounts Committee and as I have myself indicated on many occasions in the past, the Government will not shirk its responsibilities to protect our refugee protection system from abuse. The level of such abuse is well illustrated not only by the nature of some of the grounds being put forward for protection but also by the level of non co-operation from some applicants which exists with the asylum and immigration authorities.

Despite the comprehensive nature and fairness of our independent asylum process, involving a determination at first instance and appeal by two independent agencies and access to comprehensive legal advice and interpretation services, some 90% of applicants for asylum are found not to be in need of refugee status. Many of these applicants could, as was pointed out by the Secretary General, be classed as economic migrants who are choosing to use the asylum process to gain a foothold in the State for reasons other than protection needs, rather than utilising the comprehensive framework we have in place to legitimately gain entry for economic and work purposes.

An analysis by my Department of the accelerated processing arrangements for prioritised asylum applications introduced on 25 January 2005, which involves a full merits consideration by ORAC at first instance and access to an appeal to the RAT, indicated that of the 968 recommendations issued by ORAC up to week ending 9 June 2006, some 956 were refusals and of 302 decisions issued by RAT, some 291 upheld the determination of the ORAC. Ireland's experience in this regard is not out of line with its European neighbours.

An analysis of the accelerated process introduced in January 2005 also shows that a considerable number of applicants are not complying with their requirement to report to immigration authorities, particularly at pre-repatriation stage.

The Deputy should be aware also that a very significant number of persons who claim asylum in this State have their cases considered under the provisions of the Dublin II Regulation, (Council Regulation (E.C.) No. 343 of 2003). The purpose of this Regulation is to provide a means by which persons who lodged asylum claims in more than one EU State, can be transferred to the State where they first claimed asylum. The Deputy might wish to note that of the 1,720 persons who had claimed asylum in this State this year — up to and including 18 May 2006 — 322, or almost 19%, of those involved applications by persons who had previously claimed asylum in another State, as evidenced by their fingerprint match on the EU-wide EURODAC system. This is another example of the clear abuse of our asylum system and the international phenomenon known as "asylum shopping".

Another example of such abuse and lack of truthfulness is the fact that many applicants are also not in possession of travel and identity documentation when they arrive in the State even though a travel document must be produced in order to be allowed access to an aircraft to travel to this State by air.

During 2005 some 80% of total asylum applicants arrived with no documentation, many claiming to have travelled by air at some stage during their journey to the State. These included some 80% of Nigerian and Romanian applicants. Nearly 90% of applicants from Somalia, Sudan and Iran had no travel documentation. In 2006 to end June, nearly 80% of total applicants have also arrived without any travel documents including some 80% of Nigerians and 77% of Romanians.

Recognising that there will always be some people with genuine protection needs who have to flee their countries of origin without their identity documents, the fact remains that with no direct flights between the countries I have mentioned and Ireland, the inescapable conclusion is that destruction and concealment of travel documents is a central feature of a well developed trafficking strategy.

On the repatriation side, as the Secretary General and the Director General of INIS pointed out, there is massive evasion of deportation orders. Of some 13,765 orders signed up to 30 June 2006, some 7,230 are being evaded. This is another example of how our processes are the subject of wholesale abuse.

I have gone into some detail in this reply in order to provide the Deputy with a realistic overview of the challenges being faced by our asylum and repatriation processes. The comments by my officials frankly and honestly reflected that reality. The information which I have outlined in this reply illustrates that the large majority of applicants are, for whatever reason, simply not credible in what they are telling officials involved in our process.

In conclusion, the State will continue to meet its obligations under the 1951 Geneva Convention to those genuinely needing protection. However, I also intend to continue to intensify the drive against unfounded and untruthful asylum applications. Not to do so would inevitably bring the Asylum Process into public disrepute and therefore injure the interests of genuine Asylum Seekers and Refugees.

The processing of applications will continue to be speeded up consistent with fairness and due process. Every effort will continue to be made to ensure that applicants comply with their statutory duty to co-operate and report.

Finally, persons found to have no protection needs will be returned to their countries of origin as quickly as this can be arranged including by the continued use of charter flights.

As my officials also pointed out to the Public Accounts Committee, the importance of a comprehensive repatriation strategy for the return of persons found to have no protection needs is absolutely fundamental to the efficient and effective operation of any asylum determination process. This is a fact fully recognised by all States with developed asylum systems and by the UNHCR.

Schools Building Projects.

Joe Costello

Question:

410 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science when she will provide a school (details supplied) in Dublin 7 with a permanent building in view of the fact that the school has been in prefabs for the past eleven years and that the conditions are unsuitable for the education of young children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26765/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The Property Management Section of the Office of Public Works has been requested to source a site for the school in question. That Section is currently exploring site options. As soon as a site has been acquired the building project for the school can be further considered.

Disadvantaged Status.

John Deasy

Question:

411 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of the appeal by a school (details supplied) in County Waterford against the decision to exclude it from the school support programme; if her attention has been drawn to the concern being expressed by parents of the pupils and the staff in the school in question at the consequences of losing the school’s disadvantaged status; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26766/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

At the outset, I want to state that no school has been told that they are going to lose any of the resources that they have been receiving under pre-existing schemes for tackling disadvantage as a result of the introduction of the new DEIS initiative. On the contrary, the new School Support Programme is aimed at providing even more extra resources for the most disadvantaged schools in the country.

Schools that did not qualify for the new programme will keep the extra resources they are getting under pre-existing schemes for the 2006/07 school year and after that they will continue to get support in line with the level of disadvantage among their pupils.

I can assure the Deputy that there is no reason for schools that have not been identified for the new programme to worry as they will continue to get support in line with the level of disadvantage among their pupils.

DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the action plan for educational inclusion, provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and a new integrated School Support Programme (SSP). The School Support Programme will bring together, and build upon, a number of existing interventions in schools with a concentrated level of disadvantage.

The process of identifying primary and second-level schools for participation in the SSP was managed by the Educational Research Centre (ERC) on behalf of my Department and supported by quality assurance work co-ordinated through the Department's regional offices and the Inspectorate.

As a result of the identification process, 840 schools were invited to participate in the SSP. These comprised 640 primary schools (320 urban/town schools and 320 rural schools) and 200 second-level schools.

A review process has been put in place for both primary and second-level schools. The review process applies only to those primary schools that participated in the ERC survey in May 2005 and only to those eligible second-level schools for which data were available from the relevant databases. The school referred to by the Deputy has submitted a review application. It is anticipated that the review process will be completed shortly.

Asbestos Remediation Programme.

Jack Wall

Question:

412 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of school buildings that contain asbestos; the plans which are in place to contain and make safe this asbestos; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26767/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

A nation-wide survey of primary and post-primary schools is being carried out by the Office of Public Works on behalf of my Department in order to establish the position relating to asbestos in school buildings and to undertake any remediation measures necessary.

Where asbestos requiring removal is detected, either as a result of the survey or otherwise, arrangements to undertake the work in accordance with the relevant health and safety legislation are made by the Office of Public Work.

The entire cost of the programme of detection and removal is being borne by my Department. The necessary level of funding will continue to be allocated to the programme as a priority.

Of approximately 4,000 primary and post-primary schools nationwide, over 85% have already been tested. Where remediation works have been found to be necessary, these have either been completed or are underway.

Early Childhood Education.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

413 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if there are circumstances where a home tuition grant to pay for pre-school for a person (details supplied) in County Dublin can be paid in advance rather than arrears. [26768/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I can confirm that my Department has received an application for a home tuition grant for the child in question. This application is currently being processed and a decision will be conveyed to the family shortly. I wish to advise the Deputy that grant payment can only be made after the tuition has taken place and confirmation to this effect has been received in my Department.

School Accommodation.

Tom Hayes

Question:

414 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of prefabs which are being used by primary schools, secondary schools, centres of adult and further education in South Tipperary; and the number of learners who are being taught in prefabs in the primary, secondary, adult and further education sectors. [26769/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department.

Provision is built into the School Building and Modernisation Programme to enable schools address urgent accommodation problems such as health and safety issues, refurbishment works, additional accommodation etc. Primary schools are given an annual allocation, currently amounting to €3,809 plus €12.70 per pupil, under the grant scheme for minor works which can be used entirely at the discretion of school management to address basic health and safety issues relating to school infrastructure.

Two devolved schemes, the Small Schools Scheme and the Permanent Accommodation Scheme were introduced in 2003 to enable schools to address the need to extend/refurbish small primary school and provide permanent accommodation in lieu of prefabricated accommodation. Responsibility for the delivery of the projects is entirely devolved out to the schools and their design teams.

