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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 25 Oct 2006

Vol. 626 No. 2

Written Answers.

The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 13, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 14 to 74, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 75 to 81, inclusive, answered orally.

UN Representation.

Martin Ferris

Question:

82 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to a statement made by the UN’s Deputy Secretary General to the effect that he believes the European Commission will in future represent the EU in the United Nations as the voice of the European block worldwide; and if he will give a commitment to resist such effort to diminish this State’s right to its own independent voice in international affairs and in the UN. [34513/06]

I am aware that Mr. Mark Malloch Brown, the UN Deputy-Secretary-General, during a recent visit to Brussels reportedly expressed the view that the European Commission might in future represent the EU in the UN General Assembly. I understand that he said this in response to a question and the exact scope of his comment is not clear. I would be surprised if the interpretation advanced by the Deputy were accurate. In any event I am sure that Mr. Malloch Brown's intention was to stimulate debate. As I know from my own dealings with him, including in November 2005, when he made a thought-provoking address to a Seminar organised by my Department with the Royal Irish Academy (RIA) to mark the Fiftieth Anniversary of Ireland's UN membership, Mr. Malloch Brown is very ready to speculate creatively about long-term issues.

To give effect to any such role for the Commission would require major changes in the institutional architecture of both the UN and the EU. I do not believe that such changes are likely.

Article 4 of the UN Charter provides that UN membership is open only to States. All EU Member States are also UN members. The Commission, in common with representatives of other regional organisations, has observer status. The Commission can speak at UN meetings within its competencies, normally in the trade and development cooperation areas.

The question of EU representation at the UN, in particular in the Security Council, was most recently discussed in the context of negotiations on the EU's Constitutional Treaty. However there was no agreement to go beyond the arrangements set out in Article 19 of the Treaty on European Union, which provides that Member States shall coordinate their action in international organisations and at international conferences and shall uphold the common positions in such forums. Even if there had been agreement to go further, I cannot imagine the Member States collectively ceding their role in foreign policy to the Commission. The current position is that the Presidency speaks on behalf of the EU at UN meetings where the Member States agree and there is a united EU position. Ireland and other Member States contribute to the drafting of such statements. This allows the European Union to project our common interests and values forcefully at the UN. However it is not always possible or appropriate to have common EU statements and on such occasions Ireland and other Member States address UN meetings and conferences in their national capacity. At the General Debate in the General Assembly individual Member States speak — as I did on behalf of Ireland last month — but there is also a Presidency statement.

The UN occupies a central place in our foreign policy. I could not envisage a situation whereby an Irish Government would forego its right to have its representatives speak at UN meetings, either to the EU Commission or to any other body, but I would be very surprised if this were ever seriously proposed.

As regards the Security Council, there is no serious prospect of agreement on a single EU seat. I cannot envisage either the UK or France agreeing to abandon their status as Permanent Members. Moreover, at present three other EU Members are present on the Council as non-permanent members — Denmark, Greece and Slovakia — and the multiplicity of voices reinforces the overall impact of the European perspective.

Maritime Rights.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

83 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the Turkish authorities refusal to dock to a boat (details supplied) on 29 June 2006 in violation of international laws of the sea, as part of its continual campaign to impose unilateral restrictions on Cypriot vessels since 1987 and to deny rights of a sovereign EU State, despite its membership negotiations with the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34564/06]

The issue of access to Turkish ports for Cypriot vessels continues to create difficulties, not least in the context of Turkey's EU accession negotiations.

The June 2006 European Council recalled the need for Turkey to fulfil its obligations under the Association Agreement and the additional Ankara Protocol, which takes account of the accession of the new Member States, including the Republic of Cyprus. 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 by the European Commission in a report that is due to be published on 8 November. Based on the Commission's report, the November General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) will review the enlargement process and the progress of the Turkish negotiations.

The Finnish Presidency is currently working on an initiative aimed at resolving the question of access to Turkish ports for Cypriot vessels in compliance with the Ankara Protocol. We fully support these efforts by the Presidency and hope that they will lead to a timely resolution of this issue.

With regard to enlargement, it has always been our policy to consider each candidate on the basis of its own merits. This principle will continue to underpin our approach to the negotiations with Turkey. While there are difficult issues to be dealt with in the course of these particular negotiations, Ireland believes that it is important for the Union to adhere to the commitments given to Turkey by successive European Councils. It is essential also that Turkey should fulfil its obligations, including the full implementation of the Ankara Protocol. Ireland expects Turkey to comply with the requirement to open its ports to vessels from all EU Member States, including the Republic of Cyprus. Failure to do so will have inevitable consequences for the progress of the accession negotiations.

Nuclear Disarmament Initiative.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

84 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his view of the Nuclear non-Proliferation Treaty of which Ireland was an author in view of the recent reported nuclear test by North Korea; the actions which will now be taken in this regard, in particular actions by the New Agenda group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34500/06]

Joe Sherlock

Question:

93 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in relation to the recent nuclear test conducted by North Korea; the Government’s reaction to this test and to reported uranium enrichment in that country; the sanctions which the international community proposes against the Government of that country; his views on whether a diplomatic approach is the correct one to take, as an initial step; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34493/06]

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

98 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the negotiations which have taken place with his European counterparts regarding the response of the European and international community to the recent testing of a nuclear device by North Korea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34419/06]

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

132 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the recent nuclear test by North Korea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34481/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 84, 93, 98 and 132 together.

In regard to the recent testing of a nuclear explosive device by the DPRK, I would refer the Deputies to the reply I have just given to the priority question on this issue.

As I stated in that reply, I immediately strongly condemned this provocative action by the DPRK. It is a serious threat to the security and stability of the region, as well as a direct contravention of the international objectives of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. It is clear from the many statements calling on the DPRK not to perform its intended test, including that made by the EU, that this action ignored the will of the international community. It also ran counter to the patient efforts of the DPRK's neighbours to work constructively to find a diplomatic solution through the Six Party Talks process.

On 14 October, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1718 condemning the DPRK's test and empowering the international community to enforce specific sanctions. These sanctions include an arms embargo, as well as a ban on any items which could contribute to the DPRK's nuclear, ballistic missile or WMD programmes. In addition, the Resolution requires that all funds, economic resources and financial assets, connected to the trafficking of such items and their respective programmes, be frozen.

At the meeting last week of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, Ministers committed the EU to the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1718, as well as Resolution 1695, adopted in July in response to the DPRK's earlier controversial ballistic missile tests. We are currently taking the necessary steps to ensure Ireland's full compliance with these two resolutions.

I believe that it is still possible to achieve a diplomatic solution to the current crisis through the Six Party Talks process. I would urge the DPRK to return to these talks immediately and without precondition and work towards the implementation of the Joint Statement of September 2005 and the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.

As regards the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the testing of a nuclear explosive device by DPRK is a matter of grave concern. Since the DPRK's announced withdrawal from the NPT in 2003, and subsequent declaration that it possesses nuclear weapons, the international community has consistently urged the DPRK to abandon its policy, completely dismantle its nuclear weapons programme and comply fully with its obligations under the NPT.

With respect to the New Agenda Coalition, Ireland, together with our partners in the group, has tabled a resolution at the current session of the First Committee of the UN General Assembly emphasising the central role of the NPT in achieving nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation and condemning the DRPK's test of a nuclear device. If there is a clear conclusion from this act of defiance by the DPRK, it is the importance of the NPT and the non-proliferation regime it establishes to international peace and security.

We hope that this latest incident will serve as an impetus to the international community to redouble its efforts to strengthen all aspects of the disarmament and non-proliferation regime, not least the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), which has yet to enter into force.

Human Rights Issues.

Tom Hayes

Question:

85 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the level of contact between his Department and the Government of Burma regarding human rights abuses in that country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34437/06]

Emmet Stagg

Question:

108 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the current situation in Burma; the position, in particular, of Ms Aung San Suu Kyi; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34501/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 85 and 108 together.

There has not been any recent direct bilateral contact with the Government of Burma. In 2004 the Government put on hold the exchange of non-resident Ambassadors with Burma, and any decision to proceed with an exchange of Ambassadors will have to await positive and significant moves by the Burmese Government. However, at the ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) Summit held in Helsinki last month, the Taoiseach raised the situation in Burma in the presence of the Burmese Foreign Minister and called for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi. Burma attended as a member of ASEAN (the Association of South East Asian Nations) and was the only participant at the Summit not invited at Head of State or Government level. The EU Troika met with the Foreign Minister in the margins of the Summit to reinforce the EU's strong concerns about the lack of progress in Burma.

In my statement on behalf of Ireland to the 61st Session of the UN General Assembly on 26 September, I referred to the particularly grave human rights situation in Burma. I called, once again, on the Burmese régime to move towards democracy and to release all political prisoners, in particular Aung San Suu Kyi. These statements by the Taoiseach and myself are consistent with the strong position on Burma which Ireland takes on all possible occasions, including in the European Union framework and at the United Nations. Together with our EU partners, we avail of all opportunities to call for the immediate release of Aung San Suu Kyi, to condemn the abuse of human rights and fundamental freedoms and deplore the lack of progress towards democracy in Burma.

The visit by UN Under-Secretary-General (UN USG) Gambari to Burma from 18-20 May was the first high-level visit to that country by a UN representative in more than two years. I welcome the fact that he was able to meet with the most senior Burmese leaders as well as with Aung San Suu Kyi and representatives of her party, the National League for Democracy, during the visit. It is vitally important that the Burmese government allow the UN to play a role in promoting common ground between the government and the National League for Democracy so that the resumed National Convention can proceed in a more inclusive way.

I remain deeply concerned that Aung San Suu Kyi has been detained continuously for over three years without charge and, once more, urge the Burmese government to restore fully her freedom and civil liberties. UN USG Gambari's visit in May generated high hopes that her detention under house arrest, which was up for renewal a few days after he left Burma, might not be renewed by the authorities. This did not happen. On 27 May, the EU issued a statement which deeply regretted the decision of the Burmese government to extend the house arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi and deplored the fact that international appeals, including that of the EU, had once again gone unheard.

The UN Security Council recently decided to include Burma on its agenda. On foot of this, UNSG Gambari briefed the Security Council on 29 September. This was the first time that the UN Security Council has discussed Burma as a formal item on its agenda. This is a welcome development. In this regard also, I welcome the news that UN USG Gambari is due to pay a return visit to Burma in the near future.

I will continue to raise concerns about Burma on all possible occasions and to call on the Burmese government to assume its responsibilities towards its people and to allow the fullest possible UN involvement in a genuine process of democratisation and reconciliation.

Nuclear Safety.

Seán Ryan

Question:

86 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way Ireland will vote at the next meeting of the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group in relation to the US India agreement; when the next meeting of this group will take place; and if he expects this matter to be concluded at the next meeting. [34508/06]

Last year President Bush of the United States and Prime Minister Singh of India agreed to establish a new strategic partnership between their two countries. One element of that partnership was a proposed agreement on civil nuclear cooperation. During a visit to India by President Bush on 2 March 2006, the two leaders announced that agreement had been reached.

The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is a group of 45 participating countries, including Ireland, with agreed guidelines governing the export of items that are specially designed or prepared for nuclear use and for nuclear related dual-use goods. Under these guidelines the export of such items to India is prohibited and the question has arisen whether the guidelines should be changed, or an exemption granted to India so that the proposed US-India agreement may proceed. Given India's position as a non-signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), this raises some fundamental concerns for Ireland.

Since the 2 March announcement, three discussions on the proposed agreement have been held at the NSG. Ireland has played an active role, along with several other countries, in seeking both to question and to clarify a number of issues relating to the agreement. Some of the questions related to the proposed parallel safeguards agreement between India and the IAEA, as well as plans to separate India's civil and military nuclear facilities.

In the margins of the most recent NSG meeting in Vienna on 11-13 October, representatives of the Indian Government were in attendance to brief NSG participants. We welcomed this first direct engagement by India with the NSG and took the opportunity to raise a number of our concerns. This particular NSG meeting was not empowered to take decisions but provided a further occasion to exchange information and share perspectives.

On 18 October I received the Prime Minister of India's Special Envoy on Civil Nuclear Cooperation, Mr Shyam Saran. He set out clearly the Indian Government's argument that the deal would in practice strengthen non-proliferation. This view has also been taken by Dr El Baradei, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). While recognizing India's energy needs and its great and growing economic and political importance, I conveyed to him Ireland's deep-rooted commitment to the NPT and reiterated our disappointment that India remained outside it. I also stressed Ireland's concerns over the potential impact of the deal on the NPT and the global disarmament and non-proliferation regime. Useful technical discussions were also held at official level.

The next NSG Plenary meeting is currently scheduled for April 2007 in South Africa. It is uncertain whether participants at this meeting will be called upon to make a final decision. This will largely depend on the pace and outcome of India's negotiations with the IAEA, as well as of the legislative process in the United States.

Ultimately, our final view will depend on our assessment of the potential impact of the deal on the global non-proliferation regime, but also on the approach taken by normally like-minded countries and the overall balance of views within the NSG.

Nuclear Non-Proliferation.

Richard Bruton

Question:

87 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Iranian nuclear programme has recently been discussed by European Union Foreign Ministers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34421/06]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

119 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in relation to negotiations taking place between Iran and the EU3 with regard to nuclear developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34422/06]

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

139 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in relation to recent EU diplomatic activity regarding Iran’s nuclear programme; if he will clarify Ireland’s attitude towards sanctions on Iran; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34482/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 87, 119 and 139 together.

The question of Iran's nuclear programme is kept under constant review within the European Union at official level and is also the subject of regular discussions at Ministerial level. The most recent such discussion was at the General Affairs and External Relations Council meeting of 16-17 October in Luxembourg. At that meeting Ministers discussed the latest developments, including the most recent talks between High Representative Solana and lead Iranian negotiator Ali Larijani.

I would recall that on 6 June last, High Representative Solana, on behalf of the EU3 as well as China, Russia and the United States, presented a package of incentives to Iran containing a framework for a wider agreement through which a peaceful and acceptable resolution to the issue of its nuclear programme could be found. The European Council endorsed this package on 16 June. Negotiations on the package were to commence once Iran had suspended its enrichment-related and reprocessing activities, as requested by the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Following two unsuccessful meetings in early July between High Representative Solana and Ali Larijani to clarify the contents of the package, and mindful of the confirmation by the IAEA that Iran was accelerating its enrichment programme, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1696 on 31 July. This resolution made suspension of Iran's enrichment activities mandatory and set a deadline of 31 August. The Security Council also stated its intention to adopt a further resolution imposing additional measures, including sanctions, should Iran not be in compliance by this date.

Iran did not respect the 31 August deadline. Determined, however, to exhaust all avenues before returning to the Security Council, and in light of Iran's response in the meantime to the June package of incentives, High Representative Solana agreed to meet with Mr. Larijani in early September to explore whether an acceptable formula for commencing negotiations could be agreed. The first session of these discussions proceeded positively and the key issue of suspension was addressed. However, a second session, held in Berlin on 27-28 September, failed to produce a formula for the commencement of negotiations. The EU side has been obliged, reluctantly, to conclude that Iran is not at this stage seriously interested in responding to the generous offer made to it in June.

Last week's meeting of the Council therefore concluded that the time had now come for consultations in the Security Council on a further resolution imposing some form of sanctions on Iran. While regrettable, this now seems essential if the authority of the Security Council and its resolutions are to be maintained.

It is deeply disappointing that Iran continues to disregard Security Council Resolution 1696 but the matter of sanctions is now, as a consequence, under consideration in New York. Should the Security Council consider it necessary to adopt a further resolution imposing additional measures in the form of sanctions on the Iranian regime, then Ireland will, of course, abide by this decision in conformity with its obligations under the UN Charter.

I would, however, wish to stress that recourse to the Security Council should not be interpreted as abandonment of the possibility of negotiations and agreement on the June package of incentives. I still believe that this package offers a real opportunity to secure benefits for all sides. I would strongly urge Iran to do what is necessary so that a peaceful and acceptable resolution to the current impasse can be found.

Human Rights Issues.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

88 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the political and security situation in East Timor; the outstanding issues for resolution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34420/06]

There have been a number of recent developments following the crisis in Timor-Leste (formerly known as East Timor) in late April. The former Foreign Minister Dr Jose Ramos-Horta was appointed as Prime Minister on 10 July, with a new government formed shortly thereafter. Prime Minister Ramos-Horta and President Gusmão have both committed themselves to achieving reconciliation without sacrificing accountability for crimes committed during the past months. However, the situation remains fragile, with many of the underlying causes of the crisis still to be addressed. The number of internally displaced persons remains high.

The Independent Special Commission of Inquiry for Timor-Leste presented its report on 17 October. The Commission was established in June under the auspices of the UN Commissioner for Human Rights to look into the facts and circumstances surrounding the events in April/May. The Commission has stated its view that the crisis could largely be explained by the frailty of State institutions and the weakness of the rule of law. As the Commission notes, justice, peace and democracy are mutually reinforcing imperatives, and the report underlines the need for a substantial and long-term effort on the part of the Timorese Government and its international partners to address the challenges facing the country.

In part this work has already begun. On 25 August the UN Security Council unanimously decided to establish a new, expanded operation for the country — the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT). UNMIT's mandate includes supporting the Government in "consolidating stability, enhancing a culture of democratic governance, and facilitating dialogue... to bring about a process of national reconciliation". The Mission will also support the country in all aspects of the 2007 Presidential and parliamentary electoral process, and will seek to ensure the restoration and maintenance of pubic security. In line with our long-standing commitment to Timor-Leste, Ireland fully supports the UN's continued role.

The impact of the disturbances on the people of Timor-Leste remains a matter of concern to the Government, and Ireland continues to be committed to supporting the development efforts of that country. Minister of State Lenihan announced, on 19 October, further Irish support of €1.14 million to assist Timor-Leste with the aftermath of the crisis. This is additional to the €500,000 announced in June for humanitarian relief, and brings to over €6.5 million the amount which Irish Aid will provide in direct support to Timor-Leste in 2006.

The additional funding will be targeted at the underlying causes of instability, including youth unemployment. It will also provide support for the holding of parliamentary and presidential elections in 2007, as well as in the justice sector and human rights monitoring. The overall objective of Ireland's assistance to Timor-Leste has been to support the government of Timor-Leste and civil society in reducing poverty by delivering essential social services and by strengthening governance and human rights.

Foreign Conflicts.

Pat Carey

Question:

89 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the tabling of an all-party motion of Dáil and Seanad Éireann on the crisis in Darfur, urging the Sudanese Government to permit the deployment of a UN force as provided for in Security Council Resolution 1706 and indicating clearly the position of the Irish people in opposing the conflict and loss of life in the region. [34445/06]

Pat Carey

Question:

94 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the imposition of targeted sanctions against the Sudanese regime leaders and their business interests in view of the failure of that regime to allow the deployment of a UN force in Darfur. [34446/06]

Seymour Crawford

Question:

115 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the political and security situation within the Darfur region of Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34414/06]

John Gormley

Question:

117 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent meeting with Sudan’s Foreign Minister, Mr. Lam Akol, at the UN in which the Minister outlined the Irish Government’s concerns regarding the situation in Darfur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34478/06]

David Stanton

Question:

124 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions that have taken place between his Department and the Government of Ethiopia with regard to encouraging the Government of Sudan to agree to the deployment of a UN force in Darfur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34416/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

140 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he has taken or proposes to take, directly or through the EU or UN, to address the situation in Darfur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34619/06]

Pat Breen

Question:

147 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions he has held with his counterpart in Sudan with regard to the deployment of a UN force in Darfur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34415/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

217 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the overtures made to the authorities in Sudan through the EU or UN with a view to dealing with the ongoing issues there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34848/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

218 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action he will take or initiate to deal with the situation in Darfur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34849/06]

John Perry

Question:

219 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action the Government has taken to encourage active UN involvement in order that basic human rights may be experienced by the people of Darfur, West Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34897/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 89, 94, 115, 117, 124, 140, 147 and 217 to 219, inclusive, together.

I would also refer the Deputies to Priority Question No. 76, which I answered today.

While it is a matter for the Oireachtas to decide, I would support the tabling of an all-party motion of Dáil and Seanad Éireann on the crisis in Darfur, urging the Sudanese Government to permit the deployment of a UN force as provided for in Security Council Resolution 1706 and indicating clearly the opposition of the Irish people to the conflict and loss of life in the region.

Last July, I visited Sudan to see conditions in Darfur first-hand and also met the Sudanese Foreign Minister. I told the Minister that Ireland supported transition to a UN force and emphasised the need to improve humanitarian access. The security situation was poor then and has deteriorated significantly since. As the UN Secretary General warned in his report of 5 October, Darfur is at a critical stage, with insecurity at its highest levels and humanitarian access at its lowest levels since 2004. Two rebel factions who refused to sign the May 2006 Darfur Peace Agreement have been intensifying their military activities. Furthermore, those parties who did sign this Agreement, including the Sudanese Government, have been guilty of widespread and significant ceasefire violations. I am particularly concerned at a renewed offensive by the Sudanese Army in Northern Darfur, which is causing further suffering and displacement. The escalating violence is preventing humanitarian organisations from reaching war and drought-affected people. An estimated 224,000 people are currently cut off from food aid.

On 26 September, I raised Ireland's concerns about Darfur in my address to the UN General Assembly and in bilateral meetings in New York with the UN Secretary General and the Sudanese Foreign Minister. I used these occasions to underline that humanitarian aid must be delivered safely and without restrictions; that there must be a transition to a substantial UN peace-keeping force with a robust mandate in Darfur; and that long-term security in Darfur can only be guaranteed by the full implementation of the Peace Agreement. In addition, I reminded my Sudanese counterpart of the need to avoid repeating the tragedy in Rwanda and underlined the plight of the internally displaced in Darfur.

On 17 October, the General Affairs and External Relations Council expressed deep concern at the appalling security, humanitarian and human rights situation in Darfur and called for an immediate end to the ongoing violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. The Council urged all parties in the strongest terms to halt the violence, to protect civilians and to ensure the full, safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance. The Sudanese Government was reminded of its collective and individual responsibility for protecting its citizens from violence and guaranteeing respect for human rights. The Council called on the non-signatories to commit to the Darfur Peace Agreement. On 20 October the Taoiseach discussed Darfur with other EU Heads of State or Government at the Informal European Council in Lahti, Finland.

Until transition to a UN force can take place, AMIS must be strengthened as far as possible, and therefore the EU has given it extensive political, technical and financial support. Ireland has provided €3 million, including €1.5 million pledged in July to ensure that the mission can fulfil its mandate through to the end of this year. Four personnel from the Permanent Defence Forces have also served with AMIS. Since 2004, Ireland has also provided over €16 million in humanitarian assistance to Darfur, including over €6 million during 2006. Overall, Ireland has provided over €32 million to Sudan since 2004. This money has been used to support the active involvement of the specialist UN agencies, including the World Food Programme, the World Health Organisation and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, and Irish NGOs on the ground.

The EU, the US, the Arab League and senior African statesmen are continuing efforts to persuade Sudan to accept a UN force in Darfur. However, we need to be prepared to take further steps if the Sudanese position does not change. Ireland and the EU already enforce a comprehensive arms embargo on Sudan, which has been in place since 1994. We also implement a travel ban and assets freeze on a Sudanese airforce commander, a Janjaweed leader and two rebels who have been designated by the UN Security Council as impeding the Darfur peace process.

As regards contacts with the Ethiopian Government, I met Prime Minister Meles Zenawi in Addis Ababa in July 2006 and I wrote to him on 15 September to urge him to encourage the President of Sudan to accept the deployment of the UN operation in Darfur, with a strong mandate for the protection of civilians and provision of security for the delivery of humanitarian assistance. I also discussed the transition to a UN force with the Foreign Minister of Ethiopia while I was in Addis Ababa and found his approach to this issue to be positive and constructive.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

90 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the ongoing disputes between Georgia and the Russian Federation; the initiatives he and his fellow EU Foreign Ministers proposed at their recent meeting in Luxembourg to attempt to make progress in this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34497/06]

Unresolved difficulties in relations between Georgia and Russia give rise to recurring bouts of tension. The problems relate to the persistence of "frozen conflicts" in the separatist Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which unsuccessfully sought independence from Georgia in the aftermath of the dissolution of the former USSR and which continue to be supported politically by Russia. Moreover, since the so-called "Rose Revolution" of 2003, Georgia has strongly pursued membership of NATO and closer links with the EU. Its orientation towards NATO, in particular, is viewed by Russia with suspicion. In response to perceived provocations earlier this year, Russia banned imports of Georgian mineral water and wine, invoking health and safety reasons. It has also closed the only official land crossing between the two countries.

While relations had been deteriorating for some time, it was the arrest on 27 September of 4 Russian officers in Tbilisi for spying which precipitated the current crisis. Thanks to the efforts of the Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE, Belgian Foreign Minister Karel De Gucht, and following strong interventions from the EU and the US, Georgia released the officers on Oct 2 and they were immediately flown back to Russia. Russia persisted nevertheless in cutting rail, air and postal links and in focusing official attention on the activities of Georgian nationals living in Russia. It has given no sign that it intends to rescind any of these measures. I understand that hundreds of Georgian citizens living in Russia have been deported and that some Georgian-owned businesses have been forced to close. The combined effect of all these measures on the Georgian economy could be substantial.

The EU has been deeply engaged in efforts to resolve this crisis from the start, maintaining close contacts with both sides. The General Affairs and External Relations Council at its meeting on 17 October adopted Conclusions on Georgia/Russian Federation relations which expressed the EU's grave concern at the recent escalation of tensions, stressed the importance of toning down public rhetoric and called upon both sides to reopen normal diplomatic dialogue in order to work towards a normalisation of relations. The Council expressed its grave concern at the economic, political and humanitarian consequences of the measures taken against Georgia. It urged Russia not to pursue measures targeting Georgians living in the Russian Federation and called on both parties to act in a manner consistent with their international commitments and obligations. The Council reiterated the EU's willingness to work with Georgia and Russian to facilitate mutual confidence building and contribute to a peaceful resolution of the crisis. At the informal European Council at Lahti last Friday, the EU's concerns on this matter were conveyed to President Putin.

European Security and Defence Policy.

Michael Noonan

Question:

91 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps taken to work toward the development of new EU battlegroup formations along with Ireland’s European counterparts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34428/06]

EU Battlegroups are being developed under the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP). ESDP is an integral part of the European Union's Common Foreign and Security Policy.

Strengthening the ability of the EU to be able to respond quickly to emerging crises is a key objective of the development of the ESDP, and has been specifically supported by the Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan. An important aspect of ESDP is the development of a standby military rapid response capacity, in the form of Battlegroups. All our partners in the EU — with the exception of Denmark, which has an opt-out in this area, and Malta — have made commitments to contribute to a specific Battlegroup formation. Ireland indicated to its EU partners in 2004 a positive disposition to taking part in Battlegroups.

Following an interdepartmental report to the Minister for Defence on Battlegroups and subsequent consideration by the Government, representatives from the Department of Defence, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Defence Forces have met with Sweden, as framework nation, to discuss possible participation by the Defence Forces in the Nordic Battlegroup. This is due to be on standby during the first half of 2008, and at present has commitments from Sweden, Finland, Norway and Estonia.

Our representatives outlined Ireland's position in relation to international peacekeeping generally and provided information on the capabilities which Ireland could make available to a Battlegroup. Following the most recent meetings, detailed parameters of a possible contribution by Ireland to the Nordic Battlegroup are being worked through and are close to finalisation. The Minister for Defence informed the House on 12 October that the total number of personnel involved is expected to be somewhere between 80 and 100, comprising an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)/Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD) contingent with its own security detail, together with staff posts at the Operational and Force headquarters. I understand from the Minister for Defence that he expects to bring the matter to Government for decision shortly. My Department will continue to work closely with the Department of Defence, the Permanent Defence Forces and our Nordic and Estonian partners.

