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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 Nov 2006

Vol. 628 No. 3

Written Answers.

The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 8, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 9 to 39, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 40 to 46, inclusive, answered orally.

School Staffing.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

47 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science if extra language support teachers will be appointed to Tallaght schools in 2007; her views on the demand in that regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40123/06]

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

152 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to meet the needs of schools in the Tallaght area that have a large number of non-English speaking pupils enrolled; her views on the particular challenges for schools in that regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40124/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 152 together.

In order to ensure that children whose first language is not English can succeed at school, my Department gives additional support to their schools which can take the form of financial assistance, additional teaching posts or portions of teacher posts.

The level of extra financial or teaching support provided to any school is determined by the numbers of eligible non-English speaking students enrolled.

Recent years have seen a significant rise in the number of language support posts being provided by my Department. In the current school year there are more than 1,100 such teachers in our schools, at a cost of €67 million. This compares with approximately 820 language support teachers last year and just 260 in the 2001/02 school year. Hence there has been more than a four-fold increase in language support posts over the past few years.

In addition to the full-time posts approved, grants towards the cost of employing part-time teachers are paid to primary schools with between 3 and 13 eligible non-national pupils. In the 2005/06 school year, 409 schools sought grant aid under this provision.

Between extra language support posts and grant aid, the level of support provided to schools to meet the needs of children whose first language is not English has increased dramatically in recent years. Nonetheless I am very conscious of the pressures on schools — such as those in Tallaght that the Deputy has brought to my attention — that have large numbers of non-English speaking children enrolled. I am determined to provide greater support for these schools.

To that end, provision has been made in the 2007 Estimates for an extra 200 language support teachers in 2007. A further 350 posts will be provided under the Towards 2016 partnership agreement between 2008 and 2009. These extra posts will allow the current cap of 2 teachers per school to be reformed.

While details as to the precise number of posts to be allocated at both levels in the current school year and the schools to which the posts will be allocated have yet to be finalised I can assure the Deputy that I will be anxious to ensure that the additional resources are properly targeted at those areas where they are most needed. A comprehensive strategy is currently being finalised which will ensure that the extra investment in this area is being used to the best effect, and that it is underpinned by the right support and training for teachers.

School Curriculum.

Shane McEntee

Question:

48 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of post-primary schools offering the full complement of science subjects to leaving certificate level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40220/06]

The latest figures available to my Department show that in the 2005/06 school year the vast majority of schools were offering biology while a large proportion of schools offered the other science subjects.

The precise numbers are as follows:

691 schools offered biology, 554 offered physics, 550 offered chemistry, 193 offered Applied Mathematics, and 69 offered the joint Physics & Chemistry course.

As the Deputy will be aware, this Government has prioritised improvements in science education at all levels — from primary school science to advanced fourth level research.

Progress has been made in a wide range of areas in recent years:

A new science curriculum has been introduced at primary level supported by a resource grant in December 2004 of €1,000 per school plus €10 per pupil;

A revised and much more practically-focused syllabus in Junior Certificate Science was introduced in 2003 and examined for the first time in June 2006, its introduction was supported by €16 million in grants to schools;

Revised syllabi in Leaving Certificate Physics, Chemistry and Biology have also been introduced in the last five years and supported by comprehensive in-service programmes for teachers; and

Additional equipment grants have been provided to schools, while laboratories continue to be refurbished as part of the ongoing school building programme.

The Government has also provided some €4 million for the Discover Science and Engineering Awareness Programme to ensure a co-ordinated approach to promoting interest in science. It is engaged in a range of innovative activities to not only improve interest in science among school children and the general public, but also to encourage young people to see science as a viable career option.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation sets out a range of measures to further strengthen science teaching and learning and improve the uptake of senior cycle Physics and Chemistry. These include ensuring that the project based hands-on investigative approach now in place at junior cycle is extended to senior cycle, that the appropriate type of assessment is used and that there is an emphasis on the inter-disciplinary nature of science in society.

Other aspects of the Plan include:

reviewing the implementation of the primary science curriculum to ensure its effectiveness in stimulating interest and awareness in science at a very young age;

strengthening teacher training in this area;

reforming maths and Leaving Certificate Physics and Chemistry curricula;

promotion of science initiatives in Transition Year; and

the provision of information and brochures on science opportunities and careers, linking effectively with school guidance services.

Taken together, the comprehensive set of measures provided for in the SSTI will build on the improvements made in recent years and ensure even greater support for science education.

John Deasy

Question:

49 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will allocate laboratory technicians to schools to support the teaching of science at second level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40193/06]

As the Deputy will be aware, significant improvements have been made in science education at second level in recent years.

A revised and much more practically-focused syllabus in Junior Certificate Science was introduced in 2003 and examined for the first time in June 2006, its introduction was supported by €16 million in grants to schools;

Revised syllabi in Leaving Certificate Physics, Chemistry and Biology have also been introduced in the last five years and supported by comprehensive in-service programmes for teachers; and

Additional equipment grants have been provided to schools, while laboratories continue to be refurbished as part of the ongoing school building programme.

The Government has also provided some €4 million for the Discover Science and Engineering Awareness Programme to ensure a co-ordinated approach to promoting interest in science. It is engaged in a range of innovative activities to not only improve interest in science among school children and the general public, but also to encourage young people to see science as a viable career option.

Increased emphasis on science at second level has of course been supported by the introduction of a new science curriculum for primary schools. This aims at stimulating interest and awareness in science at a very young age and taps into children's natural fascination with the world around them.

The Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation sets out a range of measures to further strengthen science teaching and learning and improve the uptake of senior cycle Physics and Chemistry. These include ensuring that the project based hands-on investigative approach now in place at junior cycle is extended to senior cycle, that the appropriate type of assessment is used and that there is an emphasis on the inter-disciplinary nature of science in society.

Other aspects of the Plan include:

reviewing the implementation of the primary science curriculum;

strengthening teacher training in this area;

reforming the Maths and Leaving Certificate Physics and Chemistry curricula; and

the provision of information and brochures on science opportunities and careers, linking effectively with school guidance services.

Taken together, the comprehensive set of measures provided for in the SSTI will build on the improvements made in recent years and ensure even greater support for science education.

As I have explained on previous occasions, I am not convinced of the value of providing laboratory assistants for schools. As the Deputy will be aware, lab assistants have not been a universal feature of support for second level science teaching in other countries. There is no doubt that provision of assistants in this area would lead to demands for similar assistance across other areas of the curriculum where there is a strong practical component. So as I have said, I remain to be convinced of the necessity for them. Nonetheless, I will keep the position under review.

Site Acquisitions.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

50 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will direct the building unit of her Department, in conjunction with the Office of Public Works, to change the policy of reserving land for educational purposes to a policy of purchasing land for educational purposes in areas of rapid development, in order that sites for schools can be bought at reasonable prices and in time to provide places for children in these areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40165/06]

I should explain for the benefit of the House that traditionally, responsibility for acquiring school sites rested with patron bodies. In 1999 the then Minister took the decision that the Department would purchase sites for new schools where patron bodies were unable or unwilling for whatever reason to do so.

However, the option remains for a Patron Body to purchase a school site if it wishes to have ownership of the property.

The difficulties attaching to site acquisition, regardless of who the purchaser is, or when the site is being bought, cannot be underestimated even where sites are reserved. The willingness of a land owner to actually sell the land is the first critical issue — cost is the other. The House will appreciate that the Department is obliged at all times to achieve value for taxpayers' money. Nonetheless, I want to assure the House that we are moving ahead to acquire urgently needed sites.

In terms of the investment being made available by this Government for site acquisition as part of the Schools Building and Modernisation Programme, I am sure the Deputy will be pleased to know that funding for school buildings has increased dramatically in recent years. We are providing €500 million for the building programme this year, compared with just over €92 million in 1997.

While investment has increased five-fold, we are naturally still concerned to make the right decisions regarding what expenditure should be prioritised for the current year. In this context, substantial expenditure is of course required to meet the building costs of projects that have already been undertaken or are needed immediately. Within the building programme, the highest priority is given to accommodation needed to meet extra demand in rapidly developing areas.

Important changes have been made in recent years to speed up the time in which projects can be completed. These include innovations in the delivery of school buildings such as Generic Repeat Designs and the use of the Design and Build model. In recent years, the Department has also adopted a policy of devolving much greater authority to local school management boards to manage and deliver smaller building projects, which frees up Department staff to concentrate on the larger scale projects.

A number of sources of information are used to plan for the correct level of school accommodation. One of the most important sources is the local authority area development planning process. Apart from this, a substantial amount of the time and resources are dedicated to on-going contacts with the local authorities, especially in Dublin and within the Dublin Commuter belt, to monitor housing development and to establish the timescale for the delivery of extra school accommodation. I am anxious for local authorities to use both the powers that they have through the planning process and the resources at their disposal to assist my Department in meeting the demand for schools in their areas.

For example, by zoning areas as Strategic Development Zones (SDZ), local authorities can ensure that sites are reserved for schools and also that the schools must be developed in line with the housing and other developments. I would like to see more local authorities use the SDZ option for major developments.

Another way in which local authorities can work with my Department is in the development of school provision in tandem with the development of community facilities. This enhanced co-operation has the effect of minimising the Department's land requirements and thus reducing site costs while at the same time providing local communities with new schools with enhanced facilities. This model will be used in Fingal to deliver approximately 20 schools in the coming years. The Council will acquire the sites in return for which the design of the schools will be varied to meet community needs.

The range of enhanced combination facilities can include large sports halls, stage and dressing rooms, community meeting rooms, all-weather pitches and playgrounds. These additional facilities, which will be over and above the Department's standard specifications for schools, will be available not only to the school during normal school hours but also to the local community in the evenings, at weekends and during school holidays. Again, I would like to see this approach replicated throughout the country.

These examples serve to illustrate both the extent of the work being carried out with local authorities and the importance which the Department attaches to relationships with them. I have made my views with regard to the need for more local authorities to play a proactive role in relation to school sites known to the Minister for the Environment and Local Government. Members of this House can of course also assist this goal at local level by encouraging their representatives on local authorities to ensure that their Council does all they can to assist in the provision of schools in their area.

School Curriculum.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

51 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of single sex girls schools offering the subject music to both junior and leaving certificate respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40186/06]

Simon Coveney

Question:

64 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of single sex boys schools offering the subject music to both junior and leaving certificate respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40185/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 51 and 64 together.

The latest information available to my Department on the number of schools offering music relates to the 2005/06 school year. Some 501 second-level schools offered music in junior cycle in 2005/06. Of these, 67 are single sex boys schools, 148 are single-sex girls schools, and 286 are mixed-sex schools. Some 449 second-level schools offered music in senior cycle in 2005/06. Of these, 52 are single sex boys schools, 141 are single-sex girls schools, and 256 are mixed-sex schools.

The Deputy will be aware that the decision as to which subjects to offer is made at the level of the individual school, subject to compliance with my Department's regulations concerning provision of the core curriculum. Demand will of course depend on the number of students that want to take other subject options.

In relation to take-up at school level, I can inform the Deputy that nearly 10,000 students sat the Junior Cert Music exam in 2006, while nearly 5,000 students sat Leaving Cert Music.

The Leaving Certificate syllabus in Music was revised for first examination in 1999. To ensure the satisfactory implementation of this syllabus, a comprehensive two-year programme of in-career development for teachers of Music was put in place. Further courses for teachers are provided on an ongoing basis. The assessment structure allows students to specialise in the component of the course best suited to their interests and ability. The broad range of performance options available to students has increased accessibility to the subject and allows for students of diverse music backgrounds to participate in the subject.

I see an important role for music as part of a broad curriculum that enables all students to develop to their full potential and realise their own individual talents. Of course, many students who do not take music as an examination subject nonetheless enjoy taking part in school musicals or singing in the school choir. Others will enjoy music provision through schools of music operated by the VECs which are allocated teaching hours by my Department.

I assure the Deputy of the Government's commitment to promoting participation in music for our young people.

Educational Disadvantage.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

52 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of agencies funded by her Department working in the area of educational disadvantage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40187/06]

A key focus of the Government's education policy is to prioritise investment in favour of those most at risk and to optimise access, participation and outcomes at every level of the system for disadvantaged groups.

The wide variety of measures in place for tackling educational disadvantage and social exclusion reflect these concerns. These measures range from pre-school interventions, supports for tackling children's literacy problems, reduced pupil-teacher ratios, increased capitation grants and measures to tackle early school leaving and strengthen ties between the school, the family and the community. In addition, there are interventions in support of youth to facilitate access to third-level and to provide "second chance education" for young people and adults.

The total provision for educational inclusion programmes in the 2007 Abridged Estimates is nearly €730 million across all levels of education. This represents an increase of nearly €95 million on the comparable 2006 figure. The 2007 provision includes additional funding for the implementation of measures under the DEIS action plan at pre-school, primary and second-level, additional funding for further education programmes and an increase in provision for third level student support schemes including the full year cost of the 22% increase in the top-up grant.

My focus in addressing educational disadvantage is to concentrate resources on front-line services and supports for those most in need. In this respect, the agencies working in the education sector have a key role in promoting equality of access, participation and progression.

A broad range of agencies would have a role in that respect from the early education sector right through primary and second level to further and higher education and the youth sector. These include the following:

The Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education;

FETAC;

HETAC;

The HEA; The National Centre for Guidance in Education;

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment;

The National Council for Special Education;

NEPS;

The National Educational Welfare Board;

The National Office for Equity of Access to Higher Education;

The NQAI; and

The Vocational Education Committees.

In addition, my Department also funds a range of support services, NGOs and other organisations working in the area of educational disadvantage. All these agencies have a vital role to play in the Government's multi-faceted strategy to tackle socio-economic disadvantage at every level of our education system.

Psychological Service.

Tom Hayes

Question:

53 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of secondary schools covered by the services offered by the National Educational Psychological Service; the target she has set with regard to improving this number over the coming six months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40215/06]

John Perry

Question:

54 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools covered by the services offered by the National Educational Psychological Service; the target she has set with regard to improving this number over the coming six months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40214/06]

John Deasy

Question:

80 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools that do not have access to the National Educational Psychological Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40216/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 53, 54, 80 together.

All primary and post primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through the NEPS or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA), full details of which are available on my Department's website.

Schools that do not currently have NEPS psychologists assigned to them may avail of the SCPA, whereby the school can have an assessment carried out by a member of the panel of private psychologists approved by NEPS, and NEPS will pay the psychologist the fees for this assessment directly.

Details of this process and the conditions that apply to the scheme are available on my Department's Website. The prioritisation of urgent cases for assessment is a matter for the school principal in the first instance. In the 10 months to the end of October 2006, nearly €1.2 million was spent on in region of 3,500 SCPA assessments.

The NEPS service is locally based and regionally organised with a small national Head Office. Currently, the NEPS service is now available to approximately 1,604 primary schools (representing approximately 60% of pupils) and approximately 586 post-primary schools (representing 78% of students). This number includes 46 schools in the City and County of Dublin Vocational Schemes, which have their own psychological service.

In common with many other psychological services, NEPS encourages a staged assessment process, whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention in consultation with their assigned NEPS psychologist. Only if there is a failure to make reasonable progress in spite of the school's best efforts will a child be referred for individual psychological assessment. This system allows the psychologists to give early attention to urgent cases and also to help many more children indirectly than could be seen individually. It also ensures that children are not referred unnecessarily for psychological intervention.

The introduction of the General Allocation Model for primary schools last year, supported by the provision of over 600 extra resource teachers, means that children with high incidence special needs now longer have to wait for an individual assessment before they can get access to extra support.

Since the establishment of NEPS, the number of psychologists in the service has increased from 43 to 127 at present (including 4 psychologists currently seconded to the National Behavioural Support Service). In the last recruitment round, regional panels were used to allow my Department give greater priority in filling vacancies to areas with the greatest need.

In addition to the 127 psychologists currently in NEPS, a further 6 are in the process of being recruited. On top of this, the 17% increase in funding for the service provided in the 2007 Estimates, will allow some further expansion in the number of psychologists next year. The actual number of extra staff will be determined shortly.

To conclude, since this Government established NEPS, we have trebled the number of psychologists in the service. We have also funded in the region of 3,500 private assessments so far this year. We are committed to expanding the coverage of the service even further, are recruiting extra staff at present and plan to hire more in 2007.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Denis Naughten

Question:

55 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps she is taking to reduce class sizes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39915/06]

As the Deputy will be aware, there are now no fewer than 4,000 extra primary teachers, compared with 2002. Furthermore, there are nearly 7,000 more primary teachers than there were in 1997.

The average class size in our primary schools is now 24. With the unprecedented increases in support staff, there is now one teacher for every 17 primary school children — down from one for 22. Children who need extra help are getting more support than ever before. I am sure the Deputy will be pleased to know that in the 05/06 school year, the average class size in Roscommon was just under 21 — significantly below the national average.

I am sure the Deputy will also be happy to hear that the number of children in large classes nationally has been significantly reduced. When this Government first came into office, there were more than 52,000 children in classes of 35 and over — five times the number who there were in the last school year. There were also more than 1,900 children in classes of 40 and over — compared to just over 200 in 05/06.

While I appreciate the need to make further progress in reducing class size, it should be acknowledged just how much has been achieved.

In recent years, priority has rightly been given to providing extra support for children with special needs, those from disadvantaged areas and those who need help with their English.

Special education provision in particular has undergone a level of expansion the extent of which nobody could have predicted a few years ago — and this was only right. If we had put all 4,000 of the teachers hired since 2002 into classroom teaching, our average class size would be a lot smaller than it is now, but we would have done a great disservice to those children who need extra help the most. I am sure the Deputy would accept that we have taken the right approach.

Now that children with special needs are finally getting the support they deserve, we are providing extra teachers this year and next specifically to reduce class sizes, through a reduction in the mainstream staffing schedule.

This has meant that, whereas all primary schools were staffed on a general rule of at least one classroom teacher for every 29 children in the 05/06 school year, in the current school year there is a general rule of at least one 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, we are committed to hiring even more extra teachers in order to reduce this to a general rule of at least one teacher for every 27 children.

We also acted this year to specifically address the needs of growing schools by making it easier to qualify for a developing school post. Over 280 such posts were sanctioned for the 2006/07 school year, compared to 170 in 2005/06. This change specifically addressed the needs of schools which are seeing large increases in their enrolments year on year.

The improvements we have made in school staffing in recent years are absolutely unparalleled but we are determined to go even further and so the 2007 Estimates include provision for another 800 primary teachers. About 500 of these will be classroom teachers, which includes our commitment to reduce class sizes.

I assure the Deputy that we will continue to prioritise further improvements in school staffing going forward. We will also continue our focus on measures to improve the quality of education in our primary schools to ensure that increased resources lead to better outcomes for our children.

Educational Disadvantage.

Michael Noonan

Question:

56 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools to receive funding under the DEIS scheme; when such funding will come on stream; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40206/06]

DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the new action plan for educational inclusion provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and a new integrated School Support Programme (SSP). The DEIS plan states that as well as provision being made 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.

DEIS is designed to ensure that the schools serving the most disadvantaged communities benefit from the maximum level of support available. Schools which have not qualified for inclusion in DEIS, and which are receiving additional resources under pre-existing schemes for addressing disadvantage, can be assured that they will continue to get support to enable them to maintain services for their disadvantaged pupils.

As a result of the identification and review processes, 873 schools have been invited to participate in the new Programme. These comprise 670 primary schools (338 urban/town schools and 332 rural schools) and 203 second level schools.

Grants amounting to approximately €7.7 million due to the 670 Primary schools which are participating in the DEIS Initiative were lodged to their schools' bank accounts on 17 November 2006. This is in addition to payments totalling €1 million which issued to those schools in June 2006.

In respect of the 203 Post Primary schools participating in the initiative and 80 Post Primary Schools receiving grants under pre-existing schemes, approximately €1.5 million will have been paid by the end of the current financial year of a total allocation in the order of €4.7 million. The balance of this allocation will be paid in the course of the 2006/2007 school year. Also on 17 November 2006, approximately another 1,900 primary schools received some €4.1 million of grant assistance to assist them with their respective levels of dispersed disadvantage.

In addition to supplementary financial assistance which is provided to schools in DEIS, schools will benefit from additional measures which range from pre-school interventions, supports for tackling children's literacy problems, reduced pupil-teacher ratios, allocation of administrative principals on lower enrolment, measures to tackle early school leaving, measures to strengthen ties between the school, the family and the community and provision of continuing professional development for teachers.

Psychological Service.

David Stanton

Question:

57 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if an evaluation or review of the National Educational Psychological Service has been undertaken or is planned; if so the details of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40178/06]

Ongoing evaluation is seen as an intrinsic aspect of a quality schools' psychological service. Within NEPS, the strategy for evaluation includes a number of elements including self-review by psychologists of their work using a range of instruments.

Business Planning process applies to NEPS as to all areas of the Department and at individual level the Performance Management and Development System is also embedded within the management practices of NEPS. This Government has prioritised the development of a high quality psychological service.

Since the establishment of NEPS, the number of psychologists in the service has increased from 43 to 127 at present (including 4 psychologists currently seconded to the National Behavioural Support Service). In the last recruitment round, regional panels were used to allow my Department give greater priority in filling vacancies to areas with the greatest need.

In addition to the 127 psychologists currently in NEPS, a further 6 are in the process of being recruited. On top of this, the 17% increase in funding for the service provided in the 2007 Estimates will allow some further expansion in the number of psychologists next year.

Given the very significant investment being provided for NEPS and the Government's plans to extend the service in 2007, we are naturally anxious to ensure that the service is working well.

A significant independent client/customer survey evaluation is planned for 2007, the results of which it is anticipated will be available next Autumn. The purpose of the school survey is to assess the attitude of school authorities to the service provided by NEPS. The principal variables to be assessed will include access to the service, partnership with service users and service delivery. Feedback form this survey will inform and enhance future service delivery.

Special Educational Needs.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

58 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to an application by a group (details supplied) for her Department to establish a dedicated school in County Mayo to help to create a future for children in Mayo with autistic spectrum disorders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40109/06]

My Department considers that children with autism, in common with all children should have access to appropriate provision delivered by suitably qualified teachers within the school system where children can mix with their wider peer group and have maximum opportunities for integration. The preferred approach to the provision of appropriate education for children with autism is through the primary and post primary school network, whether through placement in mainstream classes, in special classes or in special schools, a view that is supported by the findings of the Task Force Report on Autism. My Department's ongoing commitment is to ensuring that all children, including those with Autistic Spectrum Disorders, receive an education appropriate to their needs and in this regard my Department has established:

175 Special Classes for children with autism, attached to special and mainstream schools, 6 of which are located in the Mayo area;

5 special Classes for children with Asperger's Syndrome;

16 pre-school classes to facilitate the demand for early intervention provision for children on the autistic spectrum;

12 Stand Alone facilities providing an Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) specific methodology on a pilot basis; and

Approval has also been given for the establishment of a further two such facilities.

Additional training supports for staff engaged in the education provision for children with special needs including autism can be accessed through the Special Education Support Service (SESS). The service will, as appropriate, consolidate, co-ordinate, develop and deliver a range of professional development initiatives and support structures to the relevant staff.

An application was recently received from the group in question to participate in the pilot scheme which has facilitated the establishment of the ABA-specific autism units nationwide. My officials requested that the names and the psychological assessments of the children proposing to attend the centre should be forwarded to the Department in order to progress the application further. My Department is currently awaiting this information.

Multi-Denominational Schools.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

59 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that, of the 23 new schools established under the patronage of Educate Together since 2000, only one has a permanent building; if she will address this problem for the children and staff of these schools; if she will also address for the future the issue of new schools having to open and spend many years in unsuitable temporary accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40163/06]

School building projects are selected for inclusion in the School Building and Modernisation Programme on the basis of priority of need using published criteria.

A significant number of new multi-denominational schools are established in rapidly developing areas. All infrastructural projects in these areas, regardless of ethos, are assigned a band 1 priority status under the criteria.

Innovations in the delivery of school buildings such as Generic Repeat Designs and the use of the Design and Build model ensure that new school buildings are being delivered in these areas in the fastest time-frame possible.

This Government is delivering on its commitment to provide modern facilities in schools and has progressively increased funding in recent years with an aggregate total of over €2 billion alone between 2000 and 2005 and a commitment to invest a further €3b up to 2010. This is the largest investment programme in the history of the State.

The Department has never underestimated the scale of the task and the level of capital funding and other resources required to both rectify decades of under investment in school infrastructure and to meet newly emerging needs in the face of a huge expansion in our population base and the rapid expansion in teacher numbers. It has no desire to see any school in less than adequate accommodation and it will continue to tackle this issue in a structured and targeted fashion.

Physical Education Facilities.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

60 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will reintroduce the grant scheme for both primary and secondary schools to provide sports and physical equipment to reduce dependency on funding from commercial food sources. [39913/06]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that earlier this month I announced a special €6.5m package for primary schools to renew PE equipment.

This special PE funding package of €6.5 million was issued last week to all 3,200 primary schools. Under the package, every school received €2,000 towards the cost of replacing and upgrading PE equipment in their school.

This grant was issued, as a once-off measure, and will mean that schools can replace older equipment such as goalposts, PE mats, benches etc. The modern equipment which can be purchased will help facilitate PE and sporting activities in schools, which everyone recognises is a very important aspect of school life.

This funding package is being made as part of this Government's continued commitment to modernise facilities in schools throughout the country. I expect to announce a PE equipment grant for post-primary schools in the coming months.

In addition, since 2000 my Department has provided in excess of €5.5m in grant-aid to all primary schools to facilitate the provision of coaching or mentoring in connection with physical education or to purchase resource materials associated with the provision of physical education. The question of restoring this grant will be kept under review as part of the normal Estimates process in the coming years.

I would, however, point out that schools may use their general capitation funding to support the implementation of curricula including Physical Education. Since 1997 the standard rate of capitation grant at primary level has been increased from €57.14 per pupil to €145.58 with effect from 1st January, 2006. From 1st January next the standard per capita grant will be increased by a further €18 per pupil bringing the overall capitation grant per pupil at primary level to €163.58. This will represent an increase of 186% in the standard rate of capitation grant since 1997.

Second level schools have also benefited from substantial increases in funding for their day-to-day costs. The standard capitation grant of €266 per pupil in 2003 now stands at €298 per pupil and the support services grant for secondary schools has been increased from €127 per pupil in 2003 to €159 per pupil in 2006.

From 1 January next the standard per capita grant will be increased by a further €18 to €316 per pupil. In addition, for voluntary secondary schools the support services grant will be increased by €30 per student, which includes a further equalisation measure, to €189 per pupil. This aggregate increase of €48 per pupil will bring the cumulative increase in the per capita and support services grants for voluntary schools since 2003 to €112 per pupil.

School Transport.

Billy Timmins

Question:

61 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science if all children at primary and secondary level using the school transport service have their own seat and seatbelt; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40219/06]

All of the 2,500 post-primary school transport services are on a one-for-one seating basis and it is expected that all of the primary school services will also be on a similar seating basis by the end of December, 2006.

In addition, the Bus Éireann school bus fleet have been fitted with seat belts and over 97% of the private contractors buses are also fitted with seat belts. Bus Éireann have advised that December 2006 remains the target date for all vehicles operating on school transport services to be fitted with approved seat belts. This is in accordance with the package of measures to enhance the safety of school transport operations announced by Minister Hanafin and myself in July 2005.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

62 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of school buses in which seat belts have been fitted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40218/06]

All of the Bus Éireann school bus fleet have been fitted with seat belts and over 97% of the private contractors buses are also fitted with seat belts. Bus Éireann have advised that December 2006 remains the target date for all vehicles operating on school transport services to be fitted with approved seat belts.

Psychological Service.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

63 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of extra educational psychologists who will be appointed in the context of the recently published Government Estimates 2007; the locations where they will be deployed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40167/06]

All primary and post primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through the NEPS or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA), full details of which are available on my Department's website.

Schools that do not currently have NEPS psychologists assigned to them may avail of the SCPA, whereby the school can have an assessment carried out by a member of the panel of private psychologists approved by NEPS, and NEPS will pay the psychologist the fees for this assessment directly.

Details of this process and the conditions that apply to the scheme are available on my Department's Website. The prioritisation of urgent cases for assessment is a matter for the school principal in the first instance. In the 10 months to the end of October 2006, nearly €1.2 million was spent on in region of 3,500 SCPA assessments.

The NEPS service is locally based and regionally organised with a small national Head Office. Currently, the NEPS service is now available to approximately 1,604 primary schools (representing approximately 60% of pupils) and approximately 586 post-primary schools (representing 78% of students). This number includes 46 schools in the City and County of Dublin Vocational Schemes, which have their own psychological service.

In common with many other psychological services, NEPS encourages a staged assessment process, whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention in consultation with their assigned NEPS psychologist. Only if there is a failure to make reasonable progress in spite of the school's best efforts will a child be referred for individual psychological assessment. This system allows the psychologists to give early attention to urgent cases and also to help many more children indirectly than could be seen individually. It also ensures that children are not referred unnecessarily for psychological intervention.

The introduction of the General Allocation Model for primary schools last year, supported by the provision of over 600 extra resource teachers, means that children with high incidence special needs no longer have to wait for an individual assessment before they can get access to extra support.

Since the establishment of NEPS, the number of psychologists in the service has increased from 43 to 127 at present (including 4 psychologists currently seconded to the National Behavioural Support Service). In the last recruitment round, regional panels were used to allow my Department give greater priority in filling vacancies to areas with the greatest need.

In addition to the 127 psychologists currently in NEPS, a further 6 are in the process of being recruited. On top of this, the 17% increase in funding for the service provided in the 2007 Estimates, will allow some further expansion in the number of psychologists next year. The actual number of extra staff will be determined shortly.

To conclude, since this Government established NEPS, we have trebled the number of psychologists in the service. We have also funded in the region of 3,500 private assessments so far this year.

We are committed to expanding the coverage of the service even further, are recruiting extra staff at present and plan to hire more in 2007.

Question No. 64 answered with QuestionNo. 51.

Schools Building Projects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

65 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to accelerate the school building programme with a view to meeting accommodation needs on time, at both primary and second level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40177/06]

This Government has accelerated the school building programme with record levels of investment and the streamlining of delivery systems. School building projects are prioritised in accordance with published criteria and those in rapidly developing areas are assigned the highest priority.