The Summer Works Scheme was introduced during 2004 which provides capital grants for small scale refurbishment works at primary and post-primary schools. The level of funding that is provided is based on the cost estimate provided by the school's design team at application stage. Responsibility for the delivery of the projects is also entirely devolved out to the schools and their design teams. The scope of works covered under this scheme is intended to address Health and Safety issues in all schools as well as improvement works to the existing fabric of the buildings.

My Department also sets-aside a contingency sum each year to deal with emergency works in primary and post-primary schools, including health and safety works. Urgently required health and safety works relating to asbestos removal, radon mitigation or dust extraction may be grant-aided under the remediation programmes operated by the School Building Section of my Department.

This year alone, €277 million in total will be allocated to primary schools for building works. The new Schools Building and Modernisation Programme 2006-2010 will be underpinned not just by a significant increase in overall funding but also by major improvements in the administration of the funding. Devolving more funding to local level through the Summer Works Scheme and the Small and Rural School's initiative will allow schools to move ahead more quickly with smaller projects.

School Staffing.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

415 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the requirements for the payment of substitute teachers which apply in the case of teachers on study leave; the provisions of the casual and non casual contracts under which substitutes are paid; if she will confirm that substitutes are paid for public holidays; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26770/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

There are two types of study leave which teachers may avail of. Unpaid study leave allows a teacher to take a short time off without pay to study, usually before examinations, and the managerial authority of the school may employ a temporary teacher to cover the absence. The normal employment requirements apply in that schools must endeavour to employ qualified replacement teachers.

The second type of study leave is referred to as leave under the terms of Rule 116. In these cases a teacher undertakes paid full time attendance at an approved course of study which is demonstrably relevant to teaching in the primary sector. The arrangement that applies in such cases is the Board of Management must employ a qualified substitute teacher for the duration of the period of absence to attend the course. The teacher on leave under the terms of Rule 116 continues to be paid salary and retains pension entitlement, and he/she becomes the replacement teacher's employer for payment purposes for the period in question. The teacher on the approved leave under Rule 116 must pay the replacement teacher the appropriate rate of pay in accordance with the terms of the Protection of Employees (Part-Time Work) Act 2001. A teacher on paid study leave employing a replacement teacher should familiarise themselves with the Circular Letters dealing with the Part-Time Act legislation issued by my Department. Circular Pay 28/04 sets out the arrangements for the payment of substitute teachers employed by Boards of Management with effect from 1 January, 2005. This Circular Letter and the salary rates payable to casual and non casual teachers may be obtained from my Department's website —www.education.gov.ie / education personnel/payroll division.

Casual contracts of employment are offered where a substitute teacher is required to cover short absences of a permanent teacher or absences where it is not possible to determine the length of time a teacher may be absent. For example, a casual contract will be offered to cover a sick leave absence, even though the absence may be extended on a weekly basis.

Non-casual contracts are offered to a substitute teacher in cases where a teacher will be absent for a known fixed length of time, e.g. maternity leave, parental leave, carers leave or adoptive leave.

Teachers employed in a casual/non casual basis may be paid for Public Holidays if they fulfil the requirements under the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997. Under the Act, part-time employees must have worked a total of 40 hours over a five-week period ending immediately before the public holiday to qualify for payment.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Tom Hayes

Question:

416 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the measures that are being put in place to reduce class sizes in primary schools to the recommended INTO ratio of no more than 20 pupils per classroom in view of the fact that they are now the second highest in the EU. [26788/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

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.

Higher Education Grants.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

417 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science further to her letter of 28 June 2006, the position with regard to the eligibility of a person (details supplied) in County Galway for a higher education grant,; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26789/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The three Third Level Student Support Schemes, administered by the Local Authorities and the Vocational Education Committees on behalf of my Department, offer financial assistance to eligible students attending approved third level courses. Students entering approved courses for the first time are, generally speaking, eligible for grants where they satisfy the relevant conditions as to age, residence, means and nationality.

Under the Free Fees Initiative, my Department meets the tuition fees of eligible students who are attending full-time undergraduate courses in the State, which must be of at least two years duration, at an approved college. Where a candidate is pursuing an approved course at Postgraduate level in an institution listed as an approved institution for the purpose of my Department's Higher Education Grant Scheme and VEC Scholarship Scheme, the Awarding Body may award a full or part grant in respect of the candidate's lecture fee subject to the terms of the Scheme.

My Department has examined the details of the course which the person is attending to determine whether or not an application could be considered for assistance under the 2005 Higher Education Grant Scheme. My Department is aware that the first semester of the LLM Human Rights Cross Border course is completed in Queen's University, the second in NUI Galway and the third can be spent in either Queen's University or NUIG. The person the deputy refers to chose to remain in NUIG for the third semester. However, my Department understands that all fees are paid to Queen's University, who in turn make a payment to NUIG in respect of the period of study there.

The residency requirement, under the prescribed provisions of the 2005 Higher Education Grant Scheme, requires in the case of an independent mature candidate the candidate to have been ordinarily resident in the administrative area of the Local Authority from the 1st October 2004. The person to whom the Deputy refers has confirmed to my Department and to Galway County Council that she resided in Scotland for the past number of years. Accordingly she is not eligible to be considered for a Higher Education maintenance grant in the state.

The particular clause which applies in this case is Clause 4.1.2 of the 2005 Higher Education Grant Scheme which states as follows: "Candidates who are E.U. nationals and who do not satisfy the residency requirement are eligible to apply for a means-tested fees only grant in respect of approved courses in the Republic of Ireland, provided they have been ordinarily resident, for a purpose other than wholly or mainly to receive full-time education, in an E.U. Member State from 1 October, 2004. Such candidates shall apply to the Local Authority in which the college they propose to attend is situated."

As the course is effectively a Queen's University, Belfast course, to which the fees are payable, it does not meet the criteria of an approved course in this state for the purposes of Clause 4.1.2.

Psychological Service.

Seán Crowe

Question:

418 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of National Educational Psychological Service psychologists there are; and her views on whether this number is sufficient. [26790/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Since the establishment of my Department's National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) in 1999, the number of psychologists in the NEPS has increased from 43 to 122 at present — this includes 3 psychologists from the former National Rehabilitation Board (NRB) assigned to work with NEPS and 1 psychologist serving with another Section in my Department. A number of these posts are filled on a work-sharing basis.

The Public Appointments Service recently concluded a new recruitment competition for the appointment of Educational Psychologists to NEPS. Regional panels have been established to allow my Department give greater priority in filling vacancies to areas with the greatest need. It is expected that a further 9 psychologists will be in place before the end of 2006.

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

In common with many other psychological services, NEPS encourages a staged assessment process, whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention, in consultation with their assigned NEPS psychologist. Only if there is a failure to make reasonable progress in spite of the school's best efforts will a child be referred for individual psychological assessment. This system allows the psychologists to give early attention to urgent cases and also to help many more children indirectly than could be seen individually.

It also ensures that children are not referred unnecessarily for psychological intervention. The General Allocation of resources to primary schools ensures that many children can receive additional teaching without the requirement of psychological assessment. Children who manifest very special needs in school and who have not been previously assessed by a psychologist and are brought to the attention of a NEPS psychologist by the Principal teacher will normally be assessed by the psychologist within that school term. Where schools consider that they have additional problems, they should contact the NEPS psychologist directly or make contact with the NEPS Regional Director for their region. Contact details are available on my Department's website.

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

Special Educational Needs.

Seán Crowe

Question:

419 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the average time a child has to wait to be assessed to know if they will require special needs education; and if she has satisfied herself with this time period. [26791/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

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.

NEPS does not keep waiting lists for assessments of children but in common with other psychological services encourages a staged assessment process, whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention, in consultation with their assigned NEPS psychologist. Only if there is a failure to make reasonable progress in spite of the school's best efforts, will a child be referred for individual psychological assessment. This system allows the psychologists to give early attention to urgent cases and also to help many more children indirectly than could be seen individually. It also ensures that children are not referred unnecessarily for psychological intervention.

The General Allocation of resources to primary schools ensures that many children can receive additional teaching without the requirement of psychological assessment. Children who manifest very special or urgent needs in school and who have not been previously assessed by a psychologist and are brought to the attention of a NEPS psychologist by the Principal teacher will usually be assessed by the psychologist within that school term. Normally, principals of schools prioritise those children in need of psychological assessment in consultation with the assigned psychologist.