I welcome the fact that progress is being made on an Irish contribution to EU Battlegroups. This is very much in keeping with our traditional commitment to UN peacekeeping and responds to the specific request of the UN Secretary General. It is appropriate that our first involvement is likely to be with the Nordic Battlegroup, given our strong ties with the Nordic countries in UN peacekeeping.

Any decision on the actual deployment of the Irish contingent in an operation as part of the Battlegroup will, of course, be a matter for sovereign decision, and the requirements of the "triple lock" of Government decision, Dáil approval and UN authorisation will have to be satisfied.

Decentralisation Programme.

Michael Ring

Question:

92 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of development specialists volunteering to decentralise within Irish Aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34432/06]

Liam Twomey

Question:

104 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of senior development specialists volunteering to decentralise within Irish Aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34434/06]

Enda Kenny

Question:

153 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of principal development specialists volunteering to decentralise within Irish Aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34433/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 92, 104 and 153 together.

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

There are twelve Senior Development Specialists at Irish Aid headquarters. None of the twelve is applying to decentralise to Limerick, though two originally did so, but subsequently withdrew their applications.

Finally, there are nine Development Specialist posts at headquarters. At present five specialists are scheduled to decentralise, four who commenced employment since the announcement of the decentralisation programme in December 2003, and one who applied via the Central Applications Facility.

There is an ongoing Labour Court case regarding the terms and conditions under which technical grades are employed in various areas of the public service, including the specialists employed by Irish Aid. Technical staff employed by Government Departments and Offices, including specialists and other fixed-term workers employed in Irish Aid, brought cases to the Rights Commissioner under the Protection of Employees (Fixed–Term Work) Act, 2003. The case, which involves complex legal issues, has been referred to the European Court of First Instance.

Some of the issues involved in the decentralisation of Irish Aid to Limerick have, therefore, a wider Civil Service dimension and must be resolved at the central level. Discussions are on-going with representatives of the specialists, with their union IMPACT, and with the Department of Finance about the issues involved.

Decentralisation is a Government decision and the Government is committed to moving ahead with its implementation. At present, 47 posts in the Directorate are filled by officers who have signalled their intention to decentralise to Limerick. A further 17 officers who are serving elsewhere in the Department, mostly abroad, are also expected to decentralise to Limerick and will be taking up duty in Irish Aid in advance of the move. In addition, 21 officers from other Departments who have applied to decentralise to Limerick, most of whom are currently based in provincial locations, will transfer to the Department closer to the date of the move. Once these officers take up duty in Irish Aid, 85 posts (69% of the Directorate's staff complement) will be in place.

A small number of staff, approximately 15 at entry grades, will be recruited for direct assignment to Limerick in the months preceding the move.

Almost all of the senior management team for Limerick will be in place by the end of this year. The Director General of Irish Aid has already indicated that he will decentralise to Limerick. There are now five Counsellors in place in the Directorate, who have volunteered to go to Limerick and a further three Counsellors will take up duty over the next two months. The changeover of the senior management team, just as in other grades, has been implemented in a planned and careful way so as to minimise disruption to the business of the Directorate.

While there are challenges ahead, management and staff are working effectively together to maintain the quality and integrity of the programme. It would be my hope that a greater number of specialists will, in time, volunteer to decentralise to Limerick.

Question No. 93 answered with QuestionNo. 84.
Question No. 94 answered with QuestionNo. 89.

HIV-AIDS Agreement.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

95 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the nature of the agreement signed on 29 September 2006 with former president Mr. Bill Clinton to fight HIV and AIDS in Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31611/06]

Joan Burton

Question:

151 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the nature of the agreement signed on 29 September 2006 with former President Mr. Bill Clinton to fight HIV and AIDS in Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34491/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 151 together.

HIV/AIDS is one of the foremost challenges in development, especially in Africa. The recently launched White Paper on Irish Aid reaffirms the priority attached by the Government to addressing the global HIV/AIDS pandemic.

The Clinton Foundation HIV/AIDS Institution provides assistance to countries to implement care, treatment and prevention programmes that can reverse the course of the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

Three years ago the Government signed an agreement with President Clinton, committing the Government to allocating 50 million US dollars to HIV/AIDS treatment programmes in developing countries. Mozambique was selected as the initial country of focus for the partnership. It is greatly affected by HIV with more than 16% of adults infected. The additional resources have enabled the Government of Mozambique to successfully introduce HIV treatment into its public health response to HIV/AIDS. At the end of June, over 27,000 people were on treatment. Excellent progress has been made, but this is only 10% of those needing treatment and there are still big challenges ahead.

Having regard to the results achieved to date, the challenges still faced, and an interim review of the partnership, the Government has decided to extend the partnership with the Clinton Foundation in Mozambique. A new development is that the partnership is being expanded to Lesotho. Lesotho, one of Irish Aid's partner countries, has one of the worst rates of HIV in the world and this is both a human tragedy and a tremendous barrier to development.

On 29th September, the Taoiseach signed a new agreement with President Clinton. This agreement builds on the existing partnership and commits the Government to continue working with the Foundation up to 2010. The agreement commits Irish Aid to work jointly with the Foundation in Mozambique and Lesotho towards the achievement of three goals:- to provide financial and technical support towards the implementation of national plans for the prevention, treatment, care and support of people affected by HIV/AIDS; to contribute towards the strengthening of the health system; and to respond to the crisis of human resources for health.

Of the €70 million committed to the partnership with the Clinton Foundation, €60 million will go to Mozambique and €10 million to Lesotho. This support will be channelled through Ireland's missions in each country to the respective Ministries of Health. Irish Aid will meet with representatives from the Clinton Foundation in these countries on a regular basis to review cooperation and ensure the continued success of the partnership.

This is an important partnership and represents a major contribution by the Government to fighting HIV/AIDS and achieving the Millennium Development Goals.

Human Rights Issues.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

96 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the situation regarding the whereabouts of a person (details supplied) who had been the subject of an Amnesty International urgent action as at risk of torture if returned from Syria to Tunisia; the recent interventions by the Government in respect of the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34487/06]

I indicated in my reply to the Deputy on 22 February last that the Syrian authorities had informed our Honorary Consul in Damascus on 14 December 2005 that the person mentioned by the Deputy had been detained in Syria in 2003 on suspicion of travelling on falsified documents, and that he had subsequently been deported to Tunisia on 13 December 2005.

I also indicated that the Irish Embassy in Madrid, following unsuccessful attempts to determine the person's whereabouts by our Honorary Consul in Tunisia, had sent a formal communication to the Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Embassy has been pursuing the case with the Tunisian authorities in the interim.

The Embassy has recently received a communication from the Tunisian Consul in Madrid which makes serious allegations in relation to the person named by the Deputy.

I have instructed our Ambassador in Madrid to continue to seek from the Tunisian authorities more precise details and greater clarity as to the facts of the case. I have also instructed our Ambassador in Cairo, who is accredited to Syria, to seek further information from the Syrian authorities. Departmental officials will also review the case with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. I will revert to the Deputy when I receive any further relevant information.

Decentralisation Programme.

Dan Boyle

Question:

97 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress made in the decentralisation of his Department’s overseas aid division, Irish Aid, to Limerick; if he is satisfied that the staff levels, expertise, and resources available to Irish Aid will be adequate to administer the aid programme effectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34479/06]

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

The situation is as follows:

Already, 47 posts in Irish Aid headquarters, including that of Director General, are filled by officers who have signalled their intention to decentralise to Limerick. 12 of these officers were already serving within the Department. The remainder is made up of 25 officers who have been recruited from other Departments and Offices via the Central Applications Facility, 7 officers who have been assigned from inter-Departmental promotion panels and 3 newly-recruited officers.

A further 17 officers who are serving elsewhere in the Department, mostly abroad, are also expected to decentralise to Limerick and will be taking up duty in Irish Aid in advance of the move.

In addition, 21 officers from other Departments who have applied to decentralise to Limerick, most of whom are currently based in provincial locations, will transfer to the Department closer to the date of the move. Once these officers take up duty in Irish Aid, 85 posts (69% of the Directorate's staff complement) will be in place.

A small number of staff, approximately 15 at entry grades (Clerical Officer and Third Secretary), will be recruited locally for direct assignment to Limerick in the months preceding the move.

There are 24 development specialist posts attached to Irish Aid's headquarters. Four Development Specialists and two Senior Development Specialists, who had applied to decentralise, have since decided to withdraw their applications. The specialists, with the support of the IMPACT trade union, say that they are not prepared to consider decentralising while issues around the terms and conditions of their employment are unresolved.

Discussions are continuing with representatives of the specialists, with IMPACT, and with the Department of Finance with a view to resolving the issues involved which also have a wider Civil Service dimension. It would be my hope that a greater number of Specialists will, in time, volunteer to decentralise to Limerick.

The transfer of Irish Aid to Limerick presents significant challenges. Risk management issues are being addressed through planning and risk management strategies. This involves adequate handover periods in order to ensure the retention of corporate memory. Appropriate training and induction courses are being provided and will continue to be provided for new staff. Staffing changes are being phased, in order to facilitate this process.

The White Paper on Irish Aid recognises that the enormous expansion in the size of the aid programme will place heavy demands on those administering it. The Government has committed to undertaking a major review of the management of the Irish Aid programme. The review will embrace the financial and administrative systems, including approval, monitoring, audit and evaluation mechanisms, management information systems and the management and technical competencies necessary to guide the programme through this era of growth.

Question No. 98 answered with QuestionNo. 84.

EU Security and Defence Policy.

Ivor Callely

Question:

99 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the basis for a decision of Ireland on the participation of Irish troops in humanitarian or crisis management tasks mounted by the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34298/06]

Ivor Callely

Question:

102 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the EU policy on security and defence issues; the EU foreign policy activities and programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34299/06]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

143 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the latest discussions he has held with his European counterparts with regard to cooperation in the matter of security and defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34439/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 99, 102 and 143 together.

The European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) is an integral part of the European Union's Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), the principles and objectives of which are set out in the Maastricht, Amsterdam and Nice Treaties, which were approved by the Irish people at successive referenda.

The Treaties specify that the objectives of the CFSP include safeguarding the common values, fundamental interests, independence and integrity of the Union in conformity with the principles of the United Nations Charter, strengthening the security of the Union in all ways, developing and consolidating democracy and the rule of law, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. In addition to a wide range of diplomatic activities, the actions of the Union in support of these objectives can include humanitarian and rescue tasks, peacekeeping tasks and tasks of combat forces in crisis management, including peacemaking.

All decisions on the establishment of specific ESDP missions are subject to unanimity in the Council. In deciding on possible Irish contributions to ESDP missions, the Government are guided by our assessment of the context and purpose of the mission, and of the potential role we might play. Under the Defence Acts, as recently amended, any deployment of Irish troops remains subject to the ‘triple-lock' of Government decision, Dáil approval and UN authorisation.

As I have previously reported to the House, I met the Foreign Ministers of Sweden and Finland in January 2005 and the Foreign Minister of Austria in April 2005 to discuss a range of issues, including possible Irish participation in Battlegroups. I also had the opportunity to discuss Ireland's anticipated participation in the Nordic Battlegroup with the Norwegian Foreign Minister, Jonas Gahr Store, during the visit of the Norwegian Royal couple in September. Discussion of current CFSP and ESDP issues also takes place at the monthly meetings of EU Foreign Ministers at the General Affairs and External Relations Council.

My reply today to another question provides detailed information on recent developments with regard to Ireland's participation in EU Battlegroups. Finally, further information on current ESDP activities can be found in the Presidency report to the June European Council, available on the European Union's Europa website.

Nuclear Non-Proliferation.

Seán Ryan

Question:

100 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his view as to whether the Proliferation Security Initiative, led by the United States since May 2003, is of assistance to or undermines the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. [34509/06]

The Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) was launched in Krakow, Poland on 31 May 2003. The decision to establish PSI originated in part from an incident in December 2002, when Spain intercepted an un-flagged vessel carrying a shipment of Scud missiles, en route from North Korea to Yemen. The ship was subsequently allowed to continue. In response to this incident, a group of countries, led by the United States, agreed to cooperate to interdict vessels on the high seas and to ground aircraft worldwide, which are suspected of carrying Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), their delivery systems and related materials.

States participating in PSI activities operate under their own domestic law and in conformity with international law. A Statement of Interdiction Principles was agreed in Paris on 4 September 2003, outlining how suspect vessels could be detained and searched on entering a PSI State's territory, territorial waters or airspace.

In May 2004, under the Irish Presidency, the EU adopted a statement of support for the PSI. The statement noted that the EU Strategy against the proliferation of WMD contains a number of measures to prevent, deter, halt and, if possible, eliminate proliferation programmes that cause concern at the global level. One of these measures seeks to improve identification, control and interception of illegal trafficking, and, in particular, to provide support for international initiatives aimed at the identification, control and interception of illegal shipments. The statement went on to note that the principal purpose of the PSI complemented well the objectives set out in this Strategy and that the EU and its Member States fully endorsed and subscribed to the PSI Statement of Interdiction Principles.

As regards the impact on the Treaty of the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), I would note that the scope of PSI activities is much broader than the area of nuclear weapons and covers all WMD, including chemical and biological weapons, as well as their means of delivery. I do not consider that the objectives of the NPT are undermined by activities designed to prevent the acquisition of materials necessary for the production of nuclear weapons or their means of delivery; indeed the reverse is the case.

I would also note, in this connection, that Ireland participates in a number of international export control regimes that regulate the supply of sensitive goods that have the potential to be used in the production of WMD or their delivery systems. While such regimes are not explicitly provided for in the NPT, we, nonetheless, see this activity as a necessary complement to our multilateral treaty obligations.

Northern Ireland Issues.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

101 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, further to paragraph 11 of the St. Andrews Agreement, he will clarify what will happen should any of the parties in Northern Ireland default on their commitments following restoration; the actions Governments will take in this scenario; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34506/06]

Liz McManus

Question:

121 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, further to the St. Andrews Agreement, he will give more details of the endorsement by the electorate of the agreement that is required; the methods for this under consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34505/06]

Liz McManus

Question:

130 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, further to the St. Andrews negotiations, he expects the DUP to agree to the re-establishment of the Assembly and the Executive in the immediate future; the efforts he will make to ensure that the timetable outlined in the agreement will be adhered to, and not postponed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34504/06]

Brendan Howlin

Question:

144 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the outcome of the St. Andrews negotiations on political progress in Northern Ireland; if he is confident that the Assembly and Executive can be re-established in the immediate future; if the two Governments have a Plan B in the event of failure of the St. Andrews initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34502/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 101, 121, 130 and 144 together.

The proposed agreement published by the Governments at St. Andrews comprehensively addressed the core issues standing in the way of the restoration of the power-sharing institutions of the Good Friday Agreement. It sets out a clear way forward for all parties to commit to the full operation of stable power-sharing government and the North/South and East/West arrangements and to full support for policing and the criminal justice institutions, including the Policing Board. It also sets out in some detail the practical changes proposed to the operation of the institutions, the arrangements for a financial package and the timetable for implementation of the agreement.

The St. Andrews text is balanced and fair. It addresses the concerns of the parties on all outstanding issues. If implemented, it will bring us at last to the realisation of the Government's overriding priority — the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and fully-functioning power-sharing institutions serving the people of Northern Ireland. We believe that all the parties wish to see devolution restored and that all parties wish to support policing and the rule of law. We have also made clear however, that our deadline for progress remains firm and that in the event of failure to agree, we will proceed on the basis of the new British Irish partnership arrangements to implement the Good Friday Agreement.

We have asked the parties to confirm acceptance of the agreement by 10 November so that the timetable we have laid out for the nomination of the First and Deputy First Minister in November and for restoration of the Executive in March can be met. We continue to urge all the parties to work towards agreement on any outstanding issues and to remain steadfast in the face of those whose interests may lie in frustrating progress. The Government's firm view is that no issue is so difficult or intractable that it can not be resolved through discussion between the parties themselves.

This is also the case in respect of the future stability of the institutions. Paragraph 11 of the St. Andrews Agreement refers to the existing verification and compliance mechanisms relating to the Assembly as set out in the Good Friday Agreement and in the agreement between the Governments published in May 2003. Institutional stability is fundamentally linked to the overall question of trust and confidence. The St. Andrews Agreement is the culmination of the Governments' work over many years to create a process where trust and confidence grow incrementally to the point where partnership government becomes a lasting reality in Northern Ireland. We believe that implementation of the St. Andrews Agreement and the consequent commitment by all parties in good faith to share power and to support policing and the criminal justice system is the best possible guarantor of institutional stability into the future.

As the Taoiseach has said, it is clear from our discussions at St. Andrews that some form of electoral endorsement of the agreement as a whole will be required before the formation of an Executive. The form such an endorsement would take in Northern Ireland is not decided, nor is the question of whether a referendum might be required here. In considering these matters, the Government will obviously be guided by the considered advice of the Attorney General.

The process will continue to demand careful management to bring it to a successful completion and the Government will continue to work in close partnership with the British Government, as well as with the parties, as we work to that end.

Question No. 102 answered with QuestionNo. 99.

Overseas Development Aid.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

103 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of aid allocated the countries of the Middle East for 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34423/06]

Paul McGrath

Question:

107 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the level of aid provided to the Palestinian Authority in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34438/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

212 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which international aid has been delivered to the Lebanon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34843/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 103, 107 and 212 together.

This year Ireland, through Irish Aid, has delivered significant development and humanitarian funding in the Middle East. The bulk of Ireland's assistance — over €7.5 million in 2006 — has been allocated to Palestine, Lebanon and Iraq. In addition, micro-project development support of €140,000 has also been provided in Syria and Jordan.

In 2006, we have allocated some €5.4 million to meet the humanitarian and development needs of the Palestinian people. Ireland's core objective in providing assistance to Palestine is to alleviate the consequences of the conflict, by enhancing the capacity of Ireland's partners in Palestine to respond to the current crisis and, where possible, to begin to meet the future development needs of the Palestinian people. Currently, funding is not provided directly to the Palestinian Authority.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) remains our key partner in the provision of basic, emergency assistance to the Palestinian people. Ireland has provided €2 million in assistance to UNRWA this year. This core funding facilitates UNRWA in responding with flexibility to Palestinian needs in the West Bank, Gaza and also in the region, including refugees in Jordan, Syria and the Lebanon.

In Palestine, our development funding is focused on the provision of support for basic education, strengthening local government through local and rural development programmes and support for key United Nations agencies. In addition, Ireland has provided funding through partner NGOs and Bethlehem University.

Ireland responded swiftly to the crisis in Lebanon earlier this year. A total of €1.3 million was approved for delivery for humanitarian operations via key UN and Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) with a proven record of delivering effective assistance on the ground. On 31 August, at the Stockholm Donor Conference, I pledged a further €2 million for recovery and longer-term reconstruction and assistance in Lebanon and Palestine over the next two years.

The Financial Tracking Service system of the United Nations has reported that over US$362 million in humanitarian funding has been committed by donors in response to the emergency phase of the crisis in the Lebanon. At the recent Stockholm Conference in support of Lebanon, some US$900 million was pledged by donors in support of early recovery and rehabilitation.

Ireland continues to respond to the humanitarian situation in Iraq and in 2006, funding of €850,000 has been provided in support of mine clearance and health programmes.

Question No. 104 answered with QuestionNo. 92.

Jack Wall

Question:

105 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on many countries of the European Union distorting their official aid figures in relation to the EU commitment to achieving 0.7% of GNP by 2015 by including debt cancellation, assistance to refugees and student welfare as part of their development expenditure; and if he has had discussions on the matter. [34488/06]

There has been public debate about which categories of assistance should properly be classified as Official Development Assistance or ODA. A recent report by the NGO Action Aid highlighted differences between what is regarded as ‘real aid' and ‘phantom aid'. The Joint European NGO report, entitled, EU aid: genuine leadership or misleading figures?, which was published a few months ago, also touched upon these themes. The latter report stated that, while official figures released earlier this year by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the European Commission indicated that Member States were indeed living up to their promises as regards the scaling-up of their official development assistance, almost one third of reported ODA in 2005 did not provide any new aid for developing countries. Rather, said the report, it was in fact accounted for by debt cancellation, foreign student costs and refugees in donor countries.

The internationally agreed rules for aid reporting are set by the OECD. Some of the categories referred to by the Deputy may be eligible as development assistance, under OECD rules. It should be recalled that debt relief, for example, makes an important contribution to development. I should also point out that Ireland's development assistance consists almost entirely of funding in grant form to programmes and projects. Indeed, in the Action Aid report, referred to earlier, Ireland retained its position as the donor with the highest share of real aid.

International Agreements.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

106 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position with regard to Turkey’s accession to the Energy Community Treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34418/06]

The Treaty establishing the Energy community was signed on 25 October 2005 by the European Community and by Albania, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Montenegro, Romania and Serbia as well as by the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). The Treaty follows on from the Athens process which started in 2002 when the European Commission set out proposals for the creation of a regional energy market in South East Europe. The Athens process and the Energy Community Treaty reflect the objectives of the Stabilisation and Association Process, which aims to promote cooperation between the European Union and the countries of the region. The Treaty also seeks to encourage cooperation among those counties themselves.

The Energy Community Treaty will allow the Balkan region to become integrated into the EU's internal energy market. Its key operational aims are to extend the application of the Community's acquis to all parties to the Treaty across a range of areas. It will create regional mechanisms to allow for closer integration of local energy markets. It represents agreement also to work towards common policies for external trade, mutual assistance and the removal of internal energy market barriers.

Turkey is currently engaged in negotiations on accession to the Energy Community Treaty. It has already signed the Athens Memorandum on which the Energy Community is based. This contains commitments at a political level for the establishment of and integrated regional energy market.

The Energy Community is a key element of the Union's strategy in South East Europe and is an important pre-accession tool for parties preparing to join the Union. Ireland supports the Energy Community and looks forward to an early agreement with Turkey which will enable it to accede to the Treaty.

Question No. 107 answered with QuestionNo. 103.
Question No. 108 answered with QuestionNo. 85.

Debt Relief.

Dan Neville

Question:

109 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which IMF and World Bank commitments for third world debt relief have been honoured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34429/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

210 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of debt write off achieved to date in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34841/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

211 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent and value of the international debt write off proposed in the context of international agreement; the amount delivered or achieved to date; the areas outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34842/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 109, 210 and 211 together.

The IMF and World Bank have made increasing efforts to tackle the problem of debt in developing countries since the launch of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative in 1996. The HIPC Initiative, which was strengthened and enhanced in 1999, sought to reduce the debt burden of qualifying countries to sustainable levels but did not entail cancellation. Ireland contributed some €30m towards the costs of implementation of the Initiative.

The Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI), agreed by the G8 Countries at Gleneagles in July 2005 and which came into effect on 1 July this year, goes further. It is a commitment to the cancellation of the multilateral debt, owed to the World Bank, the African Development Bank and the International Monetary Fund, of many of the poorest and most indebted countries in the world. Most of these countries are in Africa. For the first time, the most powerful countries have recognised that many poor countries need 100% debt relief, if they are to address the development needs of their people seriously. This is an important basis from which we can continue to work for a complete and sustainable solution to the debt problem facing poor countries.

The Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative is separate from the earlier HIPC Initiative, but linked to it operationally. Under this new Initiative, cancellation of eligible debts is granted to countries which have completed the HIPC Initiative process, i.e. have already been judged as qualified to receive debt relief. As of mid-August 2006, 29 countries of the 40 defined heavily indebted poor countries had received debt relief under the HIPC Initiative amounting to US$28.8 billion. So far, 19 of these countries have also received MDRI debt relief from the IMF and World Bank amounting to a further US$15.8 billion (US$12.8 billion from the World Bank and US$3.0 billion from the IMF). The total cost of the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative is estimated at US$48.9 billion in nominal terms.

The IMF share of the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative's costs will largely be met by own resources, as authorised by IMF Members including Ireland. Ireland's additional share of the costs of the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative amounts to €58.6m, out of the approximately US$ 37 billion total cost of debt relief to be provided by the World Bank. As a gesture of support and to underline our strong commitment to 100% debt relief for the poorest countries, this amount has already been paid over in full.

EU Accession Negotiations.

Joe Costello

Question:

110 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the latest meetings and debates regarding the proposed accession of Turkey to the European Union; the initiatives or suggestions Ireland has made in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34494/06]

Bernard Allen

Question:

118 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of EU accession negotiations with Turkey; the outstanding issues for resolution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34417/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

209 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the situation with regard to Turkish accession to the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34840/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 110, 118 and 209 together.

Negotiations regarding Turkish accession to the European Union commenced on 3 October 2005. An extensive screening process is currently ongoing which closely scrutinises the compatibility of Turkish legislation with that of the EU. In all, there are 35 negotiating chapters in the accession process. After a Chapter has been screened, the EU can decide, on the basis of a proposal from the Commission, whether the negotiations in that sector can proceed. In June 2006, the European Council welcomed the provisional closure of the Science and Research chapter with Turkey. To date, this is the only Chapter to have been provisionally concluded. Very regular meetings take place at official level to examine and prepare the negotiating chapters in the accession process. Periodic meetings also take place at political level, the most recent being the EU Troika's meeting with Turkey's Foreign Minister, Mr. Abdullah Gul, which took place in Luxembourg on 16 October 2006.

A report on the progress of Turkey's accession negotiations is due to be published by the European Commission on 8 November 2006 and a debate on enlargement will take place at the November General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC). Turkey's Chief Negotiator with the EU, Mr. Ali Babacan, will visit Dublin on 2 November next when I will be meeting with him to review the negotiating process. He will also address the National Forum on Europe.

Ireland has always been supportive of the enlargement process from which we have consistently benefited. In approaching successive enlargement negotiations, it has been our policy to consider each candidate on the basis of its own merits. This principle will continue to underpin our approach to the negotiations with Turkey. While the negotiations with Turkey raise particularly difficult issues, it is important that the Union should abide by the commitments given to Turkey by successive European Councils. It is also essential that Turkey should fulfil its obligations, including the implementation of the Ankara Protocol.

Ireland has made it clear that, while we do not see Turkish recognition of the Republic of Cyprus as a condition for accession negotiations, it will be an absolute requirement for eventual Turkish membership of the Union. Meanwhile, it is vitally important that Turkey should normalise its relations with Cyprus as required by the Ankara Protocol.

Foreign Conflicts.

Billy Timmins

Question:

111 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the political and security situation in Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34440/06]

Mary Upton

Question:

127 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the recent call by the head of the British Armed Forces, General Sir Richard Dannatt, that occupying British troops ought to exit Iraq as a matter of urgency as their presence in the country is exacerbating the security problems there; if he agrees with this view; his further views on whether such a position was an inevitability in view of the nature of this invasion and the lack of an exit strategy to which the Irish Government was a proxy despite the disapproval of such an action by the Irish people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34498/06]

Mary Upton

Question:

152 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on a recent article (details supplied) that the number of deaths in Iraq has been seriously underestimated, and may be over 600,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34499/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 111, 127 and 152 together.

The Government shares the widespread concern at the extremely difficult situation in Iraq. We and our partners in the EU remain firmly committed to supporting the Iraqi people as they work to restore security and prosperity to their country.