Innovations in the delivery of school buildings such as Generic Repeat Designs and the use of the Design and Build model ensure that new school buildings are delivered in the fastest time-frame possible. In recent years, my Department has also adopted a policy of devolving much greater authority to local school management boards to manage and deliver smaller building projects, thereby freeing my Department to concentrate on the larger scale projects. To put it in context in terms of pupil numbers, if we take new primary schools recently completed, under construction or approved to progress to construction, we are delivering over 15,000 new permanent pupil places, almost 70% of these in the Leinster area. This figure relates to new schools only and does not include an additional 8,750 school places being delivered under the permanent accommodation scheme.

This Government is determined to ensure that every child is educated in a suitable and comfortable environment. Since 1997, great advances have been made in transforming school accommodation throughout the country, through an investment of €3 billion. This has funded over 7,800 individual school projects in the last seven years alone.

While the challenge before us in reversing decades of under-investment in school buildings and in responding to emerging needs in new population areas is great, nonetheless we are making huge progress in upgrading existing school infrastructure and providing new school accommodation at both first and second level.

The demand for additional accommodation in schools has risen significantly over the last number of years mainly due to the rapid expansion in teacher numbers particularly in the area of special needs, the growth in the school-going population in rapidly developing areas and the demands to cater for diversity through the recognition of new Gaelscoileanna and Educate Together schools.

This year alone, over €500 million is being invested in schools infrastructure and this is funding the delivery of over 1,300 building projects. This compares with just over €90 million provided for school buildings in 1997.

Under the 2006 Budget, €3.9 billion is being provided over the five years 2006-2010 for capital projects at all levels of the education sector from primary to third level. This is proof of this Government's continuing commitment to educational infrastructure and will allow my Department to continue to take a pro-active approach in meeting school accommodation needs throughout the country.

Library Grants.

Martin Ferris

Question:

66 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will make representations to the Department of Finance to adequately increase the allocation for library grants which have only improved slightly in the Estimates 2007. [40200/06]

It is a matter for each Local Authority to provide a library service for primary schools in its area. While my Department has no involvement in the actual operation of this service, it does make a grant available to each Local Authority on an annual basis to enable Local Authority Librarians select, purchase, and deliver books to the primary schools in its area. The grant is based on the number of pupils enrolled in primary schools in each Local Authority area.

The provision in respect of the Library Grant was increased substantially in 2005 — from €1.5 million in 2004 to €2.026 million in 2005, an increase of 35%. The grant was increased further to €2.07million in the current year and provision has been made for expenditure of €2.107 million in 2007.

The question of increasing the provision in the future will be considered in the context of available resources and priorities within the education sector.

Standardised Testing.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

67 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the delay in the introduction of standardised testing at primary level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40244/06]

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

163 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the years at which standardised testing will be introduced during the primary level cycle; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40245/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 163 together.

I believe that standardised testing, carried out on a systematic basis, has great potential to enhance the quality of teaching and learning for our students at classroom level, and to provide valuable information for parents about their children's learning.

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) has recommended to me that the practice of standardised testing which is currently well established in primary schools should be built upon and that all pupils should be tested in literacy and numeracy at the end of first or beginning of second class and at the end of fourth or beginning of fifth class.

To reap the full benefits of standardised testing, it is essential that a range of supports are put in place for teachers and parents in advance of introducing a requirement on schools to conduct tests.

In that context, the NCCA is preparing guidelines which will assist schools in developing and implementing a policy on assessment practice in classrooms and on reporting to parents. The guidelines will also provide teachers with information on what to assess in individual subjects of the Primary School Curriculum and how to use assessment information to plan for children's future learning in that subject. These will be available to schools in 2007.

A national report card for recording and reporting data on pupils' attainment to parents is also being developed by the NCCA. This will be piloted in a selection of schools in the current school year and available to all schools next year.

My Department is making ongoing progress in exploring potential implementation models, including dates, for the introduction of the requirement in schools.

Another key consideration is how the in-service needs of teachers with regard to standardised testing can best be met.

My intention is that we will proceed carefully but as quickly as possible to ensure that the recommendations proposed by the NCCA are implemented in a way that has positive benefits for children, parents, teachers and the system as a whole.

Departmental Funding.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

68 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of money granted in 2006 to fee paying schools under the summer works programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40152/06]

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

131 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of money granted under the school building programme to fee paying schools to date in 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40153/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 68 and 131 together.

There are 59 fee-charging second level schools in the country; of which 1 is Jewish, 21 Protestant, 2 inter-denominational and the balance Catholic.

Applications for funding under the Summer Works Scheme 2006 were approved in respect of 15 fee-charging schools at a cost expected to be €1.395m. This is 1.78% of the total estimated cost of the Scheme for 2006 which is €78m.

The information sought by the Deputy in relation to all categories of capital grant-aid granted to fee-charging schools under the 2006 School Building and Modernisation Programme is not readily available in my Department. The Deputy will appreciate that my Department may provide capital grant-aid to recognised schools under a variety of headings in addition to the Summer Works Scheme e.g., building grants and associated Design Team fees, emergency works, furniture and equipment, remediation programmes, etc.

School building projects, whether for fee-charging schools or schools in the free education scheme, are selected for inclusion in the School Building and Modernisation Programme on the basis of priority of need using published criteria. Considerations of State support for minority religions has been an important factor in the provision of funding for such schools, given that much of the fee-paying sector has traditionally been made up of Protestant schools and those with a minority religious ethos.

The amount of capital funding given to fee-paying schools has been extremely small in recent years. For example, in the period 1999-2004, the total amount of capital funding given to fee-paying schools represented just 1.6% of total second level capital expenditure.

School Facilities.

John Gormley

Question:

69 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Education and Science the procedures in place to ensure that facilities provided at public private partnership schools are available to the community free of charge or at an affordable price; if such stipulations have been put into all schools built to date; if such stipulations will be inserted in contracts for the proposed second level school at Adamstown; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40227/06]

Under the terms of the Project Agreement for the School Bundle Pilot PPP project each school retains an ‘availability bank' of hours which it may utilise outside the normal school core opening hours (8.00 am to 5:30 pm). The cost of providing the school buildings and services for these hours is included in the contract structure therefore additional costs do not accrue to the school. The availability hours are used by the schools for tutorials, parent teacher meetings and similar school activities, however the hours may also be allocated by the schools for community use. There is no restriction on this other than the time must be within the availability bank hours and the correct notification periods set out in the project agreement are adhered too. The allocation of the availability bank hours is entirely at the discretion of the school.

It is open to any individual or group to obtain use of the school facilities directly from the Operating Company. This would fall outside of the availability bank hours and would there for be subject to economic costs. In addition the school authorities have the right to veto any proposed use which would be contrary to the ethos of the school.

It is intended that similar provisions will be included in future projects under my Departments current PPP Programme.

Third Level Education.

Séamus Pattison

Question:

70 Mr. Pattison asked the Minister for Education and Science the details of the right to higher and further education for non-EU nationals here who have not attained nationalisation or citizenship, including the families of people on work permits; if there are circumstances in which they can avail themselves of free tuition fees of EU fees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40174/06]

Under the terms of my Department's Free Fees Initiative the Exchequer meets the tuition fees of eligible students. The main conditions are that students must (a) be first-time undergraduates; (b) hold E.U. nationality or official refugee status; and (c) have been ordinarily resident in an E.U. Member State for at least three of the five years preceding their entry to an approved third level course. Eligibility is determined at date of entry to the course of study.

The non-EU spouse and dependent children of an EU migrant worker resident in the State may also be considered for free fees once they meet the other criteria of the scheme.

The third level institutions are autonomous bodies and, as such, may determine the level of fees to be charged in any cases where the Free Fees Initiative does not apply.

With regard to PLC courses, the following categories of students are entitled to free access to such courses:

EU nationals;

persons who have refugee status in Ireland;

persons in the State as the spouse of an EU national, where the EU national has moved from one country to another within the EU to work;

persons (including their spouse and children) who have been granted leave to remain in the State on humanitarian grounds;

persons who have permission to remain in the State as the parents of a child born in Ireland; and

applicants for asylum who have been granted permission to work under the terms of a government decision of 26 July 1999.

Asylum seekers who do not have an entitlement to work are entitled to free access to adult literacy, English language and mother culture supports only.

Irish Language.

Mary Upton

Question:

71 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science when she expects to be able to make changes to the examination of Irish to place more emphasis on the spoken language; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40159/06]

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) is a statutory body set up under the Education Act 1998 to advise the Minister for Education and Science on curriculum and assessment matters.

I have requested the NCCA to focus on increasing the attractiveness of Irish to all learners throughout the junior and senior cycle and on strengthening students' communicative skills, particularly their oral fluency and I have asked them to prioritise this work.

A document on Curriculum Provision in Irish in Post-Primary Education has been prepared for internal consultation within the Council. It has not yet been approved by the Council or presented to me as advice by the NCCA.

Until such time as I receive the advice of the NCCA, I am not in a position to indicate when I will be able to make changes to the examination of Irish.

Schools Building Projects.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

72 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the arrangements in place, in view of the need for a local contribution or ongoing local contributions towards the capital cost of school buildings and that many of these are located in areas where new community and social facilities must also be provided for from local fundraising between her Department and other Government Departments, to assess the ability of new communities to provide for both; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39899/06]

Most new schools in developing areas are provided on sites purchased by my Department. In such cases there is no local contribution required. In relation to refurbishments and extensions to existing school buildings the full cost is typically paid for by my Department except for a local contribution of up to €31,500 or up to €12,500 for disadvantaged or special schools.

My Department's primary remit is to ensure that there are sufficient pupil places available to accommodate the demand. However, the School Planning Section of my Department is working proactively with local authorities to explore the possibility of the development of school provision in tandem with the development of community facilities. This enhanced co-operation has the effect of minimising the Department's land requirements and thus reducing site costs while at the same time providing local communities with new schools with enhanced facilities.

My Department recently entered into a partnership approach with Fingal County Council to ensure that new schools can be provided to match the rapid pace of housing development in that area while at the same time providing important facilities for the community.

Under the terms of the agreement and based on the school planning projections of the Department, Fingal County Council will identify and acquire appropriate sites where schools with enhanced sporting, community and arts facilities will be built to the benefit of both the school and the wider community. It is hoped that this agreement will help to fast-track the delivery of schools and community facilities throughout Fingal.

A further example is in the case of the Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) at Adamstown, Lucan where the Department is working closely with South Dublin County Council and the developers to produce an integrated solution to education and community facilities that matches the delivery of new housing. Under the SDZ arrangements there is a requirement that schools are in position ahead of or in line with demand, and I think that this is an approach that should be adopted by other planning authorities in relation to major new housing schemes.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

73 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of school building projects assessed as being of Band One priority awaiting progression by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40238/06]

This Government is determined to ensure that every child is educated in a suitable and comfortable environment. Since 1997, great advances have been made in transforming school accommodation throughout the country, through an investment of €3 billion. This has funded over 7,800 individual school projects in the last seven years alone.

This year we are spending €500 million on school buildings, compared to just over €90 million in 1997.

Under the 2006 Budget €3.9 billion is being provided over the five years 2006-2010 for capital projects at all levels of the education sector from primary to third level.

While the challenge before us in reversing decades of under-investment in school buildings and in responding to emerging needs in new population areas is great, nonetheless we are making huge progress.

The level of work being done under the School Building Programme is at an all-time high. While increased investment has been a central reason for this, the introduction of new schemes and changes in how projects are managed have also made a major difference.

Almost 800 were approved for Summer Works projects this year. This innovative scheme, which allows schools to get small projects done over the Summer holidays, did not exist when we came into office and schools were waiting for very many years for improvements such as rewiring, or new roofs or windows. Now when the school gates close for the Summer, the builders move in and the students come back to an improved environment just a few short months later.

To reduce red tape and allow projects to move faster, responsibility for smaller projects has been devolved to school level. Standard designs have also been developed for 8 and 16 classroom schools to facilitate speedier delivery of projects and save on design fees.

Improvements have also been made in forward-planning through greater co-operation with local authorities and the publication of Area Development Plans.

In relation to the school building projects awaiting progression, the Deputy will be aware that the number of projects and their individual classifications can vary according to the stage of assessment and their progression through the building programme.

At present, my Department has in the region of 1,300 applications for building works on the main building programme. These applications can range from extensions and refurbishments to applications for new schools on new sites. Their status can range from applications recently received in the Department to projects at various stages of architectural planning.

These projects are assessed and prioritised in accordance with the prioritisation criteria agreed with the Education Partners. In this regard, it should be noted that a project's banding, or classification, can be subject to reassessment having regard to demographic developments in the area served by the school and also, for example, if on foot of a technical examination of the school it was found that the proposed project put forward by the school was not an appropriate design solution to meet the accommodation requirements.

In addition to the projects above, there are also approximately 400 applications under the Small Schools Initiative and the Permanent Accommodation Scheme — many of these may also have applied under the main programme. These applications are currently being assessed with a view to an announcement being made shortly. In addition, 1,300 applications for the Summer Works Scheme 2007 are also currently being evaluated.

The €3.9 billion envelope provided for education capital in the 2006 budget means that huge progress will continue to be made on school buildings in the coming years. This year alone over 1,300 building projects will be delivered.

Schools of Podiatry.

Denis Naughten

Question:

74 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science when the decision was taken by her Department to locate the proposed school of podiatry in a university; the reason an institute of technology was deemed unsuitable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39914/06]

Meetings are continuing at an official level between my Department, the Department of Health and Children, the Higher Education Authority and the Health Service Executive in relation to a proposed School of Podiatry. Pending the finalisation of these discussions it is not possible to advise when a call for proposals to establish the School will issue. No decisions have been taken on the location of the proposed School of Podiatry.

School Management.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

75 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department’s computer system cannot deal with recording half or quarter days for teachers. [40203/06]

Seán Crowe

Question:

116 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if she is satisfied with her Department’s computer system in relation to recording teacher absences; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40196/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 75 and 116 together.

The computer system for the payment of teachers employed in Secondary and Community/Comprehensive schools record teacher absences in accordance with the existing leave rules as agreed between the managerial authorities, teacher unions and my Department.

The issue of leave arrangements for absence periods of less than a day has been raised with my Department and initial discussions have been held on the matter.

Capitation Grants.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

76 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the level of the capitation charge for third level education; the increases in the third level capitation charge for each year since 2002 to date in 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40195/06]

The student charge is levied by third level institutions to defray the costs of examinations, registration and students services. All students who are eligible for means tested student support grant have the student charge paid on their behalf by the Local Authorities or the Vocational Education Committees, in addition to any maintenance grant and tuition fee grant they are entitled to.

The student charge is paid by the students on an academic year basis. The level of the charge for each year since 2002 is as follows:

Year

2002/2003

670

2003/2004

670

2004/2005

750

2005/2006

775

2006/2007

800

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

77 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the situation in which approximately half the amount is spent per primary pupil per year than per third level pupil per year. [40198/06]

Each sector in the education system has specific funding requirements which derive from the length, complexity and nature of the education/training courses being provided.

My aim is to ensure that all sectors have adequate resources, including financial resources, to enable schools and colleges to effectively deliver quality education and training programmes.

The Deputy will be pleased to know that overall provision for primary education has increased dramatically in recent years — from circa €1.9 billion in 2002 to almost €2.9 billion in 2006. The 2007 Estimate provides nearly €3.2 billion for primary education — this represents a 70% increase since 2002. The corresponding increases between 2002 and 2007 for the second and third level sectors are 54% and 40% respectively.

The Deputy will be aware that staffing levels in our primary schools have improved dramatically in recent years, with 4,000 extra primary teachers put in place since 2002. Particular attention has also been paid to improving funding to primary schools to meet their day-to-day running costs.

Since 1997 the standard rate of capitation grant at primary level was increased from €57.14 per pupil to €145.58 with effect from 1st January, 2006. From 1st January next the standard per capita grant will be increased by a further €18 per pupil bringing the overall capitation grant per pupil at primary level to €163.58. This represents an increase of 186% in the standard rate of capitation grant since 1997. In addition, the already enhanced rates of capitation grant payable in respect of pupils enrolled in special schools and special classes in ordinary primary schools are being significantly increased. Depending on the particular category of special need involved, increases in this area range from 30% to 53% with an increase of 96% applying to the physical disability category. The latest increases in the level of capitation grant are a clear demonstration of my commitment to improve the financial position of schools in the primary sector.

Schools Refurbishment.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

78 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science the level of investment to be allocated by her Department in 2007 towards the refurbishment of science buildings and facilities at second level schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40192/06]

As indicated in the recently published Abridged Estimates Volume for 2007, it is intended to allocate a sum of €544m towards the Schools' Building and Modernisation Programme. This sum includes €10m under the Schools' ICT Programme.

At this stage it is not possible to give specific details of how this funding will be disbursed.

School Curriculum.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

79 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will expand junior certificate science participation to 100%; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40184/06]

In accordance with the Rules and Programme for Secondary Schools, the approved course for Junior Certificate students in second level schools must include Irish, English, Mathematics, Social Personal and Health Education, Civic Social and Political Education and at least 3 other examination subjects. While Science is an optional subject for the Junior Certificate some 86% of students already study the subject. I have no plans to make science a compulsory subject. Curricular choice is important in ensuring that young people are offered a balanced range of subjects in keeping with their interests and abilities.

My Department is fully committed to strengthening the quality of science teaching and learning, promoting increased scientific literacy and encouraging more students to choose science subjects.

The revised Junior Certificate Science syllabus which was examined for the first time in 2006 aims to make the subject more relevant to student's needs in the twenty-first century and to provide the students with a richer educational experience.

It is intended as part of the recently published Strategy for Science and Innovation 2006 to 2013 to build on this in the approach to science subjects in the senior cycle, ensuring a continuum in the emphasis on project based hands-on investigative approaches and assessment of these as part of the overall examinations, allied with the embedding of key skills, a more applied focus and an emphasis on the inter-disciplinary nature of science in society forms part of the approach.

Question No. 80 answered with QuestionNo. 53.

Educational Planning.

Jack Wall

Question:

81 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of new post-primary schools that will be needed in County Kildare to cater for the estimated population growth over the next 10 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40149/06]

Emmet Stagg

Question:

130 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of new primary schools that will be needed in County Kildare to cater for estimated population growth over the next 10 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40147/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 81 and 130 together.

In relation to forward planning in areas of rapid growth, the process of assessing the need for new or additional educational facilities at primary or post-primary level in any given area entails consideration of all relevant factors, including enrolment and demographic trends, housing developments and the capacity of existing schools to meet the demand for places. Liaison with existing schools is also an important part of the process, as the school authorities would usually alert the Department where, in their view, the need for additional accommodation is anticipated. In this way, every effort is made to ensure that there is adequate existing provision, or that timely arrangements are made to extend capacity or provide new infrastructure where necessary.

Over and above the statutory consultation provisions in relation to local authority draft area development plans, the Department has in recent years worked to strengthen contacts with local authorities to enable informed decisions to be made in planning future educational provision. On top of this, the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects, which were revised following consultation with the Education Partners, targets school projects in rapidly developing areas by assigning them a band 1 rating which is the highest priority possible. Innovations in the delivery of school buildings such as Generic Repeat Designs and use of the Design and Build model ensure that new school buildings are delivered in the fastest timeframe possible. This is clear evidence of the Department's commitment to ensuring that the needs of rapidly developing areas are met as quickly as possible.

School Planning Section is also working proactively with some local authorities on the possibility of the development of school provision in tandem with the development of community facilities.

In addition the Department has introduced a new school planning model involving published area development plans. One of the areas assessed is the N4/M4 corridor which includes Leixlip, Celbridge, Maynooth and Kilcock. The purpose of this new approach to school planning is to ensure that, in future, the provision of school infrastructure will be decided only after a transparent consultation process. In this regard, parents, trustees, sponsors of prospective new schools and all interested parties from a locality will have the opportunity to have their voices heard in the process. Arising from this process, an individual plan will set out the blueprint for the future of educational provision in an area, which will be the touchstone against which all decisions in relation to capital investment will be made for the next decade.

In all developing areas in Kildare, the Department continually monitors the demand for primary and post-primary education and takes a decision to purchase reserved sites and construct new schools as the need is determined.

School Discipline.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

82 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science when the full recommendations of the Task Force on Student Behaviour will be implemented. [40221/06]

Willie Penrose

Question:

122 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of the €2 million allocated in Budget 2006 to implement the recommendations of the Task Force on Student Behaviour that has been spent; what it was spent on; her proposals for the money allocated in Estimates 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40145/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 122 together.

Earlier this year I announced an implementation strategy following publication of "School Matters" the Report of the Task Force on Student Behaviour in Second Level Schools, and that strategy is now well advanced.

At the core of the recommendations of the Task Force was the putting in place of a National Behaviour Support Service (NBSS). This has now happened with the appointment of a National Co-ordinator and four Assistant National Co-ordinators. In addition, nine Regional Development Officers and twenty part-time Associates have been recruited to ensure the success of this significant initiative. A key feature of the composition of the National Behaviour Support Service is the assignment to it of a senior psychologist and three psychologists. These have been seconded from the National Educational Psychological Service and their presence will ensure that the team operates in a multi-disciplinary way. A full-time administrator is based in Navan Education Centre.

Since their appointment, the team has been working on a number of key issues:

1. The development of a Draft National Framework for Behaviour Improvement.

2. The development of models of good practice for systems in schools which assist with and impact on classroom and whole school behaviour.

3. On-going training for the NBSS team.

4. Research into and communication with behaviour support systems in other jurisdictions.

The NBSS has commenced its engagement with schools and a series of information seminars have been organised throughout the country. Subsequently intensive work will begin with a smaller number of schools most in need of this intervention.

It is my intention that this new service will work intensively with those schools initially selected for inclusion in this development. I have already announced that part of this work will see us trialling the concept of a behaviour support classroom in up to 30 schools next year. I want to emphasise however that these classrooms cannot be, in themselves, a solution to the issue of poor student behaviour. They must be one part of a holistic response which should see a school, actively supported by the Behaviour Support Team, defining for itself a pathway to improvement.

In relation to the Task Force recommendations in respect of class size, I wish to draw the attention of the Deputies to the significant improvements that have been made in the pupil-teacher ratio at post primary level in recent years. The ratio has fallen from 16:1 in the 1996/97 school year to 13.21:1 in the 2005/06 school year. The reduction in the ratio was achieved through the creation of 2,017 additional posts and the retention of over 2,100 posts which would otherwise have been lost due to the fall in enrolments. I should add that I have consistently ruled out the creation of additional teaching posts across the second level system as a response to the issue of poor student behaviour. On the contrary I see this issue as requiring focused intervention along the lines now being pursued.

It terms of expenditure, funding has been provided to cover the costs of the NBSS recruitment process, staff training and development, staff salaries, establishment of an NBSS Office, development of an NBSS website and the information seminars with schools. At this stage, it is anticipated that the €2 million allocated in 2006 toward the implementation of the Task Force's recommendations will be fully expended by the end of the current financial year.

I wish to draw the attention of the Deputies to my announcement in the context of the 2007 Estimates, that I am providing €8million to support the work of the NBSS, in helping schools promote positive student behaviour at second level.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Liam Twomey

Question:

83 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children in primary classes of 20 to 24 children inclusive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40212/06]

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

91 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children in primary classes of 35 to 39 children inclusive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40209/06]

Dan Neville

Question:

109 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children in primary classes of 25 to 29 children inclusive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40207/06]

John Perry

Question:

115 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children in primary classes of 30 to 34 children inclusive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40208/06]

Paul McGrath

Question:

140 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children in primary classes of 1 to 19 children inclusive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40217/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 83, 91, 109, 115 and 140 together.

Information in relation to class sizes 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 most recent figures available in my Department are for the 2005/2006 school year in which there were 62,691 children in primary classes of 0-19, 105,797 children in classes of 20 to 24, 162,365 children in classes of 25 to 29, 101,223 children in classes of 30 to 34, and 9,684 children in primary classes of 35 to 39.

In terms of measuring progress, I am sure the Deputies will be interested to know that in the school year in which this Government came into office there were 52,190 children in classes of 35 and over — five times the number that there are now. Some 1,901 of these children were in classes of 40 and over — compared to just over 200 last year.

As the Deputies will be aware, major improvements have been made in staffing at primary level in recent years. At the beginning of the current school year there are no less than 4,000 extra teachers in our primary schools, compared with 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 the Deputies 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.

The improvements we have made in school staffing in recent years are absolutely unparalleled but we are determined to go even further and so the 2007 Estimates include provision for another 800 primary teachers. About 500 of these will be classroom teachers, which includes our commitment to reduce class sizes.

I assure the Deputies that we will continue to prioritise further improvements in school staffing going forward. We will also continue our focus on measures to improve the quality of education in our primary schools to ensure that increased resources lead to better outcomes for our children.

Education Schemes.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

84 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the fact that the Society of St. Vincent de Paul has to subsidise schools to rent books to children whose families cannot afford to pay for the books they are required to have for the basic school curriculum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40164/06]

My Department continues to urge the management authorities of both primary and second level schools to put in place book rental schemes to the greatest extent possible.

At primary level, schools that opt for book rental schemes are allocated enhanced grants to encourage them to participate in such schemes.

In respect of the 2006/2007 school year, primary schools not operating book rental schemes have been paid €14.70 per eligible pupil in the infant classes and €22.00 for each eligible pupil in the 1st to 6th classes. This compares to primary schools operating book rental schemes which have been paid €28.40 in respect of each eligible pupil in the infant classes and €38.10 for each eligible pupil in the 1st to 6th classes. Primary schools designated as disadvantaged and operating book rental schemes have been paid €32.00 in respect of each eligible pupil in the infant classes and €44.30 for each eligible pupil in the 1st to 6th classes.

A total of €5,350,000 — an increase of €1,350,000 (33.75%) on the allocation for the 2005/06 school year — was allocated in respect of the school books scheme in the 2006/2007 school year. Of this amount €4,775,253 was paid to primary schools operating loan/rental schemes. The allocation for 2006/2007 included an amount of €0.5m which was made available under the School Books Grant Scheme to primary schools in the School Support Programme (SSP) under DEIS.

Schools participating in the SSP that indicated that they would operate a book/loan rental scheme in 2006/2007 received grant aid at a higher rate per eligible pupil than applied in the case of schools generally. The extra funding is aimed at supporting the establishment, development and ongoing operation of book loan/rental schemes.

At second level, in addition to the provision of grants towards the cost of providing school textbooks for needy pupils, my Department also provides seed capital funding to certain schools in order to assist in the establishment of book loan/rental schemes. These would be schools designated as disadvantaged or which participate in schemes aimed at combating educational disadvantage.

Expenditure on the School Books Grant Scheme in second level schools in 2005 was €7.018m. Of this amount some €0.3m was provided in seed capital for book loan/rental schemes. The 2006 allocation is €7,518,000, an increase of €500,000 over 2005.

The additional €500,000 in 2006 is for second level schools participating in the SSP under DEIS, which have indicated that they will operate a book loan/rental scheme in 2006/07.

Educational Planning.

Seán Ryan

Question:

85 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of new primary schools in Louth Meath that will be needed to cater for estimated population growth over the next 10 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40148/06]

In relation to forward planning in areas of rapid growth, the process of assessing the need for new or additional educational facilities at primary or post-primary level in any given area entails consideration of all relevant factors, including enrolment and demographic trends, housing developments and the capacity of existing schools to meet the demand for places. Liaison with existing schools is also an important part of the process, as the school authorities would usually alert the Department where, in their view, the need for additional accommodation is anticipated. In this way, every effort is made to ensure that there is adequate existing provision, or that timely arrangements are made to extend capacity or provide new infrastructure where necessary.

Over and above the statutory consultation provisions in relation to local authority draft area development plans, the Department has in recent years worked to strengthen contacts with local authorities to enable informed decisions to be made in planning future educational provision.

On top of this, the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects, which were revised following consultation with the Education Partners, targets school projects in rapidly developing areas by assigning them a band 1 rating which is the highest priority possible. Innovations in the delivery of school buildings such as Generic Repeat Designs and use of the Design and Build model ensure that new school buildings are delivered in the fastest timeframe possible. This is clear evidence of the Department's commitment to ensuring that the needs of rapidly developing areas are met as quickly as possible.

School Planning Section is also working proactively with some local authorities on the possibility of the development of school provision in tandem with the development of community facilities.

In addition the Department has introduced a new school planning model involving published area development plans. One of the areas assessed is East Meath/North Dublin/South Louth area and the Department's Plan for this area is currently being revised in the School Planning Section of the Department to take into account the preliminary Census figures published recently and is expected to be published shortly. The purpose of this new approach to school planning is to ensure that, in future, the provision of school infrastructure will be decided only after a transparent consultation process. In this regard, parents, trustees, sponsors of prospective new schools and all interested parties from a locality will have the opportunity to have their voices heard in the process. Arising from this process, an individual plan will set out the blueprint for the future of educational provision in an area, which will be the touchstone against which all decisions in relation to capital investment will be made for the next decade.

In all developing areas in Louth and Meath, the Department continually monitors the demand for primary and post-primary education and takes a decision to purchase reserved sites and construct new schools as the need is determined.

Third Level Education.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

86 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science her response to Barriers to Access to Further and Higher Education for Non-EU Nationals Resident in Ireland published by Pobal in October 2006; if she proposes to introduce changes to address the findings of the report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40161/06]

I welcome the Pobal report which was published last month. This report makes a number recommendations for overall government policy, the work of individual government departments, including the Department of Education and Science, state agencies and higher and further education institutions.

The achievement of a more inclusive and intercultural approach across a range of state services, including further and higher education provision, is an essential part of our development as a modern society and economy. Many of the barriers identified in this report are being addressed through the National Action Plan Against Racism 2005-2008. A departmental steering committee has been established to co-ordinate the Department's response to the education of newcomers. I will arrange for the Pobal report to be brought to the attention of the steering committee and for the findings of it to be considered as part of its work.