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

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

Since the establishment of the NEPS in 1999, the number of NEPS psychologists has increased from 43 to 122 at present. The Public Appointments Service has concluded a new recruitment competition for the appointment of Educational Psychologists to NEPS. Regional panels have been established to allow my Department give greater priority in filling vacancies to areas with the greatest need. It is expected that a further 9 psychologists will be in place before the end of 2006.

Departmental Expenditure.

Seán Crowe

Question:

420 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the most recent figures on the amount being spent by her Department per primary school pupil, per secondary school pupil and per university pupil. [26792/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Based on the 2006 Revised Estimates Allocation, the estimated average annual costs to the Exchequer of maintaining a student in First Level, Second-Level and Third Level education are as follows:

First level €5,711

Second Level €8,131

Third Level €10,218.

Pre-School Services.

Seán Crowe

Question:

421 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if pre-school education is a priority for her Department; the amount which is being spent in this area; the percentage of children of pre-school age that are involved; and the proposals there are in the pipeline to increase its roll-out. [26793/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

My Department is committed to the development of quality early learning opportunities for children. Following on from the publication of the White Paper on Early Childhood Education "Ready to Learn", the Centre for Early Childhood Development was established and has recently published a comprehensive draft quality framework for early childhood education. In addition, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment is developing a national framework for early learning, which will be relevant and useful to all those responsible for children's early learning and development.

A new Early Years Education Policy Unit has recently been established within my Department and will be co-located with the Office of the Minister for Children. The Deputy will recall that, in December 2005, the Office of the Minister for Children was established by the Government to maximise the co-ordination of policies for children and young people and to provide an overall strategic policy framework to bring together and promote close co-operation between the relevant areas of my Department, the Department of Health and Children and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

Early Years Education in Ireland covers the period from birth to six years. Almost all five year olds and half of four year olds attend junior infant and senior infant classes in primary schools. These classes are funded from within the Department's current allocation of €2.6 billion for primary education in 2006.

Outside of junior classes in primary schools, my Department's main role in the area of early years education encompasses targeted pre-school provision for children from disadvantaged areas, for traveller children and for those with special needs. The Early Start pre-school project operates in 40 primary schools in designated areas of urban disadvantage in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford, Galway, Drogheda and Dundalk. There are 1,680 places in these centres and total expenditure was €4.96m in 2005. My Department also funds 46 pre-schools for Traveller children, catering for some 500 pupils at an annual cost of €850,000 in 2005.

In the special needs sector, there are currently 15 pre-school classes for children with autism located throughout the country. In addition to this, 12 stand-alone autism facilities that provide an applied behavioural analysis (ABA) model of response to children with autism cater for a number of children of pre-school age. My Department sanctions home tuition grants for children with autism who are of pre-school age and for whom a home educational programme is considered appropriate — grants for some 380 such children are currently in payment, costing in the region of €7m per annum.

In a small number of cases, my Department allocates funding to service providers to assist them in providing an educational component to pre-school age children in Child Educational Development Centres (CEDCs) and some €300,000 per annum is currently provided in this regard.

Targeted early childhood education provision is a key element of the School Support Programme (SSP) under the new action plan for educational inclusion DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), which provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage. The objective in relation to early childhood education is to concentrate actions initially on those children aged from three up to school enrolment, who will subsequently attend the 180 urban/town primary schools serving the most disadvantaged communities.

My Department will work in partnership with other departments and agencies to complement and add value to existing childcare programmes in disadvantaged communities, with a view to ensuring that the overall care and education needs of the children concerned are met in an integrated manner. A strong emphasis will be placed on adding value to the work of other providers by embedding quality early learning within childcare provision. The Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education will provide advice on the future development and direction of pre-school measures for children in disadvantaged communities.

My Department will oversee the preparation of plans for phased implementation of the early childhood education dimension of DEIS in the targeted school communities, starting in the next school year, and this will be pursued within an overall strategic policy framework developed by the Office of the Minister for Children.

In relation to the specific commitment in the Programme for Government concerning the introduction of a national early education system for children with intellectual disabilities, I can assure the Deputy that my Department is committed to developing a pre-school service for children with special educational needs. Initial discussions between my officials and the Department of Health and Children and the HSE, who also have significant responsibilities in this area, have taken place with a view to progressing the development of an appropriate nationwide pre-school service.

Additional funding has become available through a multi-annual investment programme for the years 2006-2009. The programme is intended to support the development of high priority disability support services over this period, one of which includes an increase in the level of pre-school provision available for children with special educational needs.

Educational Disadvantage.

Seán Crowe

Question:

422 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if she intends to extend the early start programme to all schools with pupils from disadvantaged areas. [26794/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The Early Start pre-school project operates in 40 primary schools in designated areas of urban disadvantage in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford, Galway, Drogheda and Dundalk. Targeted early childhood education provision is a key element of the School Support Programme (SSP) under the new action plan for educational inclusion DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), which provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage.

As a result of the identification process, 840 schools have been invited to participate in the new Programme. These comprise 640 primary schools (320 urban/town schools and 320 rural schools) and 200 second-level schools. The objective in relation to early childhood education is to concentrate actions initially on those children aged from three up to school enrolment, who will subsequently attend the 180 urban/town primary schools serving the most disadvantaged communities. My Department will work in partnership with other departments and agencies to complement and add value to existing childcare programmes in disadvantaged communities, with a view to ensuring that the overall care and education needs of the children concerned are met in an integrated manner.

The Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education will provide advice on the future development and direction of pre-school measures for children in disadvantaged communities and the findings of a number of evaluation reports on Early Start prepared by the Education Research Centre will be taken into account in this regard.

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

School Transport.

Seán Crowe

Question:

423 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the school transport situation at a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that the concerned parents are requesting that the 2pm bus service is extended so that their children are brought to their homes. [26795/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Miss de Valera)

My Department has requested Bus Éireann to submit a report on the situation as outlined by the Deputy in the details provided. When this report is received and reviewed all interested parties will be advised.

School Placement.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

424 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to an application contained in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26796/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The correspondence referred to by the Deputy has recently been received in the School Planning Section of my Department and is currently being examined. My officials will be in further contact with the School Authority in this regard.

School Accommodation.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

425 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the way in which a matter can be progressed in relation to the accommodation needs of a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26797/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that officials from my Department are in contact with the management of the school in question with a view to progressing the proposed building project.

Educational Disadvantage.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

426 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will give a positive response to a project in Dublin 10 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26842/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Tackling educational disadvantage is one of my main priorities and the new plan for educational inclusion, DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunities in Schools) aims to ensure that the educational needs of children and young people, from pre-school to completion of upper second-level education (3 to 18 years), from disadvantaged communities are prioritised and effectively addressed. The plan is designed to ensure that schools serving the most disadvantaged communities benefit from the maximum level of support available.

Over the years, no less than 8 separate schemes for disadvantaged primary schools have been put in place. Some schools were benefiting from just one or two of these and others were benefiting from more. The new School Support Programme which is currently being rolled out in 840 schools selected to participate, will rationalise existing schemes and integrate them into the new School Support Programme, which is designed to ensure that the most disadvantaged schools benefit from a comprehensive package of supports, while ensuring that others continue to get support in line with the level of disadvantage among their pupils.

A key objective of this action plan is to enhance integration and partnership working, both within the education sector itself and between all other relevant Government departments, agencies, organisations and groups. Under DEIS, my Department, through the network of ten regional offices is enhancing its capacity to work in partnership with locally based agencies and individuals promoting social inclusion measures.

Measures under DEIS range from pre-school interventions, supports for tackling children's literacy problems, reduced pupil teacher ratios, increased capitation grants, measures to tackle early school leaving and strengthen ties between the school, the family and the community. A key component of my Department's strategy to discriminate positively in favour of children and young people who are at risk of early school leaving is the School Completion Programme. This programme was implemented to directly target those in danger of dropping out of the education system and in line with current thinking, which favours an integrated cross-community and cross-sectoral approach based on the development of local strategies to ensure maximum participation levels in the education process. It entails targeting individual young people aged 4-18, both in and out of school, and arranging supports to address inequalities in education access, participation and outcomes.

Increased access will be provide to the 200 second level and 320 urban/town primary schools in SSP to a range of academic and non-academic supports based in-school, after school, out-of-school and during holiday time, based on best practices identified through the School Completion Programme (SCP). There are currently 82 School Completion Programme project sites located around the country and with the roll out of the new School Support Programme the number of project sites will be increased.