On 21 May, the Iraqi Parliament approved the appointment of the national unity Government presented by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. The Cabinet includes democratically-elected representatives of all the main communities in Iraq, including the Sunni community. No-one would underestimate the huge challenges it faces in asserting its authority across the country. However, I believe it is important that we recognise that Iraq now has a fully sovereign and democratic Government and Parliament, for perhaps the first time in its history.

Since 2003, the EU has provided over €700 million in assistance for the reconstruction of Iraq. The June European Council emphasised that this support will continue, in partnership with the new Government. Work is continuing under the auspices of the United Nations on the development of an International Compact for Iraq, which would coordinate assistance in line with the Iraqi Government's priorities.

It is clear that the political and reconstruction efforts of the Government are to a great extent being blocked by the continuing large-scale violence across the country. There is at present no sign that the insurgency and the appalling inter-communal violence are being brought under control.

The Government has no means of assessing the accuracy of the different estimates of the numbers of casualties in Iraq. The NGO Iraq Body Count estimates that between 44,000 and 49,000 civilians have been reported killed since 2003. The recent article in the Lancet, by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the School of Medicine of Al Mustansiriya University in Baghdad, makes deeply disturbing reading. On the basis of a cluster sample survey, the researchers estimate that there may have been as many as 650,000 excess deaths in Iraq as a consequence of the war.

I have followed closely the recent public debate in Britain and in the US on the presence of international troops in Iraq, including the statements by the head of the British Army and by Prime Minister Blair. At the outset of the war in 2003, the Government acknowledged that there was no clear legal consensus on whether there was a mandate for the use of force against Iraq. The Taoiseach moved a Motion, which was adopted by the House on 20 March 2003, which reaffirmed Ireland's commitment to the United Nations as the guarantor of collective global security and the appropriate forum for the resolution of disputes threatening international peace and security. He made clear that Ireland could not participate in the military campaign without an explicit further Security Council mandate. This remains the Government's position on the circumstances of the invasion in 2003.

The reality now is that the international forces serving in Iraq are operating at the explicit request of the Iraqi Government and under UN mandate. The presence of the Multinational Force was authorised by the UN Security Council under Resolution 1511 of October 2003, which urged Member States to contribute assistance under the UN mandate. This mandate was most recently extended until the end of 2006 by Resolution 1637, which was adopted unanimously by the Security Council last November. I believe it would be entirely inappropriate for the Government to advise other States on their contributions to a UN-mandated force. Moreover, it is above all for the democratically-elected Government of Iraq to consider whether it wishes the Multinational Force to continue its operations.

The Government believes that in considering the situation in Iraq, the primary concern of the international community must be the welfare of the people of Iraq. They deserve a better future after decades of brutal dictatorship and war. Concerns relating to the vast reserves of natural resources with which their country has been blessed have too often contributed to instability and divisions in that region of the Middle East. Those resources now need to be harnessed in the interests of all the people of Iraq. The Government and our partners in the EU remain convinced that a secure and peaceful Iraq can only be ensured through the maintenance of its territorial integrity, the development of shared political and other institutions and strong political and economic links with all the countries of the neighbouring region.

Overseas Humanitarian Aid.

John Perry

Question:

112 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position with regard to the development of a rapid response initiative to strengthen Ireland’s capability to respond to emergency situations worldwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34436/06]

Billy Timmins

Question:

202 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position with regard to proposals to establish a Rapid Response Initiative as part of our response to humanitarian disasters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35067/06]

I propose to take Questions No. 112 and 202 together.

The Rapid Response Initiative, as set out in the White Paper on Irish Aid, is designed to enhance Ireland's response to humanitarian crises. The Initiative has three elements: (1) the pre-positioning and transportation of humanitarian supplies to disaster areas; (2) the availability of a roster of highly-skilled and experienced individuals, from both the public and private sectors, including the Defence Forces, for deployment at short notice to emergency situations; and (3) improving the emergency capacities of international humanitarian response agencies and mechanisms.

On Friday 13 October, I signed a Letter of Understanding with Mr. James Morris, Executive Director of the UN World Food Programme (WFP) on the pre-positioning of humanitarian supplies. Under the two-year pilot programme, Irish Aid will fund the pre-positioning of humanitarian supplies at the United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD) — the UN's rapid response base, managed by the WFP — in Brindisi, Italy. Further pre-positioned stocks will be located at the Curragh in due course.

The emergency supplies at Brindisi will comprise shelter and other non-perishable items such as kitchen sets, blankets, plastic sheeting, tents and mosquito nets and also water supply and sanitation equipment to benefit up to 20,000 people. Similar materials will be stored at the smaller facility in the Curragh. Ireland will also assist the UN in the expansion of its network of regional supply depots.

The second element of the Rapid Response Initiative, the establishment of a roster of individual volunteers available to assist in sudden emergencies, is currently in the planning phase. The roster will comprise a focused range of experts, recruited from both the public and private sectors, including the Defence Forces, who will be seconded, on request, to various UN organisations at short notice and for short periods in the early stages of a humanitarian response.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the World Food Programme (WFP) have been identified as appropriate partners in this regard. Irish Aid is currently in discussions with these UN humanitarian agencies in relation to the skill sets requirements for emergency missions. I expect that we will be able to enter into stand-by arrangements with these organisations in due course.

The third element of the Rapid Response Initiative is to provide assistance to key UN agencies, the Red Cross family and NGOs to enable them to enhance their own capacity to respond to humanitarian emergencies. This process is underway.

Decentralisation Programme.

Damien English

Question:

113 Mr. English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position with regard to the sourcing of a property to house the decentralised Irish Aid operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34435/06]

Under the Government's decentralisation programme, the Development Cooperation Directorate of the Department of Foreign Affairs, which is the Headquarters of Irish Aid and currently based in Dublin, will decentralise to Limerick.

The Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the provision of office accommodation for the Directorate in Limerick. The OPW has identified a suitable location on Henry Street in Limerick city centre, and has advised my Department that lease terms have been agreed with the developer. The developer has indicated that he is now aiming for the building to be fully fitted out and ready for use by September 2007. In addition, the availability of temporary accommodation for a possible advance move in May 2007 is now being explored with the Office of Public Works.

Foreign Conflicts.

Joan Burton

Question:

114 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the present position in the Democratic Republic of Congo; the initiatives proposed at EU level to help alleviate the suffering of innocent people in that country; his views on reports of effective plundering of the country’s resource’s and riches by states of the first world; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34490/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

129 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent he and his colleagues at EU of UN level have studied the allegations of genocide in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; if provisions have been made with a view to engaging the worldwide community in an effort to deal with the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34618/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

215 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the UN or EU will take action to deal with allegations of euthanasia, ethnic cleansing and human rights violations in the Democratic Republic of Congo; the progress on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34846/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

216 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if action will be taken to assess the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34847/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 114, 129, 215 and 216 together.

The first round of voting in presidential and parliamentary elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) took place on 30 July, with an estimated turnout of just over 70%. These were the first multi-party elections in the DRC in over forty years and took place in a generally peaceful environment. International observers, including the EU and the UN, have generally pronounced themselves satisfied that the elections were conducted in an open and fair manner.

A run-off election between the two leading contenders in the presidential poll, President Kabila and Vice-President Bemba, will now take place on 29 October.

It is important that the electoral campaign leading up to the second round of voting on 29 October should be conducted in a orderly and peaceful manner and that there be no repetition of the violence which marred the announcement of the first round results on 21-22 August. The EU, along with other international partners, played a major role in securing agreement on a code of conduct for the current electoral campaign which now needs to be fully respected and implemented. It is also vital that all parties respect the democratic verdict of the electorate, once delivered, and that the emphasis in the post-election period should be on consensus building and ensuring the maximum political support for whatever new government emerges from the elections.

Ireland and its EU partners have invested heavily in support of the elections and the successful conclusion of the transition process in the DRC. Nationally, Ireland has contributed a total of €1.3 million in support of the DRC electoral process. Ireland is also contributing seven members of the Permanent Defence Forces who are serving with the EUFOR mission which the EU has deployed, at UN request, in order to provide support, if required, to the UN MONUC peace-keeping mission throughout the electoral period. The EU also deployed a 250-strong election observation mission, including two observers from Ireland, to monitor the elections. Observers from this mission will be present for the second round voting on 29 October.

The DRC will continue to face considerable challenges in the post-election period and it will be important for the international community to remain engaged in support. Greater progress needs to be made in tackling impunity and establishing an effective system of justice. It is particularly important, in this regard, that the new government should fully support the ongoing investigation of the International Criminal Court into those serious crimes and human rights violations committed in the DRC since the Court's establishment on 1 July 2002. One individual has already been indicted by the ICC and is currently in custody in The Hague awaiting trial.

Other priority areas for the new government, supported by the international community, will include ending the threat posed by illegal armed militias in eastern DRC as well as security sector reform and completing the integration of national armed and police forces. The EU is already offering extensive support in this area though the EUSEC and EUPOL ESDP missions and has also agreed to coordinate international efforts in the future in support of security sector reform.

The illegal exploitation of its considerable natural resources was a major contributory factor to the conflict in the DRC and it is important that the international community should work with the new government to ensure all necessary measures are taken to combat such illegal exploitation. The issue of illegal exploitation of the DRC's natural resources was extensively studied by a UN Panel of Experts in 2002-2003 which made a number of practical recommendations for combating such exploitation. The UN Security Council has, as yet, failed to take any action endorsing these recommendations.

The illegal exploitation of its considerable natural resources was a major contributory factor to the conflict in the DRC and it is important that the international community should work with the new government to ensure all necessary measures are taken to combat such illegal exploitation. The issue of illegal exploitation of the DRC's natural resources was extensively studied by a UN Panel of Experts in 2002-2003 which made a number of practical recommendations for combating such exploitation. The UN Security Council has, as yet, failed to take any action endorsing these recommendations. A positive development in this regard is the planned agreement on certification of natural resources which is likely to be approved by the eleven countries, including the DRC, participating within the framework of the UN and African Union-sponsored Great Lakes Conference, the second Summit of which is due to take place in Nairobi next December. The successful holding of this Summit will itself be a major confidence-building measure and should contribute to underpinning security in the DRC and throughout the region.

Given the scale of the conflict in the DRC, which is estimated to have resulted in at least 3.5 million deaths and has left three million people still internally displaced, it is evident that substantial support from the international community will be required in order to help confront the challenges of reconstruction which lay ahead. The EU, through the European Development Fund, is committed to provide approximately €500 million in development and recovery assistance to the DRC for the period 2003-2007, of which over €150 will be committed this year. This year's figure includes a substantial programme of rehabilitation amounting to €65 million in eastern DRC which continues to experience significant levels of insecurity.

The Government, for its part, has contributed almost €12 million for emergency and recovery activities in the DRC since 2003, with €6.1 million provided to date in 2006. Ireland has also decided to provide financial support for the World Bank-administered Multi-Country Demobilisation and Rehabilitation Programme (MDRP) which spearheads international efforts to bring about demobilisation and rehabilitation of former combatants throughout the Great Lakes region. Financial support from Ireland to the MDRP in 2006 will amount to €500,000. Ireland is committed to continuing to support the DRC, including through provision of emergency and recovery assistance as well as any other forms of assistance deemed appropriate, as that country moves into what I hope will be a new era of democracy and development.

Question No. 115 answered with QuestionNo. 89.

Northern Ireland Issues.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

116 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, further to the St. Andrews negotiations, he expects Sinn Féin to fully endorse the Police Service of Northern Ireland and take their seats on the policing board in the near future; if the two Governments have insisted that both these steps are required for political progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34503/06]

At St. Andrews, the two Governments agreed proposals in relation to the few issues which remained outstanding from previous negotiations, including the restoration of power-sharing institutions and support for policing and the rule of law. We believe that the St Andrews Agreement sets out clearly how these issues can be resolved with the necessary political will among the parties.

In the St. Andrews Agreement, the Governments reiterated our consistent position that support for policing and the rule of law should be extended to every part of the community. In our discussions, it was clear that all the parties, including Sinn Féin, share the objective of resolving the issue of policing. The Agreement is unequivocal on what is required in this area: "Every party must fully endorse the PSNI and the criminal justice system; they must actively encourage everyone in the community to cooperate fully with the PSNI in tackling crime; and they must actively support all the policing and justice institutions, including the Policing Board.

The Government, for its part, has taken every possible opportunity to encourage Sinn Féin to endorse the new policing arrangements, thereby ensuring that all communities in Northern Ireland are represented on the policing oversight institutions and have full access to the policing services provided by the PSNI.

Following the negotiations at St Andrews we have asked the parties to consult as appropriate, and to confirm their acceptance of the proposals by 10 November. We continue to urge all the parties to work towards agreement on any outstanding issues and are firmly of the view that there now exists the basis for securing the objective of full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.

Question No. 117 answered with QuestionNo. 89.
Question No. 118 answered with QuestionNo. 110.
Question No. 119 answered with QuestionNo. 87.

Foreign Conflicts.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

120 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in regard to the public statement issued on 30 July 2006 regarding the heavy loss of life arising from an Israeli air strike on the Lebanese village of Qana, he took the opportunity to convey these views personally to the Israeli or US authorities; the reply received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28370/06]

Joe Sherlock

Question:

126 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in regard to the public statement issued on 30 July 2006 regarding the heavy loss of life arising from an Israeli air strike on the Lebanese village of Qana, he took the opportunity to convey these views personally to the Israeli or US authorities; the reply he received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34492/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 126 together.

The Taoiseach stated on 30 July that he was shocked and appalled at the heavy loss of life in the Israeli airstrike on the village of Qana. He noted that this terrible event served to underline the Government's clear message that an immediate ceasefire was urgently needed in Lebanon and that military actions only made a solution more difficult. The loss of innocent lives in Qana was also deplored by the UN Security Council on 30 July, and condemned across the world.

From the beginning of the conflict in Lebanon, which erupted following an unprovoked attack by Hizbollah on 12 July, the Government called unambiguously for an immediate cessation of violence and the protection of civilian lives. Throughout the conflict we fully acknowledged that Israel had a right to defend itself against attack, but not at the expense of the rights, and the lives, of Lebanese civilians. Our principal concern was with the effect of military actions on civilians, Israeli and Lebanese. We were shocked at the high level of casualties among Lebanese civilians, and at the widespread destruction of vital civilian infrastructure.

We raised our concerns directly with the Israeli authorities throughout the conflict, and used every opportunity to influence the parties most directly involved. On 26 July, with my colleague the Minister for Defence, I called in the Ambassador of Israel to emphasise the strength of the Government's position following the deaths of four unarmed UN peacekeepers in Khiam in Southern Lebanon. We also worked consistently with our partners in the EU and at the UN to achieve a ceasefire.

I represented the Government's views strongly at two emergency meetings of the General Affairs and External Relations Council during August. Ireland's contribution helped to ensure that the EU, at our meeting on 1 August, issued an unequivocal call for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

The Government is strongly committed to assisting the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which was adopted unanimously on 11 August, and which provided the basis on which the fighting was brought to a halt. It offers a path to a stable peace based on the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon. The ceasefire is holding well and the EU has taken the lead in the deployment of the strengthened UNIFIL force in Southern Lebanon alongside units of the Lebanese Army, which has enabled the withdrawal of the Israeli Army from the area.

As Deputies will be aware, following the decision of the Government and the approval of the Dail on 11 October, Ireland will contribute a contingent of 150 members of the Defence Forces to serve with UNIFIL, as part of a joint Finnish-Irish unit. Deployment will take place at the end of this month. The unit will carry out tasks in support of UNIFIL, and also humanitarian work, especially in relation to the clearance of unexploded ordnance.

The Government remains seriously concerned at the terrible risk posed to the civilian population in Southern Lebanon by the large number of unexploded cluster munitions. We have supported the UN in its criticism of the Israeli Army in this regard. Ireland is also one of a small group of States which is active internationally, in the context of the Review Conference of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, in calling for agreement on the opening of negotiations for a legally binding international instrument to address the humanitarian concerns posed by cluster munitions.

The events of this summer underlined that there can be no unilateral or military solution to the interrelated problems of the Middle East. With our partners in the EU, we will remain engaged in support of the reconstruction of Lebanon, and of a plan for a comprehensive settlement in the region. The EU will continue to give every possible support to the democratically-elected Government of Prime Minister Fouad Siniora. The Government will ensure that Ireland also continues to respond effectively to the humanitarian needs of the Lebanese people. During the crisis, we committed a total of €2 million in immediate emergency humanitarian assistance to Lebanon and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. We have also pledged a further €2 million for longer term reconstruction and assistance over the coming two years.

Question No. 121 answered with QuestionNo. 101.

Human Rights Issues.

Eamon Ryan

Question:

122 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has received the full written report he requested from the US authorities regarding the incident of 11 June 2006 when a civilian aircraft landed at Shannon en route from Kuwait to the United States carrying a US marine prisoner, without the requisite Government consent; if he has, will it be made public; the steps the Government has taken to engage in further discussion, as promised, with the US authorities on arrangements for notification and information sharing, and the strengthening of verification procedures as necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34486/06]

As the Deputy will be aware, I took a very serious view of this incident and I invited the US Ambassador to meet with me at the Department of Foreign Affairs as soon as I was informed of it. I received the US Government's report of the incident at the beginning of July. While the report is subject to the normal rules of confidentiality that apply to communications between Diplomatic Missions and Foreign Ministries, I can confirm that the report provided a detailed description of the events that led to the incident in question, identified an apparent lapse in standard procedures and indicated that the US Embassy was evaluating possible remedial action and a readiness to work with the relevant authorities here to this end.

Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs have discussed arrangements at Shannon with officials from the US Embassy at several meetings since the report was received. I understand that the US Embassy has taken steps aimed at preventing any recurrence of this type of incident and at ensuring that all relevant personnel are fully aware of their obligations and of the procedures to be followed. On the basis of our discussions with the US authorities, I have no reason to believe that this was other than an isolated incident which arose from an administrative error.

EU Enlargement.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

123 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the negotiations he has held with his European counterparts with regard to the opening of labour markets to the citizens of Bulgaria following EU accession; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34425/06]

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

145 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the negotiations he has held with his European counterparts with regard to the opening of labour markets to the citizens of Romania following EU accession; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34424/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

208 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the preferred options within the EU in relation to immigration from Romania and Bulgaria in the context of enlargement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34839/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 123, 145 and 208 together.

As Deputies will be aware, the Government decided yesterday that Ireland would avail of the transitional arrangements with regard to labour market access which are provided for in the EU's Accession Treaty with Bulgaria and Romania. This means that citizens of Bulgaria and Romania will continue to require work permits in order to take up employment here after the two countries accede to the EU in January next.

This decision was taken on the basis of careful consideration of all the issues involved and following consultations with the social partners. We also had extensive contact with other Member States to determine their intentions with regard to labour market access for citizens of Bulgaria and Romania.

Among the Union's pre-2004 members, only Finland — which holds the EU Presidency — has announced that it will allow unrestricted labour market access from the date of accession. Others have indicated that they will impose restrictions and indeed a number of key countries have yet to open up their labour markets to those Member States that acceded in 2004. The British Government, which did not impose any restrictions in 2004, has decided on this occasion to apply a work permit requirement. This British decision was an important consideration in our analysis of the options for Ireland.

On the occasion of the last EU enlargement in 2004, Ireland was one of only three of Member States not to restrict labour market access for citizens of the eight acceding States from Central and Eastern Europe. As a result of this decision, a very large number of people from those countries have come to work here during the past two years. Indeed, Ireland has attracted a disproportionately large number of migrant workers compared with the other two EU countries that opened their labour markets in 2004. For example, we have taken in almost half as many workers as the UK, which has a population 15 times greater than ours.

Against this backdrop, and in the light of the intentions of our EU partners, our decision to continue to require work permits for Bulgarians and Romanians was the prudent and proper course of action to take in this instance. It means that workers from Bulgaria and Romania will be able to come here when they fill a genuine labour market need.

Question No. 124 answered with QuestionNo. 89.

Nuclear Safety.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

125 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions on Sellafield and nuclear power which took place at the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference meeting in Hillsborough Castle in July 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34484/06]

I discussed the issue of nuclear energy with Secretary of State Hain at the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference on 25 July of this year. We reaffirmed the commitment of the two Governments to the effect that nuclear power stations will not be built on the island of Ireland. In this context, we agreed to work together to maximise the contribution of renewable and sustainable energy to the future needs of the island.

As regards Sellafield, the UK side are in no doubt as to the Government's position in relation to the risks posed to Ireland by the facility. Our views in this regard have been expressed strongly and repeatedly, including at the British-Irish Council Summit in London on 2 June this year which I attended with my colleague, Mr. Dick Roche T.D., the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. At that meeting we emphasised the Government's concerns about Sellafield and nuclear safety generally.

Question No. 126 answered with QuestionNo. 120.
Question No. 127 answered with QuestionNo. 111.

Illegal Immigrants.

Phil Hogan

Question:

128 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts being undertaken by his Department to work with counterpart Departments across the European Union to combat human trafficking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34413/06]

The fight against trafficking in human beings is a matter of urgent concern at EU and international level. At the June European Council this year, Heads of State and Government identified this issue as a priority where further action is required.

A wide ranging action plan to deal with trafficking in human beings was adopted at the December 2005 European Council. Implementation of this plan, which covers areas such as the coordination of EU action, the prevention of trafficking and the prosecution of offences linked to trafficking, is being pursued through the Justice and Home Affairs Council where Ireland is represented by the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

Human trafficking is also addressed in other international fora, including the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), where Ireland works closely with its EU Partners. A Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings was agreed last year and opened for signature in Warsaw on 16 May 2005. An action plan on human trafficking was endorsed by the OSCE in December 2003. Ireland is also a signatory to the UN Convention on Transnational Organised Crime and its two accompanying protocols on smuggling and on prevention, suppression and punishment of human trafficking. Human trafficking is, of course, primarily a criminal law matter and my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, is preparing legislation which will criminalise trafficking for the purpose of sexual and labour exploitation in Ireland. Ireland has also, through Irish Aid, contributed over €1.7 million towards anti-trafficking projects carried out by, amongst others, the International Labour Organisation.

Question No. 129 answered with QuestionNo. 114.
Question No. 130 answered with QuestionNo. 101.

International Agreements.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

131 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the outstanding issues which are to be resolved by the Government of Romania in preparation for EU accession; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34427/06]

The European Commission's final monitoring report on the state of Romania's preparedness for EU membership was released on 26 September. The report gives the European Commission's assessment on Romania's progress since May 2006. It confirms that they have made further progress with their preparations for membership and that they will be ready to join the European Union on 1 January 2007. However, the Commission's report also identifies a number of areas of continuing concern and makes it clear that it may take measures to ensure the proper functioning of the Union unless appropriate corrective action is taken.

The further monitoring envisaged in the Commission's report will serve to ensure that the pace of reform in Romania is maintained following its accession. In particular the Commission has set a number of benchmarks in the areas of judicial reform and the fight against corruption, money-laundering and organised crime where some progress has been made but further tangible results are needed. Other areas which have been identified for further scrutiny are the proper management of EU agricultural funds and food safety. Romania has been strongly encouraged to make proper use of the months before accession in order to address the remaining issues. The entry of Bulgaria and Romania into the EU will complete the Union's 5th enlargement that was made possible by the ending of the Cold War. Ireland looks forward to working with both countries in making a success of the enlarged Union of 27 members.

Question No. 132 answered with QuestionNo. 84.

Foreign Conflicts.

Dan Boyle

Question:

133 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts he, his Department and the EU have made to ameliorate the suffering of the Palestinian people since the EU cut off financial aid to the Hamas led Government in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34480/06]

Martin Ferris

Question:

137 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the ongoing failure of Israel to observe the human rights of the Palestinian people and in particular the Israeli Government’s continuing policy of collective punishment in Gaza; and if he will express the Irish people’s condemnation of Israel’s actions to the Israeli ambassador. [34512/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 133 and 137 together.

The Government remains deeply concerned at the continuing crisis in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The situation in Gaza in particular is unsustainable. The events of recent months have confirmed again that there are no military or unilateral solutions to the interlinked problems of the Middle East. The Government and our partners in the EU are committed to the promotion of a comprehensive settlement, with a negotiated two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict at its core. I stated in my address to the UN General Assembly on 26 September that such a settlement is more urgently required now than at any time in the past 60 years.

The Government has consistently been active, directly with the parties, with our partners in the EU and at the UN in encouraging the negotiation of a lasting, just and peaceful settlement based on the co-existence of two sovereign and independent States, Israel and Palestine. The EU has taken the lead under the Oslo Process, since 1993, in supporting the establishment of the institutions of a future Palestinian State. The EU continues to impress on both Israel and the Palestinian Authority the urgency of meeting their obligations under the Quartet Roadmap and under international law. In this regard, it is essential that Israel end the building of settlements, the construction of the separation barrier on occupied land and all activities which threaten to undermine the viability of a two-State solution. We have stated very clearly that the EU will not recognise any change to the pre-1967 borders unless they have been agreed between the parties. My officials and I have consistently conveyed these views in contacts with the Israeli Government, and will continue to do so.

Following the democratic Palestinian elections in January, the EU and the international Quartet outlined clearly the principles under which the international community can engage with the Palestinian Government. I deeply regret that, to date, the Hamas Government which was appointed in March, has not yet committed itself unambiguously to the peace process. The EU has strongly supported the recent courageous efforts by President Mahmoud Abbas to negotiate the formation of a Palestinian Government of national unity, committed to the negotiation of a two-State solution. The process has proved extremely difficult, and has been undermined by the violence in the Occupied Territories since June and by the recent clashes between different armed Palestinian groups. I have stated, however, that if President Abbas is successful in forming a national unity Government based clearly on his platform for peace and reflecting the Quartet principles, Ireland will argue strongly for a positive and creative political response by the EU.

Deputies will be aware that since April the Commission has suspended direct assistance to the Government of the Palestinian Authority. However, the EU has taken the lead in the establishment of the Temporary International Mechanism to channel assistance directly to the Palestinian people. The Mechanism has been in operation since July, and the General Affairs and External Relations Council in Luxembourg on 17 October welcomed the expansion of its remit, and its extension until December 2006. The Mechanism has focused on essential assistance in the health sector, the provision of fuel, and support for the large number of Palestinian families depending on low incomes. In fact, and contrary to what is widely believed, EU assistance to the Palestinians has increased significantly this year. To date in 2006, the EU has provided a total of €650 million in urgently needed assistance. Community assistance has risen to €330 million so far, about one third higher than the annual total in recent years. Ireland's bilateral assistance to the Palestinian people will increase by some 25% this year, to €5.4 million and the Government remains ready to respond further as necessary. The withholding by Israel of over €450 million in tax and customs revenues since April is the principal factor in the financial crisis facing the Authority. The EU has repeatedly called on Israel to resume transfers to the Palestinian Authority, if necessary through the Mechanism.

The immediate priority now must be to end the humanitarian and security crisis in Gaza. We have called clearly for an end to violence from all sources and the release of the captured Israeli soldier and the detained Palestinian legislators. The closure of Gaza must also be ended, through the re-opening of border crossing points for people and for goods. The EU is ready to play its part on the ground, including through the EU Border Assistance Mission at Rafah. The EU will also continue to press for an early and substantive meeting between Prime Minister Olmert and President Abbas, with a view to the re-establishment of a credible political process based on the essentials of the Quartet Roadmap.