The Pobal report is also helpful with the work of the HEA, National Office for Equity of Access to Higher Education which, in collaboration with the National Consultative Committee on Inter-Culturalism and Racism (NCCRI), hopes to make significant progress in 2007 on the advancement of intercultural strategies for access to higher education in Ireland. This will include collaboration with key stakeholders, including Pobal and representatives of higher education institutions, on the development of current policy and practice. This work will be presented and discussed at a conference to be held later in 2007.

A recurrent theme in the Pobal report is the need for better data. I understand that preliminary findings from this year's census will be available by the middle of next year and that these will also be considered at the conference in 2007. The information emerging from the 2006 census will, for the first time, allow for the co-relation of data on nationality, ethnic background, age, social class, location and level of educational attainment. This analysis, as well as the tracking of admission and participation of under-represented groups at all levels of the education system, will be key to advising the focus of future policy and funding.

Another recommendation of the report is the need for clear information on entitlements to financial support for potential and actual students from ethnic minorities. Following the 2005 review of access funding, the National Office are in the final stages of developing a co-ordinated information strategy which will assist students and their families in navigating existing financial supports available to them in further and higher education. This work includes the development of a new website and accompanying financial information that is being developed for new entrants to further and higher education.

Site Acquisitions.

Eamon Ryan

Question:

87 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science the latest situation regarding the provision of a suitable new site for a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; if she will shortly request South Dublin County Council to initiate procedures to compulsorily purchase land at agricultural prices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40229/06]

The Office of Public Works (OPW) who acts on behalf of my Department in relation to site acquisitions generally, has been asked to source a suitable site for this school. The OPW have advised my Department that the requirement for a site has been advertised and that a technical assessment of the sites on offer has been completed. The matter is now with their Valuation Unit. In due course a report on the OPW's findings will be provided to my Department.

The outcome of this process will determine the need or otherwise to involve South Dublin County Council in the site purchase.

Schools Building Projects.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

88 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools listed on her Department’s school building programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40236/06]

In addition to the projects from the 2004 and 2005 School building and Modernisation programmes in the construction stage I announced over 1,200 projects to progress under the 2006 programme. These included projects to progress through various stages of architectural design, tender and construction and projects approved under the devolved schemes. A further 400 projects were approved for funding this year under my Department's emergency works programme.

Over 1,300 building projects will be carried out under my Department's Capital Programme this year alone. This is in addition to over 6,500 projects delivered following on a record investment of over €2 billion in educational infrastructure in the period 2000 to 2005.

I am confident that the allocation from Government of €3.9 billion in capital funding for the education sector over the next 5 years will enable my Department to continue to take a proactive approach in modernising school accommodation throughout the country.

To put it in the context of pupil numbers, if we take new primary schools recently completed, under construction or just now going to construction, we are delivering over 15,000 new pupil places. This figure relates to new schools only and does not include an additional 8,750 school places being delivered under the permanent accommodation scheme. The next tranche of projects currently in the pipeline and due to go to construction during 2007 will deliver a further 9,500 pupil places in new school buildings and a further 5,500 pupil places in existing schools. In addition, the programme of modernisation in existing schools continues apace and will eventually encompass all schools.

Physical Education Facilities.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

89 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will introduce a grant to assist schools with the cost of taking children to public swimming pools as part of the physical education curriculum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40157/06]

Seymour Crawford

Question:

144 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of time allocated to physical education for each child at primary level per day; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40234/06]

Bernard Allen

Question:

151 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of time allocated to physical education for each student at post-primary level per day; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40235/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 89, 144 and 151 together.

Physical Education is one of seven curriculum areas within the revised Primary School Curriculum (1999). A minimum of one hour of physical education per week is recommended for all primary school pupils.

In accordance with the Rules and Programme for Secondary Schools, all second level schools should provide Physical Education as part of the curriculum. The programme that each school plans and delivers should be based on my Department's approved syllabuses and the teaching hours should be registered on the school timetable. The syllabuses have been developed on the basis of a time allocation of two hours per week.

Physical education is an integral part of the Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) programme. All LCA students must take two modules — Leisure Studies and Health Related Fitness — and there are four additional modules from which they can make further choices.

The Physical Education curricula at both primary and second level have been developed on the understanding that facilities available to schools vary. Consequently, they offer a level of flexibility that allows each individual school to design a programme that can be delivered using the resources and supports available to it.

Apart from the formal curricula, schools can take a range of measures to encourage physical activity among students during the school day and many provide extensive, broad-based programmes of co-curricular physical activities that are highly rewarding for both pupils and teachers alike. In particular, schools play a major role in nurturing and promoting the involvement of students in sporting activities in the wider community. Sports organisations such as the Gaelic Athletic Association, Basketball Ireland, the Football Association of Ireland provide extensive opportunities for such participation.

I have no plans to introduce a specific grant for swimming classes. Where schools decide to provide pupils with swimming classes in school time, they are expected to fund them from resources already available to them. In this regard, I recently announced that the capitation grant for primary and second level schools will be increased by €18 per pupil next year. My Department will also be issuing a special PE equipment grant of €2,000 per school in the coming weeks, as a once-off measure, to all 3,200 primary schools to enable them improve their PE facilities.

Schools Building Projects.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

90 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of school building projects assessed as being of Band Four priority awaiting progression by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40241/06]

This Government is determined to ensure that every child is educated in a suitable and comfortable environment. Since 1997, great advances have been made in transforming school accommodation throughout the country, through

an investment of €3 billion. This has funded over 7,800 individual school projects in the last seven years alone.

This year we are spending €500 million on school buildings, compared to just over €90 million in 1997. Under the 2006 Budget €3.9 billion is being provided over the five years 2006-2010 for capital projects at all levels of the education sector from primary to third level.

While the challenge before us in reversing decades of under-investment in school buildings and in responding to emerging needs in new population areas is great, nonetheless we are making huge progress.

The level of work being done under the School Building Programme is at an all-time high. While increased investment has been a central reason for this, the introduction of new schemes and changes in how projects are managed have also made a major difference.

Almost 800 were approved for Summer Works projects this year. This innovative scheme, which allows schools to get small projects done over the Summer holidays, did not exist when we came into office and schools were waiting for very many years for improvements such as rewiring, or new roofs or windows. Now when the school gates close for the Summer, the builders move in and the students come back to an improved environment just a few short months later.

To reduce red tape and allow projects to move faster, responsibility for smaller projects has been devolved to school level. Standard designs have also been developed for 8 and 16 classroom schools to facilitate speedier delivery of projects and save on design fees.

Improvements have also been made in forward-planning through greater co-operation with local authorities and the publication of Area Development Plans.

In relation to the school building projects awaiting progression, the Deputy will be aware that the number of projects and their individual classifications can vary according to the stage of assessment and their progression through the building programme.

At present, my Department has in the region of 1,300 applications for building works on the main building programme. These applications can range from extensions and refurbishments to applications for new schools on new sites. Their status can range from applications recently received in the Department to projects at various stages of architectural planning. These projects are assessed and prioritised in accordance with the prioritisation criteria agreed with the Education Partners. In this regard, it should be noted that a project's banding, or classification, can be subject to reassessment having regard to demographic developments in the area served by the school and also, for example, if on foot of a technical examination of the school it was found that the proposed project put forward by the school was not an appropriate design solution to meet the accommodation requirements. In addition to the projects above, there are also approximately 400 applications under the Small Schools Initiative and the Permanent Accommodation Scheme — many of these may also have applied under the main programme. These applications are currently being assessed with a view to an announcement being made shortly. In addition, 1,300 applications for the Summer Works Scheme 2007 are also currently being evaluated.

The €3.9 billion envelope provided for education capital in the 2006 budget means that huge progress will continue to be made on school buildings in the coming years. This year alone over 1,300 building projects will be delivered.

Question No. 91 answered with QuestionNo. 83.

Educational Planning.

Seán Ryan

Question:

92 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the Area Development Plan for north Dublin, south Louth and east Meath is only due to commence in December 2006 in view of the fact that the need for such a plan was identified in 2004 and the specific and urgent need for a new school in Laytown was pointed out in that year also; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40146/06]

The Plan for Education Provision in East Meath/North Dublin/South Louth area is currently being revised in the School Planning Section of the Department to take into account the preliminary Census figures published recently.

In relation to Laytown, Co. Meath, the Department acknowledged the need for a new primary school in this area and as a result Scoil Oilibhéir Naofa was established with provisional recognition in 2005/06.

Special Educational Needs.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

93 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will continue to pay home tuition grants to parents of children with autism who wish to use those grants to provide an ABA educational programme for their children delivered by persons with ABA, rather than education qualifications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40135/06]

Denis Naughten

Question:

444 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if autistic children in receipt of Department funded home tuition will have to discontinue home tuition from their current provider in order to employ a Department recognised trained primary school teacher from January 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40290/06]

Catherine Murphy

Question:

461 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science when she will publish the qualification guidelines for those supporting home tuition grants for children with autism; the consultation that has been done prior to drafting the guidelines; the way it is anticipated that it will impact on parents seeking such support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40410/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 93, 444 and 461 together.

The Deputy will be aware that the home tuition scheme provides funding to parents to provide education at home for children who, for a number of reasons such as chronic illness, are unable to attend school. The scheme was extended in recent years to facilitate tuition for children awaiting a suitable educational placement.

I wish to advise the Deputy that the scheme itself has not changed. However, on review of a number of applications for home tuition, details concerning the qualifications of some of the proposed tuition providers gave rise to concern. As home tuition takes place outside of the normal school framework, the Deputy will appreciate the need to ensure that tuition providers are appropriately qualified to give education to the children concerned. The usual requirement is a fully qualified teacher. However, other qualifications are acceptable depending on the individual needs of the child. In this context a review of qualifications is underway in consultation with my Department's inspectorate.

Nominated tuition providers with qualifications other than teaching qualifications have been accepted for the first school term this year to allow time to establish the suitability of the range of qualifications submitted. I understand that officials in my Department expect to be in contact with all parents concerned next week who will be informed of the decision which will result in approval for subsequent terms of the nominated tuition provider or direction to recruit a tuition provider with suitable qualifications. It is important to stress that the allocation of tuition hours under the scheme is not at issue in the context of the review of qualifications in this regard.

School Curriculum.

David Stanton

Question:

94 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she is satisfied that all second level students at junior cycle level have the opportunity to carry out experiments as part of the junior certificate science curriculum; if she is further satisfied that practical science experiments are being carried out in science rooms and laboratories; if she is satisfied that all schools have the necessary resources to enable such experiments to be carried out in a safe and effective manner; her views on the importance or otherwise of science experiments being carried out by students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40179/06]

Student practical work has been a major feature of science syllabi at both junior and senior cycle levels for many years and science teachers have long experience of conducting practical work with their students. Until 2006, practical work was assessed only through the medium of written papers in the Certificate examinations.

The revised Junior Certificate Science syllabus which was examined for the first time in 2006 aims to make the subject more relevant to students' needs in the twenty-first century and to provide the students with a richer educational experience. In this regard, a second assessment component was introduced to allow students to obtain recognition for the practical work they have carried out in the laboratory. In all, 35% of the marks in the final examination are available for this work.

The introduction of the revised Junior Certificate science syllabus has been supported by a comprehensive in-career development programme for teachers. This has focused on supporting teachers in providing students with an appropriate experience of practical work. In this context, due regard was given to health and safety issues where appropriate. In addition, the Department has provided substantial equipment grants to schools. All schools in the Free Education Scheme were provided with a grant of €3,500 for each junior science laboratory and those which had not had a major capital upgrading since 1995 were invited to apply for an enhanced grant on the basis of their identified needs. In total, some €16 million was made available to schools in 2004 for the purchase of equipment and the refurbishment of school laboratories to facilitate the introduction of the revised syllabus.

The Inspectorate of my Department is currently implementing a comprehensive programme of evaluation in schools. This programme is designed to identify and affirm good practice while constructively identifying areas for improvement in the implementation of the curriculum. In the case of the sciences, the provision of appropriate practical activities for students is one aspect of the evaluation process. The Inspectorate will publish a composite report on the teaching and learning of Science in the junior cycle early in 2007.

My Department is fully committed to strengthening the quality of science teaching and learning, promoting increased scientific literacy and encouraging more students to choose science subjects. Progress in these areas is a vitally important part of our national strategy to support competitiveness and employment.

Subject Evaluations.

Paul McGrath

Question:

95 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of subject evaluations which are planned to be undertaken by her Department in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40250/06]

Planning for subject inspections in post-primary schools in 2007 is underway at present and will be finalised within a few weeks. It is expected that the number of subject inspections to be undertaken in 2007 will exceed the 660 planned for 2006.

Adult Education.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

96 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science when the full recommendations of the McIver report will be implemented. [40231/06]

Liz McManus

Question:

126 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science if the €48 million required to implement the recommendations of the McIver Report on Further Education will be provided by the Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40170/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 126 together.

Government commitment to the PLC sector, by reference to the resources applied in teachers' pay, non-pay running costs, student support and certification costs, is very significant. We have increased the number of PLC places by 60% since 1996/97. Indeed, the number of PLC places approved for 2005/2006 is up by more than 1,600 on the 2004/05 level. The number of approved places in the sector now stands at 30,188. We also extended the provision of maintenance grants to PLC students with effect from September 1998. There were nearly 8,000 PLC grant holders in 2005 and they received some €23 million in direct support. Tuition fees for PLC courses are also waived. PLC students are included in the calculation of non-pay budgets issued to schools in respect of running costs. A supplementary non-pay grant towards running costs specifically for PLC schools is also payable. This amounted to €5.5 million in 2005.

Other developments funded by my Department of direct benefit to the PLC sector include the provision of national certification under the Further Education and Training Awards Council and the development of progression links with higher education in the Institutes of Technology.

The McIver Report contains 21 over-arching recommendations, incorporating 91 sub-recommendations. It has been estimated, in consultation with management and staff interests, that the recommendations for staffing would involve at a minimum the creation of at least 800 new posts at a cost of over €48 million.

The recently published ‘‘Towards 2016: Ten Year Framework Social Partnership Agreement 2006-2015'' has noted that, having regard to developments in the PLC sector, including the McIver report, concrete prioritised proposals in relation to PLC provision, and focused in particular on the larger PLC providers will be prepared and will be the subject of further negotiations between management and unions.

The level of resources for the PLC sector will be determined in the light of resources generally and the implications for other areas of education. The scope for rationalisation of provision, will also be examined having due regard to ensuring appropriate provision, on a geographic basis and the necessary critical mass for delivery of a quality education service. I want to invest in educational opportunity for learners in Further Education by providing the necessary system supports that will allow the sector as a whole to fulfil its important potential.

Whole School Evaluations.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

97 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of whole school evaluations that will be completed by the end of 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40247/06]

In 2006 the Inspectorate planned to conduct a total of 285 whole-school evaluations (WSE) in primary and post-primary schools. This comprised 228 WSEs at primary level and 57 WSEs at post-primary level. A further 22 evaluations were conducted in other centres for education including Youth Encounter Project schools, Youthreach Centres and Senior Traveller Training Centres.

By the end of 2006 the evaluation phase of WSE will have been completed in all of the above. 160 of the WSE reports will have been issued to the schools or centres by the end of December 2006. The remainder will issue to schools or centres and be published on the Department's website in early 2007 in accordance with the agreed timeframe for the publication of reports.

School Curriculum.

Richard Bruton

Question:

98 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the percentage of girls taking higher level physics at leaving certificate level for each of the past 10 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40188/06]

Gay Mitchell

Question:

117 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the percentage of girls taking higher level chemistry at leaving certificate level for each of the past 10 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40190/06]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

146 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the percentage of girls taking higher level biology at leaving certificate level for each of the past 10 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40189/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 98, 117 and 146 together.

The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations, including organising the holding of examinations and issuing the results of examinations. In view of this, I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.

Proposed Legislation.

Michael Ring

Question:

99 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science when she will present her proposed changes to Section 29 of the Education Act 1998; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40210/06]

A new Bill, the Education (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill is in the final stages of drafting with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel at present. The Bill will give effect to the Task Force recommendations and set out criteria to be taken into account in the section 29 appeal process. These will include consideration of the right of the individual student to an inclusive education as well as the right of the general body of students and the whole school community to the maintenance of a school and classroom environment which is conducive to learning. It is hoped that the Bill will be submitted to the Government for approval in December and will be published shortly thereafter.

Teaching Profession.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

100 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has examined research by a person (details supplied) in Trinity College carried out for her Department which found that males are deterred from applying for primary teaching for a number of reasons including fear of accusations of abuse, the level of Irish required and the status of the job; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40131/06]

Since the 1970s there has been a significant and continuous decline in the number of males entering the teaching profession, particularly at primary level. The Primary Education Committee was established in October, 2003 in order to examine a range of issues in relation to males entering primary teaching, and to make recommendations on short-term and long-term strategies to increase the numbers in this regard.

During the course of its work, the Committee drew on the professional insight of key experts in the area as well as drawing on a number of relevant research studies. As part of this process, the Committee commissioned the research on male and female teachers' attitudes to primary teaching to which the deputy refers. In developing its recommendations, this research was given full consideration by the Committee.

In November, 2005 I launched the final report of the Primary Education Committee, "Males into Primary Teaching". One of the key recommendations in the Committee's report is that a promotion campaign, which would encourage more males to enter primary teaching, should be undertaken. This campaign commenced in January, 2006 and is ongoing. All other recommendations contained in the report have also received consideration within my Department, and the level of males entering primary teaching will continue to be closely monitored.

Youthreach Programme.

Joe Costello

Question:

101 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of extra Youthreach places she will provide over the next year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40134/06]

The Youthreach Programme is an Inter-Departmental initiative which provides two years integrated education, training and work experience to young people aged 15-20 years who are at least six months in the labour market and who have left school early without any qualifications or vocational training.

The programme funded by my Department is delivered in out of school centres and is managed by Vocational Education Committees (VECs). There are a total of ninety Youthreach Centres managed by the VEC sector throughout the country. Overall, there are about 6,500 places available nationally at present, 3,250 of which are in the VEC sector and the remainder in Community Training Centres under the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Basic skills training, practical work training and general education are features of the programme, and the application of new technology is integrated into all aspects of programme content. The programme provides a strong emphasis on personal development, on the core skills of literacy/ numeracy, communications and IT, along with a choice of vocational options such as Catering, Hairdressing, Computers, Woodwork, Photography, Video, Sports, Art and Craft and a work experience programme. Expenditure on the programme in 2005 was nearly €47 million. In addition my Department provides funding to VEC's annually to assist towards the childcare expenses of participants in Youthreach.

The Social Partnership Agreement 2006-2015 — Towards 2016 provides a commitment to increase places on the Youthreach programme by 1,000 places by the end of 2009. I was delighted to be able to announce in the Estimates for 2007, that funding is being made available to begin working towards that target. 400 places out of the total 1,000 will be made available in 2007.

Physical Education Facilities.

Phil Hogan

Question:

102 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools with an indoor sports hall or similar facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40233/06]

The Deputy can be assured that My Department fully recognises the key role of physical exercise within the school environment and continues to respond to the need to improve PE facilities for all pupils attending primary schools. My Department's planning guidelines for new schools include, where appropriate for PE Halls, general purpose rooms and outdoor hard play areas such as basketball courts.

Such provision is typically included in the accommodation brief for large-scale school building projects. Between 2000 and 2005 a total of 355 large-scale projects were delivered in primary schools by my Department as part of an overall investment of €2 billion in modernising primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country. In addition, my Department has also sanctioned a further 119 such projects in primary schools for progression to tender and construction.

This year alone €506m is being invested in schools infrastructure and this is funding the delivery of over 1,300 building projects. Building on the record investment in recent years the Government is providing €3.9 billion in capital funding for the education sector over the next 5 years. This is proof of its continuing commitment to educational infrastructure and will allow my Department to adopt a multi-annual framework to the provision of modern facilities in school buildings including general purpose and sports facilities.

Psychological Service.

Enda Kenny

Question:

103 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of psychologists who will be employed to work with specialist behaviour classes at second level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40211/06]

At the core of the recommendations of the Task Force on Student Behaviour was the establishment of a Behaviour Support Team. The purpose of this Team was envisaged as helping identify problems of student behaviour in second-level schools, leading to the development of strategies to resolve these problems and to facilitate the implementation of these strategies in practice.

When launching the Report of the Task Force on Student Behaviour, I indicated my agreement to the establishment of this Behaviour Support Team which I regarded as a priority for my Department. Since then, and over a short time-scale, a National Behaviour Support Service (NBSS) has been established which is based in Navan Education Centre. A multi-disciplinary professional team has been recruited and appointed to the NBSS which consists of a National Co-ordinator, four Assistant National Co-ordinators, eight Regional Development Officers and twenty part-time Associates. In addition, a senior psychologist and three psychologists have been assigned to the team. A full-time administrator is based in Navan Education Centre.

Since their appointment, the team has been working on a number of key issues:

1. The development of a Draft National Framework for Behaviour Improvement.

2. The development of models of good practice for systems in schools which assist with and impact on classroom and whole school behaviour.

3. On-going training for the NBSS team.

4. Research into and communication with behaviour support systems in other jurisdictions.

The NBSS has just commenced its engagement with schools and a series of information seminars have been organised throughout the country.

Third Level Education.

Liz McManus

Question:

104 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science if she is satisfied with the procedure set up by the governing body of UCC to investigate allegations made in relation to certain matters; the reason that person was appointed by UCC rather than by herself, as provided for in the Universities Act 1997; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40169/06]

The Higher Education Authority is the statutory body which advises my Department on the full range of policy issues relating to higher education and research. On foot of various representations which I received regarding management at University College Cork, I asked the Higher Education Authority for a report on the issues raised. The Chief Executive and representatives of the HEA met the Chair and representatives of the Governing Body of UCC on 24th October 2006, to discuss the issues and how they may be addressed.

Following these consultations the HEA announced that a person who is external to, and independent of UCC, is to be appointed by the Governing Body of UCC to review allegations not already inquired into by the Governing Body. This person is appointed by the Governing Body on foot of its powers and not under the sections of the Universities Act 1997 dealing with the appointment of a Visitor. The Governing Body of UCC, in agreement with the HEA have, on 13th November 2006, appointed Mr. John Malone as the independent person. Mr. Malone was, until 2004, Secretary General of the Department of Agriculture and Food.

In the case of allegations which have been, or are being, inquired into by the Governing Body, the independent person will review the Governing Body's process. The independent person will report to the Governing Body, stating if there is substance in any allegations and he can make recommendations for remedial action and/or a further process of examination if considered appropriate. An interim report is expected by 12 December 2006. The Governing Body will then report to the HEA who will advise me of any action they consider appropriate.

Whole School Evaluations.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

105 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of whole school evaluations in which content has been disputed to date in 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40251/06]

A teacher (or the board of a school) who disputes the process of an inspection or the content of an inspection report affecting the teacher or the school may request the Chief Inspector to conduct a review in accordance with procedures established under Section 13 (9) of the Education Act.

Since the commencement of 2006 a review has been sought in relation to one whole-school evaluation under the terms of the "Procedure for Review of Inspections on Schools and Teachers under Section 13 (9) of the Education Act 1998". This review is currently underway.

Schools Building Projects.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

106 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of money expended to date in 2006 under the school building programme; the percentage that represents of the total amount allocated for 2006; if that includes roll-over money from 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40154/06]

€506m was allocated to my School Building and Modernisation Programme for 2006. Over €440m has been expended to date, this amounts to 87% of the allocation. I anticipate that the budget will be fully spent by year end as was the case in 2005. As a result of a record investment in school infrastructure of over €2 billion from 2000 to 2005 over 6500 projects have been delivered in this period. A further 1300 projects will be delivered in 2006.

The infrastructural investment needs in schools will continue into the future. However, I am confident that the allocation from Government of €3.9 billion in capital funding for the education sector over the next 5 years will enable my Department to continue to take a pro-active approach in modernising school accommodation throughout the country.

School Meals Programme.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

107 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of breakfast clubs, operated by charities, community groups or other groups, which are supported by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40242/06]

The majority of the 412 schools participating in the School Completion Programme in 2006 operate breakfast clubs or other meal provision, in accordance with the Nutritional Guidelines issued by the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

In addition to the funding provided through the School Completion Programme, the provision of school meals is primarily funded by the School Meals Programme, administered by my colleague, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, and involving both an urban scheme operated by local authorities and a local projects scheme.

Educational research has shown that good nutrition improves concentration levels of students and that students from low-income families are less likely to have access to an adequate diet. The social aspect of breakfast clubs cannot be overestimated and access to such clubs are offered on a whole class/whole school basis to encourage integration of children and young people giving them an opportunity to mix and relax before classes commence.

Breakfast clubs provide a caring and supportive environment where young people can engage with their peers and discuss things in a social setting. They also provide an opportunity to help them with homework, providing pencils, copybooks and other materials to avoid possible disruption later in the classroom. Parents are also encouraged to become involved in running breakfast clubs, many of which are also supported by charitable agencies which bring with them expertise such as family support.

The School Meals Programme aims to supplement the nutritional intake of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds in order to allow them to fulfil their potential within the educational system and also to reduce the risk of early school leaving. In 2006, it is estimated that 69,903 children benefited in 1,008 schools under the local projects scheme and the urban scheme provided support for more than 386 primary schools, with 55,000 pupils. In 2006, the Department of Social and Family Affairs has provided funding of about €10.4 million for the programme — an increase of nearly 27% on the 2005 provision of €8.2 million.

My Department has been working in close co-operation with the Department of Social and Family Affairs to ensure that the resources available for school meals are used to best effect and to further expand school meals provision in schools serving disadvantaged communities. Each of the 873 schools participating in the new School Support Programme, under DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the new Action Plan for Educational Inclusion, will have access to the School Meals Programme.

In addition, it is proposed that under the Dormant Accounts Fund a once-off start-up grant will be provided to schools commencing participation in the School Meals Scheme to provide suitable facilities and purchase equipment. The provision of breakfast clubs will continue to be a priority for the Government in tackling educational disadvantage.

School Curriculum.

Phil Hogan

Question:

108 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools which offer music to leaving certificate level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40181/06]

Seymour Crawford

Question:

137 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools that offer the physics and chemistry course to leaving certificate level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40182/06]

Bernard Allen

Question:

138 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools that offer art to leaving certificate level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40183/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 108, 137 and 138 together.

The Deputies will be aware that the curriculum offered to students attending a post-primary school is a matter for the authorities of the schools concerned subject to meeting the Departments regulations concerning provision of the core curriculum. My Department publishes data on the number of schools offering each subject in its annual Statistical Report. Although the report for the 2005/06 school year is still in preparation, I can provide the following provisional information to the Deputies.

449 schools offer Music as a subject to Leaving Certificate level. 69 schools offer Physics and Chemistry as a subject to Leaving Certificate level. 384 schools offer Art (with Design option) as a subject to Leaving Certificate level. 358 schools offer Art (with Craftwork option) as a subject to Leaving Certificate level.

Question No. 109 answered with QuestionNo. 83.

Education Welfare Service.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

110 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science the level of information required under the Education (Welfare) Act 2000 from parents who wish to exercise their Constitutional right to educate their children at home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40137/06]

Article 42.2 of the Constitution confers a constitutional right on parents to provide for the religious, moral, intellectual, social and physical education of children in their own homes or in private schools or in schools established or recognised by the State.

The Education (Welfare) Act 2000 provides a major reformulation of the law in regard to all matters connected with school attendance and children's welfare in education. It provided for the establishment of a National Educational Welfare Board, a core function of which is to ensure that each child ‘‘attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education". Under section 14 of the Education (Welfare) Act, the NEWB is required to maintain a register of children receiving education in places other than a recognised school and this would extend to situations where parents are educating their children at home.

A Working Group of the Inspectorate of my Department has drawn up Guidelines for the Assessment of Education in Places Other Than Recognised Schools. A key aspect of the Education (Welfare) Act is that children receiving education in places other than recognised schools must be registered with the National Educational Welfare Board. Parents who choose to have their child educated in a place other than a recognised school must register with the Board, and the Board in turn must be satisfied that the child is receiving ‘‘a certain minimum education.''

A certain minimum education should:

be suited to the age, ability, aptitude and personality of the child;

be responsive to the child's individual needs, should take cognisance of the areas of learning that are of interest to the child, and should ensure that his/her personal potential is enhanced and not suppressed;

address the immediate and prospective needs of the child, in the context of the cultural, economic and social environment;

provide a reasonably balanced range of learning experiences, so that no one aspect of the child's learning is emphasised to the exclusion of others;

develop the personal and social skills of the child and prepare him/her for the responsibilities of citizenship;

contribute to the moral development of the child;

ensure the development of basic skills (as outlined below) so as to prepare the child to participate in society and everyday life; and

provide opportunities for the child to develop his/her intellectual capacities and understanding.

A parent must apply to the NEWB to have his or her child registered and the application must be made in writing and set out the place where the child is receiving the education and must comply with requirements that may be set out in any Regulations made by the Minister for Education and Science or that may be developed by the NEWB with the Minister's approval at any time.

The act provides that, initially, the National Educational Welfare Board will carry out, in consultation with the parent who made the application, an assessment of:

(a) the education that is being provided, or that it is proposed will be provided, to the child;

(b) the materials used, or that it is proposed will be used, in the provision of such education; and

(c) the time spent, or that is proposed will be spent, in the provision of such education.

The purpose of this assessment is to determine whether the child is receiving, or will receive, a certain minimum education.

Our Constitution recognises the family as the primary educator of the child and defines duties and responsibilities for parents and the State in the education of children. Drawing on these provisions, on legislation, and on case law, the Guidelines for the Assessment of Education in Places Other Than Recognised Schools provide a working definition of ‘‘a certain minimum education'' and guidance on how this may be assessed, given best educational practice and the nature of educational provision in the home and other settings.

Schools Building Projects.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

111 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of school building projects assessed as being of Band Two priority awaiting progression by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40239/06]

This Government is determined to ensure that every child is educated in a suitable and comfortable environment. Since 1997, great advances have been made in transforming school accommodation throughout the country, through an investment of €3 billion. This has funded over 7,800 individual school projects in the last seven years alone. This year we are spending €500 million on school buildings, compared to just over €90 million in 1997. Under the 2006 Budget €3.9 billion is being provided over the five years 2006-2010 for capital projects at all levels of the education sector from primary to third level.