In 2005/2006 my Department allocated €806,000 to the School Completion Programme in the Dublin 10 area. I understand that the project referred to by the Deputy has received financial support in 2005/2006 from this allocation and that there are plans to continue this support in 2006/2007. In addition to this the school has made separate representations to my Department and these representations are currently being considered in the context of the roll out of measures under the DEIS Initiative.

Special Educational Needs.

John Deasy

Question:

427 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will ensure that a special needs assistant is provided for a child (details supplied) in County Waterford for the forthcoming school year; and when the school will be notified. [26866/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

As the Deputy is aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is now operational. A specific function of the NCSE, through its network of local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is to identify appropriate educational placements for all children with special educational needs. The SENO is a focal point of contact for parents and schools.

My officials have been advised by the NCSE that no application for special needs assistant support was made by the school to the SENO for the child in question. It is open to the school to contact the SENO regarding any special education needs that the pupil may have.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

428 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of resource hours per week allocated to each second level school in Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown, County Dublin. [26867/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department and would involve an inordinate amount of administrative time to compile.

School Staffing.

Marian Harkin

Question:

429 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Education and Science the provisions that she has made nationally regarding the health and safety of both pupils and teachers in the 18 to 1 teacher schools; and if she will appoint a second adult or give grant assistance directly to the schools to employ the second adult. [26913/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The review of the one teacher schools is ongoing. As part of the review, Inspectors of my Department have been asked to submit reports on the individual schools involved. These reports on the individual schools involved are expected to be available shortly. Discussions will be held with representatives of the interested parties when all of the reports have been received and considered.

Sections 14, 15 and 23 of the Education Act, 1998 assigns each Board of Management and Principal Teacher responsibility for the day-to-day management of schools at both primary and post-primary level. Principals should organise supervision for the order and general behaviour of pupils during school hours. In particular, they should organise and participate in the effective supervision of the pupils during breaks, lunch-breaks, assembly and dismissal.

Rules 121(4) and 124(1) of the Rules for National Schools and Section 23(2) of the Education Act 1998 oblige teachers to take all reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of pupils and to participate in supervising pupils when the pupils are on school premises, during school time and/or on school activities. Accordingly, the responsibility of all teachers individually and collectively to provide a duty of care at all times towards the pupils in the school in which they teach, including periods of supervision, remains. Special needs assistants, who may be assigned to schools to cater for pupils with significant care needs, may be required to assist such pupils, if appropriate.

In accordance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989, it is the responsibility of individual school management authorities to have a safety statement in place in their schools. The Statement should identify potential hazards, assess the risks to health and safety and put appropriate provision in place to safeguard the safety and health of employees and pupils. The Safety Statement should be reviewed on a regular basis.

Departmental Programmes.

Marian Harkin

Question:

430 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will extend the concession which she granted last year to schools who will have more than 12 pupils in September 2006. [26914/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The review of the one teacher schools is ongoing. As part of the review, Inspectors of my Department have been asked to submit reports on the individual schools involved. These reports are expected to be available shortly. The issue raised by the Deputy will be examined when all of the reports have been received and considered.

Departmental Expenditure.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

431 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science the total amount paid in terms of fees or expenses for the appointment of press or public relations consultants from outside her Department for each year since 2002; the firms appointed and the specific project or responsibility for which they were engaged; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26978/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The total amount paid for fees and expenses for the appointment of public relations from outside my Department from the year 2002 to date is €153,021.96. This comprises the award of two public relations consultancies in this period.

Year	Name of Consultants	Purpose	Cost
			€
2002	Dennehy and Associates	Industrial relations advice	38,443.65
2004	Carr Communications	Advice, support and assistance for Your Education System Process (YES)	114,578.31

Departmental Staff.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

432 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of political appointees and non established civil servants appointed to her Department since June 2002; the nature of the post to which each such person is appointed; the annual cost in terms of salaries or expenses in respect of each such post for each year since 2002; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26993/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Between June 2002 and September 2004 the following political appointees and non-established civil servants were appointed to the Office of the Minister for Education and Science:

1 Special Adviser

1 Press Officer

1 Personal Assistant

1 Personal Secretary.

Since September 2004 the following political appointees and non-established civil servants were appointed to my Office:

1 Special Adviser

1 Personal Assistant

1 Personal Secretary (September 2004-April 2005)

1 Personal Secretary (April 2005 to date).

In relation to Minister of State Síle de Valera, one Personal Assistant was attached to her office from June 2002 to February 2003, and a second from April to June 2003. A Personal Secretary was attached to her office from July 2002-April 2004, and a second from April 2004 onwards. The costs for Personal Secretary include costs of a temporary replacement for maternity leave. The costs associated with these staff are as follows:

2002 €139,835.65

2003 €213,498.59

2004 €221,484.39

2005 €189,309.15

2006 to date €99,109.57.

The Deputy should note that the number of political appointments made by me to my staff is three, compared to five appointments made by the Minister for Education 1992-1997. In addition, neither of the Ministers of State in my Department have Special Advisers in contrast with the arrangements under the Rainbow Government, whereby the Minister of State 1995-1997 had a Special Adviser.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

433 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of staff broken down by grade employed within the private office and the constituency office; the number of such staff who are permanent civil servants; the number who are political appointees; the annual cost of each such office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses in respect of each Minister of State allocated to her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27008/06]

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

434 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of staff broken down by grade employed within her private office and her constituency office; the number of such staff who are permanent civil servants; the number who are political appointees; the annual cost of each such office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27023/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 433 and 434 together.

There are currently 9 staff working in my private office and 5.5 staff working in my constituency office, as follows:

Private Office

1 Principal Officer

1 Private Secretary at Higher Executive Officer level

2 Executive Officers

4 Executive Officers

4 Clerical Officers

1 Special Adviser at Principal Officer level.

Constituency Office

1 Higher Executive Officer

1 Staff Officer (working on a half time basis)

2 Clerical Officers

1 Personal Assistant at Higher Executive Officer level

1 Personal Secretary.

All these staff are permanent civil servants except for my Special Adviser, Personal Assistant and Personal Secretary. The annual cost of these offices in 2005 was as follows:

Private Office: €430,039.61

Constituency Office: €203,489.64

There are currently four staff working in Minister of State Deputy Síle de Valera's private office and four in her constituency office.

Private Office

1 Private Secretary at Higher Executive Officer level

1 Executive Officer

2 Clerical Officers.

Constituency Office

1 Staff Officer

2 Clerical Officers

1 Personal Secretary.

All of these staff except the Personal Secretary are permanent civil servants. The annual cost of these offices in 2005 was as follows:

Private Office: €159,801.29

Constituency Office: €115,174.96

The amount paid in respect of salary, overtime and expenses for these staff is in accordance with the salary scales and travel and subsistence rates approved by the Department of Finance.

Departmental Expenditure.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

435 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science the total amount spent by her Department on advertising in newspapers, magazines and electronic media in respect of each year since 2002; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27038/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The cumulative value of advertising placed by my Department in print media in each of the years since 2002 was as follows:

2006 ( to end June) — €426,000

2005 — €504,000

2004 — €790,000

2003 — €416,000

2002 — €1,007,000.

The details as requested by the Deputy in regard to the value of advertising placed in magazines is not readily available in my Department.

My Department utilises the e-Tenders website which is a central facility for all public sector contracting authorities to advertise procurement opportunities and award notices. The site is managed by the National Public Procurement Policy Unit of the Department of Finance while day to day management and maintenance of the site has been outsourced. There is no charge to contracting authorities for this service.

School Accommodation.

Pat Breen

Question:

436 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science when a school (details supplied) in County Clare will be given the go ahead for extra accommodation; if officials from the school planning section have made contact with the school authority to arrange a technical visit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27045/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

An application for capital funding towards the provision of an extension has been received from the school and has been assessed and the long term projected staffing, on which the accommodation needs will be based, has been determined and notified to the school authority. In order to determine how best to provide for the school's accommodation needs into the future, it will be necessary to have a technical assessment of existing buildings carried out. Having regard to the existing and competing demands on the building programme, my Department has not been in a position to arrange for a visit. However, it is intended that a visit will be arranged in the coming months.

In the interim, pending a permanent solution to the school's accommodation requirements the school has recently been given approval to rent a prefabricated classroom and resource room from September 2006.

Physical Education Facilities.

Pat Breen

Question:

437 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 1275 of 25 January 2006 the progress which has been made in the application for the provision of a sports hall for a college (details supplied) in County Clare; when approval for the project will be granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27046/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The school referred to by the Deputy has made an application for capital funding towards the provision of a PE Hall. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria and is being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2006-2010.