Human Rights Issues.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

134 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the situation in Mexico where mass electoral fraud has been alleged in the recent presidential election of Mr. Felipe Calderon; and if he has alerted or intends to contact the Mexican Ambassador in Dublin to express concern regarding the lack of transparency in this election. [34510/06]

Given the disputed outcome of the Mexican Presidential election on 2 July, the European Union, and Ireland nationally, expressed no immediate view on the result pending the completion of the relevant processes under Mexican law, although an EU Election Observation Mission concluded that the conduct of the election had been fair. Following the definitive ruling of the Mexican Federal Electoral Tribunal on 5 September declaring Mr Felipe Calderon the winner of the election, the European Union conveyed its congratulations to the President-Elect and urged all Mexicans to work for the future development of the country and respect the framework of its democratic institutions. The Taoiseach has written to Mr Calderon to convey his congratulations and to wish him success in confronting the important challenges which Mexico will face over the coming years, not least those issues which have been highlighted by the long election process. I shall not be raising the conduct of the election with the Mexican Ambassador in Dublin.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

135 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing situation in Oaxaca in Mexico where peaceful legitimate protestors have been intimidated, kidnapped and killed; and if he will contact the Mexican Ambassador in Dublin regarding these incidents to highlight and put pressure on the Mexican Government to prevent an escalation of such human rights abuses. [34511/06]

The situation to which the Deputy refers concerns an ongoing state of unrest in Oaxaca in southern Mexico. In May 2006, an initially peaceful teachers' pay-related strike developed into an increasingly violent and politicised protest, with protesters forming the Asamblea Popular de los Pueblos de Oaxaca (APPO, or the Popular Assembly of the Peoples of Oaxaca). APPO took control of the centre of the city, as well as the local radio and television station, bringing the state government to a virtual standstill within the city. APPO has stated that it will only agree to negotiations aimed at ending the protest and reopening the state's 14,000 schools if the democratically elected state governor, Ulises Ruiz, is removed from power. At least five people are known to have been killed during the course of the protests.

The Mexican Government has been making intensive efforts to resolve peacefully the situation in Oaxaca. Most recently, on 10 October, lengthy negotiations were held in Mexico City between representatives of the government, teachers' union and APPO, at which it was agreed that the state and municipal police could resume their patrols in Oaxaca city under federal command. The teachers' representatives also agreed to consult regarding the reopening of schools, halting their strike and ending the occupation of the city centre. However, the subsequent rejection of these agreements by the protesters on 11 October sparked a fresh wave of violence, forcing the postponement of an assessment visit by the Mexican Senate.

I am satisfied that the Mexican Government is working to bring about a peaceful and democratic end to the state of unrest, with incumbent President Vicente Fox highlighting the resolution of the dispute as one of his priorities before the completion of his term in office on 1 December. Ireland, along with our European Union partners, monitors and regularly discusses with the Mexican authorities the human rights situation in Mexico and the fulfilment of their obligations under international law. I have asked our Embassy in Mexico to keep the situation under review.

Foreign Conflicts.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

136 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the financial and other economic implications for the Cypriot economy from the unilateral and punitive restrictions being imposed by Turkey, an EU applicant member; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34565/06]

The relationship between Cyprus and Turkey is fraught with a number of problems stemming from the division of the island between the internationally-recognised Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish controlled northern part. EU membership conferred a range of economic benefits on the Republic of Cyprus. Finding a solution to Cyprus's political problem would allow these benefits to be extended to all the people of the island.

Following the referendums of 24 April 2004 on the UN Secretary General's proposals for a comprehensive settlement, the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) agreed on the need to end the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot community and to facilitate the reunification of Cyprus by fostering their economic advancement. At its meeting on 27 February last, the Council adopted a regulation establishing a financial support instrument under which a total of €139 million will be made available to the Turkish Cypriot community in 2006 for the purpose of facilitating the integration of the island and promoting contact between the two communities.

The June 2006 European Council recalled the need for Turkey to fulfil its obligations under the Association Agreement and its Additional Protocol, which takes account of the accession of the new Member States, including the Republic of Cyprus. Turkey's progress in fulfilling these obligations, which include the need to recognise the economic, maritime and navigational rights of all EU Member States will be evaluated by the European Commission in a report that is due to be published on 8 November. The Finnish Presidency is working on an initiative aimed at resolving the question of access to Turkish ports for Cypriot vessels in compliance with the Ankara Protocol. We fully support these efforts by the Presidency and hope that they will lead to a solution.

The United Nations has the lead role in the search for a comprehensive settlement. The EU and its Member States recognise the importance of supporting the efforts of the UN Secretary General and are agreed that a just and lasting settlement would contribute to peace and stability in the region. Our shared objective is an agreed, comprehensive settlement, which will enable the people of Cyprus to live together as citizens of a united Cyprus in the European Union.

Question No. 137 answered with QuestionNo. 133.

Human Rights Issues.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

138 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on recent meetings with Chinese Vice-Premier Zeng; if Amnesty International’s recent report on human rights or other reports on human rights in China were raised with Mr. Zeng; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30641/06]

Chinese Vice-Premier Zeng Peiyan paid an official visit to Ireland from 24-26 September. The Vice-Premier held official talks with the Tánaiste and paid courtesy calls on the President and the Taoiseach. The Minister for Education and Science, Ms. Mary Hanafin T.D., hosted an official dinner for the Vice-Premier and a business breakfast was hosted for him by the Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment, Mr. Micheál Martin T.D., in co-operation with Enterprise Ireland. The key objective of the visit was to build on the close and developing relationship between Ireland and China.

The official talks held with the Tánaiste on 25 September enabled a detailed exchange of views on a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues and provided an opportunity to discuss practical ways to further pursue our mutual interests. The discussion covered expanding trade and investment and strengthening cooperation at all levels, in particular practical co-operation in areas such as education, agriculture, science and technology and research with a particular focus on software development and bio-engineering.

The meeting also afforded an opportunity for the Tánaiste to raise human rights concerns with the Vice-Premier. Human rights issues are a constant and important point of dialogue with the Chinese authorities at both bilateral and European Union (EU) levels. For my part, I took the opportunity to raise human rights issues and concerns, including the importance we attach to freedom of speech and religion, when I met with Chinese Foreign Minister, Mr. Li Zhaoxing, during a visit to Beijing in May. Foreign Minister Li referred in particular to China's commitment to the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue and was hopeful that a decision would be taken to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as soon as possible.

The EU-China Human Rights Dialogue is the agreed formal framework through which the EU raises human rights issues and concerns with China. The latest round of the Dialogue was held in Beijing on 19 October.

Senior officials from both sides discussed a wide range of human rights issues. Special attention was given to questions related to combating racism, freedom of expression and reform of the criminal justice system in China. The EU took note of the commitment of China to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as soon as possible and, in that context, to reform its criminal justice system. The EU urged China to continue co-operation with, and implementation of the recommendations of, the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, including the rapid abolition of the "re-education through labour" system. The EU expressed its deep concern over the continuing restrictions on freedom of expression in China, including on the use of the internet. The EU further expressed concern at the high number of human rights defenders, lawyers and journalists in prison and urged China not to harass or punish individuals exercising their right to freedom of expression in a peaceful manner.

Other subjects discussed included the recent incident on China's border with Nepal, where Chinese soldiers opened fire towards a group of Tibetans attempting to cross the border. The EU side asked for clarification and urged China to investigate the incident thoroughly.

Question No. 139 answered with QuestionNo. 87.
Question No. 140 answered with QuestionNo. 89.

Overseas Development Aid.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

141 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the moneys allocated to Irish Aid for 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34431/06]

Denis Naughten

Question:

150 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the projected increase in the amount allocated to Irish Aid in 2007 compared with 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34430/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 150 together.

In September 2005, speaking to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the Taoiseach committed Ireland to reaching the UN target of 0.7% of GNP on Official Development Assistance (ODA) to developing countries by 2012.

An interim target of 0.5% was set for 2007. The necessary provision will be made in the 2007 Estimates Volume to meet this commitment. The Estimates are currently being finalised and will be published in due course. The total ODA budget for 2006 will amount to around €734 million.

EU Accession Negotiations.

Joe Costello

Question:

142 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the latest meetings and debates concerning the proposed accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the European Union; the initiatives or suggestions Ireland has made in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34495/06]

The European Commission's final monitoring report on the state of preparedness for EU membership of Bulgaria and Romania was released on 26 September. The report gives the European Commission's assessment of their progress since May 2006. It confirms that they will be ready to join the European Union on 1 January 2007. However, the Commission's report also identifies a number of areas of continuing concern and makes plain its willingness to take the necessary measures to ensure the proper functioning of the Union following their accession.

The General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) meeting in Luxembourg on 17 October 2006 concluded that Bulgaria and Romania will be in a position to take on the obligations of membership on 1 January 2007. The Council commended both countries on the reforms they have undertaken in preparation for membership. The Council also underlined the importance of continued political commitment by both countries to address the outstanding issues identified in the Commission's report. The Enlargement Working Group, which meets regularly in Brussels, will continue to monitor the two countries' preparedness for membership.

Throughout this process, Ireland has fully supported the Commission in its efforts to ensure full compliance with the requirements of membership. We have urged both countries to make full use of the period prior to accession in order to deal with the problem areas highlighted by the Commission.

We have also sought to provide practical support to both countries in their preparations for membership. Bulgaria and Romania currently benefit from the Department of Foreign Affairs' Accession Training Programme and can continue to do so for a period following their accession. There is already a programme in place dedicated to capacity-building in public administration in both countries and we are currently developing a programme to promote transparency in recruitment and promotion in the Bulgarian public sector.

Question No. 143 answered with QuestionNo. 99.
Question No. 144 answered with QuestionNo. 101.
Question No. 145 answered with QuestionNo. 123.

Pat Breen

Question:

146 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the outstanding issues which are to be resolved by the Government of Bulgaria in preparation for EU accession; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34426/06]

The European Commission's final monitoring report on Bulgaria's state of preparedness for EU membership was released on 26 September. The report gives the European Commission's assessment on Bulgaria's progress since May 2006. It confirms that their preparations for membership have advanced further and that Bulgaria will be ready to join the European Union on 1 January 2007. However, the Commission's report also identifies a number of areas of continuing concern and makes plain its willingness to take the necessary measures to ensure the proper functioning of the Union if appropriate corrective action is not taken by Bulgaria.

The further monitoring envisaged in the Commission's report will serve to ensure that the pace of reform in Bulgaria is maintained following its accession. In particular, the Commission has set a number of benchmarks in the areas of judicial reform and the fight against corruption, money-laundering and organised crime. These are areas where some progress has been made, but where further efforts and tangible results are needed. Other areas of concern highlighted by the Commission are the proper management of EU agricultural funds, food safety and aviation. Bulgaria has been strongly encouraged to make proper use of the months before accession in order to address the remaining issues.

The entry of Bulgaria and Romania into the EU on 1 January 2007 will complete the Union's 5 Enlargement made possible by the ending of the Cold War. Ireland looks forward to working with both countries in making a success of the enlarged Union of 27 members.

Question No. 147 answered with QuestionNo. 89.

Convention Ratification.

Jack Wall

Question:

148 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when Ireland will be in a position to ratify the United Nations Convention against Corruption; the number of European Union countries that have ratified this Convention; the date at which the Convention will come into force; and the implications for both ratifying and non-ratifying countries. [34489/06]

I refer the Deputy to my previous replies to similar questions concerning the United Nations Convention against Corruption, most recently on 29 June 2006. The Convention was adopted by the UN General Assembly in October 2003 and was signed on behalf of Ireland, when it opened for signature, in December 2003. The Convention entered into force on 14 December 2005. To date, eight Member States of the EU have ratified the Convention.

The House will recall that my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, who has lead responsibility in this area, has instructed his officials to examine the Convention with a view to identifying the necessary legislation which will be required to enable Ireland to ratify it. This examination, which is ongoing, is being carried out in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General. The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform will advise when their internal procedures have been completed.

The aims of the Convention are to promote and strengthen measures to prevent and combat corruption more efficiently and effectively; to promote, facilitate and support international cooperation and technical assistance in the fight against corruption, including in asset recovery; and to promote integrity, accountability and proper management of public affairs and public property.

Arms Trade.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

149 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the ban imposed by Ireland in July 2006 on the shipment of munitions through State airports to Israel, is still in place; if there were requests for such shipments during 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34483/06]

Applications for the transit of munitions of war are considered on a case-by-case basis. During the recent crisis in Lebanon, I made clear that permission would not be granted to any such application for the transport of munitions of war to Israel.

The Government has since welcomed the cessation of hostilities in Lebanon and the ongoing implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. However, I am conscious of the continuing difficulties in the region, including the unresolved situation in Gaza. Against this background, any application for the transit of munitions of war will continue to be considered on a case-by-case basis, with regard to all relevant circumstances.

As regards actual applications in 2006, one application was received in May, from a civil air charter company operating on behalf of the US military. In this case, permission was granted for the transit through Shannon airport of a detachment of US troops, with their personal weapons, on their way to participate in an exercise in Israel. No other munitions were involved. This transit predated the recent conflict in Lebanon.

Question No. 150 answered with QuestionNo. 141.
Question No. 151 answered with QuestionNo. 95.
Question No. 152 answered with QuestionNo. 111.
Question No. 153 answered with QuestionNo. 92.

Emigrant Support Services.

Eamon Ryan

Question:

154 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent trip to New York and his meeting with the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform and other groups dealing with undocumented Irish in the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34485/06]

I very much welcome the opportunity presented by my recent visit to New York on the occasion of the United Nations General Assembly to also meet with representatives of the Irish community. As the Deputy will be aware, the welfare of the undocumented Irish in the US is a matter of deep concern to the Government and one which I raise in all of my dealings with key figures there.

On 27th September, I had a very valuable meeting with the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform (ILIR), an organisation that very effectively represents the views of the undocumented Irish, and which the Government has been happy to support financially. I have met with representatives of ILIR on a number of occasions, both in the US and in Ireland, and know that they very much appreciate the interest of the Government and the Oireachtas in their work. During our recent meeting in New York, they provided me with an update on their campaign. We also exchanged views on developments in the immigration reform debate and on the prospects for the undocumented Irish. I reiterated to them that my efforts on behalf of the undocumented Irish will continue to be an area of the highest priority in the period ahead.

I was also happy to meet again with representatives of Irish Immigration Centres and the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centres. The information and advisory services that these centres offer are of great benefit to the more vulnerable members of our community in the US, including the undocumented Irish. Earlier this year I was happy to announce grants totalling US$1.183 million to these centres, an increase of 29% on last year's funding.

In the period ahead, the Government will continue to strongly support measures that would enable the undocumented to regularise their status and have open to them a path to permanent residency. In this regard, we warmly appreciate the firm commitment to a comprehensive solution that Senator Kennedy, Senator McCain and others continue to pursue.

Garda Equipment.

James Breen

Question:

155 Mr. J. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 646 of 25 April 2006, when the radio system in Ennis Garda Station will be replaced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34692/06]

As outlined in my response to the Deputy's question of 26th April, the procurement of a Managed Digital Radio Service has been undertaken by the Department of Finance on behalf of An Garda Síochána, other blue light services and some non-commercial public bodies. The EU-based restricted tender procedure currently underway is now at tender evaluation stage. When this process is complete and a preferred bidder is selected, implementation of the new system will commence.

Implementation plans, including prioritisation of stations, will be decided following the selection of the successful bidder. Accordingly, it is not possible for the Garda authorities to be definitive about the rollout plan for Ennis Garda station at this stage. However, it is planned that implementation of the radio service will commence before the end of this year and be substantially implemented within a two year period.

Proposed Legislation.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

156 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to legalise fireworks; his views on whether this would ensure a safer use of the products currently being used illegally in this jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34720/06]

The Explosives Act, 1875, as amended by the Criminal Justice Act, 2006, governs the importation, manufacture, storage and sale of fireworks and under the Act fireworks may only be imported into the country on foot of an importation licence granted by me. It is current policy, in the interests of public safety and security, to restrict, to the greatest extent possible, the availability of fireworks to the general public. Consequently, licences are only issued for the importation of fireworks for use in organised displays, conducted by "professional/competent operators". Licences are not issued for the importation of fireworks for sale to the general public. Last year I commissioned research into the public's attitude to current policy on the control of fireworks and the general conclusion of the research was that the public are generally in favour of the thrust of current policy. I believe that our current policy strikes the right balance.

Conscious of the difficulties which the illegal use of fireworks present each year around this time and the distress they cause to people, particularly the elderly, I introduced, in the Criminal Justice Act, 2006, a number of amendments to the 1875 Act which provide for new offences, governing the illegal possession and use of fireworks, and increased penalties. Under these new provisions it is an offence:

to possess a firework with intent to sell or supply, without a licence,

to throw an ignited firework at any person or property, and

to light unlicensed fireworks in a public place.

The penalty for such offences is a fine of up to €2,500 or 6 months imprisonment or both on summary conviction or a fine of up to €10,000 or 5 years imprisonment or both on conviction on indictment.

The simple possession of fireworks without a licence is also an offence for which a person may be liable to a fine of up to €10,000.

A Directive on control of fireworks is currently being debated in the EU. The objective of the Directive is to establish rules designed to achieve the free movement of pyrotechnic articles/fireworks throughout EU Member States while, at the same time, ensuring a high degree of protection for the consumer. When the Directive is finalised, all fireworks imported into or manufactured or sold within EU Member States, will be required to comply with certain essential minimum safety standards. While the Directive will allow the free movement, within the EU Member States, of low hazard fireworks, (such as sparklers and party poppers), it will not preclude Member States from taking measures, which are justified on the grounds of public safety, security or public order, to prohibit or restrict the possession, use or sale to the general public of more hazardous and powerful fireworks.

Road Traffic Accidents.

Tony Gregory

Question:

157 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the functions of An Garda Síochána when called to a road traffic accident; and if, where there is evidence at the scene of the accident that a breach of the law had occurred for example careless or dangerous driving and one car on the wrong side of the road, there is a duty on the part of the Gardaí at the scene to investigate such matters further. [34721/06]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that collisions vary widely in nature and degree of seriousness and the number of personnel who attend and the action taken will vary accordingly.

The duties of Garda personnel at the scene of collisions include rendering assistance to injured persons, and, if necessary, to procure medical and spiritual aid and arrange for their removal to hospital. Duties also include preserving the scene, that is, preventing interference with vehicles, debris, tracks, marks, etc. until properly noted, reducing traffic obstruction as soon as possible, when necessary arranging for the temporary diversion of traffic and noting and collecting all available evidence at the scene.

Collisions resulting in material damage will usually only be investigated where an offence is disclosed, a State owned vehicle is involved or the requirements of section 106 of the Road Traffic Acts 1961-2006 have not been compiled with, ie. there has been failure to remain at the scene of a collision.

I am also informed that the circumstances surrounding any loss of life as a result of a road traffic collision are thoroughly investigated by An Garda Síochána in accordance with the instructions set out in the Garda Code. The District Officer (Superintendent) for the area where a fatal collision occurs is responsible for the investigation. S/he ensures sufficient and appropriate personnel are assigned to the investigation and that all aspects of the investigation are thoroughly carried out. All events preceding the collision, including the actions and activities of any driver, passenger or pedestrian, as appropriate are fully enquired into.

Where necessary, full use is made of local and national media for appeals for information from any person who may have witnessed the collision, or have information relevant to it.

Tony Gregory

Question:

158 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, where a patrolling Garda car is close to the scene of a road traffic accident but is not from the Garda district in which the accident site is located, the patrolling Gardaí are prevented by a provision or regulation from attending at the scene and taking the necessary details; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34722/06]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there is no provision or regulation preventing a member of An Garda Síochána from investigating traffic collisions in a Garda District other than their own. However, while a patrol car may be close to the scene of a traffic collision, the crew of that patrol car may be attending to another call or incident, and may not be in a position to attend immediately to the traffic collision.

I am further informed that in the Dublin Metropolitan Region calls are allocated through the Computer Aided Dispatch System (CADS) in order of priority.

Garda Stations.

Billy Timmins

Question:

159 Mr. Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to a parliamentary question (details supplied), the priority which has been allocated to the purchase of a site for a Garda station at Greystones in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34753/06]

As the Deputy is aware, the Garda authorities have recommended that a new Garda station be provided for Greystones, and it is included on the Garda Building Programme. The Office of Public Works has been requested to consider the options available, including the possibility of acquiring a new site, to further progress this project.

The acquisition of sites, where required, is primarily a matter for OPW and when their report outlining the options for the development is received, consideration can then be given on how best to progress this project.

I should add that as with all projects on the Garda Building Programme progress in relation to a specific development is dependent on overall agreed priorities. The Garda Building Programme is progressed, and prioritised, with the cooperation and commitment of all concerned my Department, the Garda authorities and Representative Associations and the Office of Public Works from whose Vote the capital works to Garda properties are funded.

Registration of Title.

Liam Aylward

Question:

160 Mr. Aylward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress to date on a dealing (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [34754/06]

I understand that the Land Registry has forwarded the information requested directly to the Deputy.

I would like to refer the Deputy to my letter of 26 May, 2006 to members of the Oireachtas regarding a new service for T.D.s and Senators concerning the current status of Land Registry/Registry of Deeds applications. As outlined in my letter, the service was introduced, inter alia, to provide a speedier and more cost effective alternative to submitting Parliamentary Questions.

Crime Prevention.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

161 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department proposes to accept their responsibilities as the funding agency for the Bris programme which was discontinued in the west side of Galway City, in terms of their obligations to the community worker to whom an award was made on foot of the ending of their employment on the sudden ending of this project, and which remains outstanding; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that those who acted as agents for his Department are claiming inability to pay and that as a result the community worker involved is being deprived of the award that has been made to them by an independent statutory authority. [34755/06]

The Bris Garda Youth Diversion Project terminated on 31 May, 2005 as the result of the withdrawal of service by the employer who provided premises and staff to the project. The employer informed An Garda Síochána by letter dated 25 April, 2005 of the intention to withdraw from the project.

I would like to point out to the Deputy that the employer, in accordance with Garda Youth Diversion Project Guidelines, has overall responsibility for the staffing of the project and for all employment related issues.

Following its closure, an independent evaluation of the Bris Project was commissioned by the Garda authorities. The report of the evaluation has been received by them and is in the final stages of consideration by senior Garda management. Upon completion of their consideration of this report, they will forward their recommendations to my Department, which will decide on what steps to take. I look forward to early receipt of these Garda recommendations.

Departmental Properties.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

162 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in recent times, property has been acquired or disposed of in the Dublin area by or on behalf of an agency (details supplied); the details of same and in particular the arrangements negotiated in relation to a property (details supplied). [34795/06]

The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers and is obliged to provide sufficient accommodation at all times for this purpose. A total of 3,477 applications for asylum have been made to-date during 2006 and there are currently 5,215 asylum seekers accommodated in 55 RIA centres throughout the State.

As part of the management of this process, the RIA advertised in the national press on the 10th July, 2006 for "expressions of interest from persons interested in providing accommodation and ancillary services for asylum seekers". In response to the advertisement an offer of the accommodation in question was made to RIA.

The contractual arrangements in this case represent good value for money in the prevailing market conditions in Dublin and are in line with other contractual arrangements for the provision of such accommodation.

The centre will have an overall capacity for 250 persons for approximately 60-65 families. The centre opened on the 10th October, 2006 and the contract runs until the 24th December, 2012. To date a total of 21 families have been placed there. The centre is not the largest in RIA's portfolio — there are seven other centres of similar or larger size. No contracts for accommodation centres have been discontinued in Dublin in the last five months.

Garda Operations.

Michael Noonan

Question:

163 Mr. Noonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if Garda horse patrols and dog patrols take place in Limerick; the stations to which they are attached; the method, frequency and locality of the patrols; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34796/06]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána increased to a record 12,762 on Friday, 8 September, 2006, following the attestation of 249 new members. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June, 1997 and represents an increase of 2,060 (or 19%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.3 billion, a 13% increase on 2005 and an 85% increase since 1997 in real terms.

I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that under Operation ‘Assist', personnel from Organisational Support Unit, including the Garda Mounted Unit and the Garda Dog Unit, have been supplementing local Garda personnel in conducting daily patrols of the Moyross estates of Limerick City since the beginning of October. The patrols are generally of an eight-hour duration and are usually from late evening until the early hours of the following morning. The patrols are dependent on requirements and issues arising in the general Moyross area and are at the discretion of local Garda management.

Garda management state that the Garda Dog Units and Mounted Units are conducting these patrols from Mayorstone Garda Station and have provided excellent assistance to local Garda personnel in the policing of the areas in question.

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. Garda management state that 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 three groups of newly attested Gardaí under this accelerated recruitment programme came on stream in March, June and September of this year and the fourth such group will become fully attested members of the Force later this year. 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 Limerick will be given the fullest consideration.

Garda Deployment.

Michael Noonan

Question:

164 Mr. Noonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Government will appoint an additional Assistant Garda Commissioner to take charge of the force in Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34797/06]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána increased to a record 12,762 on Friday, 8 September, 2006, following the attestation of 249 new members. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June, 1997 and represents an increase of 2,060 (or 19%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.3 billion, a 13% increase on 2005 and an 85% increase since 1997 in real terms.

I have been further informed that there is one Assistant Garda Commissioner assigned to the Southern Region, which comprises the Divisions of Limerick, Cork City, Cork North, Cork West and Kerry.

Garda management state that there is currently no proposal to appoint an additional Assistant Garda Commissioner to take charge of the service in Limerick.

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. Garda management state that 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 three groups of newly attested Gardaí under this accelerated recruitment programme came on stream in March, June and September of this year and the fourth such group will become fully attested members of the Force later this year. 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 Limerick area will be given the fullest consideration.

Garda Strength.

Michael Noonan

Question:

165 Mr. Noonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí by rank in the Limerick division; the stations to which they are attached; the way the numbers have changed in each of the past four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34798/06]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, that the personnel strength (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána increased to a record 12,762 on Friday, 8 September, 2006, following the attestation of 249 new members. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June, 1997 and represents an increase of 2,060 (or 19%) during that period. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.3 billion, a 13% increase on 2005 and an 85% increase since 1997 in real terms.

I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of the Limerick Division as at 31 December, 2002-2005, inclusively, and as at 23 October, 2006 was as set out in the table hereunder:

Year

Strength (all ranks)

2002

460

2003

474

2004

482

2005

484

23/10/2006

522

I have also been informed that the personnel strength of each Garda Station, by rank, in the Limerick Division as at 23 October, 2006 was as set out in the table hereunder:

Stations

C/Supt

Supt

Insp

Sergt

Gda

Total 23/10/06

Henry St

1

1

6

23

184

215

Mary St

1

3

4

Castleconnell

1

3

4

Ardnacrusha

1

2

3

Mayorstone Pk

11

44

55

Roxboro Rd

1

3

14

85

103

Patrickswell

1

2

3

Ballyneety

1

1

2

Caherconlish

2

2

Askeaton

1

3

18

22

Adare

1

2

3

Pallaskenry

2

2

Croom

1

3

4

Foynes

2

2

Glin

1

1

Shanagolden

1

1

Rathkeale

1

5

6

Bruff

1

2

20

23

Kilfinane

1

1

Ballylanders

1

1

Hospital

1

1

2

Bruree

1

1

Kilmallock

1

4

5

Pallas

1

2

3

Cappamore

1

2

3

Murroe

2

2

Drumcollogher

1

1

2

Newcastlewest

1

1

4

24

30

Abbeyfeale

2

11

13

Ballingarry

1

1

Tournafulla

1

1

Athea

1

1

Kilmeedy

1

1

Castletown

0

TOTAL

1

5

10

72

434

522

In addition, I would point out to the Deputy that the Division's resources are further augmented by a number of Garda National Units such as the Garda National Drugs Unit, the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and other specialised units.