While the challenge before us in reversing decades of under-investment in school buildings and in responding to emerging needs in new population areas is great, nonetheless we are making huge progress. The level of work being done under the School Building Programme is at an all-time high. While increased investment has been a central reason for this, the introduction of new schemes and changes in how projects are managed have also made a major difference.

Almost 800 were approved for Summer Works projects this year. This innovative scheme, which allows schools to get small projects done over the Summer holidays, did not exist when we came into office and schools were waiting for very many years for improvements such as rewiring, or new roofs or windows. Now when the school gates close for the Summer, the builders move in and the students come back to an improved environment just a few short months later.

To reduce red tape and allow projects to move faster, responsibility for smaller projects has been devolved to school level. Standard designs have also been developed for 8 and 16 classroom schools to facilitate speedier delivery of projects and save on design fees. Improvements have also been made in forward-planning through greater cooperation with local authorities and the publication of Area Development Plans.

In relation to the school building projects awaiting progression, the Deputy will be aware that the number of projects and their individual classifications can vary according to the stage of assessment and their progression though the building programme. At present, my Department has in the region of 1,300 applications for building works on the main building programme. These applications can range from extensions and refurbishments to applications for new schools on new sites. Their status can range from applications recently received in the Department to projects at various stages of architectural planning.

These projects are assessed and prioritised in accordance with the prioritisation criteria agreed with the Education Partners. In this regard, it should be noted that a project's banding, or classification, can be subject to reassessment having regard to demographic developments in the area served by the school and also, for example, if on foot of a technical examination of the school it was found that the proposed project put forward by the school was not an appropriate design solution to meet the accommodation requirements.

In addition to the projects above, there are also approximately 400 applications under the Small Schools Initiative and the Permanent Accommodation Scheme — many of these may also have applied under the main programme. These applications are currently being assessed with a view to an announcement being made shortly. In addition, 1,300 applications for the Summer Works Scheme 2007 are also currently being evaluated. The €3.9 billion envelope provided for education capital in the 2006 budget means that huge progress will continue to be made on school buildings in the coming years. This year alone over 1,300 building projects will be delivered.

Vocational Education Committees.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

112 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received applications from Vocational Educational Committees apart from County Clare to establish primary schools under their patronage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40172/06]

The applications from County Clare VEC referred to by the Deputy relate to notices of intent lodged by that VEC for consideration by the New Schools Advisory Committee (NSAC) under the NSAC process. I expect that NSAC will report on all the applications made to it in the normal time-frame and will make recommendations to me for consideration in the new year.

The Department has received proposals from County Dublin Vocational Education Committee in relation to the patronage of primary schools that will be co-located on a shared campus basis with planned post-primary schools that will be under the patronage of the VEC in rapidly developing areas. These proposals are currently being considered by the Department.

Education Welfare Service.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

113 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science if in her view the recently announced Estimate 2007 allocation for the National Education Welfare Board will be sufficient to enable the NEWB to carry out its statutory obligations to ensure that every child attends school regularly, or otherwise receives an education or participates in training. [40199/06]

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

159 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science when she expects to resource the Education Welfare Board sufficiently to allow them to fulfil the function of tracking young people who drop out of school early; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40168/06]

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

160 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of extra education welfare officers who will be appointed in the context of the recently published Government Estimates 2007; the locations where they will be deployed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40166/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 113, 159 and 160 together.

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that my Department's Estimates for 2007 include a provision of €9.8 million for the National Educational Welfare Board. This represents an increase of 20% on the 2006 allocation and of 50% on the 2004 level.

This substantial increase in funding is a clear indication of this Government's commitment to prioritise investment in favour of those most at risk. Through increased investment and improved services we are determined to optimise access, participation and educational outcomes at every level of the system for disadvantaged groups. The increase in funding for the Board will allow it to expand its services further and increase to staffing.

Since we formally launched the Board in December 2003, the number of staff has increased to 94. The Board operates through 5 regional teams, with bases in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford. A service is provided from 26 locations nationwide. Staff are deployed in areas of greatest disadvantage and in areas designated under the Government's RAPID programme. In addition, the Board follows up on urgent cases nationally where children are not currently receiving an education. Educational Welfare Officers monitor school attendance and work to improve it. They also help parents that are experiencing a difficulty with getting a school place for their child.

Since January 2004, 20,000 cases involving students with reported school attendance difficulties have been resolved by the Board. The NEWB has also written to every family with children of school going age advising them of their rights and responsibilities in relation to education and school attendance and where they can get help.

The first national data on school attendance has also been collected and is being used to inform the Board's work. In relation to the effectiveness of the service, it is encouraging to note research findings that attendance at school in the areas where EWOs are working intensively improved in 2004/05 compared with the previous year.

The Board is currently working on guidelines for schools on developing attendance strategies and the prevention of student absenteeism. Work is also advanced on guidelines for codes of behaviour. So, while the NEWB was set up just three years ago, a lot has already been achieved by the service and the Government is committed to strengthening its role even further.

It should, however, be remembered that the Board is just one aspect of the comprehensive framework that this Government has put in place to improve school attendance and encourage more young people to finish school. In this regard, extra supports targeted at young people in disadvantaged areas include both educational initiatives such as intensive literacy programmes and services such as breakfast clubs and homework clubs.

In fact, in addition to the NEWB, there are currently some 490 staff within the education sector with a role in school attendance. Home School Community Liaison Coordinators, in working with parents, promote school attendance and its importance for success in school. School attendance is a central objective of School Completion Programme with attendance tracking a core feature and one of its preventative strategies. Access to these services is being increased under the new Action Plan for tackling educational disadvantage, DEIS.

My Department is anxious to ensure that the maximum benefit is derived from these substantial personnel resources and significant scope exists for integrated working between these personnel and Educational Welfare Officers. Consequently work is ongoing to develop appropriate protocols for all agencies and services to work together in collaboration and to ensure that optimum use is made of the resources deployed including NEWB resources. It is anticipated that the outcome of this work will continue to inform my Department on the staffing requirement for the NEWB into the future.

School Staffing.

Joe Sherlock

Question:

114 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress she expects to make in the 2006-2007 school year to fulfil the commitment in the Programme for Government in relation to children under nine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40155/06]

As the Deputy will be aware, there are now no less than 4,000 extra teachers in our primary schools, compared with 2002. Furthermore, there are nearly 7,000 more primary teachers than there were in 1997. This represents the largest increase in teacher numbers since the expansion of free education. 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.

In recent years, priority has rightly been given to providing extra support for children with special needs, those from disadvantaged areas and those that need help with their English. Special education provision in particular has undergone a level of expansion the extent of which nobody could have predicted a few years ago, and this was only right. If we had put all 4,000 of the teachers hired since 2002 into classroom teaching, our average class size would be a lot smaller than it is now, but we would have done a great disservice to those children who need extra help the most. I am sure the Deputy would accept that we have taken the right approach.

Now that children with special needs are finally getting the support they deserve, we are providing extra teachers this year and next specifically to reduce class sizes, through a reduction in the mainstream staffing schedule. This has meant that, whereas all primary schools were staffed on a general rule of at least one classroom teacher for every 29 children in the 05/06 school year, in the current school year there is a general rule of at least one 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, we are committed to hiring even more extra teachers in order to reduce this to a general rule of at least one teacher for every 27 children.

We also acted this year to specifically address the needs of growing schools by making it easier to qualify for a developing school post. Over 280 such posts were sanctioned for the 2006/07 school year, compared to 170 in 2005/06. This change specifically addressed the needs of schools which are seeing large increases in their enrolments year on year.

The improvements we have made in school staffing in recent years are absolutely unparalleled but we are determined to go even further, and so the 2007 Estimates include provision for another 800 primary teachers. About 500 of these will be classroom teachers, which includes our commitment to reduce class sizes.

I assure the Deputy that we will continue to prioritise further improvements in school staffing going forward. We will also continue our focus on measures to improve the quality of education in our primary schools to ensure that increased resources lead to better outcomes for our children.

Question No. 115 answered with QuestionNo. 83.
Question No. 116 answered with QuestionNo. 75.
Question No. 117 answered with QuestionNo. 98.

Educational Planning.

Joan Burton

Question:

118 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of new primary schools that will be needed in west Dublin to cater for the estimated population growth over the next 10 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40150/06]

In relation to forward planning in areas of rapid growth, the process of assessing the need for new or additional educational facilities at primary or post-primary level in any given area entails consideration of all relevant factors, including enrolment and demographic trends, housing developments and the capacity of existing schools to meet the demand for places. Liaison with existing schools is also an important part of the process, as the school authorities would usually alert the Department where, in their view, the need for additional accommodation is anticipated. In this way, every effort is made to ensure that there is adequate existing provision, or that timely arrangements are made to extend capacity or provide new infrastructure where necessary.

Over and above the statutory consultation provisions in relation to local authority draft area development plans, the Department has in recent years worked to strengthen contacts with local authorities to enable informed decisions to be made in planning future educational provision.

On top of this, the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects, which were revised following consultation with the Education Partners, targets school projects in rapidly developing areas by assigning them a band 1 rating which is the highest priority possible. Innovations in the delivery of school buildings such as Generic Repeat Designs and use of the Design and Build model ensure that new school buildings are delivered in the fastest timeframe possible. This is clear evidence of the Department's commitment to ensuring that the needs of rapidly developing areas are met as quickly as possible.

School Planning Section is also working proactively with some local authorities on the possibility of the development of school provision in tandem with the development of community facilities. A practical output from this approach is an innovative partnership with Fingal County Council. Under the terms of the agreement and based on the Department's school planning projections, Fingal County Council will identify and acquire appropriate sites where schools with enhanced sporting, community and arts facilities will be built to the benefit of both the school and the wider community. In practice, the Local Authority will identify the sites when adopting their Local Area Plans. The Council will go on to acquire sufficient land as recommended by the Department on which an appropriate sized school or schools for that local area can then be built. In an area such as west Dublin, the Department continually monitors the demand for primary education and takes a decision to purchase reserved sites and construct new schools as the need is determined.

Educational Projects.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

119 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will progress the development of a primary pupil database; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40243/06]

Martin Ferris

Question:

153 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has changed her mind in developing a primary pupils database to monitor and address the number of pupils failing to make the transition from primary to secondary level. [40201/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 153 together.

I am committed to the development of a Primary Pupil database as it will give us valuable data on the pupils in our primary schools as well as enabling us to better track children's progress from primary to post-primary level. The database project is linked to the development of an on-line claims system for schools for the processing of salary claims. The online claims system project will be completed soon and then the primary pupil database will be progressed.

School Staffing.

Seán Crowe

Question:

120 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will implement the recommendation from the Teachers’ Union of Ireland to ensure an additional staff member for every 28 international students. [40197/06]

In order to ensure that children whose first language is not English can succeed at school, my Department gives additional support to their schools which can take the form of financial assistance, additional teaching posts or portions of teacher posts. The level of extra financial or teaching support provided to any school is determined by the numbers of eligible non-English speaking students enrolled.

Recent years have seen a significant rise in the number of language support posts being provided by my Department. In the current school year there are more than 1,100 such teachers in our schools, at a cost of €67 million. This compares with approximately 820 language support teachers last year and just 260 in the 2001/02 school year. Hence there has been more than a four-fold increase in language support posts over the past few years. In addition to the fulltime posts approved, grants towards the cost of employing part-time teachers are paid to primary schools with between 3 and 13 eligible non-national pupils. In the 2005/06 school year, 409 schools sought grant aid under this provision.

Between extra language support posts and grant aid, the level of support provided to schools to meet the needs of children whose first language is not English has increased dramatically in recent years. Nonetheless I am very conscious of the pressures on schools that have large numbers of non-English speaking children enrolled. I am determined to provide greater support for these schools.

To that end, provision has been made in the 2007 Estimates for an extra 200 language support teachers in 2007. A further 350 posts will be provided under the Towards 2016 partnership agreement between 2008 and 2009. These extra posts will allow the current cap of 2 teachers per school to be reformed.

While details as to the precise number of posts to be allocated at both levels in the current school year and the schools to which the posts will be allocated have yet to be finalised I can assure the Deputy that I will be anxious to ensure that the additional resources are properly targeted at those areas where they are most needed.

Departmental Expenditure.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

121 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of money granted annually by the State to fee paying schools by way of teachers’ salaries and other supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40151/06]

The total annual amount paid in respect of fee-charging secondary schools is some €96 million. Of this sum approximately €87 million relates to salaries and allowances of teachers. The balance includes the Protestant Block Grant and funding towards support services such as secretarial and caretaking services and miscellaneous grants.

The payment of teachers salaries is part of a complex scheme of funding for fee-charging schools, which has traditionally sought to balance considerations of equity, pragmatism and State support for minority religions. Teachers in fee-charging schools, irrespective of the denominational ethos of the school, are paid by the State. This may well reflect a long standing pragmatism that the State would be required to provide teachers for the pupils in question were they located within the free education scheme.

There are 55 fee-charging second level schools in the country, of which 21 are Protestant. The latter schools receive funding by way of the Protestant Block Grant, which has its origins in the desire of the State to enable students of the Protestant persuasion to attend schools, which reflect their denominational ethos. The Block Grant includes payments in respect of capitation and these schools also qualify for payment of such grants as the transition year support grant and secretarial and caretaking grants. Fee-charging schools not embraced by the Protestant Block Grant do not qualify for payment of capitation or related supports.

I have no plans, at this stage, to withdraw State support for the payment of teachers in fee-charging schools. This support has been a long standing feature of our education system and one continued by successive Governments.

Question No. 122 answered with QuestionNo. 82.

Schools Buildings Projects.

Richard Bruton

Question:

123 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of school building projects assessed as being of Band Three priority awaiting progression by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40240/06]

This Government is determined to ensure that every child is educated in a suitable and comfortable environment. Since 1997, great advances have been made in transforming school accommodation throughout the country, through an investment of €3 billion. This has funded over 7,800 individual school projects in the last seven years alone. This year we are spending €500 million on school buildings, compared to just over €90 million in 1997.

Under the 2006 Budget €3.9 billion is being provided over the five years 2006-2010 for capital projects at all levels of the education sector from primary to third level. While the challenge before us in reversing decades of under-investment in school buildings and in responding to emerging needs in new population areas is great, nonetheless we are making huge progress.

The level of work being done under the School Building Programme is at an all-time high. While increased investment has been a central reason for this, the introduction of new schemes and changes in how projects are managed have also made a major difference.

Almost 800 were approved for Summer Works projects this year. This innovative scheme, which allows schools to get small projects done over the Summer holidays, did not exist when we came into office and schools were waiting for very many years for improvements such as rewiring, or new roofs or windows. Now when the school gates close for the Summer, the builders move in and the students come back to an improved environment just a few short months later.

To reduce red tape and allow projects to move faster, responsibility for smaller projects has been devolved to school level. Standard designs have also been developed for 8 and 16 classroom schools to facilitate speedier delivery of projects and save on design fees. Improvements have also been made in forward-planning through greater cooperation with local authorities and the publication of Area Development Plans.

In relation to the school building projects awaiting progression, the Deputy will be aware that the number of projects and their individual classifications can vary according to the stage of assessment and their progression though the building programme. At present, my Department has in the region of 1,300 applications for building works on the main building programme. These applications can range from extensions and refurbishments to applications for new schools on new sites. Their status can range from applications recently received in the Department to projects at various stages of architectural planning.

These projects are assessed and prioritised in accordance with the prioritisation criteria agreed with the Education Partners. In this regard, it should be noted that a project's banding, or classification, can be subject to reassessment having regard to demographic developments in the area served by the school and also, for example, if on foot of a technical examination of the school it was found that the proposed project put forward by the school was not an appropriate design solution to meet the accommodation requirements.

In addition to the projects above, there are also approximately 400 applications under the Small Schools Initiative and the Permanent Accommodation Scheme — many of these may also have applied under the main programme. These applications are currently being assessed with a view to an announcement being made shortly. In addition, 1,300 applications for the Summer Works Scheme 2007 are also currently being evaluated. The €3.9 billion envelope provided for education capital in the 2006 budget means that huge progress will continue to be made on school buildings in the coming years. This year alone over 1,300 building projects will be delivered.

Irish Language.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

124 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on draft proposals from the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment on reform of the Irish exam at leaving certificate level; the implications for the language that arise from these proposals; the input of her Department into the proposals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37004/06]

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) is a statutory body set up under the Education Act 1998 to advise the Minister for Education and Science on curriculum and assessment matters. While a document on Curriculum Provision in Irish in Post-Primary Education has been prepared for internal consultation within the Council, it has not yet been approved by the Council or presented to me as advice by the NCCA.

I have requested the NCCA to focus on increasing the attractiveness of Irish to all learners throughout the junior and senior cycle and on strengthening students' communicative skills, particularly their oral fluency.

Vocational Education Committees.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

125 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has made a decision on the application of County Clare Vocational Educational Committee to become the patron body to two primary schools in the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40171/06]

The application from the VEC to become a patron in respect of two primary schools is under consideration in my Department and a decision will be notified to the VEC in due course.

Question No. 126 answered with QuestionNo. 96.

Youth Services.

Ivor Callely

Question:

127 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science the process of the National Youth Work Advisory Committee recommendation for the establishment of a youth work development unit; the terms of reference, resourcing and so on; his views on other such specialised units; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39917/06]

The National Youth Work Development Plan 2003-2007, which was prepared by the National Youth Work Advisory Committee (NYWAC) following an extensive consultation process, sets out four broad goals and proposes 50 actions to achieve these goals. These actions include the establishment of a Development Unit at national level to coordinate, manage and carry out research and to develop guidelines for best practice in youth work and assist youth work organisations to implement same. This initiative will be a key element in the development of youth work and is central to implementation of some 18 of the other actions proposed in the Plan.

Having considered the options for the establishment of the Unit proposed by the NYWAC, I approved the establishment of the Unit on a pilot basis within the National University of Ireland, Maynooth (NUIM). Discussions between my Department and the NUIM are ongoing on a number of matters including the drawing up a Memorandum of Agreement between my Department and the NUIM, the establishment of a Management Committee to oversee the management of the Unit, appropriate resourcing of the Unit (both human and financial) etc. The advice of other interest groups is also being considered. Terms of reference for the Unit will be developed by my Department in consultation with the relevant youth work interests. There is provision in the 2007 estimates to further develop this unit. In my view, this new Unit, in line with other such specialised units, has the potential to contribute significantly to the development of appropriate policies and initiatives that address the educational needs of our young people.

Special Educational Needs.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

128 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 577 of 24 October 2006 and a personal reply from her on 14 November 2006, if progress has been made in relation to this case. [40202/06]

My Department provides a range of supports to second level schools to enable them cater for students with special educational needs. The supports in question include remedial and resource teaching support, special needs assistant support and funding for the purchase of specialised equipment.

There are currently approximately 1,854 whole time equivalent additional teachers in place to support pupils with special educational needs at second level. This compares to the approximately 200 teachers that were in place in 1998 for such pupils. In addition, there are approximately 1,365 whole time equivalent special needs assistants (SNAs) in our second level schools.

The general allocation model at primary level is based on the premise that all primary schools have children with learning support or high incidence special educational needs. Early intervention support at primary ensures that many children do not need additional support at second level.

The precise model of provision made available at second level will depend on the assessed needs of the pupils involved. Some students are capable of attending ordinary classes on an integrated basis with additional teacher and/or special needs assistant support. In other cases, placement in special dedicated classes or units attached to the school may be more appropriate response. Such special classes operate at significantly reduced pupil teacher ratios. Students attached to these special classes may be facilitated in attending ordinary subject classes on an integrated basis wherever possible.

Second level pupils with dyslexia are normally integrated into ordinary classes. In such situations they may receive additional tutorial support from the remedial/learning support teacher, guidance counsellor and subject teachers. All second level schools in the free education /block grant schemes have an entitlement to an ex-quota teacher allocation in respect of remedial /learning support teaching and guidance provision. There are currently a total of 534 wholetime equivalent remedial/learning support teachers and 684 wholetime equivalent guidance teachers in place at second level.

My Department also allocates additional teacher support and special needs assistant support to second level schools and Vocational Education Committees to cater for pupils with special educational needs, including, where appropriate, pupils with dyslexia. To qualify for additional teaching support, under this category, children must be assessed by a psychologist as being of average intelligence or higher and having a degree of learning disability specific to basic skills in reading, writing or mathematics which places them at or below the 2nd percentile on suitable, standardised, norm referenced tests.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has been established as an independent statutory body with responsibilities as set out in the National Council for Special Education Act, 2005. With effect from 1 January 2005, the NCSE through local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) is responsible for processing resource applications for children with special educational needs. Where a pupil with special educational needs enrols in a post primary school, it is open to the school to apply to the local SENO for additional teaching support and/or special needs assistant support for the pupil.

In accordance with the terms of circular letter M 10/94, pupils with dyslexia may also, depending on an educational assessment, meet the criteria for exemption from the learning of the Irish Language on the grounds of having a learning disability. Depending on the degree of the condition, they may also be eligible for special arrangements in the Certificate Examinations.

Medical Education.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

129 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Science when she expects to decide on the location for post-graduate medical education; the number of places that will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40132/06]

Joe Costello

Question:

145 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science the provision that will be made for free or subsidised tuition for persons who wish to apply for a place in the proposed post-graduate medical school who can not afford a fee-paying course; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40133/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 129 and 145 together.

On the 1 February 2006 the Minister for Health and Children and I published the report of the Fottrell Working Group on Undergraduate Medical Education and Training. As part of these reforms I am increasing the annual number of undergraduate places for Irish and EU students from 305 to 485. I am also introducing a separate graduate entry stream which will provide 240 additional places per annum. These increases, which will be phased in over a five year period, will increase the annual number of medical places from 305 to 725.

The Higher Education Authority has recently issued a competitive call for proposals to provide the new graduate entry programme, with a view to additional places being provided on this programme from 2007. It has been decided that graduate entry will be open to graduates of honours bachelor degrees. The provision of a graduate entry stream is an important development in reducing pressures on aspiring medical students who until now have effectively had one chance of entry, based on their Leaving Certificate performance. This will allow students to make a decision to enter medicine at a more mature age and should result in a more diverse range of entrants into the profession. No decisions have been made on the level of tuition fees for the graduate programme as this will form part of the overall outcome of the competitive call for proposals.

Question No. 130 answered with QuestionNo. 81.
Question No. 131 answered with QuestionNo. 68.

Proposed Legislation.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

132 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science when the Student Support Bill will be published; the pre-consultation that has taken place with students and representative bodies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40222/06]

Mary Upton

Question:

142 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science when the Student Support Bill will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40160/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 142 together.

The Deputies will be aware that, in accordance with the commitment in the Agreed Programme for Government, I plan to introduce a single unified scheme of maintenance grants for students in higher education. This will, I believe, provide for a more coherent administration system which will facilitate consistency of application, improved client accessibility and ensure the timely delivery of grants to those who need them most. This is part of my overall plan to introduce service improvements in the administration of the student grant schemes. These will include guaranteed timeframes for the earlier payment of grants, an independent appeals procedure and more efficient arrangements for handling applications and making payments.

To effect these administrative and service improvements requires the introduction of a new statutory basis for the scheme to replace the existing arrangements which involve a mix of statutory and non-statutory administrative schemes. Accordingly, the Government has approved the drafting of a new Student Support Bill which will place all student support schemes on a statutory footing for the first time, including providing for the designation of an appropriate awarding authority and for the general basis on which grants will be awarded to eligible students.

Work on the Bill is at an advanced stage and I hope to be in a position to publish the Bill in early 2007. My Department has, as I have indicated previously, engaged in substantial consultations with the key stakeholders, including students in order to map the most logical and effective arrangements for the future structure and administration of the student support schemes. This process of consultation is on-going. Implementation of the Bill when enacted, will take place in consultation with the relevant stakeholders to ensure an orderly transition and minimise disruption to students.

Special Educational Needs.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

133 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will extend remedial programmes aimed at improving literacy for boys to the area of maths for girls schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39900/06]

The Deputy will be aware that, in September 2005 my Department introduced a new system of teacher allocation to all mainstream primary schools to cater for pupils with higher incidence special educational needs, that is, pupils with borderline mild and mild general learning disability and specific learning disability, including those with difficulties in maths.

It is a matter for the individual school to use its professional judgement to identify pupils with high incidence special education and learning support needs that will receive this support and to use the resources available to the school to intervene at the appropriate level with such pupils. My Department issued a comprehensive circular, SP ED 02/05 to schools which provides guidelines on the manner in which they should use the resources that have been allocated to them to best effect. The circular contains advice on how best to meet the needs of pupils with difficulties in either reading or mathematics, irrespective of gender. It is anticipated that a review of the general allocation model will be undertaken after three years of operation and I have no plans to alter the system in advance of the review.

Subject Evaluations.

Michael Noonan

Question:

134 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of subject evaluations which will be completed by the end of 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40248/06]

In 2006 the Inspectorate planned to conduct a total of 660 subject inspections in post-primary schools. This comprised 428 stand-alone subject inspections and 232 subject inspections as part of whole-school evaluations. By the end of 2006 the evaluation phase of the subject inspection process will have been completed in all of the 660 subject inspections planned. 389 of these subject inspections will have been issued to schools by the end of December 2006. The remainder will issue to schools and be published on the Department's website in early 2007 in accordance with the agreed timeframe for the publication of subject inspection reports.

Schools Building Projects.

John Curran

Question:

135 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps her Department is taking to progress the school building projects in the Lucan area. [40125/06]

There are currently 5 post-primary and 11 primary schools in the general Lucan area. The position regarding major school building projects in the area is as follows:

St Marys Primary School, Woodview — The proposed extension project for this school is to provide additional accommodation to cater for 24 classrooms plus ancillary accommodation. The project is at an early stage of architectural planning. The schools Design Team has been instructed to prepare a stage 1, 2 submission (site suitability/sketch scheme).

Adamstown Community College — This is a Design and Build new school project to cater for 1,000 pupils. A stage 3 report has been reviewed by my Department's technical team and their comments sent to the developer. When these comments are addressed and a response received, my officials will evaluate the documentation.

St Josephs College, Lucan — The proposed refurbishment project for this school is at an early stage of architectural planning. The project was approved to proceed to stage 3 (Dev sketch scheme) in October 2006. When the complete stage 3 submission is received in my Department, my Officials will arrange a meeting with the School's Design Team in order to evaluate the documentation.

Adamstown Primary School — Construction has recently commenced on 2 sixteen classroom schools one is scheduled to be ready for September 2007 and the other for late 2007.

Gaelscoil Naomh Pádraig — Construction was recently completed on 8 classrooms plus ancillary accommodation to bring this school up to a sixteen classroom school

Scoil Mhuire — A revised stage 3 for the construction of 3 classrooms plus some ancillary accommodation plus upgrading of the M & E is awaited. When this extension is completed the school will have 24 classrooms.

Building projects for Coláiste Cois Life and Balgaddy Senior Primary school were recently completed.

I recently gave the ahead to start architectural planning for building and modernisation works at Lucan Community School, Balgaddy Junior School, St. Thomas N.S. and Scoil Áine N.S.

My Department monitors the school needs of the Lucan area on a regular basis and will continue to do so in order that any newly emerging needs can be addressed as expeditiously as possible.

It is evident from the above that my Department has and is continuing to make a major investment in school infrastructure in the Lucan area. This has been facilitated by a record investment by the Government of over €2 billion in school infrastructure in the period from 2000 to 2005, which enabled my Department to deliver over 6500 projects nationally in that period. An additional 1,300 building projects will be carried out under my Department's Capital Programme this year alone.

The infrastructural investment needs in schools will continue into the future. However, I am confident that the allocation from Government of €3.9 billion in capital funding for the education sector over the next 5 years will enable my Department to continue to take a pro-active approach in modernising existing schools and providing additional accommodation where required throughout the country.

School Accommodation.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

136 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science the cost to her Department of buying and leasing prefabs in the 2005 to 2006 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40136/06]

The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the total amount of money spent on buying and leasing prefabs in the 2005 to 2006 school year is not available in the format requested by the Deputy. Records are maintained on a financial year basis as distinct from a school year as sought by the Deputy. Details in relation to the cost of providing temporary accommodation (including the provision of prefabs) for 2005 to end of October 2006 is outlined in the following table.

As the Deputy will see from the following table the spend on temporary accommodation represents a very small fraction of the overall yearly spend on school buildings. The demand for additional accommodation in schools has risen significantly over the last number of years mainly due to the rapid expansion in teacher numbers particularly in the area of special needs, the growth in the school-going population in rapidly developing areas and the demands to cater for diversity through the recognition of new Gaelscoileanna and Educate Together schools. The provision of rented accommodation provides an immediate solution to a deficit of school accommodation, and is often the only available option where extra accommodation is needed at short notice.

Year

Total Capital Expenditure at Primary & Post Primary Level

Expenditure on Temporary Accommodation

Temporary Accomodation as a % of total Capital Expenditure

Expenditure on Rental of temporary school premises (including prefab classrooms)

Rental of temporary school premises (including prefab classrooms) as a % of total Capital Expenditure

€m

€m

%

€m

%

2005

501.26

6.47

1.29

15.70

3.13

**2006

361.36

2.55

0.71

19.00

5.26

**2006 figures to end of October.
Questions Nos. 137 and 138 answered with Question No. 108.

Residential Institutions Redress Scheme.

Willie Penrose

Question:

139 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of people who have applied to the Residential Institutions Redress Board; the estimated cost of paying all of the awards under the board’s remit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40175/06]

The Residential Institutions Redress Board was established under statute in 2002 to provide financial redress to victims of child abuse in residential institutions in order to assist them in their recovery and enhance the quality of the remainder of their lives. The Board received 14,541 applications by the 15th of December, 2005, the closing date for receipt of applications. My Department has included a contingency provision of up to €1.3 billion for the total liability potentially arising from the scheme in the notes to the 2005 Appropriation Accounts. This was based on the total number of applications to the Board, a cumulative average award of €76,000 at end 2005 and estimated legal and administrative costs of approximately 20% of awards.

The final cost of the scheme must be viewed in the context of the Government apology to the victims of abuse and the very substantial costs that would have been incurred in any event if no such scheme had been established and if cases had been processed in the normal manner through the courts.