School Curriculum.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

438 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if sport or physical education will be included as an examination subject in the 2006/2007 academic year at leaving certificate level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27047/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Physical Education and sport, although closely linked, are not synonymous.

Sport begins with play and develops through games, competition and challenges. Competition in sport contributes to the holistic development of the student, provided that the opportunities presented are such that he/she is progressing towards the achievement of his/her potential. It is government policy to encourage and promote sport for all in schools. The policy of my Department is to facilitate this by means of a broad and balanced physical education curriculum for schools.

The focus in the Physical Education curriculum in our schools is on the learner's holistic development, with an emphasis on personal and social development, physical growth, and motor development. Goal-setting, within the curriculum, focuses on individual improvement rather than on winning or being the best. The creation of a positive attitude to sport and physical activity, with the overall aim of promoting long term involvement, is of paramount importance.

In accordance with the Rules and Programme for Secondary Schools, all second level schools should offer Physical Education as part of the curriculum. The programme should be based on the Department's approved syllabuses and teaching hours should be registered on the school timetable. The syllabuses in Physical Education have been developed on the basis of a time allocation of two hours per week.

Average Ordinary Class size in National Schools, County Westmeath in 2005/2006
Roll No.	Name	Address	Average Class Size
18679Q	An Ghrianán N S	Moate, County Westmeath	30.0
18764H	Ard na gCraith N S	Ard na gCraith, Walderstown	21.7
16092U	Athlone N S	Garden Vale, Athlone	16.7
16868J	Baile na gCeallagh N S	Collinstown, Mullingar	25.0
16914N	Baile Coireil N S	Baile Coireil, Mullingar	23.5
16838A	Baile Uí Gheibhinn N S	Gainstown, Mullingar	29.0
16340N	Ballinagore Mixed N S	Ballinagore, Mullingar	24.3
19632S	Ballinahowen NS	Athlone, County Westmeath	18.7
01731U	Ballynacargy Mixed N S	Ballynacargy, County Westmeath	24.8
17167H	BL Oliver Plunkett N S	Moate, County Westmeath	22.0
17236A	Boher N S	Boher, Streamstown	18.0
05513H	Castlepollard Mixed N S	Castlepollard, County Westmeath	26.8
10857U	Castlepollard Paroc.N S	Castlepollard, County Westmeath	16.5
15512L	Clochar na Tróchaire	An Bhun-Scoil, Clochar na Trócaire	27.2
17102C	Cluain Buinne N S	Cluain Buinne, Athlone	22.8
17089N	Cluain Maoláin N S	Cluain Maoláin, An Uaimh	27.5
17903N	Corr na Madadh N S	Corr na Madadh, Athlone	24.9
02263S	Crowenstown N S	Crowenstown, Delvin	21.3
17327D	Curraghmore N S	Curraghmore, Mullingar	27.2
15307K	Dalystown N S	Dalystown, Mullingar	24.3
18036U	Diarmada N S	Castlepollard, County Westmeath	22.0
13571R	Drumraney Mixed N S	Drumraney, Athlone	10.5
17290G	Dysart NS	Dysart, Mullingar	19.0
17991N	Eoin Naofa N S	Ballymore, Mullingar	28.3
20002P	Gaelscoil an Mhuilinn	An Muileann Cearr, Contae na hIarmhí	27.2

Average Ordinary Class size in National Schools, County Westmeath in 2005/2006
Roll No.	Name	Address	Average Class Size
16961W	Kilcumeragh N S	Kilcumeragh, MOTA	25.0
19607T	Kilpatrick NS	Mullingar, County Westmeath	28.8
18812P	Loch an Ghair N S	Loch an Chair, Mullingar	28.7
18262G	Lochán an Bhealaigh N S	Lochán an Bhealaigh, Ballinea	25.0
17432A	Magh Mora N S	Moyvore, County Westmeath	15.5
17182D	Mhíchíl Naofa N S	Castletown-Geoghegan, County Westmeath	22.3
18484B	Mhuire N S	Ráth Airne, Mullingar	29.2
16304J	Milltownpass N S	Milltownpass, County Westmeath	24.8
20188J	Mullingar Educate Together	Cullion, Mullingar	20.0
18505G	Naomh Clar N S	Tober Clar, Athlone	28.8
18640M	Naomh Iosef N S	Ráth Ghuire, Killucan	29.4
17606H	Naomh Mícheál N S	Castletown-Finea, Mullingar	8.5
17743R	Naomh Muire N S	Fiodh an Átha, Mullingar	13.5
19205W	Naomh Tola N S	Coill Uailleach, Mullingar	24.6
18591C	Naomh Tomás N S	Rathowen, County Westmeath	11.0
17932U	Odhran Naofa N S	Sonna, Slanemore	20.8
00934G	Presentation Convent (JNR)	Mullingar, County Westmeath	22.6
17189R	Ráth Eoghan N S	Ráth Eoghan, County Westmeath	18.7
14603J	Rochfortbridge Convent	Rochfortbridge, County Westmeath	26.5
03936C	S N an Chúil	An Chúil, Muileann Cearr	20.7
18864L	S N An Cuasán	An Cuasán, Athlone	24.8
17882I	S N Aodha Naofa	Kilbeggan, County Westmeath	18.0
00941D	S N Bhríde	Emper, Ballynacargy	13.5
17565T	S N Brighde Buach	Rochfortbridge, County Westmeath	22.0
18534N	Naomh Mhuire	Delvin, County Westmeath	Special School/Not Applicable

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 490 to 513, inclusive, together.

The following table sets out the position.

Average Ordinary Class Size in National Schools, County Westmeath in 2005 / 2006
Roll No.	Name	Address	Average Class Size
19350I	S N Chruimín Naofa	Muilte Farannáin, Contae na hIarmhidhe	28.6
18744B	S N na Naomh Uile	Mullingar, County Westmeath	25.8
17025K	S N na nDún	Mullingar, County Westmeath	26.4
18193N	S N Naomh Fiontán	Lismacaffrey, County Westmeath	24.3
08100U	S N Phádraig	Baile Éamainn, Killucan	20.5
18405C	S N Phóil Naofa	Athlone, County Westmeath	14.2
17708P	SC Ciaráin	Lower Warren, Athlone	24.0
19948W	SC na gCeithre Máistrí	Díseart Mhuire, Bóthar na Díthreibhe	28.8
20063M	Scoil an Chlochair, Cill Bheagan	Kilbeggan, County Westmeath	27.2
19650U	Scoil Cholmáin Naofa	Bellview, Mullingar	29.3
18533L	Scoil Mhuire	Teach Munna, Mullingar	25.0
18212O	Scoil na Maighdine Mhuire	P.O. Box 8, Harbour Street	24.8
18381O	Scoil na mBráithre	Mullingar, County Westmeath	26.3
19008U	Scoil Phádraig	Baile an Mhuileann, Muileann Cearr B	23.3
16639R	SN Deaghan Ó Ceallaigh	Athlone, County Westmeath	12.8
19848S	ST. Etchens	Kinnegad, County Westmeath	28.8
14450K	St. Feighans Mxd. N S	Fore, Castlepollard	25.3
20073P	St. Marys NS	Gracepark Road, Athlone	22.6
07722D	St. Peters N S SNR.	Athlone, County Westmeath	12.2
15291V	Streamstown Mixed N S	Streamstown, County Westmeath	17.3
08037Q	Tang N S	Tang, Ballymahon	25.0
05916G	Tyrrellpass Mixed N S	Tyrrellpass, County Westmeath	28.0
19792R	St. Brigids Spec. Sch.	Harbour Street, Mullingar	Special School/Not Applicable
19261J	St. Hildas Sp. Sch.	Grace Park Road, Athlone	Special School/Not Applicable

School Transport.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

514 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the expenditure on school transport for each year since 1997; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27151/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Miss de Valera)

The following is a breakdown of my Department's expenditure on transport services for the years shown:

1997 — €49.5m

1998 — €51.2m

1999 — €58.0m

2000 — €65.1m

2001 — €77.1m

2002 — €96.0m

2003 — €101.7m

2004 — €109.8m

2005 — €122.2m.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

515 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children carried on school transport for each year since 1997; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27152/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Miss de Valera)

The number of pupils availing of school transport services in a school year varies from time to time. Accordingly, the figures which I am now providing are averages of pupils availing of the service within the years mentioned.