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. Garda management state that 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 three groups of newly attested Gardaí under this accelerated recruitment programme came on stream in March, June and September of this year and the fourth such group will become fully attested members of the Force later this year. 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 Limerick Division will be given the fullest consideration.

Residency Permits.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

166 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to permission to remain here for a person (details supplied) in County Carlow. [34799/06]

The person in question was granted permission to remain in the State under the revised arrangements for parents of Irish children born prior to 1 January 2005. Information received from the Garda National Immigration Bureau indicates that the person concerned may not have made full disclosure of all the facts of his case when he made his application under the above mentioned revised arrangements. This matter is currently being investigated and a decision on whether to grant him further periods of residency in the State will be made following the results of these investigations.

Garda Deployment.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

167 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí working in community policing in the Mountjoy station in 2005 and in 2006; the ranking level of the Gardaí; the number of them focused on the Phibsborough area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34800/06]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána increased to a record 12,762 on Friday, 8 September, 2006, following the attestation of 249 new members. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June, 1997 and represents an increase of 2,060 (or 19%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.3 billion, a 13% increase on 2005 and an 85% increase since 1997 in real terms.

I have been further informed that the number of Community Gardaí (by rank) attached to Mountjoy Garda Station as at 31 December, 2005 and 23 October, 2006 was as set out in the table hereunder:

31/12/05

23/10/06

Sergeant

1

Garda

13

13

Total

13

14

I have also been informed that the number of Gardaí attached to the Community Policing Unit at Mountjoy Garda Station assigned to the Phibsborough area in 2005, and as at 23 October, 2006, was 2.

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. Garda management state that 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 three groups of newly attested Gardaí under this accelerated recruitment programme came on stream in March, June and September of this year and the fourth such group will become fully attested members of the Force later this year. 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 Mountjoy Garda Station will be given the fullest consideration.

Northern Ireland Issues.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

168 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he shares the concerns of a member of the British House of Commons regarding the alleged activities of MI6 here (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34888/06]

I have examined a transcript of the radio interview with the person in question. However, it is not clear what, if any, allegations are being made. Accordingly, I am not in a position to make any substantive response.

Departmental Bodies.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

169 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Finance further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 151 of 18 October 2006, if he will instruct the Hidden Economy Working Group to commence meetings immediately, rather than await the formal ratification of Towards 2016; his views on requesting a brief annual report from this working group that could contribute to the wider discussion of the black economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34739/06]

The Revenue Commissioners currently chair the Hidden Economy Monitoring Group and they advise me that they intend convening the next meeting of the Group within the next few weeks rather than waiting for the formal ratification of Towards 2016. As the Deputy will be aware representatives from the proposed new Office of the Director for Employment Rights Compliance (ODERC) will join the Group.

Revenue also inform me that, having regard to the remit of the Group emerging from Towards 2016 and the changed membership, they would intend proposing at the next meeting that a review of the Group's Terms of Reference should be undertaken immediately. The matter of an annual report from the Group will be considered as part of that Review.

Decentralisation Programme.

Noel Grealish

Question:

170 Mr. Grealish asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the decentralisation of Revenue Commissioner positions to Newcastle West; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34740/06]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the Office of Public Works has secured a suitable site for the accommodation of 50 Revenue staff due to decentralise to Newcastle West. An application for planning permission has now been lodged with Limerick County Council. On receipt of a satisfactory planning permission the preferred tenderer will be instructed to submit working drawings and a bill of quantities with a view to a contract being placed and work commencing on site. The indicative timeframe for completion is the end of 2007.

As soon as the new accommodation is available Revenue will be in a position to commence operations in that office with immediate effect.

In the interim, to provide appropriate training while minimising disruption to the ongoing business, temporary accommodation was set up in Limerick in July 2006 for staff due to transfer to Newcastle West.

Tax Code.

Pat Carey

Question:

171 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Finance if he will review the liability of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 11 for the payment of stamp duty on the purchase of a home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34789/06]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that as there are two purchasers in this case it is necessary for both to qualify as first time purchasers in order for the relief to apply. As one of the parties has not purchased a house or apartment previously the relief applies to her in her own right. However, if the second partner had previously purchased residential property in conjunction with his former spouse, his qualification would be dependent on him no longer retaining any interest in that property and his former spouse continuing to occupy the property. As the latter condition is not met in this case, I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that under the relevant legislation the first-time purchaser relief will not therefore apply.

State Airports.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

172 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Finance the number of flights per airport that arrived at Dublin, Shannon and Cork Airports at times when no customs officers were rostered for duty for each year since 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34883/06]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they do not have information on the numbers of flight movements into and out of Cork, Dublin or Shannon Airports going back to 2002. Such information is the property of the Airport Authority rather than the Revenue Commissioners. It has not been possible to get the same level of detail on flight movements from the relevant authority for each airport, with the result that some numbers in the response are estimated. Since 1993 intra-Community travellers of EU countries have had the right of free movement within the EU. Customs authorities are not permitted to impose systematic checks on travellers whose point of origin is within the EU. In effect, intra-Community flights have been regarded as domestic since 1993. Customs authorities can impose selective checks for prohibited or restricted goods, but only on the basis of "reasonable grounds for suspicion". Flights from non-EU countries are of course subject to checking at the discretion of the Customs Service of the Revenue Commissioners.

Customs experience has shown that flights and types of passenger can be risk-rated quite accurately, and checking is now mainly risk driven. In addition to risk driven checks, random checks are sometimes performed to validate the risk assessment. Anti-smuggling checks are targeted, and are carried out by rostered staff or by on-call non-rostered staff depending on the availability of rostered staff, and on the number of officers required.

Dublin

Throughout the period in question Revenue has had, and continues to have, officers rostered on a 24/7 basis in Dublin Airport.

Shannon

Up to the end of 2004, staff were rostered on a 24-hour basis and all flights were attended. A review of the risk associated with late-night flights however prompted a change in 2005.

Since that change in 2005 there have been in general 17 flights per week outside of hours when rostered staff were on duty. However those flights are monitored and checked as appropriate by non-rostered officers.

Cork

All scheduled flights to Cork originate within the EU and are relatively low risk. These are monitored and attended by non-rostered officers as required. There are 15 scheduled flights per week Monday to Friday (3 per day x 5 days) that arrive during hours that officers are not rostered. They are also monitored and attended by non-rostered officers on a risk-management basis. Officers are rostered at weekends for a total of 16 rostered hours. These rosters vary from weekend to weekend, depending on flight movements and profiling of those flights. The officers are rostered to attend at the times of highest risk. Given the high level of activity at weekends it is estimated that approximately 40 flights per weekend arrive during hours that officers are not rostered for attendance. As with all flights these are profiled and a proportion attended by non-rostered officers.

Health Services.

John Gormley

Question:

173 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to a company (details supplied) carrying out activities in a residential area; her views on whether this activity is in breach of health and safety standards; if she will investigate this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34741/06]

The Deputy's question relates to a commercial entity for which I have no statutory responsibility. However, I understand that the company has a contractual relationship with the Health Service Executive. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Care of the Elderly.

Mary Upton

Question:

174 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress that has been made in implementing the Food Safety Authority of Ireland’s 2000 recommendations for a national food and nutrition policy for older people; and the nutrient and food based guidance her Department provides for those providing residential care for older people. [34742/06]

Making healthy and nourishing food choices easily accessible to older people in residential care can help reduce the incidence of poor nutrition, under-nutrition or over-nutrition. My Department has drawn up an outline proposal for food served in health care Facilities, as part of the implementation of key Departmental strategies: the National Health Promotion Strategy and Quality and Fairness — A Health System for You

This proposal includes residential care for older people and is being delivered in 3 phases:

Phase 1: The Healthy Catering Guidelines for Staff and Visitors in Healthcare Facilities.

These guidelines, which will benefit staff and visitors in all Healthcare facilities, were published in 2005. An achievement award scheme to encourage and assist Healthcare Facilities wishing to adopt and evaluate the implementation of these guidelines, was launched in June 2006 and is being coordinated by the Health Promoting Hospitals Network.

Phase 2: Guidelines for Preventing Under-Nutrition in Acute Hospitals.

These guidelines will benefit all patients in Acute Hospitals. These guidelines, which will be available later this year, have been developed with the Irish Nutrition & Dietetic Institute, the Catering Managers Association and Health Promoting Hospitals Network. An achievement award scheme to assist Healthcare Facilities in adopting these guidelines is also planned.

Phase 3: Guidelines for Food and Nutrition in Long-Stay Healthcare Facilities.

These guidelines will benefit all those in long-term care, including residential care for older people. The guidelines will be developed by an expert group of stakeholders in 2007. The Guidelines for Preventing Under-Nutrition in Acute Hospitals will serve as a starting point for these and will include other nutrition problems for older people, such as inappropriate over-nutrition. An achievement award scheme is also envisaged.

Furthermore, improving nutrition for older people has been addressed by providing some dedicated community dietetic posts through home-care packages; the essence of care programmes, which now include nutrition as a key component; and pilot projects, such as the person centred project in the HSE Midland area, of which nutrition is a key component.

Hospital Services.

Noel Grealish

Question:

175 Mr. Grealish asked the Minister for Health and Children the situation regarding progress to develop a hospice, Alzheimer care and other facilities at St. Ita’s Hospital in Newcastle West; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34743/06]

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

Child Care Services.

Noel Grealish

Question:

176 Mr. Grealish asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding which has recently been made available to a centre (details supplied); the funding for crèche facilities being made available; the further funding being planned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34744/06]

As the Deputy is aware, I have responsibility for the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000 — 2006 (EOCP) and the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006 — 2010 (NCIP), which are being implemented by the newly established Office of the Minister for Children.

I understand that the Group in question has submitted an application for additional capital finding under the EOCP. I understand from enquiries I have made that this application is under appraisal. Each application undergoes a thorough assessment by Pobal, formerly known as Area Development Management Ltd., which is engaged to administer the Programme.

Following completion of the assessment, the application will be considered by the Programme Appraisal Committee, before a decision is made regarding funding. The Group will be informed of the outcome of the assessment in due course.

Medical Cards.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

177 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a medical card application for a person (details supplied) in County Cork which was submitted at end of August 2006. [34745/06]

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

Hospital Services.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

178 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason there was no dentist available on a Saturday night at University College Hospital, Galway to attend a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the type of contract there is between the hospital and private dentists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34746/06]

The Deputy's question regarding the way that children are assessed and deemed eligible for orthodontic treatment 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.

Pat Breen

Question:

179 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made by her Department in assessing the submissions made to it by the Health Service Executive regarding the additional funding required to operate a CT Scanner unit at Ennis General Hospital; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this lack of funding is impeding the project’s progress; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34747/06]

The Health Service Executive has responsibility for the planning and management of capital projects in the health sector, including the provision of a CT scanner at Ennis General Hospital. 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.

Child Care Services.

Michael Ring

Question:

180 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people in County Mayo for 2005 and 2006 who have been awarded supplementary welfare allowance for assistance with the cost of crèche fees; the cost of same; and the amount awarded to each successful applicant. [34748/06]

The 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.

Child Abuse.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

181 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will initiate a scheme of redress for people who suffered abuse while in foster care; if her Department has records of such cases; if representations have been received from people who suffered such abuse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34749/06]

As the Deputy may be aware in 2002, the then Minister for Education and Science introduced the Residential Institutions Redress Act. This legislation was enacted to provide a mechanism for former residents of industrial schools, reformatories, orphanages, children's homes and in certain situations special schools and hospitals to obtain redress for injuries they suffered while so resident.

The rationale behind the setting up of the Redress Board was that children in the residential institutions were separated from their parents and, therefore, did not have the benefit of the care and protection which a child in the care of a family usually enjoys. The institutions concerned controlled all aspects of the children's lives 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with no reasonable capacity for access to or involvement by their parents. Therefore, the children in the institutions relied to a significant degree on the public bodies that had a statutory duty to protect them.

During the passage of the legislation through both Houses the issue of including children who were in foster care was discussed and it was decided not to extend the legislation, as children in foster care were not in a residential institution. It is not the intention currently to establish a redress board dealing with foster care. However, I wish to assure you that I am committed to ensuring that children placed in foster care receive the highest standard of care.

I am aware of correspondence from 3 individuals in recent times seeking the establishment of such a redress board and I have responded to these individuals in this regard. It is, of course, open to any individual to pursue their own redress through the courts system should they wish.

Health Services.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

182 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that students referred for orthodontic assessment while in sixth class primary school can be waiting three or more years for that assessment; the action she is taking to speed up this process to prevent further damage to these young people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34750/06]

The Deputy's question regarding the way that children are assessed and deemed eligible for orthodontic treatment 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.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

183 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children waiting for orthodontic treatment in each Health Service Executive region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34751/06]

The Deputy's question regarding the way that children are assessed and deemed eligible for orthodontic treatment 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.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

184 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children when the recommendations of the report of the Joint Committee on Health and Children on orthodontic services will be implemented; the progress made in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34752/06]

The Deputy's question regarding the way that children are assessed and deemed eligible for orthodontic treatment 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.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

185 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that persons with medical cards who attend hospital and are issued with a prescription, must make an appointment and travel to their own general practitioner who must re-issue the hospital prescription on a green medical card form before the medical card holder can go to a pharmacy and have the medication dispensed; the reason this duplication of work is required; the further reason a person who is ill has to wait until their GP can see them before starting their medication; if she will make arrangements to enable the medical card holder to go directly to a pharmacy and have the medication dispensed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34790/06]

As hospital doctors do not have General Medical Services contracts, prescriptions written by them for medical card holders are not reimbursable under the GMS scheme. Such prescriptions must be transcribed by the patient's GMS-contracted general practitioner to a GMS form. The prescription can then be dispensed by a pharmacy that holds a community pharmacy contract. Under emergency dispensing arrangements, GMS patients can obtain a short term supply of a hospital prescription from a community pharmacy, where it would not be possible or practical to contact their GP within a reasonable period.

This administrative arrangement provides for greater auditability and security within the GMS scheme. It also proves worthwhile because GMS patients have greater contact with their general practitioner after leaving hospital, establishing a valuable link between primary and secondary care services that might otherwise be less frequent.

Hospital Services.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

186 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate the cancellation of two appointments in respect of a person (details supplied) at a hospital in County Cork. [34791/06]

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

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

187 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will arrange for the Southern Health Service Executive occupational therapist, who visited a person (details supplied) in County Cork five to six weeks ago, to issue their report without delay as this person requires same to apply to Cork County Council for a disabled persons grant in order to install a wheelchair ramp access their home following injuries they received. [34792/06]

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

Hospital Procedures.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

188 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) was kept sitting in a chair in the accident and emergency section of the Mater Public Hospital, Dublin, on Monday 16 October, 2006, from 10 p.m. until 8 a.m. the following morning; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this person was in the company of people who obviously were under the influence of alcohol; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34793/06]

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

Community Care.

Dan Neville

Question:

189 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children further to representations of 5 October 2006 regarding a homecare package for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick who has been granted the package but the application of which is unsatisfactory, if she will investigate this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34794/06]

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

Health Services.

Billy Timmins

Question:

190 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if an appointment can be made as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34834/06]

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

Community Care.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

191 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of hours provided by the home help service, by county, for each of the years 2002 to 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34884/06]

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

National Treatment Purchase Fund.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

192 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients who have received treatment under the National Treatment Purchase Fund, on a county basis, each year since the establishment of the fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34885/06]

As the Deputy's question relates to the operation of the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) my Department has asked the Chief Executive of the NTPF to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the information requested.

Hospital Procedures.

Finian McGrath

Question:

193 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) was left on a trolley at a hospital for three days. [34886/06]

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

Hospital Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

194 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which blood-testing in the public hospital system is contracted out to private laboratories; her Department’s policy in this regard; if surveys of cost differentials between contracting out and carrying out work directly in public hospitals have been or will be undertaken; the safeguards that apply to ensure that the highest standard operating procedures apply; if she has had discussions with the Health Service Executive on this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34898/06]

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

Nursing Home Subventions.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

195 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children when her Department will make enhanced subvention available to the people of County Mayo; her views on whether the people of Mayo are being discriminated against as these payments are available in the east and south of the country; the reason same has happened; the further reason it has happened on a long term basis; when this service will be restored; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34899/06]

As the Deputy may be aware, the Health (Nursing Homes) Act 1990 and the Nursing Homes Regulations 1993 provide for the payment of subvention for private nursing home care for applicants who qualify on both medical and means grounds. General rules for the assessment of means in respect of an application for nursing home subvention are set out in the Second Schedule of the Nursing Homes Regulations 1993, as amended by the 2005 Regulations. There are currently three rates of subvention payable, i.e. €114.30, €152.40 and €190.50 for the three levels of dependency which are medium, high and maximum and these rates apply in all parts of the country.

The HSE has discretion to pay more than the maximum rate of subvention relative to an individual's level of dependency in a case, for example, where personal funds are exhausted. The application of these provisions in an individual case is a matter for the HSE in the context of meeting increasing demands for subvention, subject to the provisions of the Health Act, 2004. The average rate of subvention paid by the HSE generally exceeds the current approved basic rates. The supports paid by the HSE vary from person to person and region to region, depending on nursing home fees for example.

Additional funding of €20 million was provided for the administration of the Nursing Home Subvention Scheme in 2006. The additional €20 million is to support more basic nursing home subventions and reduce waiting lists for enhanced subventions: it is also to bring more consistency to subventions support throughout the country.

The Health (Nursing Homes)(Amendment) Bill 2006 is designed to ensure that the existing subvention scheme for private nursing home care is grounded in primary legislation and to help the HSE to implement the scheme on a standardised basis across the country. In addition, national guidelines on nursing home subvention are currently being developed by the HSE to ensure an even and equitable application of the regulations nationally.

The Government is currently considering new policy on Long Term Care and several principles underlying this were agreed with the social partners in "Towards 2016". These principles include, for example, that there should be one standardised national needs assessment for older people needing care. The use of community and home-based care should be maximised. Sheltered housing options will be encouraged. Where residential care is required, it should be quality care and there should be appropriate and equitable levels of co-payment by care recipients based on a national standardised financial assessment. The level of support for residential care should be indifferent as to whether that care is in a public or private facility. The financial model to support any new arrangements must also be financially sustainable.

The Department is currently drawing up proposals as agreed with the social partners in "Towards 2016".

Health Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

196 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the shortage of chiropodists here, in particular, the lack of training facilities for chiropodists and the fact that very few practising chiropodists will take medical card payments, in part due to a dispute with the Health Service Executive over fees and payments; the knock-on effect this has on the health and well-being of senior citizens and those with diabetes; the steps she is taking to resolve this problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34900/06]

The FÁS "Healthcare Skills Monitoring Report" (2005) provided a quantitative analysis of demand and supply in 21 health care occupations including Chiropody/Podiatry. It highlighted podiatry as among those professions where current and future supply shortages should be addressed and recommended that a School of Podiatry providing 20 to 30 places be established. Meetings are continuing at an official level between my Department, the Department of Education and Science, the Higher Education Authority and the Health Service Executive to progress the matter. Responsibility for its establishment will be a matter, in the final instance, for the Department of Education and Science.

There is no statutory obligation on the Health Service Executive (HSE) to provide chiropody services to GMS patients; however in practice arrangements are made to provide these services. Before the establishment of the HSE the nature of the arrangements for chiropody and the level of service provided was a matter for individual health boards and so a degree of variation in practice developed over time. Priority is usually given to certain groups of people, including people who are medical card holders aged 65 years and over. In several regions the service is provided by private chiropodists by arrangement with the HSE.

I consider that it is inappropriate for private chiropodists who are providing services on behalf of the HSE to charge patients a top-up fee, and I have conveyed this view formally to the HSE. My Department requested the HSE to review the fee arrangements in place for the provision of chiropody services, with a view to ensuring that such additional fees will no longer be levied on persons in receipt of this service. This process has been under way for some time and considerable progress has been made.

My Department is currently preparing legislation to clarify and update existing legislation on eligibility for health and personal social services. The Bill will define specific health and personal services more clearly; define who should be eligible for what services; set out clear criteria for eligibility; establish when and in what circumstances charges may be made and provide for an appeals framework.

Mobile Telephony.

Finian McGrath

Question:

197 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the health implications for residents who live near large mobile phone masts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34887/06]

The Department of Communications Marine and Natural Resources maintains a watching scientific brief on health issues relating to non–ionising radiation including those related to mobile phones. The limits for emissions from mobile telephone masts (non-ionising radiation) are global limits established internationally by the International Commission for Non Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). My Department is advised that there is currently no scientific medical evidence that emissions from mobile telephone masts, which comply with the levels outlined in the ICNIRP Guidelines, are injurious to health.

These guidelines are set at levels which are many times less than the experimental levels at which no adverse effects have been established. Ireland has adopted the guidelines established by ICNIRP. All licensed telecommunications operators in Ireland are required by the terms of their licences to observe international guidelines on the limits of emissions from telecommunications masts. Compliance with these guidelines is a matter for the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg).

The Government approved the establishment of an inter-Departmental committee on the health effects of electromagnetic fields in September 2005. The committee is chaired by my Department and will provide advice to the Government on the appropriate action to be taken on foot of recommendations contained in the report "Non-Ionising Radiation from mobile phones 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 inter-departmental committee on the current scientific consensus and science-based policy. The inter-Departmental committee expects to report to Government later this year.

Aquaculture Licences.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

198 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the discussions that have taken place or that are intended to take place to advance with local fishermen the legislation planned for the Foyle, which will update that which was originally enacted in the 1950s. [34727/06]

As the Deputy will be aware the Department is engaged in detailed discussions with the Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) in relation to a Bill which will confer additional powers on the Loughs Agency of the Foyle and Carlingford Irish Lights Commission as envisaged in the British Irish Agreement Act 1999. In the course of finalising the draft Bill, DARD has consulted with all stakeholders on the proposed implementation plan for the licensing of aquaculture activities in the Foyle.

In addition, there will be a further statutory consultation process in Northern Ireland when the draft Northern Ireland Order is published and this will afford all stakeholders an opportunity to make submissions on the draft legislation. In Ireland, the legislation will be published in the normal manner and stakeholders can make representations to the Minister or their elected representative in the usual way.

Electricity Generation.

Michael Ring

Question:

199 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the equipment that generates electricity which requires a licence from the CER to operate and the circumstances of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34772/06]

Section 16 of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 (the Act) prescribes that a person shall not construct or reconstruct a generating station unless an authorisation has been granted by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER).

The conditions under which the CER may grant or refuse to grant a license to generate electricity are prescribed out in Section 14 (1) of the Act, as amended by sections 32 and 16 of the European Communities (Internal Market in Electricity) Regulations 2000 and 2005 respectively (SI 445 of 2000 and SI 60 of 2005).

I am advised that under the existing application process, applicants must provide certain information to the CER as set out in the application forms and guidance notes published on the CER's website. This process provides that applications regarding generating stations below 5 MW need not be accompanied by the same financial information as those above 5MW.

This reduced information requirement is in line with Section 17 (2B) of the Act as inserted by Regulation 14 (c) of SI 60 of 2005, which requires that the CER ensures that authorisation procedures for small generators and distributed generation take into account their limited size and potential impact.

Applications for an authorisation are assessed under the criteria stated in SI 309 of 1999 (Electricity Regulation Act (Criteria for Determination of Authorisations) Order, 1999). Following the amendments to the Act arising from SI 60 of 2005, the CER may now licence the generation of electricity and authorise the construction or reconstruction of a class or classes of generating stations by way of Order. As outlined in Sections 16(3A) and 14(1A) of the Act, the construction or reconstruction and the generation of electricity from such generating stations will be subject to the terms and conditions as may be specified in the relevant Order.

I am advised that the CER is currently reviewing the process for the granting of authorisations and licenses. It is holding a public consultation in this regard and has published a consultation paper on its website at http://www.cer.ie/cerdocs/cer06195.pdf. Interested parties have been invited to contact the CER before 27 October 2006.

Martin Ferris

Question:

200 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason the Commissioner for Energy Regulation has ruled out the use of net metering to deal with the issue of spill into the grid. [34783/06]

The Government is committed to developing domestic scale renewable electricity and heat technologies. Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) has undertaken work on Metering Options for Small Scale Renewable and CHP Electricity Generation. The study identified a number of areas which require further analysis including the ability of such processes to secure adequate payment for their exports, a review of connection standards and processes for smaller generators, and the implications of the Single Electricity Market for small-scale electricity generation.

These technical and administrative issues are currently being addressed, and my Department is working with the relevant agencies, including SEI, the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), ESB Networks and the Electro-Technical Council of Ireland in this regard.

As part of the ongoing work to progress this area, the CER has recently launched a public consultation on arrangements for micro generation which deals with metering issues.

We are working to ensure that the appropriate administrative, technical and safety standards and practices are in place to underpin programmes for the widespread deployment of micro generation technologies. I am confident that appropriate solutions suited to the context of the Irish electricity grid and for non-grid connected technologies will be developed with a view to progressing this emerging sector.

Marian Harkin

Question:

201 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent of the CER’s authority to require owners and operators of generators of all types to apply to the CER for a licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34836/06]

Section 16 of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 (the Act) prescribes that a person shall not construct or reconstruct a generating station unless an authorisation has been granted by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER).

The conditions under which the CER may grant or refuse to grant a license to generate electricity are prescribed out in Section 14 (1) of the Act, as amended by sections 32 and 16 of the European Communities (Internal Market in Electricity) Regulations 2000 and 2005 respectively (SI 445 of 2000 and SI 60 of 2005).

I am advised that under the existing application process, applicants must provide certain information to the CER as set out in the application forms and guidance notes published on the CER's website. This process provides that applications regarding generating stations below 5 MW need not be accompanied by the same financial information as those above 5MW.

This reduced information requirement is in line with Section 17 (2B) of the Act as inserted by Regulation 14 (c) of SI 60 of 2005, which requires that the CER ensures that authorisation procedures for small generators and distributed generation take into account their limited size and potential impact.

Applications for an authorisation are assessed under the criteria stated in SI 309 of 1999 (Electricity Regulation Act (Criteria for Determination of Authorisations) Order, 1999). Following the amendments to the Act arising from SI 60 of 2005, the CER may now licence the generation of electricity and authorise the construction or reconstruction of a class or classes of generating stations by way of Order. As outlined in Sections 16(3A) and 14(1A) of the Act, the construction or reconstruction and the generation of electricity from such generating stations will be subject to the terms and conditions as may be specified in the relevant Order.

I am advised that the CER is currently reviewing the process for the granting of authorisations and licenses. It is holding a public consultation in this regard and has published a consultation paper on its website at http://www.cer. ie/cerdocs/cer06195.pdf. Interested parties have been invited to contact the CER before 27 October 2006.

Question No. 202 answered with QuestionNo. 112.

EU Treaties.

Bernard Allen

Question:

203 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position with regard to the EU Constitutional Treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34716/06]

To date, fifteen Member States have ratified the Constitutional Treaty. Luxembourg and Spain have done so by referendum while thirteen Member States have ratified by parliamentary means. Finland is expected to complete its ratification procedures in the coming months. As the House is aware, the Constitutional Treaty was rejected in referendums held in France and the Netherlands last year.

Following the referendum results in France and the Netherlands, the European Council initiated a period of reflection in order to allow time for further consideration of how to proceed with the Constitutional Treaty. In June 2006, the European Council agreed to extend the reflection period for another year and to focus also on the Union's delivery of tangible results to EU citizens.