Question No. 140 answered with QuestionNo. 83.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

141 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps she proposes to take to address the issue of class sizes throughout Dublin, throughout Leinster and throughout the rest of country with a view to bringing the process into line with the best known practice elsewhere; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40176/06]

As the Deputy will be aware, there are now no less than 4,000 extra teachers in our primary schools, compared with 2002. Furthermore, there are nearly 7,000 more primary teachers than there were in 1997. This represents the largest increase in teacher numbers since the expansion of free education. 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. The number of children in large classes has been significantly reduced. When this Government first came into office, there were more than 52,000 children in classes of 35 and over — five times the number that there were in the last school year. There were also more than 1,900 children in classes of 40 and over — compared to just over 200 in 05/06.

While I appreciate the need to make further progress in reducing class size, it should be acknowledged just how much has been achieved. In recent years, priority has rightly been given to providing extra support for children with special needs, those from disadvantaged areas and those that need help with their English. Special education provision in particular has undergone a level of expansion the extent of which nobody could have predicted a few years ago — and this was only right. If we had put all 4,000 of the teachers hired since 2002 into classroom teaching, our average class size would be a lot smaller than it is now. But we would have done a great disservice to those children who need extra help the most. I am sure the Deputy would accept that we have taken the right approach.

Now that children with special needs are finally getting the support they deserve, we are providing extra teachers this year and next specifically to reduce class sizes, through a reduction in the mainstream staffing schedule. This has meant that, whereas all primary schools were staffed on a general rule of at least one classroom teacher for every 29 children in the 05/06 school year, in the current school year there is a general rule of at least one 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, we are committed to hiring even more extra teachers in order to reduce this to a general rule of at least one teacher for every 27 children.

We also acted this year to specifically address the needs of growing schools by making it easier to qualify for a developing school post. Over 280 such posts were sanctioned for the 2006/07 school year, compared to 170 in 2005/06. This change specifically addressed the needs of schools which are seeing large increases in their enrolments year on year. The improvements we have made in school staffing in recent years are absolutely unparalleled but we are determined to go even further, and so the 2007 Estimates include provision for another 800 primary teachers. About 500 of these will be classroom teachers, which includes our commitment to reduce class sizes. I assure the Deputy that we will continue to prioritise further improvements in school staffing going forward. We will also continue our focus on measures to improve the quality of education in our primary schools to ensure that increased resources lead to better outcomes for our children.

Question No. 142 answered with QuestionNo. 132.

Inservice Training.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

143 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of hours in the higher diploma in teaching spent on conflict resolution; and if she has satisfied herself with this amount. [40204/06]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

149 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the percentage of teachers receiving in-service conflict resolution training. [40205/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 143 and 149 together.

I wish to inform the Deputy that the Higher Diploma programmes for post-primary teacher training provide the necessary skills to mitigate and resolve conflict as it occurs in the classroom and school setting. Conflict resolution is integral to all aspects of the education programme which aims to support teachers as developers and builders of a learning environment in the classroom setting and in the school as a learning community. Specific lectures on conflict resolution are included in the Higher Diploma programmes. However, the subject has many overlaps with other aspects of the programme and it is addressed specifically in areas such as classroom management, practical workshops, tutorials which, on average, amounts to 42 hours. The issue of conflict resolution also forms part of the teaching practice element of the programme.

My Department continues to support teachers in schools to address conflict in a changing school environment as part of the Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE) Programme at Junior Certificate level. The support is provided by a dedicated team of seconded teachers and approximately 2,500 teachers have attended SPHE in-service over the past 6 years. The SPHE curriculum is mandatory in all primary schools and post-primary schools up to Junior Certificate Level in which substance use is one of 10 modules taught. During 2005/2006, over 900 post-primary teachers attended in-service programmes at their local Education Centre where conflict resolution was a component.

In addition, my Department provides a range of support to Principals and Deputy Principals in the area of conflict management as part of the Leadership Development in Schools, the School Development Planning Initiative and the Special Education Support Service. I recently established the National Behavioural Support Service (NBSS) which will address issues relating to student behaviour in post-primary schools, including training in conflict resolution techniques. At Primary level, my Department provides continuing professional development support through the Primary Curriculum Support Programme which deals with the revised Primary Curriculum. As part of its remit, support is provided to teachers on conflict resolution in the context of training in the areas of classroom management and Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE).

Continuous professional development is also provided on conflict resolution in the context of training provided by a number of Support Services working with all primary schools: School Leadership Development, School Development Planning Service and the Special Education Support Service. Furthermore, over 5,300 primary teachers attended in-service programmes at their local Education Centre where conflict resolution was a component during 2005/2006.

Question No. 144 answered with QuestionNo. 89.
Question No. 145 answered with QuestionNo. 129.
Question No. 146 answered with QuestionNo. 98.

Literacy Levels.

Joe Sherlock

Question:

147 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science the way she proposes to improve the literacy level of prisoners both in adult and juvenile detention centres; if monitoring is done on improvements to literacy levels of people when they are in prison; her views on whether improved literacy would reduce recidivism and assist prisoners to get employment when they are released; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40156/06]

Young people in the children detention schools attend school and receive tuition in curricular areas, including literacy, in keeping with their needs and age. These schools are monitored by my Department's inspectorate and, like all schools, are subject to Whole School Evaluation. The monitoring of individual student progress is a matter for the teaching staff of each school. Arising from a review of youth justice provisions, the Government last year approved a package of measures designed to restructure and streamline the delivery of the State's services in this area. As part of this package, my Department is drawing up an education strategy in order to ensure a continuum of education and training opportunities for young people in children detention schools, special care units and high support units.

The strategy will deal with the education and training provision for such young people before, during and after any periods in special care or detention. It will reflect the key role played by education in shaping the lives of these young people and encourage them to assume a positive role in society. Work on the preparation of the strategy is underway.

The Deputy should note that literacy in adult detention centres is a matter for the Irish Prison Service and arrangements are being made for that Service to respond directly to the Deputy in that regard.

School Curriculum.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

148 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the introduction of information and communications technology as a subject for the junior certificate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40191/06]

I have no plans to introduce information and communications technology (ICT) as a discrete subject for the junior certificate. Recent thinking on ICT in schools is that the best way to learn ICT skills is to apply them in a meaningful context. Based on this, the focus in Ireland is on developing and promoting the use of ICT as a tool for teaching and learning across the curriculum.

Question No. 149 answered with QuestionNo. 143.

Radon Gas Levels.

Damien English

Question:

150 Mr. English asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools which have not been tested for radon; the names of these schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40213/06]

My Department commenced a Radon Remediation Programme in 1998 when it commissioned the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) to conduct a survey of radon levels in all primary and post primary schools. The programme initially involved surveying radon levels in schools and subsequently carrying out mitigation works where appropriate. The programme is 100% funded by my Department and has cost approximately €6m to date.

All schools have been advised of the programme and where excess radon levels are located, funding is provided for the mitigation works. Follow-up monitoring also takes place to ensure that the remediation action has been successful.

The remaining handful of schools who have not agreed to participate in the radon surveys are regularly advised of the need to do so. Radon barriers are included in the design of all new school building projects.

Question No. 151 answered with QuestionNo. 89.
Question No. 152 answered with QuestionNo. 47.
Question No. 153 answered with QuestionNo. 119.

Internet Access.

Ivor Callely

Question:

154 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science the measures in place for young people in order to promote appropriate use of information and communications technology particularly the use of the internet; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39916/06]

As the Deputy will be aware, the Schools Broadband Programme provides broadband internet access to Primary and Post Primary schools and includes Content Filtering as an integral part of the service. The Content Filtering service is designed to control the level of access from schools, via the broadband network, to the wider internet. It does this by categorising websites under various categories and providing content filtering ‘options' to schools which allow or block a combination of these website categories. Based on information and advice provided by the National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE), the schools themselves decide on which content filtering option is most appropriate to school needs and confirm this to the NCTE. This option is then set up for the school. Currently two options have been implemented for schools. However, this may change based on the feedback from schools and responding to schools requirements.

The Content Filtering service also implements a white list and blacklist policy. Websites which are categorised as appropriate for all schools are placed on a white list. In contrast, websites which are categorised as non-appropriate for all schools are placed on a black list. No school is connected to the internet via the schools broadband network unless it has confirmed in writing: a) an Internet Acceptable Usage Policy in place and b) its Content Filtering option to the NCTE. Content Filtering is a technology based service that assists in the management of websites for schools. Along with education / awareness and supervision it forms the basis of implementing a safe environment for pupils in schools.

The National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE) actively provides support and guidelines to schools regarding the use of the Information and Communication Technologies. Through its internet safety initiative the NCTE launched Webwise.ie, which creates awareness about new technologies and possible risks associated with their use by young people. The site provides tools and information to empower users on how to avoid or deal with these risks; in particular the advice given is technology independent reducing the number of messages a student needs to remember. In addition, the Internet Advisory Board is working in this area.

The NCTE has also published guidelines in relation to other information and communications technologies. For example, ‘ICT Planning and Advice for Schools' highlights the educational potential of mobile phones and a copy of this pack was distributed to all schools and is available online at http://advicesheets.ncte.ie/ mobilephones/. It refers to the management of mobile phone use by students as an important issue and must be incorporated into the school’s ICT Plan and Acceptable Use Policy.

Multi-Denominational Schools.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

155 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that Educate Together can no longer assist groups of parents in certain parts of the country who wish to establish schools with a multi-denominational ethos due to the fact that they are not sufficiently funded; if she will increase the funding to Educate Together in order that they can continue to fulfil this function of assisting groups of parents to assert their Constitutional right; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40129/06]

A special once-off grant of €40,000 was paid to Educate Together in 2005 bringing their total grant in that year to over €81,000. In 2006 the funding provided to Educate Together was increased almost threefold to €120,000.

In making their case for funding to me Educate Together also raised the issue for support for newly establishing schools. To support such schools I introduced a new grant of €10,000 payable in two instalments of €5,000 for the Boards of Management of newly establishing schools in respect of training of the Boards of Management and staff of those schools in their initial years.

This grant is in addition to the existing start-up grant of €6,348.69 which has been available to all new primary schools, including Educate Together schools, which began operating from 1st September, 2000 onwards.

With regard to training of school boards of management generally, it is open to the School Management Bodies to apply to my Department for funding for this purpose.

My Department has supported the establishment of a significant number of new multi-denominational schools in recent years. Of the 34 new schools granted provisional recognition in the past four years alone, 14 are multi-denominational.

Many multi-denominational primary schools are established in areas of rapidly expanding population growth. School Building projects in these areas are assigned a Band 1 rating under the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects. This is the highest band rating possible which results in the delivery of permanent accommodation in the shortest timeframe achievable. Pending the delivery of new school buildings, the Department contributes 95% towards the cost of renting of temporary accommodation for schools with permanent recognition. The local contribution for a school in such circumstances is capped at €3,175 per annum.

To underpin the establishment of new schools, my Department has made a number of changes in recent years which have assisted patron bodies in the provision of accommodation. One of these changes, which was strongly welcomed by the patron body for multi-denominational schools, was the abolition of the local contribution to the building costs for state-owned school buildings, which had cost up to €63,000 per school. Other innovations include the development of the design and build model to provide permanent accommodation much faster.

Standard/generic designs have also been developed by the Building Unit of my Department for 8 and 16 classroom schools. It is expected that use of these designs, wherever possible, will yield substantial savings in terms of design team fees as well as reducing the time taken to bring new school projects to completion.

I am satisfied that the range of measures now in place, including the almost threefold increase in their grant, provides a comprehensive response to the request made for additional support for Educate Together and their schools.

State Examinations.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

156 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes she will introduce in the leaving certificate examination; if she proposes to hold some parts of the examination prior to June; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40158/06]

A range of components in the Leaving Certificate examinations already take place prior to June. For example, coursework in Home Economics Scientific and Social is required to be completed by November. The Engineering project is required to be completed in March, and the oral examinations are completed in April, in addition to the LCVP Link Modules portfolio, the practical coursework elements of Religion, History and Geography, Agricultural Science, and Agricultural Economics, elective coursework in Home Economics, the practical component of Music and the Construction Studies Project. The practical examination in Engineering, Construction, Art and the elective in composing in Music take place in May as well as the written examination for the LCVOP Link Modules.

The Leaving Certificate Applied programme also provides for completion of assessment components throughout the cycle.

I am acutely aware of the importance of ensuring a spread of assessment points, and of the need to move away from the heavy demand placed on students in the June terminal examinations. I asked the State Examinations Commission to discuss this issue with the partners in education to see how it might best be addressed.

School Insurance.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

157 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the action she will take to assist schools with the escalating cost of insurance; if her Department will consider a centralised system of insurance for schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40173/06]

Responsibility for arranging insurance cover, including the specific requirements of insurance cover for school property and against public liability is a matter for the managerial authorities of primary and post-primary schools and would fall to be met from the capitation funding which schools receive from my Department.

My Department provides funding to schools by way of per capita grants, which affords schools considerable flexibility in the use of these resources to cater for the needs of their pupils.

There have been significant improvements in the level of funding provided to primary and post-primary schools. Since 1997 the standard rate of capitation grant at primary level was increased from €57.14 per pupil to €145.58 with effect from 1st January, 2006. From 1st January next the standard per capita grant will be increased by a further €18 per pupil bringing the overall capitation grant per pupil at primary level to €163.58. This will represent an increase of 186% in the standard rate of capitation grant since 1997.

In addition, the already enhanced rates of capitation grant payable in respect of certain categories of special needs pupils enrolled in special schools and special classes in ordinary national schools are being substantially increased with effect from 1st January 2007. There have been significant improvements in recent years in the level of funding for voluntary secondary schools also. In addition to the €12 per pupil increase in 2006 in the standard per capita grant that now stands at €298 per pupil, voluntary secondary schools have benefited additionally by the increase of €14 per pupil in 2006 in the support services grant bringing the overall grant to €159 per pupil.

In addition to the increases in the standard per capita grant rates outlined above, the per capita grant at post-primary level will also be increased by €18 per pupil bringing the overall capitation grant for post-primary pupils to €316. The support services grant will also be increased by a further €30 for voluntary secondary schools, which includes a further equalisation measure, to €189 per pupil. For such schools this cumulative increase of €48 per pupil will bring the aggregate grant to over €500 per pupil from 1 January next. These grants are in addition to the per capita funding of up to €40,000 per school that is also provided by my Department to secondary schools towards secretarial and caretaking services.

For a secondary school with 500 pupils, this will bring annual grants towards general expenses and support service to over €290,000. Schools are afforded considerable flexibility in the use of resources to cater for the needs of their pupils. These significant increases in the funding of primary and post primary schools are a clear demonstration of my commitment to prioritise available resources to address the needs of schools.

Whole School Evaluations.

Dan Neville

Question:

158 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of whole school evaluations which are planned to take place during 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40249/06]

Planning for whole-school evaluations (WSE) in 2007 in primary schools, post-primary schools and centres for education is underway at present, and will be finalised within a few weeks. It is expected that over 300 WSEs will be conducted during 2007. This will include approximately 230 WSEs at primary level, 60 WSEs in post-primary schools and 15 WSEs in other centres for education.

Questions Nos. 159 and 160 answered with Question No. 113.

Legal Actions.

Tom Hayes

Question:

161 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of legal actions her Department is currently engaged in; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40194/06]

There are approximately 270 cases before the Courts which involve the Department as a Defendant or Respondent. They include litigation relating to Primary Schools, Community and Comprehensive Schools, Children Detention Schools, Special Needs, school non-attendance, school transport, litigation arising from industrial relations actions, contractual disputes and a diverse range of matters.

This figure does not include childhood abuse cases relating to industrial and reformatory schools and residential Institutions, which number approximately 695 live cases. These are being dealt with primarily by the Residential Institutions Redress Board. However, it is not possible to indicate what percentage of these cases will reach a hearing, as a large number of cases are discontinued following the acceptance by the plaintiffs of awards made by the Redress Board.

School Enrolments.

Joan Burton

Question:

162 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the measures taken by her Department to ensure that all schools comply with their own enrolment policies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40130/06]

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. 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. 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.

Where a Board of Management refuses to enrol a student in a school, the parent of the student or, where the student has reached 18 years of age, the student himself or herself, 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 my Department. A committee is established to hear the appeal with hearings conducted with a minimum of formality. In most cases appeals must be dealt with within 30 days. Where appropriate, my Department may give whatever directions to the Board of Management that are considered necessary to remedy the matter complained of. The existence of an appeals procedure serves to ensure that schools abide by their enrolment policies.

Details on appealing decisions on enrolment under section 29 of the Education Act are available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.

Question No. 163 answered with QuestionNo. 67.

Bullying in Schools.

Jack Wall

Question:

164 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science her response to More than a Phase, a resource guide for the inclusion of young lesbian, homosexual, bisexual and transgender learners, published by Pobal in October 2006; if she will address the need to ensure that schools, colleges and teachers are addressing the needs of these students effectively and inclusively, and that they are protected from bullying; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40162/06]

Regarding implementation of the resource guide in question by organisations in the youth sector, the position is that publication of the resource is to be welcomed and it complements existing resources available in this sector under the National Youth Health Programme operated by the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI).

In relation to schools, the Deputy will be aware that every school is required to have in place a policy which includes specific measures to deal with bullying behaviour. This policy should be developed within the framework of an overall school Code of Behaviour and Discipline. Such a code, properly devised and implemented, can be the most influential measure in countering bullying behaviour in schools.

In view of the increasing demands which have been placed on schools as a result of statutory obligations and the requirement for policies in a range of areas, my Department has been working to ensure greater availability of guidelines and template policies to assist schools. In August of this year, I announced the publication on my Department's website of policy templates for post-primary schools in five key areas, including anti-bullying, as part of our ongoing efforts in this regard. The template documents are not prescriptive, but rather highlight possible approaches and potential material for inclusion in school policies.

The anti-bullying policy template is based primarily on the key document Guidelines on Countering Bullying Behaviour, 1993. However, it does take account of more recent legislative and regulatory changes, and reference is also made to issues of contemporary concern such as the need to tackle text bullying, cyber-bullying and homophobic bullying.

The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is at present developing guidelines for schools on Codes of Behaviour, as provided for under section 23 of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000. Once the NEWB Guidelines are in place, my Department will commence the process of revising and updating its own Guidelines on Countering Bullying Behaviour. The issue of homophobic bullying will be further addressed in this context and resources such as the Pobal Guide will help to inform this review process.

Office of the Attorney General.

Bernard Allen

Question:

165 Mr. Allen asked the Taoiseach if his attention has been drawn to the position arising from the 2006 Assistant Parliamentary Council Competition Grade 2 where only three Irish lawyers out of 40 were declared qualified despite the fact that they were sanctioned for the filling of six vacancies. [39908/06]

Bernard Allen

Question:

166 Mr. Allen asked the Taoiseach the statutes since 2003 which have been drafted by foreign contract drafters. [39909/06]

Bernard Allen

Question:

167 Mr. Allen asked the Taoiseach if his attention has been drawn to staffing issues in the drafting section of the Attorney General’s Office due to the presence of a high number of foreign contract drafters and, as a result of these temporary appointments, Irish drafters are not receiving the drafting experience and the opportunity to involve themselves in the important preparation of Bills. [39910/06]

Bernard Allen

Question:

168 Mr. Allen asked the Taoiseach if his attention has been drawn to the lack of promotional opportunities for entry level drafters in the Attorney General’s Office and that there has been only one promotional examination since 2001. [39911/06]

Bernard Allen

Question:

169 Mr. Allen asked the Taoiseach his views on the fact that Ireland is the only country where foreign contract drafters prepare the national legislation of the country. [39912/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 165 to 169, inclusive, together.

I refer the Deputy to my replies to Written Questions No. 132 to 136 from Deputy Rabbitte on 5 July 2006, Written Question No. 221 from Deputy Gormley on 27 September and Written Questions Nos. 177 and 178 from Deputy Sargent on 14 November. It is not the practice of the Office to identify the drafters of individual Acts of the Oireachtas. Many drafting projects are undertaken by more than one drafter.

Permanent members of staff in the Office are assigned drafting projects commensurate with their experience. Taking account of the demands of the Government Legislation Programme and the requirement to draft complex Bills urgently, every effort is made to assign a variety of drafting projects to all drafters. There was a promotion to Assistant Parliamentary Counsel I in September 2003. The position about further promotions is regularly reviewed. Promotions are based on merit as is the case across the civil service. Potential candidates have to meet the required standards to be promoted. The practice of engaging drafters on contract began in the early 1980s. All Contract Drafters engaged by the Office have significant drafting experience in common-law jurisdictions similar to our own. In the past, all have previously held senior drafting positions including former heads of office of the UK Office of Parliamentary Counsel, the Canadian Federal Drafting Office and the Office of the Scottish Parliamentary Counsel. The use of these drafters enables the Office to meet the demands of the Government's Legislation Programme while ensuring that the newer drafters receive extensive training. Newer drafters work with more senior colleagues, including contract staff, and thus receive in-depth and wide ranging experience. Indeed, without the assistance of the contract staff the more experienced permanent drafters would find it impossible to train newer staff without having to decrease their involvement in the preparation of legislation.

In engaging contract drafters, the Office has, in accordance with agreed procedures, informed the relevant Union which represents permanent drafters of its intentions to do so in each case. I should emphasise that the engagement of contract drafters does not impact on the experience opportunities available to permanent drafters to gain appropriate drafting experience.

In many common law jurisdictions, there are non-indigenous drafters preparing legislation. Indeed, the head of the drafting office in the State of Victoria in Australia is a native of Northern Ireland who commenced his drafting career in the Office of the Legislative Counsel in Belfast. Also, some of the permanent members of staff of the OPC have worked in other jurisdictions such as Hong Kong, Gibraltar and the Channel Islands.

Death Statistics.

Tony Gregory

Question:

170 Mr. Gregory asked the Taoiseach if the number of death certificates of persons who died in nursing homes in what was the Eastern Health Board region which contains a reference to decubitus ulcers can be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39989/06]

Mortality statistics are classified by the Underlying Cause of Death. The Underlying Cause of Death is defined as a) ‘the disease or injury which initiated the train of events leading directly to death', or b) ‘the circumstances of the accident or violence which produced the fatal injury'. Deaths are coded according to the Ninth Revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases, Injuries and Causes of Death (I.C.D. 9). Thus, numbers of deaths where decubitus ulcers were the Underlying Cause of Death can readily be produced.

However, data on diseases which were referred to on the death certificate but which were not the Underlying Cause of Death are not retained on CSO systems. To produce statistics retrospectively on numbers of death certificates containing a reference to decubitus ulcers would involve manually re-examining each death certificate. The Central Statistics Office currently retains death certificates from 2002 to date. Death certificates prior to 2002 are held by the General Register Office.

Statistics on the place of death are produced on the basis of a textual description of the place of death which is subsequently coded within the CSO according to the following classification:

1. Hospital

2. Local Health Board Institutions

3. Private Homes

4. Rotunda, Holles Street and Coombe

5. Homes for the Aged, Community Care, and Hospices

6. Mental Hospital

7. Domiciliary

8. Elsewhere.

There is no specific category within the classification for Nursing Homes. Some will be included in category ‘1. Local Health Board Institutions', ‘4. Private Homes' and ‘6. Homes for the Aged, Community Care and Hospices'. Thus, numbers of deaths in nursing homes cannot currently be produced without a manual re-examination of the death certificate. However even a re-examination of the death certificate may not facilitate the identification of all nursing homes as the quality and level of information provided in the textual description may not be adequate to meet this requirement. In addition an exhaustive list of nursing homes would be required to aid the coding process.

Note also that where a nursing home resident dies in a hospital, the place of death recorded will be the hospital. The residence of the deceased could potentially indicate whether or not the individual was being cared for in a nursing home prior to death. However no information on the length of stay in the hospital is available and therefore it would not be possible to identify if the decubitus ulcers occurred in the nursing home or in the hospital.

Garda Vetting Services.

John Gormley

Question:

171 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the length of time it takes for police clearance for the employment by the Health Service Executive of a special needs assistant in the Ashbourne, County Meath area; the reason there is so much red tape and lack of co-ordination between the various agencies involved in securing this service; if he will acknowledge that this vital service needs to be streamlined to suit the needs of the people trying to access it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40139/06]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the processing time within the Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) in respect of valid applications for Garda vetting received from the Health Service Executive (HSE) is four weeks. Any further time frame involved in the filling of posts for which vetting is required is solely a matter for the recruiting organisations, which are aware of this Garda processing time and have been advised to factor it into the recruitment and selection procedures.

I do not accept the contention that there is ‘red tape' and a lack of co-ordination in inter-agency co-operation in the vetting process.

Since the decentralisation of the Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) in Thurles in November 2005, a significant streamlining of procedures to process vetting applications has occurred, and these have resulted in an improved service being provided to client organisations, including the HSE. I understand that there is ongoing, close co-operation between the GCVU and the HSE in processing vetting applications and that both bodies are committed to maintaining close links on the issue.

Legislative Programme.

Finian McGrath

Question:

172 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the situation regarding the issue of rogue estate agents and the role of the ombudsman; and if there are plans for new legislation on this issue. [40336/06]

I can inform the Deputy that the auctioneering profession is currently regulated under the Auctioneers and House Agents Acts 1947 to 1973. Following from the recommendations of the Auctioneering/ Estate Agency Review Group, work is underway on new legislation, the Property Services Regulatory Authority Bill, which will modernise the regulatory framework in this area and extend it to management agents. Pending enactment of this new legislation, I have put in place an Implementation Group for the National Property Services Regulatory Authority and charged it with making arrangements for the early establishment of the Authority and its structures.

Missing Persons.

Richard Bruton

Question:

173 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has considered to possibility of introducing an all-Ireland helpline for missing persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39955/06]

In relation to the specific matter raised by the Deputy, there are no current plans to proceed along the lines proposed. As I have stated in the past, the Government is committed to developing North/South co-operation across a full spectrum of areas and we will continue to promote closer cooperation between the two jurisdictions wherever it will prove beneficial to the people of this island.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are high levels of cooperation between UK and Irish police forces in relation to the investigation of missing persons in both jurisdictions. Media outlets, print, radio and television are used to highlight cases involving missing persons, as appropriate. All cases of persons reported missing in suspicious circumstances are subject to ongoing review and investigation. The services of other external agencies such as Interpol and Europol are also available to assist in the investigation.

The missing children website, www.missingkids.ie is a joint initiative between the Garda Síochána and the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children. This website enables the Garda Síochána to circulate instantaneously and internationally written details and high quality photographs of children reported missing to other police forces.

Registration of Title.

Dan Neville

Question:

174 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when registration of title (details supplied) will be completed by the Land Registry Office. [40011/06]

As the Deputy will be aware, under the provisions of the Registration of Deeds and Title Act 2006, the Property Registration Authority was established as and from 4 November, 2006. The Property Registration Authority replaces the Registrar of Deeds and Titles as the registering authority in relation to property registration in Ireland and, subject to the above Act, is independent in the performance of its functions.

In order to be of assistance I forwarded the Deputy's registration query to the Authority for his attention and direct reply. I understand that a reply has already issued. I would also 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 applications of this type. As outlined in my letter, the service was introduced, inter alia, to provide a speedier and more cost effective alternative to submitting Parliamentary Questions.

Rural Policing Initiative.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

175 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to the rural community policing initiative (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40016/06]

I wish to advise the Deputy that I have asked the Commissioner for an update on the matter referred to and I will forward it to the Deputy in due course.

Juvenile Offenders.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

176 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if towns (details supplied) in County Donegal will be considered for the expansion for youth diversion scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40017/06]

Garda Youth Diversion Projects are community-based, multi-agency crime prevention initiatives which seek to divert young people from becoming involved (or further involved) in anti-social and/or criminal behaviour by providing suitable activities to facilitate personal development and promote civic responsibility. The Garda Youth Diversion Projects are funded by my Department and administered through the Community Relations Section of An Garda Síochána.

The allocation of funding for the 74 Garda Youth Diversion Projects (along with 7 Local Drug Task Force Projects) in 2006 is just over €6.6 million, which is an increase of €1.2 million on 2005. I have also secured an increase in funding to €9.8 million for 2007.

It is my intention to ensure that 100 projects will be established nationwide before the end of 2007. In the first phase of this expansion, ten new projects were established this year and they are located in Birr, Blanchardstown, Carlow, Castlebar, Cavan, Clondalkin, Limerick, Tallaght and Tralee (two projects). I have recently announced my approval to establish a further ten projects in the second phase of the expansion programme. These projects will be located in Ballyogan, Dublin 18, Carrick-on-Suir, Castleisland, Celbridge, Kilrush, Listowel, Mallow, New Ross, Tipperary Town and Tuam.

The Garda Commissioner brings forward proposals for the establishment of new Garda Youth Diversion Projects. The locations for establishing new Garda Youth Diversion Projects are selected on the basis of factors including an increase in the level of juvenile crime in the area and the number of young people referred to the Juvenile Diversion Programme. Two proposals have been received by the Garda Commissioner to establish additional Garda Youth Diversion Projects in the area referred to by the Deputy and I am informed that these proposals are being considered in the context of the further expansion of the programme in 2007 and in light of the funding available.

Visa Applications.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

177 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the holiday visa application of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40020/06]

The application referred to by the deputy was received in the Dublin Visa Office on 15th November, 2006. A decision in respect of the application in question will be made in the coming weeks.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

178 Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be given on the appeal of the rejection of a visa for a person (details supplied); the reason the visa application was rejected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40046/06]

The application referred to by the Deputy was received in the Dublin Visa Office on 23rd October, 2006. The decision of the Visa Officer to refuse this application was taken on 8th November, 2006.

The application was refused on the grounds that it is not general policy to permit any person, whether related or not, to join or visit any persons who have been granted residency in the State under the Irish Born Child 2005 (IBC 05) scheme. The applicant failed to demonstrate any compelling grounds as to why an exception to this policy should be made. The application was also refused on the grounds of previous visa refusal.

The decision was appealed on 17th November, 2006. Following a re-examination of the case, the decision to refuse was upheld on 21st November, 2006. As each applicant is entitled to one appeal only, no further review in this matter can be granted; however it is open to the applicant to make a fresh application.