1997 — 160,000

1998 — 154,000

1999 — 145,000

2000 — 139,000

2001 — 140,000

2002 — 136,000

2003 — 138,000

2004 — 136,000

2005 — 135,500.

In addition to the above Bus Éireann also issues almost 9,000 tickets to schoolchildren for travel on public and privately licensed scheduled local and national bus and public rail services.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

516 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children carried on school transport services for the 2003 to 2004, 2004 to 2005 and 2005 to 2006 school years; if she will provide this information on a county basis; if she will indicate, on a county basis, which of these children are fully entitled to the service and which are concessionary ticket holders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27153/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Miss de Valera)

The annual average numbers of pupils carried on Primary and Post Primary school transport services from 2003 is 136,500 of which over 6,300 are currently carried on a concessionary basis.

Bus Éireann has informed my Department that 375 of its fleet of about 650 school buses have already been retrofitted with seat belts and they have indicated that they remain on target to have the work completed by the end of August 2006.

Bus Éireann also informed my Department that there are about 2,700 private contractors' vehicles, including taxis and larger vehicles on standby, in the school transport scheme, and that over 80% of these are already fitted with seat belts. The standard to which belts on contractors' vehicles have been fitted will need to be assessed and Bus Éireann is making arrangements for the necessary inspection to be carried out on a contractual basis.

Special Educational Needs.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

521 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants employed in national schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27158/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The standard rate of capitation grant per pupil from 1997 to date at Primary level is as follows:

Year 1996/97 — £45.00 (€57.14)

Year 1997/98 — £50.00 (€63.49)

Year 1998/99 — £60.00 (€76.18)

Year 1999/00 — £64.00 (€81.26)

Year 2000/01 — £75.50 (€95.87)

Year 2001/02 — €105.00

Year 2002/03 — €111.58

Year 2004 — €121.58

Year 2005 — €133.58

Year 2006 — €145.58.

Furthermore enhanced rates of capitation funding are paid in respect of children with special educational needs who attend special schools or special classes attached to mainstream schools. The current rates range from €400.00 to €619.50 per pupil.

The standard rate of capitation grant is paid to all primary schools except Gaelscoileanna located outside of Gaeltacht areas which receive an additional €25.39 per pupil over and above the standard rate grant.

The latest increases in the level of capitation grant are a clear demonstration of my commitment to improve the financial position of primary schools. The question of increasing the rate of grant in the future will be considered as part of the normal Estimates process and in the context of available resources and priorities within the education sector.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

John Cregan

Question:

525 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Education and Science the pupil numbers and staffing compliment in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 11; the number of and the location where there are classes over 30 in size; the average number per class nationally; the average number per class in this school; if she will clarify the position in relation to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27222/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The staffing of a primary school for a particular school year is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on the 30th September of the previous school year and by reference to a staffing schedule. This staffing schedule for the 2006/07 school year is outlined in Primary Circular 0023/2006 which was issued to all primary schools.

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

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

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

As you know all schools are staffed on a general rule of at least one classroom teacher for every 29 children. Of course, schools with only one or two teachers have much lower staffing ratios than that — with two teachers for just 12 pupils in some cases and so on — but the general rule is that there is at least one classroom teacher for every 29 children in the school. Next year this is being reduced to 28 children per classroom teacher and in 2007/2008 it will be reduced to 27 children per classroom teacher.

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

With regard to the schools referred to by the Deputy, the following is the position for the 2005/2006 school year: In school number 1 there are 454 pupils and 16 mainstream class teachers, giving an average class size of 28.38. Two classes in the school have 31 pupils.

In school number 2 there are 461 pupils and 16 mainstream class teachers giving an average class size of 28.81. Four classes in the school have 32 pupils.

As a result of the improvement in the staffing schedule school number 2 will have an additional mainstream class teacher for the 2006/07 school year with a consequential reduction in the average class size in the school.

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

Departmental Investigations.

Joe Costello

Question:

526 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Defence if he has completed his inquiry into the Niemba Ambush, Congo 1960 and the cases of the two surviving Irish soldiers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26862/06]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The Chief of Staff has appointed a Senior Officer to examine all aspects of the Niemba ambush in the Congo in November 1960. The examining officer has now interviewed both survivors and has also contacted other interested parties both at home and abroad. Due to the diversity of this investigation it is unlikely that it will be completed for some time.

Defence Forces Retirement.

Joe Costello

Question:

527 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Defence if there have been recent developments in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26863/06]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The position remains as outlined in my recent reply to questions numbers 9 and 78 on the Order Paper of 22 June, 2006 in relation to this case.

Hearing Impairment Claims.

Joe Costello

Question:

528 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Defence the number of lawyers involved in Army deafness cases who have not prepared bills of cost and whose fees have been questioned by their clients regarding double charging; the number of cases that the Law Society seeks to exclude on the grounds that the bills are over five years old; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26864/06]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The relationship between solicitors and their clients is private. My Department would not, therefore, be in possession of the information sought by the Deputy. My Department has, however, received a total of 152 enquiries from past claimants regarding the amount of award or settlement as well as the legal costs paid in their cases. More specifically, in 4 of these cases the past claimant has approached my Department seeking copies of the Bill of Costs in respect of their hearing loss litigation, as their legal representatives were unable to supply the information sought. In 3 of these cases, the Bill of Costs were obtained from the Chief State Solicitor's Office and sent to the persons requesting the details. My Department does not have details of the Bills of Costs as this is solely a matter for the Chief State Solicitor's Office.

As already stated, the relationship between solicitors and their clients is private. My Department is not, therefore, aware of the number of complaints made to the Law Society which the Law Society believes are excluded from the statutory powers of the Society on grounds of elapse of time.

I have had recent correspondence with the Law Society regarding my concerns about such cases.

Defence Forces Equipment.

Joe Costello

Question:

529 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Defence if he will make some army tents available for a fundraising event (details supplied). [26865/06]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

While my Department has received no formal request in this regard, the organisation concerned have been in contact with my office. My office will be in further contact with the organisation over the next week and the request will then be considered.

Consultancy Contracts.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

530 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence the total amount paid in terms of fees or expenses for the appointment of press or public relations consultants from outside his Department for each year since 2002; the firms appointed and the specific project or responsibility for which they were engaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26979/06]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

A total amount of €44,283 has been paid in terms of fees for the appointment of two public relations consultants since 2002. Further details in relation to these firms are set out in the following table.

Year	Company	Projects	Costs
			€
2002	Gallagher & Kelly	PR Advice to Emergency Planning Branch	32,048
2002	Sweeney Communications	Press and PR Advice to Minister	12,235

Departmental Staff.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

531 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence the number of political appointees and non established civil servants appointed to his Department since June 2002; the nature of the post to which each such person is appointed; the annual cost in terms of salaries or expenses in respect of each such post for each year since 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26994/06]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The information sought by the Deputy is currently being prepared by my Department and will be forwarded to the Deputy shortly. My Department employs a number of non-established civil servants who are not political appointees and who are mostly in service grades, or temporary contract staff engaged from time to time.

I would also like to refer the Deputy to the answer I provided to Parliamentary Question number 533 of today where details in relation to the Special Adviser, Press Adviser, Personal Assistant and a Personal Secretary that I have appointed since September 2004 are outlined. The salaries of these staff amount to €275,039 per annum. Their costs in relation to expenses (travel and subsistence) since July 2005 have amounted to €11,774.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

532 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence the number of staff broken down by grade employed within the private office and the constituency office; the number of such staff who are permanent civil servants; the number who are political appointees; the annual cost of each such office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses in respect of each Minister of State allocated to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27009/06]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

There are two permanent civil servants employed in the office of the Minister of State for Defence comprising of one Higher Executive Officer and a Clerical Officer. At current rates and since July 2005, the salaries of these staff amounted to €99,300 per annum. Costs in relation to overtime and expenses (travel and subsistence) have amounted to €1,484.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

533 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence the number of staff broken down by grade employed within his private office and his constituency office; the number of such staff who are permanent civil servants; the number who are political appointees; the annual cost of each such office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27024/06]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

There are four permanent civil servants employed in my Private Office comprising one Higher Executive Officer, one Executive Officer, one Staff Officer and one Clerical Officer. The salaries of these staff from July 2005 to July 2006 amounted to €195,437 per annum. Costs in relation to overtime and expenses (travel and subsistence) have amounted to €4,308.