The European Council also mandated the Presidency to consult extensively with Member States and to present a report to the European Council in June 2007. That report is to contain an assessment of the state of discussions with regard to the Constitutional Treaty and to explore possible future developments. The report is intended to allow the European Council to point the way forward towards decisions on the Constitutional Treaty, which are expected to be taken during the second half of 2008 at the latest.

In line with its mandate from the European Council, the Finnish Presidency is currently holding a series of bilateral consultations with Member States. In these discussions, Ireland re-iterated our strong commitment to the Treaty as agreed by Heads of State and Government in 2004, and affirmed also our readiness to proceed with ratification once there is clarity on the way forward at EU level. The Presidency was also advised of our view that the Constitutional Treaty is a carefully constructed package and remains the best available option for equipping the Union with the means to meet the challenges facing us now and into the future. For this reason, we believe that any attempt to alter the essential balance and substance of the draft Treaty would be unlikely to succeed.

Decentralisation Programme.

Bernard Allen

Question:

204 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of principal and senior development specialists volunteering to decentralise with Irish Aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34717/06]

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

There are twelve Senior Development Specialists at Irish Aid headquarters. None of the twelve is applying to decentralise to Limerick, though two originally did so, but subsequently withdrew their applications.

Finally, there are nine Development Specialist posts at headquarters. At present five specialists are scheduled to decentralise, four who commenced employment since the announcement of the decentralisation programme in December 2003, and one who applied via the Central Applications Facility.

There is an ongoing Labour Court case regarding the terms and conditions under which technical grades are employed in various areas of the public service, including the specialists employed by Irish Aid. Technical staff employed by Government Departments and Offices, including specialists and other fixed-term workers employed in Irish Aid, brought cases to the Rights Commissioner under the Protection of Employees (Fixed-Term Work) Act 2003. The case, which involves complex legal issues, has been referred to the European Court of First Instance.

Some of the issues involved in the decentralisation of Irish Aid to Limerick have, therefore, a wider Civil Service dimension and must be resolved at the central level. Discussions are on-going with representatives of the specialists, with their union IMPACT, and with the Department of Finance about the issues involved.

Decentralisation is a Government decision and the Government is committed to moving ahead with its implementation. At present 47 posts in the Directorate are filled by officers who have signalled their intention to decentralise to Limerick. A further 17 officers who are serving elsewhere in the Department, mostly abroad, are also expected to decentralise to Limerick and will be taking up duty in Irish Aid in advance of the move. In addition, 21 officers from other Departments who have applied to decentralise to Limerick, most of whom are currently based in provincial locations, will transfer to the Department closer to the date of the move. Once these officers take up duty in Irish Aid, 85 posts (69% of the Directorate's staff complement) will be in place.

A small number of staff, approximately 15 at entry grades, will be recruited for direct assignment to Limerick in the months preceding the move.

Almost all of the senior management team for Limerick will be in place by the end of this year. The Director General of Irish Aid has already indicated that he will decentralise to Limerick. There are now five Counsellors in place in the Directorate, who have volunteered to go to Limerick and a further three Counsellors will take up duty over the next two months. The changeover of the senior management team, just as in other grades, has been implemented in a planned and careful way so as to minimise disruption to the business of the Directorate.

While there are challenges ahead, management and staff are working effectively together to maintain the quality and integrity of the programme. It would be my hope that a greater number of specialists will, in time, volunteer to decentralise to Limerick.

Cross-Border Projects.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

205 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason for the delay in opening a Border crossing (details supplied) in County Donegal which is holding back economic development potential; the way funding can be accessed to bring the road and bridge back up to a proper standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34724/06]

The Government is of the view that all the remaining Border crossings closed by the British authorities on grounds of security should be reopened as part of the wider process of security normalisation in Northern Ireland, and in order to facilitate regional economic development.

We have raised the status of the crossing in question with the British authorities through the British Irish Intergovernmental Secretariat and will revert to the Deputy with further information as soon as possible.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

206 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions he has had with his counterpart in the North of Ireland to advance the development of the A5 road from Aughnacloy to Derry, in view of the fact that improvements have already occurred on the N2 from Dublin to Aughnacloy; and if he will make a statement on the need for an integrated approach north and south to the development of a road of the same standard into the north west that is already being progressed through the National Development Plan for the rest of the island, including Belfast. [34725/06]

I have actively pursued co-operation on the economic development of the North West in my discussions with Secretary of State, Peter Hain.

Earlier this year we launched the North West Gateway Initiative. This Initiative covers cross-Border co-operation in a wide range of sectors from enterprise development to health and educational services in the region. The Initiative also included a commitment to examine the potential for joint investment in key infrastructure projects.

In line with that commitment, the respective roads agencies North and South have undertaken some preliminary research on potential road infrastructure projects which would benefit cross-Border routes in general and the North West in particular. This research included both the N2/A5 route from Dublin to Derry and the A6 from Belfast to Derry. The initial results of that research are being considered by the two Governments.

Both Governments recognise that the upgrading of the road network is essential to the future prosperity and competitiveness of the North West.

Departmental Offices.

Michael Ring

Question:

207 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on locating a passport office for the western region in County Mayo, particularly with the success of the regional airport. [34774/06]

While there are no plans at present to open further passport offices, it is the policy to keep the operation of the passport service under on-going review.

As background, I should say that the majority of passports are now issued through the Passport Express service which is operated jointly by my Department and An Post. This service is available in over 1,000 post offices throughout the State. Overall, more than 90% of all passports are processed within 10 working days.

In response to the ever increasing demand for passports in recent years, as well as requirements for higher security standards, and a commitment to offer our citizens the most effective possible service, the passport issuing system has been going through a process of modernisation and upgrading. A new Automated Passport System was introduced in late 2004, in the new Passport Production facility in Balbriggan, Co. Dublin, followed by the main Passport Office in Molesworth Street in January 2005. The system was extended to the Cork and London Passport Offices in late 2005 and to all our Missions abroad during 2005 and 2006. Our new passport booklet is one of the most secure in the world and has been widely admired.

The ePassport was launched on 16 October 2006 and represents the final phase of the project to update the passport issuing process to ensure that Irish passports meet the highest international standards, in particular with regard to security features. It will also ensure that Irish citizens can continue to avail of visa free travel to the United States.

The Department is also working on developing online facilities to enable applicants to track the progress of their application over the internet. This facility will be available imminently.

Question No. 208 answered with QuestionNo. 123.
Question No. 209 answered with QuestionNo. 110.
Questions Nos. 210 and 211 answered with Question No. 109.
Question No. 212 answered with QuestionNo. 103.

Foreign Conflicts.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

213 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree of discussion that has taken place at EU or UN level in regard to the situation in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34844/06]

The EU General Affairs and External Relations Council, at its meeting on 30-31 January, adopted conclusions which welcomed the proposed launch of the Afghanistan Compact and reaffirmed the EU's commitment to long-term support for the Government and people of Afghanistan through Afghan-led reconstruction efforts.

The Afghanistan Compact was launched at the International Conference on Afghanistan in London on 31 January/1 February and was endorsed by the United Nations Security Council in Resolution 1659 on 15 February. The Compact will guide the joint efforts of the Afghan Government and the international community in meeting outstanding challenges across three pillars of activity: security; governance; rule of law and human rights, and economic and social development. Counter-narcotics was identified as a crosscutting priority in the Compact. The Compact notes that Afghanistan's transition to peace and stability is not yet assured and that strong international engagement will be required to address remaining challenges. Ireland pledged €5 million at the launch of the Compact, 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 January 2002.

Within the EU, discussions are currently taking place at working group level on possible further EU support for the rule of law sector in Afghanistan.

The UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1707 on 12 September 2006 extending the mandate of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan (ISAF) until October 2007. ISAF is an UN Chapter VII operation originally mandated by UN Security Council Resolution 1386 of 20 December 2001. The Resolution authorised "the establishment for 6 months of an International Security Assistance Force to assist the Afghan Interim Authority in the maintenance of security in Kabul and its surrounding areas, so that the Afghan Interim Authority as well as the personnel of the United Nations can operate in a secure environment". Subsequent UN Security Council Resolutions extended the period of authorisation of the Force. Resolution 1510 of 13 October 2003 authorised expansion of the Mission's geographical area "outside of Kabul and its environs". ISAF is not a UN force, however. Rather it is a coalition of NATO members and other contributing nations deployed under the authorisation of the UN Security Council. In exercising its mandate, ISAF works in close consultation with the democratically elected Government of Afghanistan. Seven members of the Permanent Defence Force currently serve in ISAF.

On 23 March, the UN Security Council decided to extend the mandate of the UN Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for a further 12-month period. UNAMA's mandate includes assisting in implementation of the Afghanistan Compact, promoting human rights, providing technical assistance, and managing all UN humanitarian relief, recovery, reconstruction and development activities in coordination with the Afghan Government.

The UN Security Council was briefed on the situation in Afghanistan on 9 October and announced that it would send a Council delegation, at an appropriate time, possibly in November, to review the situation on the ground and to reassure Afghanistan of the international community's support.

Overseas Development Aid.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

214 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree of success achieved to date in dealing with HIV and AIDS throughout the African continent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34845/06]

The most recent information and statistics on the HIV/AIDS epidemic are contained in the 2006 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic released by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). This report noted progress in declining HIV infection rates in a number of countries and increasing access to HIV treatment.

Adult HIV infection rates have decreased in certain countries and changes in behaviour to prevent infection have played a key part in these declines. For example, in Kenya adult infection rates have decreased from a peak of 10% in the late 1990's to 7% in 2003; in Uganda from over 15% to 7% today and in Zimbabwe from 26% in 2002 to 21% in 2004.

Access to HIV treatment has improved markedly over the past two years, especially in developing countries. The number of people receiving combination anti-retroviral therapy (ART) for HIV/AIDS more than tripled from 400,000 in 2003 to 1.3 million at the end of 2005. The greatest progress has been made in sub-Saharan Africa where the number on treatment reached 800 thousand.

The reality, however, is that the AIDS epidemic continues to outstrip global and national efforts to contain it. The overall number of people living with HIV has continued to increase in all regions of the world except the Caribbean. There were an additional five million new infections in 2005, the majority in women. The number of people living with HIV globally has reached its highest level with over 40 million people now infected. More than three million people died of AIDS related illnesses in 2005 including more than 500,000 children. Sub-Saharan Africa is home to more than 60% of all people living with HIV.

In addition to a long term sustained attack on poverty, a rapid increase in the scale and scope of HIV prevention programmes is urgently needed to stop the speed at which new infections are occurring. This needs to take place in the context of a comprehensive response to HIV and AIDS, which requires the simultaneous acceleration of treatment and prevention efforts with the ultimate goal of universal access to prevention, treatment and care.

Ireland has a very strong commitment to addressing HIV/AIDS. This has been reaffirmed in the White Paper on Irish Aid. HIV/AIDS is a key priority for Irish Aid's policies and programmes. Following the commitment made by the Taoiseach in his speech to the United Nations in September 2005, funding for HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases has increased to €100 million in 2006.

Ireland will continue to work with the international community in advocating for a sustained and resourced global response to HIV/AIDS, strengthened leadership at all levels and improved coordination of resources and planning for HIV/AIDS prevention and control.

Questions Nos. 215 and 216 answered with Question No. 114.
Questions Nos. 217 to 219, inclusive, answered with Question No. 89.

Arts Funding.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

220 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the development of a new west Cork arts centre in Skibbereen; and if he will sanction the necessary funding to enable this development to proceed. [34781/06]

My Department supports capital arts projects through the Arts and Culture Capital Enhancement Support Scheme or ACCESS scheme. Under the ACCESS Scheme, a total of €45.71m was made available in grant aid to 44 projects nationwide.

In August of this year I announced a new capital grants scheme, called ACCESS II. The primary focus of the scheme will be the refurbishment and enhancement of existing arts and culture facilities. Accordingly 70% of the total moneys available will, if feasible, be allocated for this purpose. The remaining 30% of the scheme's funds will be available for the development of new facilities. My office has already forwarded information in relation to the new ACCESS II scheme to the West Cork Arts Centre.

Applications will be accepted until November 17th 2006. An independent selection committee will adjudicate on all applications received within the time limits set out in the guidelines and make recommendations.

Swimming Pool Projects.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

221 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to accept new applications for grant aid under the local authority swimming pool programme, in view of the fact that the closing date for the current scheme was 31 July 2000. [34893/06]

My Department is completing an Expenditure Review of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme at present. The Review is examining, among other things, how the programme has worked to date and what changes, if any, are required to ensure its effective and efficient delivery. The Review is currently being finalised and I would hope that it will be published before year end. On completion of this Review, the question of re-opening the Programme can be considered. If the Programme is re-opened, it will be open to all local authorities to submit applications under the terms that will apply. Significant progress continues under the current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme, where the priority is to support those projects remaining to be completed.

Job Creation.

Michael Collins

Question:

222 Mr. Collins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the provision of replacement industries in County Limerick arising from the recent closure of companies (details supplied). [34683/06]

Noel Grealish

Question:

224 Mr. Grealish asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the job creation measures that have been acted upon in view of the restructuring at a company (details supplied); the general job creation activity under way for the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34737/06]

Noel Grealish

Question:

225 Mr. Grealish asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the job creation measures which have been acted upon in view of job losses at a company (details supplied) in County Limerick; the general job creation activity under way for the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34738/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 222, 224 and 225 together.

Job creation measures and the provision of replacement industries are day-to-day operational matters for the Industrial Development agencies. A central goal for the agencies is the achievement of balanced regional development. The attractiveness of County Limerick lies in its position as a regional gateway, with a critical mass and infrastructure necessary to attract mobile investment to the region. The most recent example of the attraction of Limerick as a location for new business was the decision by Northern Trust Corporation to create 300 high quality jobs in the financial services sector. Another example is Vistakon, which recently announced its intentions to expand its Limerick operations and create some 120 jobs in high-end manufacturing.

The Government and the agencies recognise the need to provide high volume employment opportunities in County Limerick that provide sustainable jobs. I am confident that the State Development agencies, in partnership with other key players, will strengthen their marketing and promotion efforts in the region and will continue to secure additional employment for the area, particularly in view of the situation at the companies in question. Fortunately, there is a general buoyancy in overall employment in Co. Limerick as evidenced by the most recent Live Register figures released by the Central Statistics Office. These show that for September, 2006, the figure for the County is 7,205 which is down significantly on the previous month's figure of 8,253.

Company Lands.

Michael Collins

Question:

223 Mr. Collins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of undeveloped and unoccupied land and property owned by a company (details supplied) in County Limerick; and the schedule of locations of these lands and properties. [34684/06]

Details of the amount of undeveloped and unoccupied land and property owned by the Company in County Limerick are set out in tables below:

1. Vacant Property Space in County Limerick

Location

Vacant (sq ft)

Kilfinane

2,445

Newcastle West

20,719

Hospital

2,130

National Technological Park (NTP)

129,450

Raheen Ind. Estate

38,431

Limerick City

105,346

Limerick City Workspace

23,948

Total

322,469

2. Unoccupied Land Banks in County Limerick

Location

Land Bank (acres)

NTP

225.0

Raheen 1 & 2

149.1

Towlerton

22.0

Rosbrien

47.7

Annacotty

21.6

Kilmallock Road

0.9

Moyross

11.8

Askeaton

229.0

Askeaton — EC

4.0

Kilmallock

16.0

Dromcollogher

6.7

Abbeyfeale

6.0

Shanagolden

5.2

Patrickswell

4.0

Doon

2.4

Knocklong

1.5

Oola

1.5

Kilfinnane

0.7

Hospital

1.0

Newcastle West

0.5

Newcastle West Business Park

20.0

Total

776.6

Questions Nos. 224 and 225 answered with Question No. 222.

Industrial Development.

Pat Breen

Question:

226 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of IDA supported enterprises that have ceased operations in County Clare since 2000; the location of same; the number employed by each at their date of closure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34778/06]

Pat Breen

Question:

227 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the IDA supported companies in County Clare; the number each employs; the location of these enterprises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34779/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 226 and 227 together.

IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment to Ireland and its regions. The Forfás Annual Employment Survey records jobs gained and lost in companies supported by the Industrial Development Agencies. It is important to remember that job creation and job losses are features of economic development in all countries as various sectors expand and contract in response to market demand for goods and services, competitive forces, restructuring and technological change. Six IDA supported companies have ceased operations in County Clare since 2000, involving the loss of 275 jobs. The table that follows this response gives a breakdown by year and location of these losses. At the end of 2005 there were 1,024 people employed in nine IDA supported companies in County Clare, an increase of 95 persons compared to the end of 2004. As employment figures are provided for the Forfás Survey on a confidential basis, it is not possible to provide data for individual companies. The following table provides summary information regarding permanent jobs, job gains and job losses in IDA assisted companies for the years 2000-05 in County Clare:

Closures of IDA Assisted Companies Since 2000 in County Clare

Year

Company

Location

Jobs lost

2005

Microsemi

Ennis

24

2004

Tool & Mould

Ennis

22

2003

Teleca

Ennis

8

2002

Pacific Scientific

Ennis

88

2001

Studio Eyewear

Ennis

85

2001

Overland Bolling

Ennis

48

Employment in IDA Ireland Supported Companies in Clare

Year

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

No. of Companies

13

11

10

9

9

9

Permanent Jobs

1,211

1,090

926

902

929

1,024

Job Gains (New Jobs)

79

46

19

15

49

129

Job Losses

-56

-167

-183

-39

-22

-34

Community Enterprise.

Michael Noonan

Question:

228 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the plans of a society (details supplied) to develop a community enterprise centre; if he will approach Enterprise Ireland to increase the grant in aid which they have already committed to the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34787/06]

The allocation of funding under the Community Enterprise Centre scheme is a matter for Enterprise Ireland, the agency charged with the administration of the scheme, and not one in which I am directly involved.

Under the 2006 Community Enterprise Centre scheme, applicants in the BMW region could apply for funding up to a maximum of 50% of eligible expenditure, or €400,000, whichever was the lesser. Applicants located outside the BMW region, as in the case of Southill, could apply for funding up to a maximum of 50% of eligible expenditure, or €300,000, whichever was the lesser. Applicants in Clár areas were entitled to apply for an additional 5% funding.

Southill Development Co-op Society Ltd. applied for €300,000 in funding. This was the maximum amount allowable under the scheme for an applicant in the Mid West Region. Southill was successful in its application and was approved in full by Enterprise Ireland's Investment Committee on 2nd June, 2006.

Community Employment Schemes.

David Stanton

Question:

229 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a restriction imposed by lack of funding on the number of people aged over 55 that FÁS can employ under the community employment schemes due to lack of funding from his Department; the amount of money made available to FÁS in 2006 by his Department to facilitate over 55’s employed under the community employment schemes; his plans to increase the funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34837/06]

Community Employment (CE) is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a temporary basis. CE helps unemployed people to re-enter the open labour market by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to a work routine and to assist them to enhance/develop both their technical and personal skills.

To cater for older workers in particular, in November 2004 I revised the 3 year CE capping to allow those of 55 years of age and over to avail of a 6-year period on CE (based on participation since 3rd April, 2000). This measure was introduced in recognition of the fact that older participants may find it more difficult to progress into the open labour market.

Currently there are over 6,000 people over 55 years of age on CE. This represents circa 29% of those on CE, a figure which has increased from 25% at year end 2005. Funding for CE in 2006 is based on 22,000 places on CE schemes nationally, a figure which is similar to the 2005 allocation.

Departmental Correspondence.

Tony Gregory

Question:

230 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will have the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied) investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34838/06]

I have arranged for the Labour Inspectorate of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to investigate the circumstances set out in the correspondence furnished by the Deputy.

The wages and employment conditions of workers employed in the sectors to which the correspondence relates are governed and safeguarded by Registered Employment Agreements enforced by the Labour Inspectorate. Labour Inspectors are empowered to seek compliance with payment of the statutory minimum rates of pay specified in those Agreements.

The enforcement of the provisions of a Registered Employment Agreement may also be effected under the Industrial Relations Acts. A trade union, an association of employers or an individual employer may complain to the Labour Court that a particular employer is not complying with a Registered Employment Agreement. If, after investigating a complaint, the Court is satisfied that the employer is in breach of a Registered Employment Agreement it may by order direct compliance with the agreement. Failure to comply with such an order is an offence punishable by a fine.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Michael Collins

Question:

231 Mr. Collins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will introduce a national refuse waiver similar to other free schemes which operate for old age pensioners and other social welfare recipients. [34695/06]

The setting of waste management charges and the introduction of waivers in respect of waste charges is, as stated by my colleague the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government, a matter for each local authority.

The introduction of a national social welfare scheme to address the issue, for example as part of the household budget scheme, is complex given the wide range of charging regimes and cost structures that exist in respect of waste management throughout the State. Charges vary across local authorities and even within local authorities where there is more than one provider. In addition, some local authorities already operate waiver schemes. Any system put in place to assist people who rely on private domestic waste collection would have to be sensitive to the different local arrangements.

I am sensitive to the effects of this situation on social welfare recipients and I have asked my Department to urgently explore possible options.

Pension Provisions.

Richard Bruton

Question:

232 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on providing an option to the dependent spouses of recipients of an old age pension whereby they could receive their own payment independently with their own book or into their own account, in order that their financial independence would be recognised by his Department. [34759/06]

My Department has introduced various measures over the years to make payments directly to qualified adults. For example, separate payments are made in case of domestic difficulty where a spouse might otherwise have no other form of income.

Applicants to State Pension (Transition), (formerly known as Retirement Pension) and State Pension (Contributory), (formerly known as Old Age (Contributory) Pension) may opt to have the qualified adult allowance paid direct to the spouse. Since these arrangements were implemented in 2002, some 1,400 couples or some 8% of claims have indicated their preference to have the qualified adult allowance paid in this way.

The possibility of paying the qualified adult allowance automatically to the spouse has been raised with me by various interest groups and I am examining the possibility of extending the present arrangements.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

233 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons who received rent allowance in 2003, 2004 and 2005; and the cost to his Department for each respective year. [34760/06]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive. The number of rent supplement recipients and expenditure for the years 2003, 2004 and 2005 are shown in the attached tabular statement.

Recipients and Expenditure on Rent Supplement for Years 2003 to 2005

Year

No. Recipients

Annual Expenditure

€m

2003

59,976

331.47

2004

57,874

353.76

2005

60,176

368.70

Child Supports.

Michael Ring

Question:

234 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people in County Mayo for 2005 and 2006 who have been given supplementary welfare allowance for assistance with the cost of crèche fees; the cost of same; and the amount given to each successful applicant. [34762/06]

The main form of state child-care assistance is through the Equal Opportunities Support Programme operated by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. This programme is organised on a county basis and is specifically designed to assist low-income or otherwise disadvantaged parents moving into the work-force or taking up training or employment opportunities.

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare Division of the Health Service Executive. Crèche supplements may be made available by the Executive in specific instances where a public health nurse or health service social worker recommends that a child in difficult circumstances would benefit by attending a community crèche, or that the parent of a child needs to avail of counselling services, addiction treatments or similar and that crèche services are required to facilitate this. In each such instance the Executive will take all the relevant circumstances are taken into account, for example, the person's ability to pay for or provide the service from an alternative source, in determining if a supplement is warranted.

The number of people in receipt of a crèche supplement in Mayo at the end of 2005 was 10 and the average weekly payment was €61.29. The number of people in receipt of a crèche supplement in Mayo at 13 October 2006 is 9 and the average weekly payment is €80.53.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Joan Burton

Question:

235 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the population catchment and number served by his Department offices in Dublin 15 for each of the past five years; if statistics are available; the staffing levels in the same offices for each of the years since this office opened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34763/06]

Joan Burton

Question:

236 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people who are recipients of the social welfare payments in the Dublin 15 area for each of the main categories for example unemployment assistance, unemployment benefit, one parent family payment, pension, disability benefit, invalidity and so on for each of the years since the dedicated office in Dublin 15 was opened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34764/06]

Joan Burton

Question:

237 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will provide comparative statistics between the Blanchardstown Social Welfare Office and other social welfare offices across Dublin of the increase in claim numbers over the past five years for each of the main categories of social welfare payments for example unemployment assistance, unemployment benefit, one parent family payment, pension, disability benefit, invalidity and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34765/06]

Joan Burton

Question:

238 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his Department has a standard set of client services to indicate the amount of time it takes his Department to process applications for payment for each of the main categories (details supplied); the average period, the shortest period and the longest period to process a claim for payment in each category for Dublin 15 residents; if he will provide comparative figures on waiting times for processing claims across the Dublin social welfare offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34766/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 235 to 238, inclusive, together.

It is not possible in the time available to supply the information requested. Accordingly I have asked my officials to respond directly to the Deputy within the next two weeks on the matters raised by her.

Michael Ring

Question:

239 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and awarded the fuel allowance. [34777/06]

To qualify for a payment under the national fuel scheme, the total income of a person over age 80 must not exceed EUR 254.30 per week. The person concerned is receiving United States Social Security Pensions and, according to the information in my Department, her income is above the threshold of EUR 254.30 per week. Accordingly her application for the fuel allowance has been disallowed.

The person concerned has been asked to confirm details of her United States Pensions and, when she does so, her entitlement to a fuel allowance will be reviewed.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

240 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason his Department pay a higher rate of child benefit for a third and subsequent child than that paid for the first and second child in a family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34780/06]

Child Benefit is a universal payment which is payable in respect of all children up to the age of 16 years and continues to be paid up to the age of 19 in the case of children who are still in full-time education and children with disabilities.

Government policy over the past number of years has been to substantially increase the amount spent on Child Benefit, to the advantage of all families. Commitment to this policy is reflected in the significant resources invested in the child benefit scheme since 2001, increasing monthly payments to €150 for each of the first two children and €185 for the third and subsequent children.

To ensure that additional resources are targeted at larger families, who are at greater risk of poverty, a higher rate of child benefit is paid in respect of the third and subsequent qualified children. In this regard, the Child Benefit Review Committee, which was established by the then Minister for Social Welfare and which reported in 1995, considered a number of alternative arrangements including a single rate of payment for all children, a rate structure differentiated on age grounds, and payment of a higher rate for the first child. The Committee concluded that the current differential should be retained.

Social Welfare Investigations.

David Stanton

Question:

241 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 254 of 18 October 2006, the overall targets set for claim processing, for each of the payments administered by his Department; the factors included in these targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34890/06]

The current claim processing targets for each scheme are set out in the following table. Performance is measured on a monthly basis by selecting all of the claims awarded during the month and calculating the percentage of claims which were awarded within the performance target for the month.

The factors which are taken into account when setting the performance target for a scheme are determined by the processes which must be followed in arriving at a decision as well as the number of claims that the relevant business areas can reasonably be expected to handle. Processes vary from scheme to scheme and may involve, among other things, the need to establish the customer's social insurance record, verify medical incapacity for work, establish the customer's identity or their place of habitual residence and to assess means where appropriate.

My Department sets its claim processing targets with a view to providing an efficient and effective level of customer service.