Road Traffic Offences.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

179 Mr. Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of summonses issued and convictions obtained in relation to the illegal use of Kennelsfort Road, Palmerstown in regard to the three tonne limit in the period from July 2006 to date in 2006. [40048/06]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that in the period from 1 July to 22 November 2006 there were 8 summonses and 10 fixed charge penalty notices issued in respect of breaches of the three tonne limit on Kennelsfort Road, Palmerstown. During this period there were thirty convictions in relation to the breach of the three tonne limit at this location. It will be appreciated that proceedings are not necessarily commenced and concluded in the same year.

Garda Strength.

Michael Collins

Question:

180 Mr. Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of full time Gardaí stationed in Kilfinane, County Limerick; and his plans to augment this in view of pending retirements. [40060/06]

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 the Garda Síochána increased to a record 13,000 on Thursday 16 November, 2006, following the attestation of 299 new members. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June 1997 and represents an increase of 2,298 (or 21.5%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. The induction of 280 new Garda recruits to the Garda College on 6 November 2006 resulted in a combined strength, of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,137. 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 Kilfinane Garda Station as at 27 November, 2006 was 1 Garda. Local Garda Management report that a decision on a replacement Garda at Kilfinane Garda Station would be made should the member currently serving there indicate an intention to retire.

Kilfinane forms part of the Limerick Division. The personnel strength of the Limerick Division as at 31 December, 1997 was 423 (all ranks). The personnel strength of the Limerick Division as at 27 November, 2006 was 529 (all ranks). This represents an increase of 106 (or 25%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date.

I should add that it is the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel to and within Divisions. These personnel allocations are determined by a number of factors including demographics, crime trends, administrative functions and other operational policing needs. Such allocations are continually monitored and reviewed along with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy. This ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and that the best possible service is provided to the public.

Michael Collins

Question:

181 Mr. Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí stationed in each of the Garda districts in the Limerick Division; and the trend in numbers over the past five years. [40061/06]

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 the Garda Síochána increased to a record 13,000 on Thursday, 16 November, 2006, following the attestation of 299 new members. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June, 1997 and represents an increase of 2,298 (or 21.5%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. The induction of 280 new Garda recruits to the Garda College on 6 November 2006 resulted in a combined strength, of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,137. 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 personnel strength (all ranks) of each Garda District in the Limerick Division as at 31 December 1997, 2001-2005, inclusively, and as at 23 November 2006 was as set out in the following table:

District

1997

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

23/11/06

Askeaton

41

43

43

40

42

41

41

Bruff

40

39

39

40

39

41

42

Henry Street

204

232

236

246

258

251

285

Newcastle West

42

45

43

44

45

46

49

Roxboro Road

96

102

99

102

98

105

112

Total

423

461

460

472

482

484

529

This represents an increase of 106 (or 25%) in the number of Garda personnel allocated to the Limerick Division during the period outlined in the table. The Limerick 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, all of which have had increased resources to provide a comprehensive policing service to the community.

I should add that it is the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel to and within Divisions. These personnel allocations are determined by a number of factors including demographics, crime trends, administrative functions and other operational policing needs. Such allocations are continually monitored and reviewed along with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy. This ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and that the best possible service is provided to the public.

Question No. 182 withdrawn.

Crime Prevention.

Seán Haughey

Question:

183 Mr. Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the measures being taken by the Garda to deal with serious disturbances involving youth in an area (details supplied) in Dublin 17 following a suicide by a person from this locality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40069/06]

I am informed that Gardaí from Coolock Garda District are responsible for patrolling the area concerned. I am further informed by the Garda authorities that following the death of a young person from the locality a group of other youths assembled at a shrine in the vicinity of the area referred to. After a while they began drinking and causing a nuisance to the local residents. Under the provisions of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Acts 1994 and 2003, Gardaí attached to the local Community Policing Unit moved the group on from where they had gathered during which one local youth was arrested for causing a disturbance. There have been no further related incidents.

The Garda Policing Plan currently in place is designed to address inter alia the prevention of anti-social and public disorder offences, the prevention of crime including crimes of violence against persons and property and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of quality of life of the residents. This strategy is and will continue to be central to the delivery of a policing service to the area in question.

Residency Permits.

John McGuinness

Question:

184 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an application to his Department for permission to remain in the State made on 30 September 2005 and acknowledged on 11 October 2005 for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny has been finalised; the status of the application; when a decision is expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40088/06]

The application made by the person in question for permission to remain in the State has not yet been finalised. A request for further documentation has been issued and it is expected that a decision will be made on receipt of the requested information.

Crime Levels.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

185 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the crime statistics for Clonakilty Garda district for the years 2000 to 2005 respectively; and if he will give consideration to establishing a further Garda presence in the area. [40114/06]

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

187 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the crime statistics for Bantry Garda district for the years 2000 to 2005 respectively; and if he will give consideration to establishing a further Garda presence in the area. [40116/06]

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

188 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the crime statistics for Bandon Garda district for the years 2000 to 2005 respectively; and if he will give consideration to establishing a further Garda presence in the area. [40117/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 185, 187 and 188 together.

Headline crime statistics for the years 2000 to 2005 for the Garda Division of Cork West, which includes the Garda Districts of Bandon, Clonakilty, Bantry are contained in the relevant Garda Annual Reports. These reports are available in the Oireachtas Library. 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 the Garda Síochána increased to a record 13,000 on Thursday 16 November, 2006, following the attestation of 299 new members. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June 1997 and represents an increase of 2,298 (or 21.5%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. The induction of 280 new Garda recruits to the Garda College on 6 November, 2006 resulted in a combined strength, of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,137. 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 personnel strength of the Cork West Division as at 31 December 1997 and 28 November, 2006 was 223 and 263, respectively, representing an increase of 40 (or 18%) in the number of Garda personnel allocated to the Division during that period.

I should add that it is the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel to and within Divisions. These personnel allocations are determined by a number of factors including demographics, crime trends, administrative functions and other operational policing needs. Such allocations are continually monitored and reviewed along with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy. This ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and that the best possible service is provided to the public.

Witness Security Programme.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

186 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the Garda Review commenced and was completed in relation to the witness security programme; if he proposes to take steps by way of external review; and his proposals to provide a statutory basis for the programme. [40115/06]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the review of the Witness Security Programme was commenced in 2003 and was substantively completed in 2005. However, a number of policy matters arising from the review remain under consideration by Garda management. As the final product of internal Garda considerations is not yet available, it would be premature of me to comment upon possible avenues of further progress.

Questions Nos. 187 and 188 answered with Question No. 185.

Closed Circuit Television Systems.

Seamus Healy

Question:

189 Mr. Healy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the installation of closed circuit television cameras in Clonmel, Carrick-on-Suir, Tipperary Town and Cashel, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40127/06]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that no applications for a Garda CCTV system has been received from Cashel, Carrick-on-Suir or Tipperary. All applications for Garda CCTV systems must be made formally through the local Garda Divisional Officer to the Advisory Committee. As the Deputy is aware, Clonmel is one of 17 areas set to receive a Garda CCTV system under the Garda CCTV Programme. The Garda authorities are currently finalising a detailed Request for Tender (RFT) for the outsourced service provision of 14 of these Garda CCTV systems in the following towns, listed alphabetically: Athlone, Carlow, Castlebar, Clonmel, Drogheda, Dungarvan, Ennis, Kilkenny, Kinsale, Mullingar, Portlaoise, Sligo, Tallaght and Waterford.

Garda Management and my Department are currently in consultation with the Department of Finance with a view to proceeding as quickly as possible with the procurement process to contract outsourced service providers for the development, installation and management of these CCTV systems, including Clonmel. This will be the subject of a peer review process organised by the Department of Finance. Following the successful conclusion of this review it is intended to issue the Request for Tender.

The Garda authorities are currently evaluating tenders for the installation of three Garda CCTV Systems in Ballyfermot, Clondalkin and Tullamore. These systems will use wireless CCTV technology which will allow CCTV cameras to be redeployed as necessary to meet changing policing requirements. Contractors will be required to complete the deployment of these CCTV systems before the end of March 2007. Further such projects are under consideration by the Garda Commissioner as part of the process of outsourcing Garda CCTV systems. Clonmel will be considered together with the remainder of the Garda CCTV Programme.

I also wish to inform the Deputy that Stage 1 grants of up to €5,000 have been allocated to the following applicants under the Community Based CCTV Scheme.

Clonmel RAPID Crime Prevention, Safety & Security Task Group

RAPID Safety & Security Task Group, Carrick-on-Suir.

It is intended to invite a new round of proposals under the Community Based CCTV Scheme in the near future. It is open to any organisation from the areas referred to by the Deputy to submit an application for grant aid of up to €100,000 under the Scheme.

Visa Applications.

John Perry

Question:

190 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a decision has been made on holiday visas for persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40142/06]

The applications referred to by the Deputy were received in the Dublin Visa Office on 7 November 2006. The decision of the Visa Officer to refuse the applications was taken on 21 November 2006. It is open to the applicants to appeal the decisions. Comprehensive guidelines on making an appeal can be found on my Department's website (www.justice.ie). All appeals must be made within two months of the initial refusal decision.

John Perry

Question:

191 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to a parliamentary question on behalf of a person (details supplied) for a tourist visa, if his attention has been drawn to the circumstances outlined in correspondence; if he will address the issues raised in items one, two and three; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40309/06]

The application referred to by the Deputy was received in the Dublin Visa Office on 4 October 2006. The decision of the Visa Officer to refuse this application was taken on 8 November 2006. The application was refused on the grounds that certain documents provided were not translated, the finances provided were deemed insufficient or incomplete and the obligations of the applicant to return to his home country were not shown.

With reference to the correspondence referred to by the Deputy, comprehensive guidelines on making a visa application are available on my Department's website (www.justice.ie). The website states that “All documents submitted must be in English. Where they are in any other language, the original document should be submitted, along with a notarised translation of same. Failure to provide translated documents will lead to your application being refused”. It further states “A detailed bank statement, showing sufficient funds, and covering the immediate 6 month period prior to submitting a visa application should be submitted”.

Applicants are also requested to provide "Evidence of your obligations to return to your country of permanent residence". The Visa Officer noted that she was unable to confirm the obligation to return home as documents provided were not translated. It is open to the applicant to appeal the decision. Appeals must be received within two months of the decision to refuse the application.

Crime Levels.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

192 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the wide discrepancy between the level of crime reported or collated by the Garda Síochána and the actual incidents of serious crime as experienced by residents in parts of Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40314/06]

All incidents reported to the Garda Síochána are recorded and investigated. I am assured that the Garda Síochána urges all members of the public to report any matters of a criminal nature for investigation by them. The problems of unreported and unrecorded crime are well documented in the international criminological literature, and are in no way unique to this country. Furthermore, the introduction of PULSE has improved the accuracy and comprehensiveness of Garda statistics — for example, the system demands that incidents now have to be recorded before particular actions can be taken.

In relation to the crime situation in the Moyross and Southill area of Limerick City, I am informed by the Garda authorities that a number of serious criminal incidents which have occurred in the Moyross and Southill areas of Limerick City have been the subject and focus of much media attention both locally and nationally. The Garda authorities in Limerick have an excellent record in the investigation of serious crime. A significant effort has been made by local Garda management to address the ongoing serious crime situations that have developed in these areas during the past few months and additional resources have been deployed to perform additional patrols in both the Moyross and Southill areas to target criminality in certain areas of Limerick City.

Garda initiatives are continually being planned to target the activities of criminal elements in the City, these initiatives have shown considerable success. As a result of these initiatives 70 firearms and ammunition seizures have taken place and quantities of drugs (cocaine, heroin, cannabis resin, ecstasy) have been recovered. I am assured that the Garda authorities will continue to deliver a quality policing service in targeting those involved in criminal activity.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

193 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will explain what is meant by the qualification that Garda statistics as given are provisional, operational and liable to change in view of the fact that the PULSE system was to record all crimes as reported; the way the statistics given are gathered and collated; and the factors that would impact on those statistics that would make them liable to change. [40315/06]

The changeover to the PULSE platform allowed the Gardaí to reorganise its crime classification system, so that it more accurately reflects the complex, modern criminal activities reported or known to the Garda Síochána. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the term ‘provisional, operational and liable to change' is used to explain that the statistics being provided are based on very recently recorded data. Key variables may not have taken place at the time information is being provided to the Garda Síochána but may commence before the end of the accounting period. This could include incidents subsequently detected, or where directions to charge or otherwise are received from the Law Officers and where proceedings may commence or be finalised resulting in conviction or otherwise.

Furthermore, a criminal offence may be reclassified in the course of an investigation, for example, an incident which is recorded as murder may be reclassified as manslaughter during the course of an investigation as the body of relevant evidence comes to light or following receipt of the Law Officer's directions.

Prison Staff.

Joe Costello

Question:

194 Mr. Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will respond to the statement on page 10 of the Inspector of Prisons Annual Report for 2003 to 2004, published in April 2005 regarding travel all around the world by senior officials in the Prison Service; the foreign travel that took place; the purpose of such travel; the findings of the travel group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40316/06]

It has not been possible to respond fully to the Deputy's question in the time available. I will endeavour to provide a comprehensive response to the Deputy as quickly as possible.

Registration of Title.

Joe Costello

Question:

195 Mr. Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his proposals for relocating the Registry of Deeds Office from Henrietta Street; if he has received submissions from interested parties regarding the future use of the premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40317/06]

As the Deputy will be aware, in August of this year I published a report commissioned by my Department from PA Consultants which examined the suitability of the Registry of Deeds building in Henrietta Street as a home for the important records in its care. An opportunity was provided for interested parties to make submissions on the report and views were expressed by a small number of parties, all of which will feed into my Department's future consideration of this issue.

Domestic Violence.

David Stanton

Question:

196 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the consultants that have been engaged by his Department to undertake an evaluation of the pilot project on domestic violence intervention in the Bray and Dún Laoghaire areas over a three year period from 2003 to 2005; if this evaluation has been completed; the action he has taken or intends to take as a result of the evaluation; the funding his Department has provided to the National Domestic Violence Intervention Agency to date; the way this funding was used; his further plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40318/06]

The contract for the evaluation of the pilot project referred to by the Deputy was awarded to a firm of consultants, Farrell Grant Sparks (FGS), at the end of 2005 and the consultants completed their work earlier this year.

My Department provided grant assistance to the National Domestic Violence Intervention Agency (NDVIA), a registered charity and non-governmental organisation, initially for a period of one year in 2003 and gave the group two further extensions over the period 2004 to 2005 inclusive, as the work proposed by the NDVIA under the pilot initiative had not been completed.

The project aimed to develop closer co-ordination in the delivery of services on domestic violence, on a pilot basis in the Dún Laoghaire and Bray areas. The NDVIA pursued work separately with the Garda; the Courts Service; the Probation and Welfare Service; and the Health Services Executive local services in relation to appropriate responses and methodologies for supporting the victims of domestic violence and also actively promoted the co-ordination of the responses among all the relevant services in the pilot area.

The FGS evaluation reported that some useful work was undertaken by the NDVIA in the pilot programme, although, despite the extensions, the full programme of work had not been completed by the end of the pilot period.

My Department reviewed the Evaluator's report and agreed to provide additional funding to the NDVIA during 2006, so that the NDVIA could complete the unfinished tasks in the pilot project and write up all the processes involved, so that they might be considered for implementation in other areas if the final outcomes are deemed appropriate. The NDVIA has now undertaken to complete the pilot project by the end of January, 2007.

Overall grant funding of €530,024 has been provided to the NDVIA to date. When this pilot project is fully completed, my Department will be in a position to further consider the final outcomes of the project and the findings of the FGS evaluation and to make informed decisions on its role in this area in the future.

Coroners Service.

Denis Naughten

Question:

197 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he can issue a direction to coroners under the Coroners Act 1962; his plans to review such a provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40319/06]

As the Deputy will be aware, the Coroners are quasi-judicial authorities charged with the independent investigation of death. I am not clear from the Deputy's question as to what type of direction he is referring to. I would, however, refer him to my recent response to questions number 93 and 148 of 7 November 2006 (35573/06) which addressed the role of the Coroners in the specific context of MRSA related deaths and which also set out the current position with respect to the forthcoming Coroners Bill.

Residency Permits.

Finian McGrath

Question:

198 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to the case of a person (details supplied); and the reason for the delay in resolving this issue. [40320/06]

I understand that the Immigration Division of my Department has been in contact with the person concerned, informing her of the decision regarding her application for permission to remain in the State.

Remembrance Commission.

Finian McGrath

Question:

199 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will ensure that a person (details supplied) is given the maximum support to deal with their injuries. [40321/06]

The Scheme of Acknowledgement, Remembrance and Assistance to Victims in this Jurisdiction of the Conflict in Northern Ireland is administered by the Remembrance Commission. All applications for payments are assessed in accordance with the criteria set out in the Scheme. The person referred to by the Deputy has received payments for medical expenses incurred to date and has, in addition, received the exceptional payment for medical expenses provided for under the Scheme.

I have been informed that the Commission will continue to meet this person's medical expenses, in so far as they relate to the injuries received in the conflict, as they arise under the terms of the Scheme and will sympathetically consider all applications from him. I also understand that the correspondence referred to by the Deputy is being dealt with by the Commission.

Visa Applications.

Damien English

Question:

200 Mr. English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the criteria that a person (details supplied) must meet in order to qualify for a visa to visit Ireland in view of a previous application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40342/06]

The application referred to by the Deputy was received in the New Delhi Visa Office on 14 September 2006. The decision of the Visa Officer to refuse this application was taken on 18 September 2006. The application was refused on the grounds that the applicant had shown no clear link to the reference in Ireland. Also, the deciding Visa Officer was not satisfied that the applicant would observe the conditions of the visa.

The decision was appealed on 10 October 2006. Following a re-examination of the case, the decision to refuse was upheld on 21 October 2006. As each applicant is entitled to one appeal only, no further review in this matter can be granted; however it is open to the applicant to make a fresh application. Comprehensive guidelines on making a visa application are available on my Department's website.

Residency Permits.

Damien English

Question:

201 Mr. English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application for long term residency will be decided on for a person (details supplied) that was submitted in June 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40343/06]

An application for long term residence from the person referred to by the Deputy was received on the 30 June 2006. The position in relation to granting long term residency is as follows: Persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements.

The dependants of the aforementioned, who have been legally resident in the State for over five years may also apply for long term residency. This particular long term permission does not grant an exemption from employment permit requirements to any such dependants. Time spent in the State on student conditions cannot be counted towards long term residency. While applications for long term residency are under consideration, the person concerned should ensure that their permission to remain in the State is kept up to date. I understand that applications received in May 2006 are currently being dealt with. As soon as a decision is made on the case, the person concerned will be notified.

Ministerial Travel.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

202 Mr. Cuffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount and type of fuel used by each Government Minister’s car for the last year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40344/06]

As the Deputy is aware, Ministerial State cars are placed at the disposal of Government Ministers pursuant to a long standing arrangement. Factors such as fuel efficiency and safety are taken into account in making purchases for the Ministerial Fleet. I have been further informed that all cars in the Ministerial Fleet are petrol driven models (with the exception of the Lexus GS 450H vehicles which are powered by petrol and electricity). Details of the amount of fuel used by each Government Minister's car are not available.

Residency Permits.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

203 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for long term residency stamp 4 by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; when a decision on the application is expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40353/06]

An application for long term residence from the person referred to by the Deputy was received on the 20 June 2006. The position in relation to granting long term residency is as follows: Persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements.

The dependants of the aforementioned, who have been legally resident in the State for over five years may also apply for long term residency. This particular long term permission does not grant an exemption from employment permit requirements to any such dependants.

Time spent in the State on student conditions cannot be counted towards long term residency. While applications for long term residency are under consideration, the person concerned should ensure that their permission to remain in the State is kept up to date. I understand that applications received in May, 2006 are currently being dealt with. As soon as a decision is made on the case, the person concerned will be notified.

Garda Deployment.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

204 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the projected future policing needs of a village (details supplied) in County Tipperary in the context of recent and future house building developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40364/06]

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 the Garda Síochána increased to a record 13,000 on Thursday 16 November 2006, following the attestation of 299 new members. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June, 1997 and represents an increase of 2,298 (or 21.5%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. The induction of 280 new Garda recruits to the Garda College on 6 November, 2006 resulted in a combined strength, of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,137. 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 Ardfinnan Garda Station as at 27 November, 2006 was one. Ardfinnan forms part of the Cahir District. The personnel strength of Cahir District as at 31 December 1997 was 38 (all ranks). The personnel strength of Cahir District as at 27 November 2006 was 52 (all ranks). This represents an increase of 14 (or 36.84%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date.

Resources are augmented from within the Division/District as required. Local Garda Management report that the area is also patrolled by the District Detective Unit and the Divisional Traffic Unit. I should add that it is the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel to and within Divisions. These personnel allocations are determined by a number of factors including demographics, crime trends, administrative functions and other operational policing needs. Such allocations are continually monitored and reviewed along with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy. This ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and that the best possible service is provided to the public.

Crime Prevention.

Tony Gregory

Question:

205 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there is funding available through his Department for small grants for local neighbourhood watch groups; the way such funding may be applied for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40379/06]

Neighbourhood Watch was established in 1985 as a crime prevention measure for urban areas. There are approximately 2,600 Neighbourhood Watch schemes in operation throughout the country. Since its establishment, the Garda authorities have sought to encourage the active participation of the public in Neighbourhood Watch by encouraging and supporting communities to establish and maintain such initiatives. The Garda Síochána has been a strategic partner in driving and supporting Neighbourhood Watch through its Community Relations Section and local Garda management and has deployed Crime Prevention Officers and Liaison Gardaí to assist schemes.

In relation to the provision of funding for Neighbourhood Watch organisations, I am strongly of the view that voluntary community organisations have, through their support for and work with the Garda Síochána, an important role to play in crime prevention and the promotion of community safety. I very much support the work being carried out by Neighbourhood Watch and Community Alert schemes throughout the country.

The Garda authorities are finalising a high level review of Neighbourhood Watch which involved consultation with all the relevant stakeholders. Following completion of the review, a strategy for the future development of Neighbourhood Watch will provide a blueprint for its future development in the context of which the issue of funding for the groups will be addressed.

Garda Operations.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

206 Mr. O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress achieved by Operation Anvil to date in Dublin; the other areas around the country where it is in operation; and the progress made outside of Dublin. [40389/06]

Operation Anvil commenced in the Garda Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) on 17 May, 2005. It is an intelligence led policing initiative, the focus of which is the targeting of active criminals and their associates involved in serious crime by preventing and disrupting their criminal activity through extensive additional overt patrolling and static check points by uniform, mobile and foot patrols, supported by armed plain clothes patrols. The Operation remains in place and is on-going in the DMR.

Operation Anvil was extended nationwide during 2006 and consists of a series of special operations, proposed by each Regional Assistant Commissioner, which are designed to focus on areas where there is a high incidence of crime. The Operation outside the DMR is significantly different from that in the DMR, in that initiatives have a short time-focus and are designed to address the particular needs of specific areas. A number of operations have been completed, while further operations are on-going. The methodologies utilised in doing this vary from area to area and from time to time, commensurate with the assessed need. For these reasons there is no comparable system in place for the systematic collation of statistical data in these Garda Regions.

Operation Anvil has proved to be very successful in disrupting the criminal activities of a number of key criminal gangs. It has resulted in a number of high-profile arrests and the acquisition of intelligence on the movements of criminals. Notable improvements have been achieved in recorded crime in the target crime areas under the operation. In addition to the introduction of Operation Anvil, the Commissioner in November 2005 augmented the Organised Crime Unit at the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation with an additional 55 Garda members to address the problem of criminal gang activity. Enforcement by the Unit has resulted in further firearms being seized and a number of persons arrested, thereby disrupting their criminal activities. Operation Anvil will continue to be funded to the extent and as long as the Commissioner considers that it is necessary to do so and it is fulfilling its objectives.

The following tables show the successes of Operation Anvil up to 19 November, 2006.

Table 1: Operation Anvil in the Dublin Metropolitan Region up to 19 November 2006

Number

Arrests

Murder

56

Burglary

1,701

Robbery offences

796

Serious assaults

796

Theft from shops*

584

Theft from MPV*

66

Theft other*

129

Total Arrests

4,128

Searches

Drugs

19,390

Thefts

1,872

Firearms

1,291

Total Searches

22,553

Seizures

Firearms

549

Section 41 (Road Traffic Act)

7,779

Total Seizures

8,328

Number of Checkpoints Performed

41,871

Value of property recovered

13,990,197

* Figures commenced from 25 September 2006.

Table 2: Operation Anvil outside the Dublin Metropolitan Region up to 1 November 2006

Number

Arrests

2,595

Firearms seized

238

Visa Applications.

John McGuinness

Question:

207 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision is expected in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow, in relation to their visa application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40390/06]

The applications referred to by the Deputy were received in the Dublin Visa Office on 23 October 2006. The decision of the Visa Officer to refuse the applications was taken on 15 November 2006. It is open to the applicants to appeal the decision. Comprehensive guidelines on making an appeal can be found on my Department's website (www.justice.ie). All appeals must be submitted within two months of the initial refusal decision.

Residency Permits.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

208 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a US citizen (details supplied) holding a US passport, who is married to an Irish person and resident in Ireland for the past 26 years and was returning to Ireland after a visit to the US was stopped by immigration in Shannon and told they should not be remaining in Ireland indefinitely; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40398/06]

The person in question is a non-EU national and therefore requires the permission of the Minister to remain in the State as stated in Section 5 of the Immigration Act 2004. It should be noted that there is no automatic entitlement to residency in the State on the basis of marriage to an Irish national. However, I do consider applications which are made in writing to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service of my Department for permission to remain in the State on this separate basis. There is no record that the person in question ever made an application for residency in the State on this basis or received an endorsement in her passport to show that she had been granted permission to remain in the State.

It is also a further requirement under section 9 of the above mentioned Act that all non-EU nationals must register their presence in the State with the Garda National Immigration Bureau and receive a Certificate of Registration as evidence of that registration. Prior to the enactment of the 2004 Immigration Act the person concerned was not required to register her presence in the State but is now required to fulfil that obligation. For the record, the person in question is not currently registered and is not in possession of a Certificate of Registration as required by the Act.

When the person concerned was stopped by the Immigration Officers in Shannon she would have been advised that she was not in compliance with her legal obligations to register and have permission to remain in the State. The person in question should now regularise her status in the State by making an application for residency to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service of my Department.

Prison Building Programme.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

209 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has deferred the development of a project (details supplied) and if he will confirm if he has sought the assistance of the Office of Public Works to secure an alternative site. [40399/06]

I have always made clear that I am open to examining any viable site offered for the proposed new Cork Prison. In that context, I can confirm that my Department and the Irish Prison Service are currently exploring,on a without prejudice basis, the option of an alternative site at Kilworth.

Drugs in Prisons.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

210 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the standard operating procedure that takes place when a prison visitor is found to be smuggling in drugs during a visit, including the steps that are taken by prison officers in such an event; if a record of the incident is filed; if the Gardaí are contacted; the possible punitive sanctions faced by the visitor in question; and what the Prison Service does with the drugs confiscated. [40419/06]

Visitors found passing contraband are generally banned from visiting our prisons, either indefinitely, or for a specified period of time. The visit is immediately terminated and the visitor removed from the area. Gardaí may be called with a view to prosecuting the persons concerned. In such instances, retrieved substances are handed over to Gardaí and any resulting sanctions are a matter for the courts. The prisoner concerned is searched as a standard operational procedure. In addition, the prisoner may be placed on a disciplinary report for a breach of the Prison Rules.

Retrieval of prohibited substances such as drugs (or suspected drugs) is recorded under the generic description of "prohibited articles/substances" and not classified separately. As the seizure of such substances may arise from different situations, records are maintained in different sources, for example, a prisoner disciplinary report on his/her file, an incident log, or in the visiting area records. The Deputy will be aware, however, that the exact nature of any contraband intercepted can only be established following chemical analysis.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

211 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the range of possible punitive sanctions faced by a prisoner found to be in possession of illegal drugs. [40421/06]

The authority to impose punishments for breaches of prison discipline, such as the possession of illegal drugs, is covered by Rule 69 (1) of the Rules for Government of Prisons, 1947. This rule allows Prison Governors to order a prisoner's punishment by any one or more of the following: (1) Close confinement for any period not exceeding three days (2) Forfeiture of remission of sentence for a period not exceeding 14 days, (3) Suspension of any privileges for a period not exceeding two months.

In cases where prisoners are found with quantities of drugs the Gardaí may be called with a view to prosecuting the person concerned. In such instances, retrieved substances are handed over to Gardaí and any resulting sanctions are a matter for the courts. As the Deputy will be aware, I have provided extensive provisions in Part 3 of the Prisons Bill, 2006 dealing with Prison Discipline. The Bill is currently before the Seanad.

Residency Permits.

John McGuinness

Question:

212 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for long-term residency in the State in the name of a person (details supplied); and if he will expedite a positive response to the application. [40422/06]

An application for long term residence from the person referred to by the Deputy was received on the 14 August 2006. The position in relation to granting long term residency is as follows: Persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements.

The dependants of the aforementioned, who have been legally resident in the State for over five years may also apply for long term residency. This particular long term permission does not grant an exemption from employment permit requirements to any such dependants. Time spent in the State on student conditions cannot be counted towards long term residency. While applications for long term residency are under consideration, the person concerned should ensure that their permission to remain in the State is kept up to date. I understand that applications received in May, 2006 are currently being dealt with. As soon as a decision is made on the case, the person concerned will be notified.

Human Trafficking.

Denis Naughten

Question:

213 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will introduce legislation to criminalise the trafficking in persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40458/06]

Legislation creating an offence of trafficking in persons for the specific purpose of sexual or labour exploitation is contained in the draft Criminal Justice (Trafficking in Persons and Sexual Offences) Bill which has been approved by Government and is currently being drafted in the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. This Bill will comply with the EU Framework Decision on combating trafficking in persons for the purpose of their sexual and labour exploitation and will also fulfil the criminal law requirements of two other international trafficking instruments, the Protocol to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons, especially women and children, which supplements the UN Convention against transnational organised crime and the 2005 Council of Europe Convention on action against trafficking in human beings. However, the Bill will be more comprehensive than only dealing with trafficking issues; it will also provide greater protection to vulnerable persons against sexual abuse and generally keep our legislation in that respect up to date. In that it will, inter alia, provide for compliance with a second EU Framework Decision negotiated after the trafficking instrument, that is, the Framework Decision combating the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography.