There are six permanent civil servants employed in my Constituency office comprising of one Executive Officer, one Staff Officer and four Clerical Officers, one of whom is worksharing. The annual salaries of these staff since July 2005 amounted to €176,569 per annum. Costs in relation to overtime and expenses (travel and subsistence) have amounted to €1,373.

Also, I have appointed a Special Adviser, a Press Adviser, a Personal Assistant and a Personal Secretary. The salaries of these staff amount to €275,039 per annum. Costs in relation to expenses (travel and subsistence) since July 2005 have amounted to €11,774.

Departmental Expenditure.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

534 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence the total amount spent by his Department in terms of advertising in newspapers, magazines and electronic media in respect of each year since 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27039/06]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The value of advertising in newspapers, magazines and electronic media placed by my Department, including the Defence Forces, in respect of each year since 2002 is set out in the following table:

Year	Value of Advertising
	€
2005	455,780
2004	296,827
2003	183,655
2002	240,373

Defence Forces Retirement.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

535 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Defence if he will examine the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1 who cannot receive a pension from his Department despite 31 years of service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27044/06]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The person concerned retired on age grounds earlier this year. He has been paid the bulk of his retirement lump sum. Payment of his pension entitlement and the balance of his retirement lump sum will be made in the next few weeks.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Pat Breen

Question:

536 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the situation with regard to the Miltown Malbay sewerage scheme in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27377/06]

Pat Breen

Question:

542 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress which has been made in relation to the proposed Ennistymon, Liscannor, Miltown Malbay and Spanish Point sewerage schemes with regard to their construction; the envisaged timetable and costings for same; the individual costing per household as has been worked out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26785/06]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 536 and 542 together.

The Ennistymon, Liscannor, Miltown Malbay and Spanish Point Sewerage Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 as a scheme to commence construction in 2007 at an estimated cost of €12.5m.

Clare County Council's Preliminary Report and Water Services Pricing Policy Report for the scheme are under examination in my Department and are being dealt with as quickly as possible. Once these reports have been approved by my Department, the overall funding arrangements for the scheme will be determined and Council will be in a position to proceed with the preparation of Contract Documents.

Departmental Expenditure.

Michael Ring

Question:

537 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount which was spent in his Department for the years 2005 and from January 2006 to date for media purposes or advertising; where the money was spent, that is, national papers, provincial papers, RTÉ radio, local radios and so on; the amounts spent on a yearly basis for years of the pervious three years; if money was spent on videos, for promotional, educational or advertising purposes. [27971/06]

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

555 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the total amount spent by his Department in terms of advertising in newspapers, magazines and electronic media in respect of each year since 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27040/06]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 537 and 555 together.

The amount spent by my Department on advertising in 2002 and 2003 is €1,633,297 and €2,230,831 respectively. The information in relation to the period since 2003 is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible. Expenditure was incurred on statutory notification requirements and a range of advertising campaigns to highlight issues of relevance to my Department. Expenditure was spread across the whole media spectrum including Iris Oifigiúil, television, local radio, national and provincial papers, other local publications as well as cinema advertising and billboard poster campaigns.

The Department also funds the operations of ENFO — the environmental information service. ENFO provides an authoritative source of factual information on the environment and sustainable life styles. This is achieved, inter alia, through providing access to a drop-in centre, library, exhibitions, leaflets, CDs and videos.

House Completions.

Pat Breen

Question:

538 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of housing completions in County Clare for each of the years 2001 to 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26777/06]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)

543 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress which has been made in approving the contract documents for the Doolin, Ballyvaughan and Corofin Sewerage schemes; the details of same; the pricing structure which has been agreed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26786/06]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

I refer to the reply to Question No. 978 of 25 April 2006. Overall funding arrangements for these schemes will be determined as soon as Water Services Pricing Policy Report for the schemes has been submitted by Clare County Council and approved by my Department.

Fire Stations.

John McGuinness

Question:

544 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of funding allocated for the provision of a fire station at Castlecomer, County Kilkenny; the date the announcement was made; if plans have been submitted to his Department for approval; the date when the plans were submitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26868/06]

John McGuinness

Question:

546 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the locations of new fire stations applied for in the name of Kilkenny County Council; the cost of each; their status in the process of consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26870/06]

Liam Aylward

Question:

547 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will approve the drawings submitted by Castlecomer fire station in County Kilkenny in order that the project can be progressed. [26917/06]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. B. O’Keeffe)

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)

Apartment complex management companies are generally constituted under the Companies Acts and are required to comply with the provisions of company law, which is a matter for the Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment. It is intended that proposals will be submitted to Government later this year for a Company Law Reform and Consolidation Bill, which is expected to include company law provisions relating to management companies.

Local Authority Housing.

John McGuinness

Question:

550 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the estimated cost to the State of providing the housing necessary to clear the local authority housing waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26922/06]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)

The most recent assessment of need for social housing was undertaken by local authorities in March 2005 and indicated that there were 43,684 households on local authority waiting lists compared with 48,413 in March 2002 — a decrease of almost 10%. The decrease in the level of housing waiting lists has evolved from the positive impact of the Government's investment in the provision of social and affordable housing.

In December 2005, the Government launched a new Housing Policy Framework: Building Sustainable Communities which outlines key principles underpinning housing policy and investment over the coming years. Substantial increased investment in social and affordable housing is outlined in the framework amounting to close to €4 billion in Exchequer capital spending over the period 2006 to 2008. The Government have committed in the draft social partnership agreement, Towards 2016, to further additional investment in social housing with 27,000 new units to be started or acquired over the period 2007 to 2009. It is envisaged that these new units will be delivered through a combination of local authority social housing, voluntary and co-operative sector social housing programme and long-term contracts for new supply under the Rental Accommodation Scheme.

Further households will benefit from the full implementation of the Rental Accommodation Scheme involving contractual arrangements with landlords for existing properties transferring from rent supplement. Over the same period it is expected that some 17,000 units of affordable housing will be delivered. As a result of the various social and affordable housing measures the needs of some 60,000 new households will be met over the period 2007-2009. The housing policy framework also proposes a package of reforms to improve equity, efficiency and effectiveness. The focus is on improving community participation, improving services to ensure personal choice, autonomy and responsibility. The overall impact of these measures will impact positively on waiting lists for social and affordable housing.

Consultancy Contracts.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

551 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the total amount paid in terms of fees or expenses for the appointment of press or public relations consultants from outside his Department for each year since 2002; the firms appointed and the specific project or responsibility for which they were engaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26980/06]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

The total amount paid in terms of fees or expenses for the appointment of press or public relations consultants in my Department since 2002 is €6,854,289. Full details, on a project-by-project basis are listed in the following table.

Public relations	Completed by	Cost	Date
		€
Anti-litter awareness advertisement	Irish international/OMD	135,249	2002
Advertising campaign plastic bag levy	Irish international OMD	53,728	2002
Advertising campaign to publicise the supplementary register used for referendum on the protection of human life in pregnancy, general election 2002 and referendum on the treaty of Nice	Brindley Advertising Ltd.	17,885	2002
Cohesion fund publicity project	Carr Communications Ltd	5,337	2002
Communication consultancy	Monica Leech Communications	47,197	2002
Communications consultancy in relation to the national spatial strategy	Drury Communications	115,128	2002
Environment awareness campaign	Drury Communications	648,460	2002
Production of advertisements instructing the public on how to use electronic voting machine	Brindley Advertising Ltd.	20,173	2002
Publicity campaign for introduction of plastic bags levy	Drury Communications	61,525	2002
Publicity campaign for the draft Register of Electors — 2003/2004	Brindley Advertising Ltd.	99,999	2002
Publicity work on promotion of electronic voting including road show.	Carr Communications Ltd.	133,044	2002
Communication consultancy	Monica Leech Communications	135,036	2003
Communications consultancy in relation to the national spatial strategy	Drury Communications	97,635	2003
Electronic voting awareness campaign	McConnells Advertising service Ltd/q4 public relations	315,049	2003
Management of National Inventory of Architectural Heritage Awareness campaign	Hunter Red Cell	301,895	2003-2005
Publicity campaign for the draft Register of Electors — 2004/2005	Cawley Nea Ltd.	159,607	2003
Race against waste — PR Element	Lyle Bailey (Mary Murphy Associates)	145,200	2003-2004
Communication consultancy	Monica Leech Communications	39,392	2004
Production of advertisements regarding the register of electors	Brindley Advertising Ltd.	38,017	2004
Publicity campaign for the draft Register of Electors — 2005/2006	McConnells Advertising service Ltd	158,758	2004
Race against waste — PR Element	Lyle Bailey (Mary Murphy Associates)	320,166	2004-2005
Media support for the launch of the Burren LIFE Project	Ann Jones	423	2005
Publicity campaign for the draft Register of Electors — 2006/2007	Bloom	155,696	2005
Race against waste — PR Element	Lyle Bailey (Mary Murphy Associates)	344,850	2005-2006
Short term communications consultancy regarding emergency planning	Grayling Ltd	4,840	2006