2006 Processing Targets for new claims

Scheme

Target(1)

State Pension (Contributory)

55% in 6 weeks

State Pension (Transitional)

80% in 5 weeks

Widow(er)’s Contributory Pension

80% in 5 weeks

State Pension (Non-Contributory)

65% in 8 weeks

Widow(er)’s (Non-Contributory) Pension & One Parent Family Payment (Widow)

75% in 8 weeks

One-Parent Family — (Unmarried Parent)

55% in 8 weeks

One-Parent Family — (Separated Spouse)

65% in 13 weeks

One-Parent Family — (Local Office based)

85% in 9 weeks

Free Electricity/Gas Allowance

70% in 7 weeks

Free Telephone Allowance

70% in 7 weeks

Bereavement (Social Welfare Services Office, Sligo)

80% in 3 weeks

Bereavement (Social Welfare Services Office, Longford)

80% in 3 weeks

Invalidity Pension

70% in 9 weeks

Family Income Supplement

70% in 3 weeks

Disability Allowance

70% in 9 weeks

Carer’s Allowance

70% in 9 weeks

Jobseeker’s Benefit

85% in 2 weeks

Jobseeker’s Assistance

70% in 2 weeks

Illness Benefit

90% in 1 week

Occupational Injury Benefit– Interim Illness Benefit

85% in 1 week

Maternity Benefit

80% before commencement of benefit

Treatment Benefit

90% in 2 weeks

Child Benefit

90% in 1 week

Note for Information

(1)Target time to process new claims from date of receipt to date of award.

Search and Rescue Service.

James Breen

Question:

242 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 1102 of 27 September 2006, if negotiations have been entered into with the landowner of the current site with a view to securing an alternative site or if negotiations have started with another landowner with view to securing a permanent site for the Doolin Coastguard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34696/06]

I have in reply to the previous question referred to by the Deputy stated that I am conscious of the need for improved accommodation for the Doolin Coastal Unit and am continuing to act to secure such accommodation. I do not wish to elaborate upon the negotiations taking place at present. Coast Guard management has been asked to consider, as a matter of urgency, alternative locations to permanently house the Doolin Unit in the locality.

Public Transport.

James Breen

Question:

243 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Transport if, in view of the lack of public transport in the area he will allow people required to travel from Labasheeda and Liscannor, County Clare to neighbouring bigger towns, to collect pension and social welfare allowances, due to the closure of the post offices in those areas to claim back the cost of taxi fares which they are incurring; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34767/06]

The administration of support payments including supports for retired, elderly or unemployed persons is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs. There are no funds available to my Department for the reimbursement of taxi fares or other costs associated with the collection of such support payments.

However, since 2002, my Department has been operating the Rural Transport Initiative under which thirty four community transport groups around the country are being funded on a pilot basis to address the transport needs of their rural areas. One of the project groups is operational in several parts of County Clare.

Following a recent public consultation process on the matter, my Department is currently preparing proposals for the progressive development of rural public transport from 2007 onwards. This is in line with the Government's commitment to mainstream the Rural Transport Initiative post 2006.

Liam Aylward

Question:

244 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Transport further to his press release of 28 September 2006 regarding extra buses and the role for private operations in the bus market, if funding for non commercial services is available to both public and private bus operators outside of Dublin; when this funding is expected to be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34768/06]

Bus Éireann currently receives a State subvention for non-commercial services outside Dublin. There is currently no legislative basis for the subvention of public bus services provided by private bus operators. As indicated in my press release of 28 September 2006, new legislation will be brought forward to replace the Road Transport Act, 1932 with a modern regulatory and licensing regime for bus services nationally which will be consistent with EU law on public service obligations and State aids. At this juncture it is not possible to say what will be the precise arrangements for market regulation outside the Greater Dublin Area.

Railway Stations.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

245 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport the new train stations planned on the Maynooth commuter line and on the proposed Clonsilla-Navan line; and the date these stations will be completed. [34832/06]

The location of stations on the rail network is a matter for Iarnród Éireann. I am advised by the Company that work is currently under way on a new station between Castleknock and Ashtown to serve the new Phoenix Park development. The new station at Docklands is expected to open next year.

The old Navan rail line will be re-opened in two phases with the first phase running off the Maynooth line, at Clonsilla, to the M3 interchange at Pace, near Dunboyne. I understand from Iarnród Éireann that three new stations are planned on this section — Hansfield, Dunboyne and Pace. The current position regarding this phase is that detailed design work is under way and Iarnród Éireann expects to submit a Railway Order application in mid 2007 for statutory approval to enable the railway upgrade works to proceed with a view to completion of phase 1 in 2009 as provided for in Transport 21.

Scéim na mBóithre Áise.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

246 D’fhiafraigh Mr. McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an líon iomlán iarratas ar dheontais do bhóithre áise i nDún na nGall go dáta agus an líon bóithre ar ceadaíodh deontais ina leith go dáta. [34678/06]

Dinny McGinley

Question:

247 D’fhiafraigh Mr. McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cad iad na bóithre áise i nDún na nGall ar ceadaíodh deontais ina leith i mbliana go dáta agus cén tsuim airgid a ceadaíodh i ngach cás. [34679/06]

Tógfaigh mé Ceisteanna Uimh. 246 agus 247 le chéile.

Ó thús 2002 go dáta, tá 600 iarratas faighte ag mo Roinnse faoi Scéim na mBóithre Áise i gContae Dhún na nGall. Tá deontais ceadaithe i leith 237 acu sin. Tá liosta sa tábla leis seo de na bóithre i gContae Dhún na nGall a bhfuil deontais ceadaithe ina leith i mbliana.

TÁBLA: Bóithre i gContae Dhún na nGall a bhfuil deontais ceadaithe ina leith i 2006

Ainm an Iarratasóra

Sonraí

Deontas

Pádraig Mac Giolla Easbuig, Baile Mhic Pháidín, Cill Chartha

Ón phríomhbhóthar go dtí teach an iarratasóra.

10,080

Brian Ó Seibhlinn, Cill Beag, Cill Chartha.

Ón phríomhbhóthar go teach Sheáin Uí Bhaoill.

11,760

Micheál Mac Giolla Easbuig, An Rualach, Cill Chartha.

Ón phríomhbhóthar go dtí teach Alastair Uí Riada.

17,500

Eithne Nic Pháidín, Caonachan, Cill Chartha.

Ón phríomhbhóthar go dtí theach Eithne Nic Pháidín.

12,940

Pádraig Ó Gallchóir, Droim na Coilleadh, Droim na Ratha, Craoslach.

Ó theach Manús Mac Laifeartaigh go dtí teach Pádraig Uí Ghallchóir

30,000

Seán Ó Coilleán, Duibhlinn Riabhach, Carraig Airt.

Ó seanscoil Duibhlinn Riabhlach go teach Seamús Uí Coilleán.

9,075

Seán Ó Gallchóir, Doire Chasáin, Na Dúnaibh.

Ó theach Éamon Uí Gallchóir go theach Seán Uí Ghallchóir

8,925

Seán Mac Greanacháin, Gort na Trá, Ceann Droma, Fanáid.

Ón phríomhbhóthar go Tobar Davaddóg.

6,750

Brian Ó Gallchóir, Doire na nGrial, An Dubhchorraigh.

Bóthar chuig teach an iarratasóra.

3,570

Róise Ní Fhionntaigh An Tóin Dubh, An Clochán.

Ón Br. Contae go teach an iarratasóra.

8,400

Sean Mac Eoin, Mín na Sróin, Baile na Finne.

Ón phríomhbhóthar go teach an iarratasóra.

5,920

Seán Ó Briain, Mín Charraig, Gort a’Choirce.

Ón bhóthar go teach an iarratasóra.

4,000

Cathal O hEarcáin, Cnoc a’Chaiseal, Gort a’Choirce.

Ó Sruthán go Cnoc a’Chaiseal.

20,000

Eileen Mhic Caisleáin, Cluain Báire, Fál Carrach.

Ón phríomhbhóthar go teach an iarratasóra.

30,000

Bríd & Donál Ó Gallchóir, Lána an Dún Mhór, Fál Carrach.

Ón phríomhbhóthar go teach an iarratasóra.

15,000

Séamus Ó Domhnaill, Tobar Caoin, An Clochán Liath.

Ó theach Seán Ó Domhnaill go dtí an trá.

11,147

Eamonn Ó Cuireáin, Srath na Corcra, Doirí Beaga.

Br. Ceangail ó Mín an Iolair go Seascan Beag.

11,375

Máire Ní Fhearraigh, Cois Claidaigh, Bun Beag.

Ón phríomhbhóthar go teach an iarratasóra.

14,000

Seosamh Ó Colla, Luinneach Bheag, Doirí Beaga.

Ó theach Seosamh Uí Colla go Páirc Khit.

10,400

Brian Mac Pháidín, Carraig Mhic Eachmharcaigh, Doirí Beaga.

Ón bhóthar chuig dhá theach.

1,950

Pól Mac Aodha, Dál Riada, An Charraig, Doirí Beaga.

Ón phríomhbhóthar go teach an iarratasóra.

11,395

Seán M. Ó Briain, Mín a’Chladaí, Mín Lárach.

Ón phríomhbhóthar go tithe Uí Bhriain.

6,984

Pádraig Mac Gairbheith, Bun na Leaca, Cnoc Fola, Doirí Beaga.

Ón phríomhbhóthar thar theach an iarratasóra.

5,200

Máire Nic Pháidín, Cnoc Fola, Bun na Leaca.

Ó Sheán Ó Fearraigh go Damian Mac Pháidín agus Seán Mac Pháidín (J).

23,400

Seán Ó Fearraigh, Cnoc Fola Íocht., Bun na Leaca.

Ón phríomhbhóthar go tithe Seán agus Pádraig Ó Fearraigh

10,400

Aodh Mac Eachmharcaigh, Rann na Feirste, Anagaire.

Ón phríomhbhóthar go teach an iarratasóra.

1,544

Éamon Ó Baoill & Pádraig Breathnach, 127/128 Loch an Iúir, Anagaire.

Bóthar chuig tithe Éamon Uí Bhaoill & Pádraig Breathnach.

2,450

Mairtín Ó Gallachóir, 21 An Charraig Fhinn, Ceann Caslach.

Ó theach Bhríd Uí Ghallchóir go teach Mairtín Uí Gallchóir.

4,144

Noel Ó Gallachóir, Baile Mhanúis, Ceann Caslach.

Ón phríomhbhóthar chuig teach an iarratasóra.

8,775

Donnchadh Mac Giolla Bhríde, Cionn a Leargaí, Na Dúnaibh.

Ón phríomhbhóthar go teach an iarratasóra.

2,700

Cathal Ó Gallchóir, Mín an Iolair, Gaoth Dobhair.

Ón príomhbhóthar go bóthar chuig phortaigh Mhín an Iolair.

16,250

Máirín Nic Aoidh, Baile Chonaill, Fál Carrach.

Ón bpáirc peile chuig trí theach.

6,985

Meabha Nic Pháidín, Machaire Rabhartaigh, Gort a’Choirce.

Ón phríomhbhóthar go deireadh an bhóthair.

13,000

Micheál Ó Canainn, Leitir, Cill Chartha.

Ón phríomhbhóthar go teach an iarratasóra.

7,200

Pádraig Ó Briain, Mín a’Chladaí

Ón bpríomhbhóthar go teach an iarratasóra agus sráid thart ar an teach.

2,500

AN tIOMLÁN

365,719

An Teanga Ghaeilge.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

248 D’fhiafraigh Mr. McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cathain atá sé i gceist aige rialacháin a dhéanamh faoi alt d’Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla, 2003, lena chinntiú go mbeidh foirmeacha dátheangacha ar fáil don phobal ó chomhlachtaí poiblí mar ghnáthnós agus go mbeidh comharthaí a gcaitear airgead poiblí orthu dátheangach mar ghnáthnós faoi mar a tharlaíonn i dtíortha dátheangacha eile. [34770/06]

Dírím aird an Teachta ar an bhfreagra a thug mé ar Cheist Dála Uimh. 266 den 28 Meán Fómhair 2006. Tá dréacht de rialacháin faoi alt 9(1) leagtha agam faoi bhráid gach Teach den Oireachtas le deis a thabhairt do Theachtaí agus Seanadóirí iad a phlé agus leasuithe a mholadh sula ndéanfaidh mé iad a shíniú. Tá súil agam go mbeidh an plé sin ann go luath. Ní mór dom a chur in iúl don Teachta, áfach, nach dtagann foirmeacha faoi scáth alt 9(1) den Acht. Is amhlaidh go bhfuil seirbhísí mar sholáthar fhoirmeacha ar cheann de na hábhair a clúdaítear faoi na scéimeanna teanga a bhíonn le haontú le comhlachtaí poiblí faoi réir fhorálacha alt 11 den Acht.

Road Safety.

Michael Ring

Question:

249 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the schools that have applied for the provision of flashing or warning lights to slow down traffic in view of the fact that most of County Mayo is in a CLÁR area; and the schools that will be provided with these lights. [34773/06]

On 1st September last, I announced €609,000 in CLÁR funding for Flashing Amber Safety Lights for 87 schools in the CLÁR areas of Co. Mayo. This amount covers allocations made in 2005 and 2006. Please see the following tables tor details.

FLASHING AMBER SAFETY LIGHTS AT SCHOOLS 2006

County Mayo

Road No./Name

Name of School

Roll No.

Address of School

ED

Location

2006 Cost Max €7000

LS5752

Errew NS

18503C

Errew, Castlebar

Ballyheane

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

LP1718

Crimlin NS

15967G

Crimlin, Ross Castlebar

Pontoon

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

LS5704

Lahardaun NS

16911H

Lahardaun, Co Mayo

Addergoole

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

LP1717

Parke NS

18562S

Parke, Ballavary

Ballyavary

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

N60 & LP1706

Manulla NS

17678J

Manulla Castlebar

Manulla

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

LP1702 & LP1605

Clogher NS

17482P

Clogher, Ballintubber

Clogher

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

LP1809

Scoil Naomh Phadraig

14064F

Kilawalla, Co Mayo

Kilavally

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

LS5789

St Peter and Paul NS

18848N

Straide, Foxford

Straide

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

LP1721

Rathbane NS

15996N

Bofeenaun, Lahardaun

Ballynagoraher

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

LS5155

Rathkell NS

15705W

Castlehill, Ballina

Addergoole

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

LS5422

St Joseph’s NS

18818E

Leitir, Islandeady, Co Mayo

Islandeady

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

LP505

Mayo Abbey

14205U

Claremorris

Mayo

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

LS5543

Facefield

13773G

Claremorris

Kilcolman

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

LP514

St Colman’s

64610N

Claremorris

Claremorris

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

N60

Ballyhaunis Jr

20142I

Ballyhaunis

Ballyhaunis

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

LP1316/LS5356

Shraheen NS

12808R

Shraheen, Foxford

Shraheen

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

LP1317

Lisiniska NS

16021U

Lisiniska, Foxford, Co Mayo

Mount Falcon

Approx 50m each side of school

7,000.00

LT53571

Currabaggan NS

12206M

Currabaggan, Knockmore

Mount Falcon

Approx 50m each side of school

7,000.00

LP121

Garracloon NS

06852L

Cloghans, Ballina

Carrowmore

Approx 50m each side of school

7,000.00

LP318

Cloghans NS

16170O

Cloghans Ballina

Mount Falcon

Approx 50m each side of school

7,000.00

LS157

Richmond NS (Cill)

14400S

Crossmolina

Crossmolina Sth

Approx 50m each side of school

7,000.00

LS149

Ardagh NS

16562I

Knockanillaun, Ballina

Fortland

Approx 50m each side of school

7,000.00

LP105

Crossmolina NS

20125I

Chapel St Crossmolina

Crossmolina Sth

Approx 50m each side of school

7,000.00

LT51604

Glenmore NS

14195U

Crossmolina

Crossmolina Sth

Approx 50m each side of school

7,000.00

LS144

Newtownwhite NS

09040K

Ballysakeery, Ballina

Ballysakeery

Approx 50m each side of school

7,000.00

L5659

Neal

12350T

Neal

Neal

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

L5662

Gortjordan

14534Q

Gortjordan

Houndswood

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

Road No./Name

Name of School

Roll No.

Address of School

ED

Location

2006 Cost Max €7000

L5666

Kilroe

17615L

Kilroe

Shrule

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

L56503

Cloonliffen

18922W

Cloonfillen

Ballinrobe

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

L5649

Roxborough

12816Q

Roxborough

Ballinrobe

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

L1607

Mount Pleasant

13500R

Ballyglass

Roslee

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

L1609

Roundfort

17082W

Roundfort

Hollymount

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

R332

Cloghans Hill

17922R

Cloghans Hill

Kilcommon

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

L1616

Ballycushin NS

18876S

Ballycushin

Dalgan

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

L1822

Brackloon NS

04796R

Brackloon, Westport

Knappagh

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

R335

Murrisk NS

16832L

Murrisk, Westport

Croagh Patrick

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

L1401

Fahy NS

13555T

Fahey, Newport

Kilmcaclasser

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

L5427

Moyna NS

16618J

Moyna Kilmeena

Kilmeena

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

Total

266,000.00

FLASHING AMBER SAFETY LIGHTS AT SCHOOLS 2005

County Mayo

Road No./ Name

Name of School

Roll No.

Address of School

DED

Location

2005 Cost Max €7,000

LT 21073

Killala

16811D

Killala Co. Mayo

Killala

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

LT 11164

Kilcummin

18175L

Kilcummin Ballina

Lacken South

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

LS 5157

Kinard

14400S

Kinard Crossmolina

Deel

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

LP 110

Mount Palmer

20217N

Kilfian Ballina

Killala

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

LT 11063

Killa Corraun

14865Q

Castlehill Ballina

Deel

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

L 1608

Lehinch

05120L

Hollymount

Coonard

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

L 1606

Roobeen

19394L

Roobeen

Newbrook

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

L 5636

Burriscarra

05756K

Clogher, Claremorris

Burriscarra

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

L 5643

Gortskehy

18880J

Hollymount

Garrymore

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

L 1602

Srah

15073L

Tourmakedy

Portroyal

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

L 5630

Killateeun

12626L

Tourmakedy

Ballinchalla

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

LP 503

Loughanamon

19972T

Claremorris

Ballyhowley

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

LP 512

Loughboy

15539I

Ballyhaunis

Culnacleha

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

LP 917

Coogue

16952V

Ballyhaunis

Bekan

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

LP 507

Taugheen

17301I

Claremorris

Taugheen

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

LT 55481

Knock

16122D

Knock

Knock South

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

LP 913

Aghamore

15030Q

Ballyhaunis

Aghamore

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

R335-344

Lecanvey

13797O

Westport

Kilsallagh

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

L1828-29

Louisburgh N.S

20037L

Louisburgh

Louisburgh

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

R335-276

Louisburgh S.S

64660F

Louisburgh

Louisburgh

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

5893 — 0

Kileen N.S

19324H

Louisburgh

Aillemore

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

1824 — 0

Drummin

17037V

Westport

Drummin

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

L-1201

Aghalasheen

18594I

Belmullet

Belmullet

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

L-5230

Aughleam

12373I

Belmullet

An Geata Mor Theas

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

L-12068

Bangor Erris

13684H

Bangor Erris

Bangor

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

R313

Barnatra

14188A

Ballina

Muings

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

L-52952

Belderrig

11582M

Ballina

Beldergmore

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

L-52958

Belmullet

17727T

Belmullet

Belmullet

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

Road No./Name

Name of School

Roll No.

Address of School

ED

Location

2006 Cost Max €7000

L-5233

Binghamstown

14258S

Belmullet

An Geata Mor Thuaidh

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

L-5247

Carrowteige

15032U

Ballina

Knockadaff

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

L-5238

Corclough

15014S

Belmullet

An Geata Mor Thuaidh

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

L-5287

Doohooma

14193Q

Doohooma

Rathhill

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

L-5255

Drumslide

17532E

Ballycroy

Ballycroy North

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

L-5259

Geesala

19776T

Geesala

Rathhill

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

R314

Glenamoy

13882L

Glenamoy

Barrooskey

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

L-1202

Inver

12568A

Pullathomas

Knocknalower

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

L-1202

Pullathomas

16283E

Pullathomas

Knocknalower

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

L-5245

Rossport

12569C

Ballina

Muingnabo

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

L-5251

Shraigh

13303Q

Belmullet

Glencastle

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

L-5451

Bullsmouth

14866S

Achill

Achill

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

R-319

Tonragee

16113C

Achill

Corraun

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

L-1406

Dookinella

14873P

Achill

Slievemore

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

L-1404

Currane

16295L

Achill

Corraun

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

R319

Dooagh

18082E

Achill

Slievemore

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

L-54437

Saula

16052I

Achill

Achill

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

R319

Achill Sound

14863M

Achill

Achill

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

L-1406

Valley

16379R

Achill

Achill

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

R319

Bunnacurry

18754E

Achill

Achill

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

L-5441

Drumgullagh,

18002D

Ballycroy

Ballycroy South

Approx 100m each side of school

7,000.00

TOTAL

343,000.00

Community Development.

Michael Noonan

Question:

250 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on grant aiding the development of a community enterprise centre (details supplied) from the Dormant Accounts Fund or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34785/06]

I cannot respond categorically to the Deputy, as my Department has not received an application for funding from the group in question. It is possible that the group might qualify for funding under the recently advertised flagship projects scheme under Dormant Accounts. I should stress that until an application is received and can be assessed, I cannot be certain that the group would qualify for funding. They may wish to consult my Departments website —www.pobail.ie — for further information or contact my Department’s Dormant Accounts section at 01-6473000.

National Development Plan.

Denis Naughten

Question:

251 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 192 of 17 October 2006, the number of times all the State agencies met in each year from 2000 to date in 2006 under the umbrella of the national development plan; when the next meeting of the agency CEO group will take place; the membership of the group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34728/06]

In addition to the 20 meetings of the Food Agency Co-Operation Council which took place between 2000 and 2003, the food development agencies directly concerned with the food programme components of the National Development Plan 2000-2006 met on 10 occasions in the period 2001 and 2006. Two meetings took place in each of the years 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004, while one meeting took place in each of the years 2005 and 2006.

The inaugural meeting of the Agency CEO Group, which subsumes and replaces the Food Agency Co-operation Council, took place on 18 July 2006. The next meeting of the Group will take place in November 2006. The Group, which is chaired at Ministerial level, comprises of the Chief Executives/Directors of Teagasc, Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland, Bord Iascaigh Mhara, Fáilte Ireland, FÁS, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, and the Food Safety Promotion Board.

Passports for Animals.

Michael Ring

Question:

252 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position in relation to an application for an EU pet passport for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and when this passport will issue to the veterinary practitioner. [34771/06]

The pet passport to which the Deputy refers was issued by registered post to the veterinary practitioner named on 3rd October 2006. Passports are issued to the veterinary practitioner, who then completes the relevant sections to allow the pet to travel under the EU Pet Passport system.

Grant Payments.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

253 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason the single farm payment has not been made to persons (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34782/06]

The persons named have been fully paid under the 2005 Single Payment Scheme which included an allocation of entitlements from the National Reserve. In order to reflect this allocation the Single Payment Entitlements position required to be updated for the 2006 Scheme year. This process is now complete and payment of 50% advance of the 2006 Single Payment Scheme will issue shortly.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

254 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if and when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare qualifies for national reserve; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34835/06]

The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the 2005 Single Payment Scheme National Reserve under Category A. Category A caters for farmers who inherited land or received land free of charge or for a nominal sum from a farmer who had retired or died before 16 May, 2005 and who had leased out his/her holding to a third party during the reference period 2000 to 2002. The person named was not successful under this category as the land acquired was not received free of charge or for a nominal sum.

However as the person named commenced farming after 31 December 2002, he may be in a position to qualify for the 2006 National Reserve. My Department has forwarded a 2006 National Reserve application form to the person named for his attention. Should the person wish to apply under the 2006 National Reserve he should return the completed application form to my Department's offices in Portlaoise at his earliest possible convenience.

School Accommodation.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

255 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on providing funding to provide an additional permanent classroom instead of the prefab approved in respect of a gaelscoil (details supplied) in County Cork. [34680/06]

The management authority of the school referred to by the Deputy submitted an application for an additional mainstream classroom and a resource room under Additional Classroom Accommodation Scheme 2006. In that application, the Board of Management indicated that their preference was for either the relocation of existing prefabricated accommodation or the rental of temporary school accommodation. Accordingly, the school was given approval to rent a prefabricated classroom to address their accommodation needs for 2006/7 school year.

Schools Refurbishment.

Michael Collins

Question:

256 Mr. Collins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position with regard to the refurbishment or reconstruction of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick. [34681/06]

The School Planning Section of my Department is in receipt of an application for the Small Schools Scheme 2007 in respect of the school referred to by the Deputy. The application will be assessed by my officials and the list of successful applicants for the scheme will be published as soon as possible. The closing date for receipt of applications under this devolved scheme is 27 October 2006.

Michael Collins

Question:

257 Mr. Collins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position with regard to the refurbishment or reconstruction of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick. [34682/06]

The school referred to by the Deputy is currently at an early stage of architectural planning. The brief for this project provides for a new 6 classroom school plus ancillary accommodation totalling 1030m2.

The architectural element of this project will be handled by my Department's in-house architect, with external professionals making up the remainder of the Design Team.

A planning and briefing meeting has been arranged for Wednesday November 8th. Following on from this meeting the Design Team will prepare a stage 1/2 submission (Site Suitability & Outline Sketch Scheme).

Progression of the project to tender and construction will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2006-2010.

Special Educational Needs.

Jack Wall

Question:

258 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason funding has been withdrawn by her Department that permitted parents to attend special ABA courses in respect of autism; if the special education section of her Department will be instructed to again accept applications for such funding or if not the alternatives her Department has in place to overcome the shortfall that the loss of participation on such courses will mean to parents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34718/06]

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

259 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will address the issues raised in correspondence of 18 October 2006 (details supplied). [34719/06]

Catherine Murphy

Question:

271 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the withdrawal of funding or grant aid, for parents seeking to undertake a ten-day course (details supplied) on the way to work with children diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorders in view of the vital information and training this course provides to parents of such children in assisting with their development; if there are other such courses made available by her Department for such parents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34895/06]

Catherine Murphy

Question:

272 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the facilities that have been made available to the parents of children with special educational needs to acquire skills for managing their children’s special needs, for improving their developmental progress and for understanding the nature of their children’s specific needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34896/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 258, 259, 271 and 272 together.

My Department supports the training and professional development of staff working with children with special educational needs through the Special Education Support Service (SESS) which was established in 2003. The service as appropriate, consolidates co-ordinates, develops and delivers a range of professional development initiatives and support structures for school personnel working with students with special educational needs in a variety of educational settings. Generally this support is provided by direct training input or sanction for school staff to attend courses recognised and funded through the SESS.

As part of its response to the growing demand from teachers for support and training, the SESS is currently developing teams of trainers to deliver training in four specific areas, one of which is Autism. This training will be delivered locally through the Education Centre network and/or through whole-staff in-school support. School Authorities will continue to work with parents to ensure a consistent home/school approach to the education of children with autism.

While funding had been previously made available to parents to attend certain courses on an ad hoc basis, my Department is currently reviewing its position in this regard and a decision in relation to future funding of parental courses will be considered in the context of this review.

Higher Education Grants.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

260 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science if a higher education grant will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34730/06]

Under the terms of my Department's 2006 Third Level Student Maintenance Grant Schemes the position is that, generally speaking, students who are entering approved courses for the first time are eligible for grants where they satisfy the prescribed conditions with regard to age, residence, means, nationality and previous academic attainment. A mature student is defined for the purposes of the schemes as a candidate who is at least 23 years of age on the 1st January of the year of entry or re-entry to an approved course.

Mature students are categorised as either independent mature students or mature students dependent on parents. An independent mature student is defined as meaning a mature student who was not ordinarily resident at home with his/her parents from the October preceding their entry to an approved course. Independent mature students are assessed without reference to either their parents' income or address.