Denis Naughten

Question:

214 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will sign the UN protocol on Trafficking and the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40459/06]

The Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998 created an offence of trafficking persons under 17 years of age into, through or out of the State for the purpose of sexual exploitation. The maximum sentence on conviction is life imprisonment. Under the Illegal Immigrants (Trafficking) Act 2000, it is an offence to organise or knowingly facilitate the entry into Ireland of a person who is reasonably believed to be an illegal immigrant or a person who intends to claim asylum. In this case the maximum prison sentence is 10 years.

Legislation creating an offence of trafficking in persons for the specific purpose of sexual or labour exploitation is contained in the draft Criminal Justice (Trafficking in Persons and Sexual Offences) Bill. This Bill will comply with the EU Framework Decision on combating trafficking in persons for the purpose of their sexual and labour exploitation and will also fully comply with the criminal law requirements of the Protocol to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons, especially women and children, which supplements the UN Convention against transnational organised crime and the Council of Europe Convention against trafficking in human beings. The proposals contained in the Bill have been approved by Government and are currently being drafted in the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel.

More generally, Ireland's position as regards the Convention on Trafficking is under consideration at present. It is important to separate the issues of how Ireland deals with victims of trafficking from that of signature of the various international instruments in this area. The current Irish immigration system allows the authorities to deal with the victims of trafficking in a sympathetic and pragmatic way. Our non-participation to date in the international instruments referred to is not having a negative impact on victims who come to notice here. Any necessary assistance is provided to victims by the services of the State.

Joyriding Offences.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

215 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing problem of joyriding and boy racing on Pearse Street, Sallynoggin, County Dublin; the steps he has taken to address these problems; the steps he will take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40539/06]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is regularly patrolled by uniform and plain clothes Gardaí from Kill O'Grange Garda station with a view to ensuring a concentrated and visible Garda presence in the area. These patrols are backed up by Divisional Garda Units, including the Traffic Corps, Mountain Bike Unit, Drug Task Force and the District and Divisional Detective Units. I understand that Gardaí attached to the Community Policing Unit have a good relationship with the local community.

I understand that current policing plans in the area are predicated on the prevention of anti-social and public order offences; the prevention of crime including crimes of violence against persons and property and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of quality of life of the residents. This strategy will continue to be central to the delivery of a policing service to the area.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda management is not aware of any specific problem with serious car crime and associated anti-social behaviour, in particular so-called joy-riding in the location mentioned, but will take all necessary actions if such problems arise.

Domestic Violence.

David Stanton

Question:

216 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reasons the Garda Síochána did not record domestic violence incidents in the past two years; if his attention was drawn or he gave his consent to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40600/06]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that all criminal incidents reported to them are recorded. Incidents may be recorded on the crime recording system PULSE on the basis of the criminal offence they disclose, which may range from homicide to minor assault, whether related to domestic violence or otherwise. I understand that instructions relating to the recording of incidents involving domestic violence were issued by the Garda authorities earlier this year and the operation of this policy will be continually monitored.

Statistics relating to the number of breaches of Court Orders issued under domestic violence legislation have been published in the Garda Annual Report since 2004. The legislation governing the exemption does not allow for the financial or individual circumstances of the owner in question to be taken into account. Similarly, as the daughter does not appear to be a dependent relative her use of the property would not be taken into account. The Deputy should contact the Revenue Commissioners if he would like more specific information on the extent to which the exemption would apply to the homeowner in question.

Residency Permits.

Michael Ring

Question:

217 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive acknowledgement of their application to his Department; the average processing time of such applications; and when they can expect a decision. [40601/06]

The person concerned submitted a permanent residence application on FORM EU 3. Form EU 3 clearly states ‘‘This form is to be completed by each family member of a European Union citizen who is not a national of a member State and who has been resident in the State for more than five years.'' These applications are considered under the provisions of the European Communities (Free Movement of Person) Regulations 2006.

The person who is the subject of the Deputy's enquiry availed of the provisions of the scheme announced by my Department — IBC 05 — on the 15 January 2005 regarding the parents of children born to non-EEA national parents and born in Ireland before the 1 January, 2005. He was granted permission to remain for a two year period up to 26 April, 2007 on that basis — i.e. parent of Irish born citizen child.

He is therefore not a person who can avail of the provisions of the European Communities (Free Movement of Person) Regulations 2006 as his original residence application was not considered and granted under any EU Regulation or Directive.

The person concerned has been informed accordingly and he has also been informed that information on how to apply for further permission to remain in respect of persons who availed of the IBC-05 Scheme will be announced in the near future.

Child Care Services.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

218 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a private child care creche provider who has received grant assistance to set up has to cease due to lack of demand and over concentration of providers in an area has to run their business at a loss for the remainder of their contract; if this grant assistance will have to be returned in full if the creche ceases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40682/06]

This is a matter for my Colleague the Minister for Health and Children, who, I understand will be replying to the Deputy's query today.

Disabled Drivers.

Michael Ring

Question:

219 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance if help is available to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo to provide suitable transport which would be adapted to take their wheelchair. [39927/06]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a person who qualifies for a Primary Medical Certificate issued by the Senior Area Medical Officer of their local HSE may avail of tax relief (VRT and VAT) on a vehicle under the Disabled Drivers and the Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994. There are separate arrangements for a Disabled Driver and a Disabled Passenger. The maximum relief for a driver is €9,525 and a passenger €15,875. Inclusion in the scheme also entitles the person to exemption of Road Tax on the vehicle and refund of excise duty on fuel (petrol, diesel or LPG) up to a maximum of 2728 litres in any twelve-month period. The person (details supplied) is already claiming under this scheme as a passenger. All the relevant details are contained in the Explanatory Leaflet VRT 7, which is available on the Revenue Website at www.revenue.ie.

Garda Stations.

Enda Kenny

Question:

220 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance when a new Garda station will be provided at Ballyvary, Castlebar, County Mayo; if his attention has been drawn to the dilapidated condition of the existing premises; his views on whether this building is unsuitable for the conduct of official Garda business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40571/06]

The present Garda station premises at Ballyvary, Co. Mayo requires a replacement. A sketch scheme for a new station will be completed at the end of this year. Following approval by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Garda Authorities, a planning consultation under the Part 9 process will be initiated. It is expected that a contract for the construction of the new station will be placed in the Summer of 2007. The new building will be completed in early 2008.

Pension Provisions.

David Stanton

Question:

221 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Finance the changes that have been agreed with the social partners regarding public service pensions; when these changes will come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39921/06]

In "Towards 2016", the social partners agreed that work should continue on outstanding public service pension reform issues. These issues form part of a programme of actual and proposed changes over recent years which is largely based on the recommendations in 2000 of the Commission on Public Service Pensions, which were accepted in principle by Government.

As indicated in my reply to Question number 32965/06 from Deputy Ivor Callely on 17 October 2006, this reform process has already accomplished substantial change in public service pension provision in Ireland. In this context the major cost saving measure has been the implementation, via the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004, of the Commission recommendation to raise the general minimum pension age of new entrants to the public service from 60 to 65 years.

In September 2004, following discussions with ICTU, it was announced that Government had ratified an agreed approach to the remaining Commission recommendations. The key feature of the Government decision was the immediate authorisation for implementation of the following six Commission recommendations directed at modernising pension provision:

1. Introduction of cost-neutral early retirement: A facility to allow public servants to retire early (from age 50/55, as appropriate) with immediate payment of pension and lump sum, actuarially reduced to reflect the earlier payment.

2. Revised integration formula: New method of integrating social insurance and public service pensions to boost retirement income of lower-paid staff.

3. Integration "pro rata": A more favourable integration method ("pro rata" integration as opposed to "full" integration) to be used in calculating the pension entitlements of part-time public servants.

4. Notional added years: Existing schemes to be replaced for new entrants by a single "transitional" scheme (to be reviewed in 2015), the main impact of the change being to reduce gross awards from 10 to 5 years.

5. Compound interest rate: The rate on pension-related repayments such as marriage gratuity to be cut from 6% to 4%.

6. Reckoning of allowances for pension purposes: Calculation to be based on "the best three consecutive years in the ten years preceding retirement" instead of being restricted to the last three years of service only.

Five of these six reforms have already taken effect, having been implemented by means of Department of Finance circulars issued in 2005. It is hoped that the outstanding item, the reckoning of allowances for pension purposes, will also be implemented shortly by way of a Department of Finance circular. The September 2004 Government announcement also provided that other Commission recommendations would be considered further. In particular it identified the following two issues for active consideration:

1. Changes to Spouses' and Children's Schemes: The proposed Commission changes include the extension of benefits to non-spousal partners. The feasibility of implementing the changes is currently being examined by a management/union Working Group, whose work is at an advanced stage.

2. SPEARS: The Commission recommended the introduction of SPEARS; a single AVC-type pensions savings scheme for the entire public service. This is the subject of ongoing management-union discussion.

In "Towards 2016" theses two areas are specifically noted as being priority issues.

Social Finance Initiative.

Joan Burton

Question:

222 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance the position in relation to the social finance fund; if it requires legislation; the amount of funding allocated to it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39963/06]

The Government has agreed that the Social Finance Initiative announced in Budget 2006 will be implemented through the establishment of a not-for-profit company to act as a wholesale supplier of social finance. The seed capital funding committed by the banking community to the implementation of the Initiative is €25 million. The social finance company will be established on a non-statutory basis under Company Law. The Memorandum and Articles of Association of the company are currently being finalised and it is intended that the social finance company will be incorporated and commence its operations early in 2007.

Tax Code.

Joan Burton

Question:

223 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance the position in relation to the clawback provisions in respect of stamp duty; the number of occasions the clawback has been exercised; the number of properties in relation to same; the amount of stamp duty involved; the reason for the clawback being applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39964/06]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that between 4 April 2006 and 22 November 2006 there were 392 instances where various stamp duty reliefs which had been granted were clawed back. The total yield from the clawbacks amounted to €3,227,791. Generally each clawback referred to only one property.

The clawbacks were in respect of 4 reliefs as follows:

Young Trained Farmer relief, Section 81 of the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999. There were 11 cases amounting to €63,946 clawed back. The relief is given to persons who at the date of execution of the deed have attained certain agricultural and educational standards or who subsequently attain such standards. This relief was clawed back as the lands or part of the lands the subject of the relief were disposed of within 5 years from the date of execution of the instrument without the proceeds from the disposal being used in acquiring other lands within a period of one year of the date of the disposal. The relief is in the form of a zero rate of stamp duty.

New dwelling-house/apartment with floor-area certificate, Section 91 of the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999. There were 266 cases amounting to €2,351,348 clawed back. This relief is granted where the property has a floor area of less than 125 square metres, is occupied by the purchaser or by some person in right of the purchaser and is clawed back if the purchaser is in receipt of rent from the dwelling-house/apartment other than rent received under the rent-a-room scheme within 5 years of the date of execution of the deed. The relief is in the form of a zero rate of stamp duty.

New dwelling-house/apartment with no floor area certificate, Section 92 of the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999. There were 43 cases amounting to €366,815 clawed back. The relief is granted where the property has a floor area of greater than 125 square metres, is occupied by the purchaser or by some person in right of the purchaser and is clawed back if the purchaser is in receipt of any rent from the dwelling-house/apartment other than rent received under the rent-a-room scheme within 5 years of the date of execution of the deed. The relief is applied by charging duty only on the value of the site or one quarter of the total value of the site plus building agreement, less VAT, whichever figure is the greater or on one quarter of the total consideration, less VAT where a completed house is being purchased.

First time purchaser relief, Section 92B of the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999. There were 72 cases amounting to €445,682 clawed back. This relief is granted where the purchaser or purchasers at the date of execution of the deed had not individually or jointly with any other person or persons previously purchased another dwelling-house or apartment or part of another dwelling-house or apartment. The relief is granted to owner occupiers or where the property is occupied by some person in right of the purchaser and is clawed back if the purchaser is in receipt of any rent from the dwelling-house/apartment other than rent under the rent-a-room scheme within 5 years of the date of execution of the deed.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

224 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) can elect to have the subsidies assessed for tax over the three years, that is 2006, 2007 and 2008 when they are submitting accounts for year ended 31 March 2006 in order to satisfy their 2006 tax return; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40008/06]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that Section 29 of the Finance Act, 2005 made provision to allow farmers to elect to have certain farm subsidy payments, otherwise taxable in 2005, spread over the three years 2005, 2006 and 2007 for income tax purposes. The provision applied to individuals engaged in the trade of farming in the tax year 2005 who were in receipt of payments in 2005 under both the new EU Single Payment Scheme and the terminated FEOGA Schemes. It provided that a farmer could opt not to have the payments received in 2005 under the terminated FEOGA scheme taxed in full in that year but rather spread for tax purposes over the years 2005, 2006 and 2007. The provision applies only to the year of assessment 2005.

In most cases, receipts of the year 2005 were taxable in that year. However, some farmers because of their choice of accounts year, are taxable in 2006 on certain amounts received in 2005. There is no three year spread available to those farmers. The person referred to by the Deputy seems, on the basis of the details supplied, to be such a farmer and to be outside the scope of the scheme.

The scheme was specifically tailored to alleviate the position of those who would otherwise have to pay tax on both Single Farm Payments and FEOGA payments in the tax year 2005. The person referred to by the Deputy has an accounts year ending in March. The accounts year April 2004 to March 2005 would, therefore, form the basis for taxation in the tax year 2005. As both Single Farm Payments and FEOGA payments were not made in this accounts year (Single Farm Payments were not made until late 2005), the Finance Act 2005 measure does not apply to the person in question because that person was not subject to tax in the first place on both payments in the tax year 2005. On the basis of the information supplied, payments were made to the person in question in late, 2005 and, consequently, these were taxable in 2006, rather than 2005.

Disabled Drivers.

Richard Bruton

Question:

225 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he has received the submission on behalf of an association (details supplied) seeking modifications in the medical criteria for disabled drivers tax relief; and his plans to introduce changes in this scheme or to hold public hearings on the study which he had conducted on the scheme. [40031/06]

I have received a submission on behalf of the Association in question and the contents will be considered in the context of the forthcoming Budget. However I would like to explain to the Deputy the background to the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme.

The Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme provides relief from VAT and VRT (up to certain limit) on the purchase of a car adapted for the transport of a person with specific severe and permanent physical disabilities, as well as relief from excise on the fuel used in the car up to a certain limit.

The disability criteria for eligibility for the tax concessions under this scheme are set out in the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994. To get the Primary Medical Certificate, an applicant must be severely and permanently disabled and satisfy one of the following conditions:

(a) be wholly or almost wholly without the use of both legs;

(b) be wholly without the use of one leg and almost wholly without the use of the other leg such that the applicant is severely restricted as to movement of the lower limbs;

(c) be without both hands or without both arms;

(d) be without one or both legs;

(e) be wholly or almost wholly without the use of both hands or arms and wholly or almost wholly without the use of one leg;

(f) have the medical condition of dwarfism and have serious difficulties of movement of the lower limbs.

The Senior Medical Officer (SMO) for the relevant Health Service Executive area makes a professional clinical determination as to whether an individual applicant satisfies the medical criteria. An unsuccessful applicant can appeal the decision of the SMO to the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal, which makes a new clinical determination in respect of the individual.

A special Interdepartmental Review Group reviewed the operation of the Disabled Drivers Scheme. The terms of reference of the Group were to examine the operation of the existing scheme, including the difficulties experienced by the various groups and individuals involved with it, and to consider the feasibility of alternative schemes, with a view to assisting the Minister for Finance in determining the future direction of the scheme. The Group's Report, published on my Department's website in July 2004, sets out in detail the genesis and development of the scheme. It examines the current benefits, the qualifying medical criteria, the Exchequer costs, relationship with other schemes and similar schemes in other countries. The Report also makes a number of recommendations, both immediate and long-term, referring respectively to the operation of the appeals process and options for the future development of the scheme.

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

Tax Code.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

226 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance if persons (details supplied) in County Wexford are being jointly assessed for tax; if they are in receipt of the correct tax credits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40036/06]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that current information on record on behalf of the taxpayers is not in accordance with the information provided in the details supplied with the question. In order to clarify matters, the Wexford Revenue District will make direct contact with the taxpayers and amend records and relevant tax credits as appropriate.

Seán Haughey

Question:

227 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Finance if the sale of a family home which was rented out from 2002 to 2004, but which was used as a family home before and after these dates, is liable for capital gains tax; if the fact that the owner is a lone parent in financial difficulties and that their daughter slept in the house between 2002 and 2004, would make a difference in determining liability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40068/06]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that there is an exemption from capital gains tax on gains made by an individual on the disposal of his/her dwelling house together with land occupied as its gardens or grounds up to an area of one acre.

Full exemption applies where the dwelling house has been occupied by the individual as his/her principal private residence throughout his/her period of ownership. Where the house is not so occupied during the whole period of ownership, the proportion of the gain applicable to the period of occupation is exempt. This proportion is the same proportion as the length of the period of owner-occupation (inclusive of the last 12 months of ownership in any event) bears to the length of the period of ownership. The exemption is restricted, however, where there is a sale of development land.

Periods spent in employment abroad and periods of absence due to the situation of an individual's place of employment may be treated as periods of occupation of the residence. The exemption may also apply where the house has been the sole residence of a dependent relative.

The legislation governing the exemption does not allow for the financial or individual circumstances of the owner in question to be taken into account. Similarly, as the daughter does not appear to be a dependent relative her use of the property would not be taken into account. The Deputy should contact the Revenue Commissioners if he would like more specific information on the extent to which the exemption would apply to the homeowner in question.

Decentralisation Programme.

Jack Wall

Question:

228 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Finance the position in relation to the decentralisation of sections of his Department to Athy; if accommodation has been secured in Athy; when the proposed decentralisation will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40104/06]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the Office of Public Works are currently assessing a number of possibilities for a permanent accommodation solution for the Revenue staff, who will be decentralising to Athy. They are also engaged in the evaluation of a number of accommodation proposals for an advance group of Revenue staff. It is hoped that this evaluation will be completed shortly and allow for the advance group to decentralise in mid 2007. The latest Decentralisation Implementation Group Report of September 2006 specifies an indicative timeframe of mid 2009 for the completion of a building in Athy for the decentralised Revenue Office.

Tax Code.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

229 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance his views on proposals to lower or remove VAT on condoms. [40119/06]

The standard VAT rate of 21% applies to condoms. Under EU VAT law, with which Irish law must comply, it is not possible to introduce new zero rates of VAT, as we can only retain the zero rating that was in existence on 1 January 1991. Therefore it would not be possible to apply the zero rate of VAT to condoms. However, Member States are permitted to apply the reduced VAT rate to goods or services listed in Annex H of the EU Sixth VAT Directive. In Ireland the reduced VAT rate is 13.5%. Certain pharmaceutical products including condoms are included in Annex H. It would therefore be possible to apply the reduced rate of VAT to condoms. In any event, if there was a reduction in the rate of VAT applying to condoms, I am not convinced, given the mark ups in the sector, that any rate reduction would necessarily be fully reflected in retail prices for condoms.

Special Savings Incentive Scheme.

Tom Hayes

Question:

230 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary has received their full entitlement under the SSIA account scheme as they feel they should have received more. [40337/06]

The return on the investment made by the person concerned is a matter between that person and the relevant financial institution. There are internal dispute resolution procedures in financial institutions, and in the event that these do not lead to a resolution, the services of the Financial Services Ombudsman may be called upon, in appropriate case.

Tax Code.

Michael Noonan

Question:

231 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Finance if the Health Service Executive is required to pay VAT on home help services which they provide; if so, the rate of VAT that applies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40366/06]

The position is that home care services provided directly by the Health Service Executive (HSE) do not generally come within the scope of VAT, as public bodies are not regarded as taxable persons. This means that the HSE do not charge VAT on the services they provide and the HSE cannot recover VAT incurred on their input costs.

Under EU law private suppliers of home care services must charge VAT at the appropriate rate of up to 21% depending on the service provided. My Department is examining in consultation with the Department of Health and Children the scope within the relevant EU Directives to exempt the provision of such services from VAT in the future.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

232 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance if he will arrange to have a farm tax profile issued in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork who submitted their details to the Revenue Commissioners three months ago and who requires this farm profile in respect of their daughter’s higher education grant application. [40397/06]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that Notice of Assessment for 2005 issued to the taxpayer on 22 November 2006. This is sufficient to enable him apply for a Higher Education Grant in respect of his daughter. Farm Profile forms are now obsolete and all farm income is returned on Form 11.

Decentralisation Programme.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

233 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance the number of staff decentralising to Dungarvan that are included in the over 2,100 staff who have already been reassigned to decentralising posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40425/06]

The following gives the position in relation to Dungarvan. I understand my colleague the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government will answer in respect of his own areas of responsibility. The figure of 2,100 is the number of assignments to decentralising posts reported to the Central Decentralisation Unit up to end August 2006.

While this figure does not contain any staff assigned to decentralise with OSI to Dungarvan, I am informed by Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSI) that 16 staff of the OSI have chosen to decentralise to Dungarvan with the OSI and that as part of the OSI's ongoing recruitment processes, a further 54 staff have been recruited since the initial decentralisation announcement on the basis that they will decentralise to Dungarvan. Forty-five staff from other Department/Agencies have also applied on CAF to move to Dungarvan.

Flood Relief.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

234 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance the works that are to be carried out in the Waterford constituency in 2007 under the flood relief programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40426/06]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

235 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance the works to be carried out in 2007 under the flood relief programme to relieve the regular chronic flooding on the Waterford Tramore Road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40427/06]

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 234 and 235 together.

The estimated cost of the Tramore Road element of the proposed Waterford City Flood Relief Scheme was found to exceed the anticipated benefits resulting from the works. In the circumstances it was not possible to include this element in the works which it is currently proposed to carry out. It is anticipated that the first phase of the proposed Flood Relief Scheme will be commenced towards the end of 2007.

Decentralisation Programme.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

236 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the provision of accommodation for decentralisation to Waterford and Dungarvan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40428/06]

The Commissioners of Public Works are at an advanced stage in negotiations for the acquisition of a site in Waterford City. It is expected that the site will accommodate staff of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government together with the Courts Service and the Probation and Welfare Services. The Office of Public Works (OPW) is commencing the formulation of detailed briefs of accommodation requirements with the organisations concerned.

A site has been acquired by the Commissioners of Public Works for the proposed decentralisation of Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSI) to Dungarvan. The OPW is proceeding with the procurement stage of this project and is currently in discussions with OSI with a view to finalising a detailed brief of accommodation requirements. Expressions of Interest from developers were received on 20th November 2006. These are being evaluated and tenders for construction at this location, on a design/build basis, will be invited at the earliest possible date following agreement on the brief being reached with OSI.

Pat Breen

Question:

237 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Finance when Revenue Commissioners staff will take up their position in Kilrush under the decentralisation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40500/06]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the Office of Public Works has agreed terms for a suitable premises in Kilrush for the Revenue staff due to decentralise. The lease is currently being finalised by the Chief State Solicitor and the Commissioners of Public Works are in negotiations for a fit-out of the premises. On the basis that matters proceed according to plan, the Decentralisation Implementation Group's indicative timescale of the first quarter of 2007 for the availability of a decentralised office in Kilrush will be achieved.

Health Services.

Mary Upton

Question:

238 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the weekly cost to the State for keeping a young person in care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40463/06]

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

Michael Ring

Question:

239 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the Health Service Executive have not responded to a previously placed question (details supplied), in view of the urgent circumstances in this case. [39926/06]

I have been advised that the Health Service Executive (HSE) issued a reply to the Deputy on the 22nd November 2006 in relation to Question No. 324.

Health Service Compensation Scheme.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

240 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of the committee that was set up to advise on no fault insurance regarding persons with cerebral palsy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39950/06]

The work of the Advisory Group established to examine the feasibility of introducing a no fault compensation scheme for infants who suffer brain damage at, or close to, the time of their birth came to a halt in 2004. This occurred when hospital consultants withdrew from participation in Ministerial committees in protest at the inclusion of personal injury claims against them in the Clinical Indemnity Scheme in February 2004. In May of this year I asked the chairman of the Advisory Group, Dr. Peter McKenna, to reconvene the group with a view to producing a report. I understand that a draft report is at an advanced state of preparation and I hope to receive it in early 2007.

Hospital Services.

Finian McGrath

Question:

241 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the reasons for Beaumont Hospital not being able to provide physiotherapy services to patients other than to those within the Beaumont catchment area; and the action she will take to relieve this burden on the patient population. [39954/06]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Service Staff.

Michael Ring

Question:

242 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff employed in the child care section in County Mayo within the Health Service Executive; the comparison figures for each of the past five years; the number of staff members employed as inspectors and pre-school services officers; and the number of inspections they carry out on an annual basis including repeat inspections. [39959/06]

Over 120,000 people work full-time or part-time in our public health services. In recent years, the Government's ongoing high level of investment in health has achieved and maintained significant increases in the numbers of doctors, nurses and other health care professionals employed in the public health services. The Government has also invested heavily in the education and training of such personnel in order to secure a good supply of graduates to provide for the health care needs of the population into the future.

The Health Service Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

John McGuinness

Question:

243 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason Health Service Executive management has not made a decision on the person who will take on clinical accountability for the cases of a doctor (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; the number of children on this list; the length of time each has been waiting; the reason some have been told that the wait may be a further 18 months; if an effort has been made to identify the most serious cases with a view to having each one dealt with as a priority case and seen by the appropriate qualified person immediately; if those most in need will be referred to a private clinic where costs will be met by the HSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39968/06]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Finian McGrath

Question:

244 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the shortfall between Ireland’s need for rheumatology services and the services currently provided. [39982/06]

In September 2002, Comhairle na nOspidéal initiated a review of Rheumatology Services. Its report, which was published in December 2005, examines the provision of services and makes recommendations on the organisation and development of rheumatology services in the future.

Responsibility for the implementation of these recommendations rests with the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Service Contracts.

David Stanton

Question:

245 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the contract cleaning companies employed to clean the respective hospitals under the auspices of the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39996/06]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Medicinal Products.

Michael Ring

Question:

246 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will include certain drugs (details supplied) on the medical card list, in view of the fact that the drugs are not currently available here; and if there is a way this medication will be made available here. [39997/06]

There is a common list of reimbursable medicines for the General Medical Services and Drug Payment schemes. This list is reviewed and amended monthly, as new products become available and deletions are notified. For an item to be included on the list, it must comply with published criteria, including authorisation status as appropriate, price and, in certain cases the intended use of the product. In addition, the product should ordinarily be supplied to the public only by medical prescription and should not be advertised or promoted to the public.

Any application by a supplier to have Myolastan or Epsipam included on the common list will be considered in the usual way. People who experience undue financial hardship in obtaining any particular product should contact the local area office of the Health Service Executive.

Tax Yield.

Richard Bruton

Question:

247 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the projected outturn for 2006, and the forecast revenue in 2007 from the health levy. [40002/06]

The Revised Estimates Volume for 2006 provides for Appropriations-in-Aid of €1.203 billion in respect of health contributions. The latest available forecast suggests that the outturn will be €1.243 billion giving a surplus of €40 million. The forecast revenue in 2007 from the health levy is €1,280 billion. This figure will be revised in the REV in light of the 2006 outturn.

Hospital Charges.

Richard Bruton

Question:

248 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the projected outturn for 2006 and the forecast revenue in 2007 from private charges levied by public hospitals. [40003/06]

Funding for all health services has been provided as part of the Executive's overall vote for health and personal social services in 2006. In the case raised by the Deputy, the allocation of resources and the income stream within that is a matter for the Executive to be determined within the overall priorities for particular services set out by me in the Budget. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Drugs Payment Scheme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

249 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the projected expenditure for 2006 and the forecast expenditure in 2007 on medications distinguishing that spent under the drugs refund scheme under the GMS and by hospitals and other public care institutions. [40004/06]

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.

Vaccination Programme.

Mary Upton

Question:

250 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of doses of Tamiflu and Relenza and the number and type of face masks the Government has stockpiled for use in the event of an outbreak of avian related human flu. [40005/06]

An emergency supply of over 45,000 treatment packs of the antiviral drug Tamiflu was purchased in 2004. A further 1 million treatment packs of Tamiflu, have now been stockpiled as part of our pandemic preparedness strategy. This quantity is sufficient to treat 25% of the population and is in line with international trends. We have also stockpiled 63kg of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (oseltamivir phosphate powder). This will allow for treatment of approximately 60,000 children aged between 1 and 5 years of age.

We are also stockpiling 706,000 courses of the other suitable antiviral drug, Relenza. This is sufficient to cover 20% of the population over the age of seven. This antiviral can be used in the event of resistance developing to the first line drug, Tamiflu, and will also provide cover if the clinical attack rate is higher than 25%. This stockpile will be complete by September 2007; the first 70,000 courses have been delivered.

The Influenza Pandemic Expert Group is finalising advice on infection control, with reference to recommendations from the World Health Organization and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Surgical masks will be recommended for use by health care workers for close patient contact (e.g. within 3 feet). The Health Service Executive is now making arrangements to stockpile masks and other necessary personal protective equipment for health care workers.

Home Help Service.

Enda Kenny

Question:

251 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to vet home helps; her plans to introduce a system of training, regulation or supervision of home helps; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40006/06]

At present Home Helps employed by the Health Service Executive (HSE) are subject to Garda vetting. The HSE is currently reviewing all aspects of its Garda vetting requirements. The National Garda Vetting Unit is also in the process of extending Garda vetting to other areas in the voluntary sector on a phased basis.

The HSE recognises and acknowledges the important services provided by personnel working throughout the home help service nationally and is committed to reviewing the existing models of services provided with a view to establishing a standardised high quality service that will benefit both clientele and staff. In order to give effect to this commitment a High Level Group, comprising of representatives from the Health Service Executive (HSE), IMPACT and SIPTU was established in March 2006. The High Level Group continues to work towards agreeing a single model of service delivery that will provide a standardised and high quality home help service.