Departmental Staff.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

552 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of political appointees and non established civil servants appointed to his Department since June 2002; the nature of the post to which each such person is appointed; the annual cost in terms of salaries or expenses in respect of each such post for each year since 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26995/06]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

Many of the appointments in my Department arising from the normal recruitment process are made in an unestablished capacity. I assume that the Question relates to temporary unestablished civil servants appointed to provide support services to Ministers. The following are the total number of posts (based on whole time equivalents) occupied in my Department on the basis of appointments by Ministers and Ministers of State for the years 2002 to date:

Title	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006
Civilian Drivers	3	3	3	3	4
Personal Assistants (HEO grade)	3	3	3	3	3
Personal Secretaries (Secretarial Assistant Grade)	3	3	3	3	3
Press Officers (Principal Officer Grade)	1	1	1	1	1
Special Advisers (Principal Officer grade)	1	1	1	0.8	1

In relation to the individual salary costs of each such appointment, the salary scales for all administrative grades (except Secretarial Assistants) are available on the Department of Finance website (www.finance.gov.ie). Circular 7/2006 sets out the current salary scales.

The Weekly salary scale (incremental) for Secretarial Assistants as at 1 June 2006 is:

€	€	€	€	€
402.49	425.12	451.93	488.85	525.77
564.70	603.06	638.92	675.50	710.23
736.02	748.24	763.77*	776.55*

* Long service increments.

The total annual costs of salaries and expenses for these appointments in each of the years 2002 to date is set out in the following table:

Year	Total Costs of Salaries and Expenses
	€
2002	258,637.23
2003	482,501.86
2004	558,337.94
2005	547,194.62
2006	299,843.84

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

553 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of staff broken down by grade employed within the private office and the constituency office; the number of such staff who are permanent civil servants; the number who are political appointees; the annual cost of each such office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses in respect of each Minister of State allocated to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27010/06]

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

554 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of staff broken down by grade employed within his private office and his constituency office; the number of such staff who are permanent civil servants; the number who are political appointees; the annual cost of each such office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27025/06]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 553 and 554 together.

The staffing composition of my private and constituency offices (detailing permanent civil servants and temporary unestablished civil servants) are set out in the following tables.

Private Office
Permanent Civil Servants	Temporary Unestablished Civil Servants
Full time Equivalents	Grade	Full time Equivalents	Title
1	Executive Officer (Private Secretary)	1	Special Advisers (Principal Officer grade)
3	Executive Officer
3	Clerical Officer

Constituency Office
Permanent Civil Servants	Temporary Unestablished Civil Servants
Full time Equivalents	Grade	Full time Equivalents	Title
2	Executive Officer	1	Personal Assistant (HEO grade)
2	Clerical Officer	1	Personal Secretary (Secretarial Assistant grade)

Annual salary costs for the above staff based on the rates of pay at 1 June 2006 amounts to €608,823.44. Overtime and travel and subsistence is paid as the need arises in accordance with Department of Finance Guidelines. To date in 2006, this has amounted to €12,707.35 and €7,967.96 respectively. The staffing composition of the private and constituency offices of both Ministers of State at my Department are set out in the following tables.

Minister Noel Ahern: Private Office
Permanent Civil Servants	Temporary Unestablished Civil Servants
Full time Equivalents	Grade	Full time Equivalents	Title
1	Higher Executive Officer (Private Secretary)
1	Executive Officer
2	Clerical Officer

Minister Noel Ahern: Constituency Office
Permanent Civil Servants	Temporary Unestablished Civil Servants
Full time Equivalents	Grade	Full time Equivalents	Title
1	Executive Officer	1	Personal Assistant (HEO grade)
2	Clerical Officer	1	Personal Secretary (Secretarial Assistant grade)

Annual salary costs for the above staff based on the rates of pay at 1 June 2006 amounts to €372,299.21. Overtime and travel and subsistence amounted to €4,457.82 to date in 2006.

Minister Batt O'Keeffe: Private Office
Permanent Civil Servants	Temporary Unestablished Civil Servants
Full time Equivalents	Grade	Full time Equivalents	Title
1	Higher Executive Officer (Private Secretary)
1	Executive Officer

Minister Batt O'Keeffe: Constituency Office
Permanent Civil Servants	Temporary Unestablished Civil Servants
Full time Equivalents	Grade	Full time Equivalents	Title
1	Executive Officer	1	Personal Assistant (HEO grade)
1	Clerical Officer	1	Personal Secretary (Secretarial Assistant grade)

Annual salary costs for the above staff based on the rates of pay at 1 June 2006 amounts to €288,104.55. Overtime and travel and subsistence amounted to €4,803.76 and €3,523.11 respectively to date in 2006.

Question No. 555 answered with QuestionNo. 537.

Fire Stations.

Seán Ryan

Question:

559 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the grants which are available to the local authorities for the provision of central heating and remedial improvement works for local authority houses; if an application has been received from Fingal County Council for a grant towards the replacement of windows in houses and the installation of central heating; and if so, when he proposes to notify the Council. [27162/06]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)

My Department provides capital funding to local authorities for the installation of central heating and related energy improvement and smoke detection measures in their dwellings. Under the Programme a grant of €5,600 or up to 80% of the cost, whichever is the lesser, is available. 100% capital funding is also available from my Department for refurbishment work to groups of local authority dwellings under the Remedial Works Scheme. In 2006 Fingal County Council were allocated €1,232,000 for their programme of central heating installation in their dwellings while a further €500,000 was allocated to the Council under the Remedial Works Scheme. There are no proposals with my Department from the Council seeking capital funding for the replacement of windows in their housing stock.

Local Authority Staff.

Seán Ryan

Question:

560 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress on the implementation of the contents of circular S 12/05 for pensioners who were employed as non-officers within the local authorities; if the necessary finance and resources have been made available to process the circular in order that the benefits are passed onto the pensioners; and the approximate number of pensioners involved in each Council. [27163/06]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

In circular S.12/2005 of 5 August 2005, my Department issued comprehensive guidance to local authorities about a revised method of calculating pension entitlements for non-officer grades in local authorities whose pensions are integrated with social welfare benefits. Local authorities were requested to communicate with all persons who are in receipt of such integrated pensions from the local authorities and who stand to benefit from the new arrangements. Local authorities have been responsible for implementing these new arrangements on a timely basis. My Department would not have details or numbers of beneficiaries by local authorities.

Dáil Éireann debate - Wednesday, 5 Jul 2006

CSO Publications.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Land Prices.

Denis Naughten

Telecommunications Services.

Enda Kenny

Jimmy Deenihan

Jim O'Keeffe

Jim O'Keeffe

Kathleen Lynch

Offshore Exploration.

Liam Twomey

Olwyn Enright

Electricity Interconnectors.

Olwyn Enright

Proposed Pipeline.

Emmet Stagg

Michael Ring

Electricity Generation.

Seymour Crawford

Denis Naughten

Paul Kehoe

Denis Naughten

Alternative Energy Projects.

Paudge Connolly

Gay Mitchell

Donie Cassidy

Pat Breen

Olivia Mitchell

Liz McManus

Telecommunications Services.

Jan O'Sullivan

Departmental Schemes.

Mary Upton

Alternative Energy Projects.

Damien English

David Stanton

Bernard J. Durkan

Bernard J. Durkan

Bernard J. Durkan

Bernard J. Durkan

EU Regulations.

John Perry

Broadcasting Services.

Joan Burton

Energy Reserves.

Joe Costello

Internet Use.

Simon Coveney

Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Brian O'Shea

Proposed Legislation.

Shane McEntee

Fisheries Conservation.

Jack Wall

Fisheries Industry.

Willie Penrose

Alternative Energy Projects.

Trevor Sargent

Post Office Network.

Paul McGrath

Tom Hayes

Internet Use.

Ruairí Quinn

Fishing Industry Development.

Ruairí Quinn

Harbours and Piers.

Róisín Shortall

Alternative Energy Projects.

Jack Wall

Broadcasting Services.

Paul Connaughton

Postal Services.

Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 Jul 2006