When assessing the means of students other than independent mature students, the means test provision of the scheme specifies that the students' means and those of their parents or guardians must be below a prescribed limit. This provision requires that parental income be taken into account irrespective of the individual circumstances in any case where the student is not an independent mature student.

It is understood from Co. Louth VEC, the assessing authority in this case, that the candidate referred to by the Deputy is under 23 and that her parents are separated. The candidate is not eligible for the maintenance grant as the reckonable income in this case — i.e. the combined income from her mother's employment and her own Department of Social and Family Affairs payment exceed the prescribed limit for the 2005 tax year as set out in the grant scheme.

I regret that it is not possible to allow grant aid where reckonable income exceeds the prescribed limits irrespective of the particular circumstances.

Apart from the funding provided through the Student Support Maintenance Grant Schemes, financial assistance is also available from my Department through the Student Assistance Fund which is administered by the National Office for Equity of Access to Third Level Education (National Office). The objective of the Fund, which is ESF-aided, is to assist students in a sensitive and compassionate manner who might otherwise, due to their financial circumstances, be unable to continue their third level studies. Further information on this fund is available from the relevant third institutions.

The Deputy will appreciate that the terms of the schemes are of general application and it is not open to me to make exceptions in individual cases.

Educational Disadvantage.

Michael Ring

Question:

261 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the terms or conditions for schools to be included in the DEIS programme. [34732/06]

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 new School Support Programme under DEIS 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.

The ERC's overall approach was guided by the definition of educational disadvantage in the Education Act (1998), section 32(9), as: "the impediments to education arising from social or economic disadvantage which prevent students from deriving appropriate benefit from education in schools".

In the primary sector, the identification process was based on a survey carried out by the ERC in May 2005, from which a response rate of more than 97% was achieved.

The analysis of the survey returns from primary schools by the ERC identified the socio-economic variables that collectively best predict achievement, and these variables were then used to identify schools for participation in the School Support Programme. The variables involved were:

unemployment

local authority accommodation

lone parenthood

Travellers

large families (5 or more children)

pupils eligible for free books

In the case of second-level schools, the Department supplied the ERC with centrally-held data from the Post-Primary Pupils and State Examinations Commission databases. Based on an analysis of these data, the variables used to determine eligibility for inclusion in the School Support Programme were as follows:

Medical card data for Junior Certificate candidates (including Junior Certificate School Programme candidates)

Junior Certificate retention rates by school

Junior Certificate exam results aggregated to school level (expressed as an OPS — "Overall Performance Scale" — score). This was based on each student's performance in the seven subjects in which s/he performed best

Leaving Certificate retention rates by school.

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. Following on a review process, an additional 40 schools were included in the SSP.

Michael Ring

Question:

262 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools in County Mayo that have been included in the DEIS programme; the number of those schools located in the Westport area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34733/06]

68 primary schools and 8 post-primary schools in Co. Mayo are included in the new School Support Programme (SSP) under DEIS. Seven of these primary schools and two post-primary schools have Westport addresses. Details of the schools are published on my Department's website.

Michael Ring

Question:

263 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a primary school (details supplied) in County Mayo has been excluded from the DEIS programme in view of the fact that it is located in a most disadvantaged area of the county. [34734/06]

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 lSchool 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 mechanism was put in place to address the concerns of schools that did not qualify for inclusion in the School Support Programme but regarded themselves as having a level of disadvantage which is of a scale sufficient to warrant their inclusion in the programme. The review process operated under the direction of an independent person, charged with ensuring that all relevant identification processes and procedures were properly followed in the case of schools applying for a review.

An application for review was received from the school referred to by the Deputy and was thoroughly examined by the Review Group. In accordance with the recommendations of the Review Group, the school has not been identified for inclusion in the School Support Programme and the Principal was informed by letter on 4th August, 2006.

Schools which have not qualified for the new School Support Programme and which are receiving additional resources, both human and financial, under pre-existing schemes and programmes for addressing disadvantage, will retain these supports for 2006/2007. After that, schools will continue to get support in line with the level of disadvantage among their pupils.

The DEIS action plan states that, as well as the provision being made under the new School Support Programme for schools with a concentrated level of disadvantage, financial support will also continue to be provided for other primary schools where the level of disadvantage is more dispersed.

Disadvantaged Status.

Tom Hayes

Question:

264 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the case of a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary on behalf of which an application has been made for disadvantaged status. [34735/06]

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. In the primary sector, the identification process was based on a survey carried out by the ERC in May 2005, from which a response rate of more than 97% was achieved.

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. The school referred to by the Deputy was not among those identified for inclusion in the School Support Programme.

Schools which have not qualified for the new School Support Programme and which are receiving additional resources, both human and financial, under pre-existing schemes and programmes for addressing disadvantage, will retain these supports for 2006/2007. After that, schools will continue to get support in line with the level of disadvantage among their pupils.

The DEIS action plan states that, as well as the provision being made under the new School Support Programme for schools with a concentrated level of disadvantage, financial support will also continue to be provided for other primary schools where the level of disadvantage is more dispersed.

Psychological Service.

Liz McManus

Question:

265 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science when a psychologist will be appointed to a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34736/06]

As the Deputy will be aware, all primary and post primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through the National Educational Psychological Service (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. The school referred to by the Deputy may now avail of SCPA in view of the retirement of the assigned psychologist.

School Staffing.

James Breen

Question:

266 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers who are Members of Dáil Éireann who have not resigned their teaching position and have substitute teachers working in those positions; if those substitute teachers are earning pension accreditation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34786/06]

There are 19 primary and second level school teachers, who are Members of Dáil Éireann, who have not resigned their teaching position and for whom replacement teachers are in place. In all cases the replacement teachers are members of the appropriate teachers' pension scheme and are accruing pensionable service.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

267 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide a breakdown in class size figures for primary schools per county, for the school year beginning September 2006 and the previous five school years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34877/06]

Information in relation to classes is provided in the annual census of primary schools. The reference date for the provision by schools of this information is the 30th September of the school year in question and the date for return by the schools is 31 October. Consequently, the details for the current school year (2006/2007) are not yet available. The information for the previous 5 school years is provided in the table set out below.

As the Deputy will be aware, major improvements have been made in staffing at primary in recent years. There are now 4000 more primary teachers than there were in 2002. The average class size in our primary schools is 24 and 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. Furthermore, the Government is committed to providing even more primary teachers next year to reduce class sizes.

As you know all primary schools are staffed on a general rule of at least one classroom teacher for every 28 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 28 children in the school. Next year (2007/2008 school year) this is being reduced to 27 children per classroom teacher. A further initiative that has been of direct benefit to primary schools has been the change in the criteria for developing schools. For the current school year the threshold for getting a developing school post was reduced specifically to help schools that are seeing large increases in enrolments each year. Over 280 such posts were sanctioned in the 2006/07 school year, compared to 170 in 2005/06. This Government has shown a clear determination to improve the staffing in our schools and we will continue to prioritise this issue going forward.

Number of Pupils by Class Size Range by County (2005/2006)

0-9

10-19

20-24

25-29

30-34

35-39

40 & Over

Totals

Carlow

8

462

1,353

2,270

1,304

142

5539

Cavan

32

1,282

2,199

2,334

1,552

285

7,684

Clare

150

1,740

3,242

3,504

2,476

640

41

11,793

Cork City

60

2,930

3,324

4,193

2,754

286

13,547

Cork County

192

3,769

8,166

13,401

9,592

1,792

44

36,956

Donegal

154

2,789

4,904

5,914

3,300

185

17,246

Dublin Belgard

3,501

5,796

10,541

6,495

245

26,578

Dublin City

56

8,811

10,000

13,346

8,133

360

40,706

Dublin Fingal

1,251

3,122

10,775

9,021

322

24,491

Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown

16

1,413

2,567

6,379

4,989

248

0

15612

Galway City

9

1,094

1,165

2,066

1,366

35

5,735

Galway County

292

3,979

4,987

5,073

2,830

214

40

17,415

Kerry

105

2,252

4,161

4,969

2,898

70

14,455

Kildare

990

3,761

10,437

6,351

531

22,070

Kilkenny

9

1,248

2,126

3,332

2,383

176

9,274

Laois

26

816

1,641

3,169

1,466

72

7,190

Leitrim

32

819

861

953

160

146

2,971

Limerick City

27

1,249

1,491

1,973

1,392

106

6,238

Limerick County

104

1,719

3,371

5,184

2,758

212

13,348

Longford

80

699

997

1,292

471

71

3,610

Louth

1,097

2,967

5,260

3,731

282

13,337

Mayo

228

3,264

3,654

4,204

1,654

186

13,190

Meath

24

1,201

3,586

7,827

5,220

757

18,615

Monaghan

52

926

1,785

2,126

1,139

214

6,242

Offaly

25

1,000

2,413

3,516

1,684

8,638

Roscommon

138

1,622

1,867

1,685

721

148

40

6,221

Sligo

49

1,226

2,133

1,911

975

143

6,437

Tipperary N.R.

21

1,131

2,612

2,515

913

106

41

7,339

Tipperary S.R.

30

1,397

3,273

2,882

1,358

284

9,224

Waterford City

342

1,272

2,668

1,021

72

5,375

Waterford County

9

863

1,723

2,771

1,109

248

6,723

Westmeath

40

1,004

2,416

3,352

2,282

144

9,238

Wexford

27

1,449

3,797

5,922

3,503

497

15,195

Wicklow

25

1,336

3,065

4,621

4,222

465

13,734

Totals

2,020

60,671

105,797

162,365

101,223

9,684

206

441,966

Number of Pupils by Class Size Range by County (2004/2005)

0-9

10-19

20-24

25-29

30-34

35-39

40 & Over

Totals

Carlow

16

474

1,297

2,034

1,491

105

5,417

Cavan

61

1,488

1,810

2,625

1,370

35

7,389

Clare

109

2,083

3,326

2,974

2,792

357

11,641

Cork City

32

3,013

3,320

4,129

2,945

214

13,653

Cork County

138

4,267

7,916

13,239

9,041

1,369

41

36,011

Donegal

139

2,962

4,649

5,572

3,625

179

17,126

Dublin Belgard

9

3,672

5,478

9,705

6,951

393

26,208

Dublin City

130

8,667

9,801

13,295

8,010

570

41

40,514

Dublin Fingal

995

3,493

10,142

8,409

212

23,251

Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown

1,473

2,358

6,378

5,130

274

15,613

Galway City

26

1,089

1,283

1,868

1,217

140

5,623

Galway County

266

4,346

4,433

5,176

2501

362

17084

Kerry

87

2,113

3,918

5,258

2,779

185

14,340

Kildare

9

811

3,862

9,378

6,560

670

21,290

Kilkenny

8

1,072

2,728

2,665

2,290

430

9,193

Laois

7

1,050

1,756

2,801

1,181

142

6,937

Leitrim

38

680

958

950

285

71

2,982

Limerick City

40

1,433

1,248

2,205

1,278

35

6,239

Limerick County

77

1,898

3,657

4,416

2,949

249

13,246

Longford

121

632

824

1,432

500

35

3,544

Louth

9

1,306

2,938

4,568

3,398

356

12,575

Mayo

297

3,162

4,022

4,111

1,528

106

13,226

Meath

16

1,171

3,692

7,194

5,118

461

40

17,692

Monaghan

15

1,031

1,850

1,980

1,076

213

6,165

Offaly

34

990

2,202

3,684

1,300

180

8,390

Roscommon

168

1,533

1,800

1,753

773

36

6,063

Sligo

86

1,401

1,863

1,654

1,373

6377

Tipperary N.R.

30

1,422

2,259

2,375

936

105

7,127

Tipperary S.R.

46

1,428

2,887

3,231

1,452

217

9,261

Waterford City

645

1,287

2,144

1,092

5,168

Waterford County

997

1,850

2,229

1,190

284

6,550

Westmeath

46

1,091

2,404

3,522

1,827

144

9,034

Wexford

18

1,451

3,876

5,812

3,389

285

40

14,871

Wicklow

17

1,628

3,055

4,951

3,547

322

13520

Total

2,095

63,474

104,100

155,450

99,303

8,736

162

433,320

Number of Pupils by Class Size Range by County (2003/2004)

0-9

10-19

20-24

25-29

30-34

35-39

40 & Over

Totals

Carlow

25

631

1,363

2,201

970

105

5,295

Cavan

35

1,389

2,170

2,501

1,043

35

7,173

Clare

137

2,240

2,502

3,498

2,426

644

11,447

Cork City

40

3,187

3,552

3,789

2,868

392

13,828

Cork County

148

4,000

8,666

13,608

8,063

1,004

40

35,529

Donegal

178

2,954

4,704

5,433

3,546

145

16,960

Dublin Belgard

9

3,196

6,078

9,000

7,118

462

46

25,909

Dublin City

136

8,642

10,227

13,201

8,261

571

41,038

Dublin Fingal

9

992

3,591

9,847

7,877

425

22,741

Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown

1,374

2,837

6,167

5,311

140

0

15829

Galway City

42

1,060

1,179

2,004

1,211

70

5,566

Galway County

259

4,100

4,628

4,460

3,038

470

16,955

Kerry

52

2,305

3,821

5,242

2,609

180

14,209

Kildare

9

895

3,396

8,727

7,037

707

20,771

Kilkenny

8

1,158

2,473

3,079

2,131

284

9,133

Laois

36

920

1,529

2,799

1,368

182

6,834

Leitrim

53

616

855

870

543

36

2,973

Limerick City

27

1,275

1,227

2,606

1,235

71

6,441

Limerick County

105

2,094

3,525

4,353

2,717

397

13,191

Longford

99

740

1,028

1,241

376

3,484

Louth

1

1,616

2,589

4,438

3,221

425

12,290

Mayo

224

3,950

3,765

3,661

1,365

251

13,216

Meath

38

1,664

3,243

6,310

5,291

424

44

17,014

Monaghan

48

1,000

1,731

2,199

994

220

6,192

Offaly

19

1,218

2,259

3,566

1,051

105

8,218

Roscommon

166

1,635

1,931

1,510

758

35

6,035

Sligo

87

1,208

1,983

2,076

1,102

6,456

Tipperary N.R.

22

1,261

2,418

2,434

754

144

7033

Tipperary S.R.

33

1,663

2,532

3,683

1,287

35

9,233

Waterford City

548

1,640

1,797

1,156

70

5,211

Waterford County

17

1,038

1,679

2,239

1,276

176

6,425

Westmeath

55

1,102

2,249

3,568

1,844

105

8,923

Wexford

1,394

3,775

5,997

3,050

464

42

14,722

Wicklow

37

1,216

3,124

5,306

3,328

426

13,437

Totals

2,154

64,281

104,269

153,410

96,225

9,200

172

429,711

Number of Pupils by Class Size Range by County (2002/2003)

0-9

10-19

20-24

25-29

30-34

35-39

40 & Over

Totals

Carlow

541

1,456

2,051

1,199

71

5,318

Cavan

14

1,326

2,021

2,361

1,230

176

7,128

Clare

100

2,154

3,063

3,003

2,374

640

42

11,376

Cork City

26

2,776

3,518

3,973

3,448

423

14,164

Cork County

206

4,654

8,200

12,503

8,132

1,366

44

35,105

Donegal

172

3,226

4,599

5,202

3,386

245

16,830

Dublin Belgard

8

3,518

5,234

8,882

7,706

429

40

25,817

Dublin City

48

8,785

10,987

12,130

8,824

533

41,307

Dublin Fingal

7

1,235

3,471

9,007

7,467

892

82

22,161

Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown

26

1,418

2,698

5,646

5,759

492

0

16,039

Galway City

9

911

1,140

1,775

1,436

391

5,662

Galway County

206

3,879

4,610

5,322

2,599

252

16,868

Kerry

73

2,351

3,425

5,422

2,608

290

14,169

Kildare

9

669

3,036

8,778

6,917

854

20,263

Kilkenny

9

1,134

2,554

2,901

2,246

212

83

9,139

Laois

18

920

1,669

2,545

1,312

179

6,643

Leitrim

29

708

822

968

345

37

2,909

Limerick City

8

1,378

1,530

2,250

1,270

35

6,471

Limerick County

106

1,845

3,411

4,668

2,792

396

13,218

Longford

132

819

840

1,084

567

3442

Louth

7

1,291

2,592

4,459

3,536

251

12,136

Mayo

158

3,563

4,030

3,922

1,748

107

13,528

Meath

16

1,048

3,283

6,661

4,426

877

83

16,394

Monaghan

49

1,054

1,728

2,020

1,292

38

40

6,221

Offaly

20

1,369

2,237

3,097

1,284

149

41

8,197

Roscommon

149

1,773

1,838

1,430

659

74

5,923

Sligo

68

1,033

1,912

2,344

935

181

6,473

Tipperary N.R.

27

1,319

2,221

2,480

788

178

7,013

Tipperary S.R.

33

1,601

2,390

3,641

1,449

146

9,260

Waterford City

9

521

1,293

2,076

1,160

178

5,237

Waterford County

876

1,834

2,287

1,246

142

6,385

Westmeath

31

1,190

2,281

3,234

1,999

8,735

Wexford

10

1,265

3,994

5,950

2,815

397

14,431

Wicklow

30

1,438

2,883

4,820

3,728

389

13,288

Totals

1,813

63,588

102,800

148,892

98,682

11,020

455

427,250

Number of Pupils by Class Size Range by County (2001/2002)

0-9

10-19

20-24

25-29

30-34

35-39

40 & Over

Totals

Carlow

16

528

1,289

1,970

1,309

144

5,256

Cavan

21

1,210

2,212

2,365

1,070

70

6,948

Clare

116

2,073

2,784

3,030

2,646

607

11,256

Cork City

17

2,270

3,653

4,000

3,725

815

14,480

Cork County

228

4,414

7,959

12,105

8,224

1,690

122

34,742

Donegal

120

2,908

4,621

5,201

3,518

461

16,829

Dublin Belgard

14

3,604

4,948

8,576

8,187

461

25,790

Dublin City

128

8,182

10,973

12,384

9,262

678

47

41,654

Dublin Fingal

1,277

3,273

8,474

7,596

1,143

40

21,803

Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown

8

1,441

2,359

5,284

6,372

635

44

16,143

Galway City

4

756

1,153

2,262

1,289

177

5641

Galway County

269

3,696

4,640

5,223

2,637

250

41

16,756

Kerry

79

2,105

3,920

4,672

2,807

361

80

14,024

Kildare

9

900

2,678

7,831

7,299

928

41

19,686

Kilkenny

921

2,292

3,668

2,145

145

9,171

Laois

24

842

1,942

2,114

1,402

246

6,570

Leitrim

44

730

738

985

311

72

2,880

Limerick City

27

1,173

1,438

2,141

1,700

35

6,514

Limerick County

91

2,059

3,016

4,506

3,143

288

85

13,188

Longford

75

737

732

1,293

590

35

3,462

Louth

7

1,418

2,189

4,407

3,377

462

11,860

Mayo

165

3,500

3,833

4,242

1,695

109

13,544

Meath

17

1,011

3,260

6,633

4,058

682

40

15,701

Monaghan

61

968

1,965

2,170

878

216

6,258

Offaly

12

1,183

2,248

3,328

1,169

108

8,048

Roscommon

165

1,548

1,994

1,408

821

71

6,007

Sligo

84

1,271

1,921

2,035

939

177

6,427

Tipperary N.R.

55

1,456

1,874

2,368

923

179

6,855

Tipperary S.R.

30

1,562

2,754

3,075

1,675

141

9,237

Waterford City

414

1,357

1,962

1,300

177

5,210

Waterford County

7

927

1,680

2,543

1,133

71

6,361

Westmeath

37

999

2,153

3,647

1,614

246

8,696

Wexford

13

1,282

3,621

5,330

3,413

426

14085

Wicklow

24

1,219

2,768

5,043

3,704

608

13366

Totals

1,967

60,584

100237

146275

101931

12914

540

424448

School Enrolments.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

268 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the average age at which infants enter primary school for the first time in each county; the number of schools per county which operate an age restrictive policy at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34878/06]

The table set out below gives a detailed breakdown on a county by county basis of the average age at which infants entered primary school for the first time in the 2005/2006 school year.

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

Enrolment in individual schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of those schools and my Department does not seek to intervene in decisions made by schools in such matters. Neither does my Department require individual schools to provide details of enrolment criterion and therefore it does not hold details of the number of schools which operate age restrictive enrolment policies. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.

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

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

Ages of Junior Infants Pupils by County 2005/2006

County

Age

Total Pupils

Carlow

4

250

5

490

6

24

7

1

Cavan

4

399

5

562

6

16

7

2

Clare

4

628

5

876

6

25

Cork City

4

749

5

936

6

17

Cork County

4

1544

5

3,239

6

89

7

1

Donegal

4

964

5

1171

6

22

7

1

Dublin Belgard

4

1,890

5

1710

6

29

7

2

Dublin City

4

2,819

5

2,398

6

60

7

1

Dublin Fingal

4

1,691

5

1,887

6

41

7

2

Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown

4

931

5

1,033

6

16

Galway City

4

394

5

406

6

11

Galway County

4

866

5

1,400

6

26

7

2

Kerry

4

665

5

1,091

6

31

7

1

Kildare

4

1193

5

1,929

6

36

7

1

Kilkenny

4

546

5

652

6

13

7

1

Laois

4

345

5

570

6

55

7

2

Leitrim

4

161

5

164

6

4

Limerick City

4

488

5

347

6

8

Limerick County

4

675

5

992

6

18

7

2

8

1

Longford

4

200

5

270

6

3

Louth

4

1027

5

851

6

19

7

1

Mayo

4

583

5

1035

6

23

7

1

Meath

4

1022

5

1539

6

23

7

1

Monaghan

4

448

5

340

6

7

Offaly

4

500

5

603

6

11

7

3

Roscommon

4

369

5

443

6

13

Sligo

4

429

5

417

6

13

Tipperary N.R.

4

371

5

623

6

16

Tipperary S.R.

4

497

5

614

6

11

Waterford City

4

473

5

291

6

5

7

1

Waterford County

4

415

5

420

6

7

Westmeath

4

438

5

711

6

35

7

1

Wexford

4

663

5

1195

6

37

7

1

Wicklow

4

791

5

1049

6

12

7

1

Paul Kehoe

Question:

269 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science when representatives of a group (details supplied) who met with her Department officials on 16 March 2006, can expect to receive responses to the issues raised during the meeting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34879/06]

For the 2006-2007 school year, the Department gave its approval for the enrolment of certain pupils in the school in question, who in good faith, had enrolled in that school for that year. This was notified to the Group to which the Deputy refers.

The views of the group referred to are being considered in the context of the public consultation process in relation to the new second level school for Gorey.

Special Educational Needs.

Finian McGrath

Question:

270 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will fund and support the NIID course in Trinity College for adults with a disability. [34880/06]

I understand that a submission has been prepared by Trinity College for a course leading to a certificate in Contemporary Living and has been forwarded to the Higher Education Authority which is the funding authority for universities.

My Department is awaiting the results of the HEA's consideration of the submission.

Questions Nos. 271 and 272 answered with Question No. 258.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Michael Collins

Question:

273 Mr. Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason for the delay in the provision of the proposed sewage scheme in Athea, County Limerick. [34687/06]

The Athea Sewerage Scheme, which is being advanced as part of a grouped project that also involves Askeaton, Foynes, Glin and Shanagolden, is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 as a scheme to commence construction in 2007.

My Department is awaiting submission of Limerick County Council's Preliminary Reports for the project.

Michael Collins

Question:

274 Mr. Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason for the delay in the provision of all sewerage schemes in County Limerick. [34688/06]

Details of the major sewerage schemes in County Limerick that have been approved for funding by my Department, together with scheduled commencement dates, are set out in the Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 which is available in the Oireachtas Library. Information on smaller schemes, for which full responsibility has been devolved to Limerick County Council, may be obtained from the Council.

Local authorities are the procurement bodies for individual schemes included in the Programme and are responsible for producing necessary Design Briefs, Contract Documents etc and for advancing each of their schemes to completion. Insofar as particular stages of schemes need approval by my Department, I have introduced more streamlined approval procedures in order to reduce administration and accelerate progress. For example, I have reduced from four to two the number of stage approvals local authorities need to obtain from my Department for schemes costing less than €5m. I continue to keep the approval procedures under review.

Legislative Programme.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

275 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if it is intended to enact sections 55 to 62 of the Local Government Act 2001 before 1 December 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34689/06]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 674 of 21 February 2006. The issue remains under consideration.

Grant Payments.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

276 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding a development (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will clarify the reason for the delay in progressing this development. [34691/06]

Certain clarifications regarding the application for funding under the Capital Assistance Scheme in respect of this project were sought from Cork County Council who are responsible for administering the scheme in their area. Following technical examination of a revised design received from the Council my Department approved a grant for this project on 23 June 2006.

Cúrsaí Pleanála.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

277 D’fhiafraigh Mr. McGinley den Aire Comhshaoil, Oidhreachta agus Rialtais Áitiúil i bhfianaise chinneadh an Bhoird Pleanála maidir le caomhnú na Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht, an bhfuil sé i gceist aige rialacháin a dhéanamh faoi alt 33 den Acht Pleanála 2000 lena gceanglófar ar lucht forbartha an fhaisnéis chuí a sholáthar le gon-ullmhófaí ráiteas tionchair teanga neamhspleách maidir le gach forbairt mholta i limistéir Ghaeltachta. [34769/06]

Dhíreoinn aird ar an bhfreagra a thug mé ar Cheist Uimh. 1558 ar an 27 Meán Fómhair 2006.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

278 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of housing units here; the number of these which are affordable housing units; and the number which are social housing units. [34788/06]

There were 1.7 million housing units in 2005, of which approximately 134,000 were houses let by local authority or Voluntary or Co-operative sector. It is not possible to provide a breakdown of the number of units which are affordable housing units as beneficiaries under the various affordable housing schemes may have moved from these houses to new private housing. However since 1991, some 25,395 households have benefited under these schemes. Data on the number of housing units provided under the various affordable housing schemes each year are available in the Housing Statistics Bulletins which are available in the Oireachtas Library and on the Department's website at www.environ.ie.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

279 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the legislative process will be completed which will allow tenants of local authority flats to purchase their flats under the tenant purchase scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34881/06]

My Department is currently preparing proposals for the legislation required to give effect to the commitment in the Housing Policy Framework: Building Sustainable Communities to introduce a new tenant purchase scheme that will allow for the sale of local authority apartments to tenants under certain conditions. We are working to progress this draft legislation as quickly soon as possible.

Local Authority Housing.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

280 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide a breakdown by local authority of the number of applicants on local authority housing lists; the national average waiting time; the local authority with the longest waiting time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34882/06]

The most recent assessment of need for social housing, undertaken by local authorities in March 2005, indicated that there were 43,684 households on local authority waiting lists compared with 48,413 in March 2002. More detailed results, including a breakdown of this figure by local authority, are available in my Department's Annual Housing Statistics Bulletin for 2005, which is available on my Department's website —www.environ.ie.

Data in relation to the length of time applicants spend on local authority waiting lists is also available. However, this data is grouped into time classifications and therefore it is not possible to calculate a national average waiting time nor to identify which local authority has the longest waiting time. National data available on the duration that applicants spend on waiting lists is as follows:

Length of Time

2005

% of need

Less than 1 year

17,664

40

Between 1 & 2 years

8,872

20

Between 2 & 3 years

6,733

15

Between 3 & 4 years

3,725

9

More than 4 years

6,690

15

Total

43,684

100

More detailed data, including a breakdown by housing authority of waiting list times, is also available in the 2005 Statistics Bulletin.

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