Hospital Services.

Jack Wall

Question:

252 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive an appointment date for a hip replacement operation at Tallaght Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40010/06]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

James Breen

Question:

253 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the youngest age that a child can be assessed by an orthodontist within the health service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40029/06]

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

Health Service Staff.

Michael Ring

Question:

254 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the qualifications needed to become a pre-school services officer or inspector within the Health Service Executive; if a knowledge of montessori is a pre-requisite for such a position; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40043/06]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Antibiotic Use.

John Gormley

Question:

255 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in introducing a public education campaign on antibiotic use, which was recommended in the 2001 strategy for control of antimicrobial resistance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40044/06]

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 Closures.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

256 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason St Luke’s Hospital in Dublin is being closed; if it is intended to use the land for social or health purposes or to sell it off to the highest bidder; the hospital to which the services currently provided at St. Luke’s will be transferred; the date on which St. Luke’s will stop providing services to the public; if she will reconsider the decision to close this facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40049/06]

The decision to transfer St. Luke's Hospital was taken by the Government in the context of its consideration of the National Plan for Radiation Oncology Services. The decision is based on expert advice and is designed to ensure that radiation oncology, one element of cancer care, is integrated with all other aspects of care, including surgery and medical oncology. This is in line with best international practice.

I am convinced that this model will provide better patient centred treatment with improved quality of service and outcome for patients. The Board of St. Luke's Hospital and its Executive Management Team are fully committed to supporting the Government's decision in relation to the development of radiation oncology. A transfer on similar lines took place earlier this year in Northern Ireland when radiation oncology services transferred to Belfast City Hospital, a major academic teaching hospital.

In progressing the transfer, I will build on the expertise and ethos of St. Luke's. I have ensured that experts at St. Luke's are centrally involved in the planning and delivery of the National Plan. The plan consists of large centres in Dublin (at Beaumont and St. James's Hospitals), Cork and Galway and two integrated satellite centres at Waterford Regional Hospital and Limerick Regional Hospital. Medical and scientific experts from the hospital are involved in developing the output specifications for the delivery of new radiation oncology services nationally. The Chief Executive at St. Luke's will lead the management team of the new facility at St. James's. I also appointed the Chairman of St. Luke's to chair a National Radiation Oncology Oversight Group to advise me on progress on the implementation of the plan.

The tender has recently been awarded for two additional and two replacement linear accelerators at St. Luke's to provide much needed interim capacity pending the roll out of the national plan. I expect these services to commence late next year. I also recently announced the approval of two radiation oncology facilities at Beaumont and St. James's Hospitals, comprising of two linear accelerators and associated treatment planning at each site, to be delivered in early 2009. These are key elements of the delivery of the National Plan. The expertise and professional commitment of the staff at St. Luke's Hospital will continue to be an essential element in the development of cancer care.

Health Services.

Bernard Allen

Question:

257 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children further to the failure of the Health Service Executive to respond to this Deputy’s previous question, the amount being spent on security; the location where an external security company is involved; when the first contract was entered into; and the cost of each contract on an annual basis since January 2005 to date in 2006. [40057/06]

The Deputy's question of November 1st 2006 requires the compilation of detailed information from a number of different sources on a national basis. My Department has been informed by the Health Service Executive that the collation of this information is currently being coordinated by its Parliamentary Affairs Division and that a reply will issue to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Nursing Home Subventions.

Seán Ardagh

Question:

258 Mr. Ardagh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will examine the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 and arrange for the payment of nursing home subvention sought. [40063/06]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

John McGuinness

Question:

259 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a complaint made by a senior member of staff at a centre (details supplied) in County Kilkenny has been investigated by the Health Service Executive; if the investigation was carried out by staff of the HSE or by an independent investigator; if the outcome of the investigation has been discussed with the person who made the complaint; if the issues raised have been resolved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40087/06]

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

Services for People with Disabilities.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

260 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the implementation of the sectoral plans in her Department as part of the Disability Act 2005; if she envisages delays in the roll-out of the timetable set out in her announcement in July 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40094/06]

My Department is working in close collaboration with the Health Service Executive, the Department of Education and the National Council for Special Education in order to ensure that all aspects of the Health Sectoral Plan will be met in accordance with the timeframes outlined in the Plan. Delays are not anticipated in the roll-out of the timetable as announced at the launch of the Sectoral Plans.

Departmental Funding.

Denis Naughten

Question:

261 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide additional capital and current funding to the West of Ireland Alzheimer Foundation to meet the demands being placed on it due to the lack of support from the Health Service Executive for dementia patients in the West of Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40101/06]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Nursing Home Accommodation.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

262 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of beds for the elderly in public nursing homes in County Galway in the years 1995 to 2005, inclusive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40106/06]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to provide the information requested by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the information collated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Richard Bruton

Question:

263 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the lengthy delays in making appointments for needed eye testing in the Mater Hospital; and if she will request that the Health Service Executive conduct an assessment of the waiting times and the options for overcoming these delays. [40112/06]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Medical Cards.

John Perry

Question:

264 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will intervene on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo and have the decision on their medical card appeal rescinded in view of their circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40140/06]

Medical cards are made available to persons and their dependants who would otherwise experience undue hardship in meeting the cost of General Practitioner (GP) services. In 2005 the GP visit card was introduced as a graduated benefit so that people on lower incomes, particularly parents of young children, who do not qualify for a medical card would not be deterred on cost grounds from visiting their GP.

Since the beginning of 2005 substantial changes have been made to the way in which people's eligibility for a medical card is assessed and these apply equally to the assessment process for a GP visit card. The income guidelines have been increased by a cumulative 29% and in addition allowance is now made for reasonable expenses incurred in respect of mortgage/rent, child-care and travel to work costs. In June 2006 I agreed with the Health Service Executive a further adjustment to the assessment guidelines for GP visit cards and these are now 50% higher than those in respect of medical cards.

As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for these benefits, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Michael Ring

Question:

265 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason no response issued from the Health Service Executive in relation to a previous question (details supplied); and when a full reply will issue in this regard. [40298/06]

I have been advised that the Health Service Executive (HSE) issued a reply to the Deputy on the 23rd November 2006 in relation to Question No. 107.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Joe Costello

Question:

266 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children her policy on independent living for people who have a disability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40299/06]

Quality and Fairness — A Health System for You outlines the Department of Health and Children's commitment to the provision of "the right care in the right place at the right time". In line with this commitment, my Department will ensure that appropriate resources are provided for health, social and personal services to people with disabilities based on an individual assessed need as legislated for in the Disability Act 2005.

These needs may include independent living needs such as Home Support and Personal Assistance services. In the context of the Multi Annual Investment Package an additional 1.5 million hours of Home Support and Personal Assistance services will be provided in the period 2005-09.

The Sectoral Plan produced by my Department under the Disability Act provides for the exchange of information between Health Service Executive and public bodies (including housing authorities) for the purpose of assisting a person with disabilities in applying personal services. Furthermore, the Department of Health and Children and HSE will participate in the development of a National Housing Strategy for people with disabilities. This will assist in the development of appropriate housing to address the independent living needs of people with disabilities.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Joe Costello

Question:

267 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children if the new Children’s Hospital will be built on a site at the Mater Hospital; if paediatric services will continue in Crumlin, Tallaght and James St. hospitals after the construction of the new Children’s Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40300/06]

A review of tertiary paediatric services carried out by McKinsey & Co on behalf of the Health Service Executive recommended the establishment of a single tertiary paediatric hospital in Dublin, co-located with a leading adult academic hospital. Subsequently, a joint HSE/Department of Health and Children Task Group was established to advise on the optimum location of the proposed new hospital.

The Task Group's report was submitted to the Board of the HSE on 1st June last, and its recommendation that the new paediatric hospital be developed as an independent hospital on a site to be made available by the Mater Hospital was endorsed by the Board. At its meeting on 8th June, the Government also strongly endorsed the recommendation.

A joint HSE/Department of Health and Children Transition Group has been established to advance the development of the new hospital on the Mater site. Among the key items being addressed are the definition of a high level framework brief for the new hospital and the determination of the scope and location of the urgent care centres required to support the new hospital. The Transition Group will have consultations with relevant stakeholders. The Joint Transition Group is in the process of contracting external assistance in relation to the development of a high level framework brief for the new hospital, including operational policies for the proposed urgent care centres.

To date no decision has been taken in relation to the range of services to be provided at the National Children's Hospital at Tallaght in the context of the development of the national paediatric hospital and the associated urgent care centres. Services at Our Lady's Children's Hospital are to transfer to the new hospital. St James's Hospital is an adult teaching hospital which currently treats a small number of children on an exceptional basis. The framework brief will help to inform decisions in relation to the full range of services to be provided at the new hospital.

Ambulance Service.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

268 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the strength of the ambulance service in Dublin City and County; if this is sufficient in the event of a major accident or emergency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40301/06]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Services.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

269 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children when the blood testing or phlebotomy unit (details supplied) will be reinstated at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40302/06]

The position in relation to the curtailment of phlebotomy services at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, was outlined to the Deputy on the Adjournment of the Dáil on 21st November. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the issue raised by the Deputy updated and a reply issued directly to him.

Departmental Funding.

Willie Penrose

Question:

270 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children the level of funding that has been given to the Osteoporosis Society; if increased funding is being made available or if there has been a reduction in the funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40303/06]

The Irish Osteoporosis Society (IOS) received funding from the Health Service Executive of €130,000 in 2005. The IOS sought further funding of €128,000 during 2006. Following a series of meetings and checking of documentation, the HSE provided this amount to the IOS on the 22nd of September 2006.

The Health Service Executive has informed my Department that the IOS has not formally applied for further funding but have indicated they wish to. Representatives from the Population Health Directorate are scheduled to meet with the IOS today to discuss funding.

Hospital Staff.

Willie Penrose

Question:

271 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps taken to put in place a replacement cardiologist at Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40304/06]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Denis Naughten

Question:

272 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 87 of 1 November 2007 if she will clarify where surgical staff will be based under the new structures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40305/06]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Denis Naughten

Question:

273 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children when the third consultant physician at the County Hospital Roscommon will be appointed on a permanent basis; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40306/06]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Services.

Denis Naughten

Question:

274 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the video fluoroscopy facility in the Children’s Hospital Crumlin is out of order; the length of time that it is out of operation; when the facility will be made available to patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40307/06]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Liz McManus

Question:

275 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will comment on the upcoming closure of the creche in the Coombe Women’s hospital; the reasons for this closure; her views on whether the two months notice of the closure given to parents of the children in the creche is unacceptable short notice; if she will ensure that at least six months' notice will be given to parents to find new care for their children; the steps she is taking to aid these parents of children in this creche to find alternative care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40338/06]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Nursing Home Subventions.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

276 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for the nursing home subvention in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40339/06]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Services.

John McGuinness

Question:

277 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a contract given by the Health Service Executive to a company (details supplied) to operate a dialysis service in Kilkenny has not commenced in view of the fact that the project was to commence on 4 September 2006; the location for this project; if planning permission has been granted to the company; when the service will commence; if work undertaken by the HSE at Kilcreene Hospital, Kilkenny was to facilitate this company and the project in the interim; the cost of these works; if a second location is being examined; if the HSE is involved in further costs at this location; if she will insist on putting the patient first and allow a further number of patients to be treated at the Wellstone Clinic where a service agreement is already in place with the HSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40340/06]

This year an additional €8 million was provided to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for the development of renal services, including dialysis, throughout the country. The Estimates for 2007 which were published recently include additional funding of €4m for the HSE to continue the development of renal services including dialysis.

My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

278 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of occupational therapists servicing the area of Dublin mid west and Dublin as a whole; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40354/06]

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

Cancer Screening Programme.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

279 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children when it is intended to restore the free cervical cancer screening unit in a health centre (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40355/06]

A cervical screening service at the public health centre referred to by the Deputy has ceased for clinical governance reasons. However, a nurse led cervical testing clinic is provided by the Coombe Women's Hospital, without charge, one evening per week. Women do not require a GP referral to avail of this service.

The national roll-out of the Irish Cervical Screening Programme (ICSP) will commence next year. Significant preparatory work is well underway involving the introduction of new and improved cervical tests, improved quality assurance training and the preparation of a national population register. The plan is to have cervical screening managed as a national call/recall programme via effective governance structures that provide overall leadership and direction, in terms of quality assurance, accountability and value for money. All elements of the programme, call/recall, smear taking, laboratories and treatment services must be quality assured, organised and managed to deliver a single integrated service. Additional revenue funding of €5 million has been allocated in 2007 for the roll-out of the Programme.

Hospital Services.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

280 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department has received a request to fund a new dialysis unit for the Mid West Regional Hospital in view of the huge demands on the current unit which is inadequate to the needs in the area; if so, when a decision will be made on funding such a unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40363/06]

This year an additional €8m was provided to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for the development of renal services, including dialysis, throughout the country. The Estimates for 2007 which were published recently include additional funding of €4m for the HSE to continue the development of renal services including dialysis.

My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the HSE to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy in relation to the provision of dialysis services in the Mid West.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

Dan Neville

Question:

281 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children when a shower will be installed for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [40385/06]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The HSE's responsibility includes the operation of the Housing Aid Scheme for the Elderly, on behalf of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

John McGuinness

Question:

282 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if an occupational therapist’s report has been submitted in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny in relation to the needs of their son and their application under the DPG scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40386/06]

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.

John McGuinness

Question:

283 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if the psychological treatment or analysis for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny has been arranged by the Health Service Executive at the County Clinic, James Green, Kilkenny; the number of psychologists operating from the Kilkenny clinic on a five day week basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40387/06]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matters raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

John McGuinness

Question:

284 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny can be referred for night sessions of dialysis to the Wellstone Clinic, Dublin Road, Kilkenny, thus removing the need for them to travel to Waterford for treatment; the way patients are selected for dialysis treatment at this centre; the number referred to date; her plans to expand this number; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40388/06]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Child Care Services.

Billy Timmins

Question:

285 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to a group (details supplied) who appealed a decision disallowing their staffing grant and applied for a capital grant under the national childcare investment programme as the refusal of this grant places serious pressure on the playgroup finances; if, in view of the circumstances this appeal can be granted, the staffing grant allowed, and the capital grant allocated to allow the group carry out their expansions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40412/06]

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

With regard to the application for staffing grant assistance under the EOCP and the capital application under the NCIP referred to in the question, I understand that both applications are under assessment. All applications undergo a thorough assessment to ensure they meet the criteria of the Programmes.

When the assessments are complete, the applications will be considered by the Programme Appraisal Committee before a decision is made regarding funding by the Secretary General of the Department of Health and Children.

The Group will be informed of the outcome in due course.

Home Help Service.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

286 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people being assisted in County Kildare under the home help scheme; the way the number of hours assistance they receive is determined; the number of categories of hours there are; the number of clients being assisted under each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40413/06]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Cancer Screening Programme.

Mary Upton

Question:

287 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children when BreastCheck will be available in an area (details supplied). [40462/06]

I am committed to ensuring that the BreastCheck service is rolled out to the remaining regions in the country as quickly as possible. I have approved additional revenue funding of €8 million for next year to meet the additional costs involved, bringing BreastCheck's revenue budget to €21.7m in 2007. I have also made available an additional €21m capital funding to BreastCheck for the construction of two new clinical units and five additional mobile units and state of the art digital equipment. I am pleased to advise the House that screening will commence in the South and West in the Spring of next year.

In relation to the roll out to specific counties, my Department has requested the Director of the Programme to respond directly to the Deputy.

Health Service Allowances.

John McGuinness

Question:

288 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if an application for domiciliary care allowance in the name of persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be expedited and approved in view of the exceptional circumstances of the case. [40506/06]

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

Health Services.

John McGuinness

Question:

289 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide funding for private care in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if she will expedite a positive response to this case in view of the urgent need for intervention and care; if the referral from the public service as outlined in a letter will be acted upon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40507/06]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

Dan Neville

Question:

290 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for housing aid for the elderly by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [40509/06]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The HSE's responsibility includes the operation of the Housing Aid Scheme for the Elderly, on behalf of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Child Care Services.

James Breen

Question:

291 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 200 of 26 April 2005, when the Health Service Executive will meet with a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40516/06]

I understand that the particular question raised by the Deputy relates to the placement of the child in care under the Child Care Act 1991. While I do not propose to comment on the specific circumstances of the case, I wish to convey once again my deepest sympathy to the family of the child concerned.

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. This includes responsibility for children taken into care. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy.

I understand that a meeting was scheduled to take place on 17th June 2005 at Swords Business Campus. However at the request of the person's legal representative this meeting did not proceed as he requested some time to familiarise himself with files and documents provided. The Local Health Office (LHO) North Dublin report that they have had no further communication from the person or their legal representative since. As always HSE staff from LHO North Dublin remain available to meet for discussion on any or all aspects of this case.

Hospital Services.

Willie Penrose

Question:

292 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will take steps to secure an urgent appointment for a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath with an orthopaedic surgeon as this person is in urgent need of a hip replacement, and is suffering great pain and trauma; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40538/06]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Service Staff.

Michael Ring

Question:

293 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people employed as inspectors in the child care service in County Mayo including their full title, qualifications, roles, location and so on; and the estimated number of children within the public and private childcare sector in the county. [40596/06]

The establishment of the Health Service Executive represented a fundamental move from the previously fragmented structure and organisation of the country's health and personal social services to a unitary system under the Executive. This ensured that one body would have responsibility for the management and delivery of services from the local to the national level, including data collection across its various areas of operation.

The information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Pat Breen

Question:

294 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated with an appointment for an assessment for orthodontic treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40597/06]

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.

Mental Health Services.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

295 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Health and Children if there will be added provision in her Departmental budget for a mental health awareness programme aimed at addressing the increasing problems faced by young people with regard to body image; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40598/06]

The Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, entitled ‘A Vision for Change', was launched on 24th January 2006. This provides a framework for action to develop a modern, high quality mental health service over the next 7 to 10 years. In 2006, a sum of €26.2 million has been allocated for the further development of our mental health services in line with ‘A Vision for Change'. This includes funding of €1.2 million for suicide prevention initiatives.

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Eating Disorders.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

296 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Health and Children the initiatives for which she will provide funding which directly seek to address the growing problem of obesity here, particularly among young people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40599/06]

The National Taskforce on Obesity published a report in 2005 containing 93 recommendations to halt the rise in levels of overweight and obesity. The Taskforce recognises that a multi-sectoral approach is necessary, involving other state agencies and government departments and real engagement of the public and private sectors to implement all of the report's recommendations.

The HSE has the lead responsibility for implementing those recommendations of the National Taskforce on Obesity relevant to the health sector and has been allocated €3 million for this purpose. My Department has therefore 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.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

297 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will meet a group (details supplied) in County Kerry in relation to the lack of funding for the provision of SATU at Kerry General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40679/06]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Child Care Services.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

298 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the research carried out in an area when a community based child care unit is being set up; if her Department have an input into the research or if it is just carried out by the community provider; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40681/06]

As the Deputy will be 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 Office of the Minister for Children.

The NCIP aims to provide a proactive response to the development of quality childcare supports and services, which are grounded in an understanding of local needs. The Programme has a budget of €575 million for the 5 year period 2006-2010, with a target to create 50,000 additional childcare places and with a greater focus on pre-school places for 3 to 4 year olds and school age childcare. The 50,000 new places will include 5,000 after school places and 10,000 pre-school education places aimed at 3 to 4 year olds.

All applications, including those by community based childcare groups as referred to in the question, submitted under these Programmes, undergo a thorough assessment to ensure they meet the criteria of the Programmes. In this regard, the officials in the Office of the Minister for Children are assisted in the day to day management of the programme by Pobal. In addition, the network of 33 City and County Childcare Committees (CCCs) which were established under the EOCP assist the assessment process at local level. The programme criteria include the creation of new childcare places, value for money, the capacity of the Group to deliver on its proposal and whether duplication or displacement of existing services may occur. When a Group requests staffing grant assistance under the EOCP, a strong focus on disadvantage is also required in order for the proposal to receive such funding.

The role of the CCCs has been further enhanced under the NCIP 2006-2010 to enable greater flexibility and responsiveness to local needs, supported by the provision of additional funding for the implementation of their 2006 Action Plans and the recruitment of additional staff. This role involves, inter alia, the assessment of childcare needs across their City or County, and supporting the development of quality childcare in areas where there are service gaps. Under both Programmes, the CCCs play a key role in assessing each proposal for displacement or duplication. Applications considered likely to result in significant displacement or duplication are not recommended for funding.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

299 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children if a private child care crèche provider who has received grant assistance to set up has to cease due to lack of demand and over concentration of providers in an area has to run their business at a loss for the remainder of their contract; if this grant assistance will have to be returned in full if the crèche ceases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40683/06]

As the Deputy will be 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 Office of the Minister for Children.

All applications under the EOCP are forwarded to Pobal, which is engaged to carry out detailed assessments on behalf of my Office. Due consideration is given to each proposal in order to avoid duplication and displacement of other childcare services in the area, and if a significant risk of such duplication or displacement is likely to arise, the grant will not be awarded.

The City and County Childcare Committees (CCCs) play a key role in this process. Under the NCIP, each proposal is submitted to the CCC, which are tasked with the development of quality childcare in their City or County.

Under both the EOCP and the NCIP, capital grants are available for the purchase, extension and for refurbishment of buildings, for the purpose of increasing the supply of quality childcare. If a grant recipient fails to meet the conditions attached to his or her contractual agreement with Pobal, a decommitment and recovery process commences where monies paid to the grant recipient are recouped. This process is agreed by the Programme Appraisal Committee, before a decision is made regarding the decommittal of funding by the Secretary General of the Department of Health and Children.

Contracts under the EOCP issued by Pobal to private childcare providers state, inter alia, that: The Provider agrees to operate the grant project for a minimum period until a date falling 2, 5, 7 (delete as appropriate) years from the date of last payment by Pobal of an instalment of the grant. The periods referred to are: 2 years in the case of a grant of €19,045 or less; 5 years in the case of a grant between €19,045-€36,821 and; 7 years in the case of a grant between €36,821 and €50,790 (€50,790 being the maximum grant available under the EOCP).

Each such case is examined on its merits and I cannot comment in advance on what would happen in an individual case.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

300 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the system in place for the allocation of grants to community child care centres in relation to location and potential consequences for overlapping with private child care crèches; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40685/06]

As the Deputy will be 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 Office of the Minister for Children.

The NCIP aims to provide a proactive response to the development of quality childcare supports and services, which are grounded in an understanding of local needs. The Programme has a budget of €575 million for the 5 year period 2006-2010, with a target to create 50,000 additional childcare places and with a greater focus on pre-school places for 3 to year olds and school age childcare. The 50,000 new places will include 5,000 after school places and 10,000 pre-school education places aimed at 3 to 4 year olds.

All applications, including those by community based childcare groups as referred to in the question, submitted under these Programmes, undergo a thorough assessment to ensure they meet the criteria of the Programmes. Such criteria include the creation of new childcare places, value for money, the capacity of the Group to deliver on its proposal and whether duplication or displacement of existing services may occur. When a Group requests staffing grant assistance under the EOCP, a strong focus on disadvantage is also required in order for the proposal to receive such funding.

The City and County Childcare Committees (CCCs) play a key role in the implementation of the NCIP 2006-2010, to enable greater flexibility and responsiveness to local needs. As a result, additional funding has been allocated for the implementation of their 2006 Supplementary Action Plans and the recruitment of additional staff to take account of the CCCs' expanded role under the NCIP. This role involves, inter alia, the assessment of childcare needs across their City or County, and supporting the development of quality childcare in areas where there are service gaps. Under both Programmes, the CCCs play a key role in assessing each proposal for displacement or duplication. Applications considered likely to result in significant displacement or duplication are not recommended for funding.

Aggregate Supplies.

Enda Kenny

Question:

301 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he is satisfied that sufficient capacity exists to supply sufficient quantities of sand and gravel for major infrastructure development and construction development proposed over the next 20 years; if he will put an estimate on the scale of such resources available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40570/06]

Ireland is fortunate that it possesses considerable quantities not only of sand and gravel, but also of rock material that is suitable for the manufacture of aggregates. As a result it is at present self sufficient in aggregates reserves. However, the enormous increase in demand for aggregates in recent years for the construction sector has placed considerable pressure on existing sources of supply and related land banks.

Recent estimates suggest that 130 million tonnes of aggregates are used annually in Ireland which has one of the highest per-capita rates of consumption in Europe. No estimate exists of the scale of available aggregate resources nationally (whether of rock material or sand and gravel) and accordingly, it is not known whether sufficient resources exist to cover infrastructure and construction needs over the next 20 years and in areas where they are needed most.

The Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI), a division of my Department, has carried out Aggregate Potential Mapping (APM) in Counties Donegal, Meath and Wicklow to date. This mapping is intended to delineate areas with potential resources of aggregates for the information of planning authorities to ensure that potential sources are not sterilised inadvertently by competing land uses and to indicate the distribution of potential sources. It may be desirable to expand the area of coverage of such mapping in coming years. While it will not yield a precise estimate of resources it will provide guidance to planners in making critical land use decisions.

Inland Fisheries.

John Perry

Question:

302 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when a decision will be taken on the implementation of the Farrell Grant Sparks Report on Inland Fisheries; when he will take a decision on whether to scrap the report or implement it, particularly in view of the fact that he is opening new premises and announcing additional funding for said boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39920/06]

The Deputy will be aware that details of the Government's policy for the restructuring of the inland fisheries sector, which is based on the recommendations contained within the report by Farrell Grant Sparks following their review of the sector, were published in November last year.

On foot of the review the Government has decided that a fundamental restructuring of the sector is required. It considered that this reform would result in a better model for the State's role in the sector, better resource management, more and better involvement of stakeholders, better corporate governance and value for money. Under Government policy the sector is to be re-organised by subsuming the existing central and regional fisheries boards into a single national inland fisheries authority (NIFA) whose executive functions will be aligned on a regional basis with the river basin districts in line with the EU Water Framework Directive. Irrespective of the overall organisational structure there will still be a need for operations to be conducted on a regional basis with local offices.

Due to competing priorities for time in the Oireachtas's legislative calendar, however, it has not proved possible to introduce the legislation required to facilitate the establishment of the new authority this year. It has therefore been decided to use the additional time available to examine how the existing seventeen pieces of legislation governing the inland fisheries sector, which date back to 1959, can be modernised and consolidated into a single statute. Officials from the Department are working with management of the fisheries boards on this exercise and it is hoped to publish the new legislation in the latter half of 2007.

FGS Consulting has also recently been re-engaged by the Department to undertake Stage II of the review. This process will involve full, transparent and comprehensive consultations with all stakeholders during which the principles and structures to deliver the new model will be fleshed out. The findings of Stage II will inform the drafting of the legislation required to establish the new authority.

The funding referred to by the Deputy was announced in the context of the fisheries boards', or any successor agency's, enforcement and protection effort during the establishment of the new management regime for the wild salmon fishery.

Corporate Hospitality.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

303 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the receipt of hospitality by his Departmental staff from persons or corporations who have had dealings with his Department; the details of such cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39974/06]

The rules governing receipt of corporate hospitality for Departmental staff are set out in the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour issued by the Standards in Public Office Commission.

Staff have been made aware of these provisions and are expected to adhere to them in the event of being offered hospitality and/or gifts.

Fishing Industry Development.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

304 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if it is the policy of his Department and the Northern Regional Fisheries Board, under the plans for the management and development of fisheries, to disenfranchise and exclude from consultation local angling associations as is the policy currently being pursued against the Rosses and Fintown anglers on the River Gweebarra. [39999/06]

I have been advised by the Northern Regional Fisheries Board that discussions with a view to promoting sustainable angling in Donegal have been ongoing with local interests for the last few years.

I understand that discussions take place based on river catchment areas with a view to reaching agreement with the recognised local angling clubs for each catchment. The management agreement provides for shared access for local and visiting anglers, allowing the fishery to be run on a sustainable basis into the future. Residents living within the catchment area cannot, I understand, be refused membership of the local club.

Discussions have commenced on this basis with the Gweebarra Fishing Club. I understand that neither the Fintown nor Rosses clubs has fishing rights within the Gweebarra catchment area.

Electricity Generation.

David Stanton

Question:

305 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if projections have been carried out into the demand for electricity over the next number of years; if so, the details of same; if he has satisfied himself that supply will be adequate to meet demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40022/06]

The economy and society overall require that energy supply meets the demands of Irish consumers and industry at all times. The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) has broad statutory functions in relation to security of electricity supply in line with EU Directives. It is the duty of the CER to monitor the security of supply of electricity and to take such measures as it considers necessary to protect security of supply. In particular, the CER can host a competition to acquire the necessary generation or it can direct the Transmission System Operator, ESB or any licensed undertaking to put in place any arrangements that the CER considers necessary to protect security of supply.

EirGrid's statutory role, as the independent Transmission System Operator, is to deliver quality connection, transmission and market services to generators, suppliers and customers utilising the high voltage electricity system, and to put in place the grid infrastructure required to support the economy. In fulfilling this role, EirGrid is required to develop, maintain and operate a safe, secure, reliable, economical and efficient transmission system.

In co-operation with EirGrid, the CER carries out extensive ongoing monitoring to identify any factors affecting security of supply at an early stage so that any necessary measures can be taken.

Specifically, in discharge of its responsibilities, the TSO publishes an annual Generation Adequacy Report (GAR) which, inter alia, sets out estimates of the demand for electricity over a seven-year timeframe, the likely production capacity that will be in place to meet this demand, and assesses the consequences in terms of the overall supply-demand balance. In its most recent GAR published in December 2005 the TSO forecasts an average annual rate of growth of electricity demand up to 2012 of just under 4%.

In line with international norms, the generation system in Ireland is designed, planned and monitored such that it meets a standard which requires it to meet all reasonable demands for supply. This is designed to ensure that, in designing the system, the appropriate balance is met between protecting security of supply and the cost of building and running the system.

At my request, CER and EirGrid have been briefing me and my Department on a regular basis on the prognosis for winter 06/07 and generation adequacy in the medium term. The CER advises me that it is satisfied the generation system is currently adequate to meet demand, and provides a sufficient margin to meet the security standard. The CER has also advised that there is sufficient capacity and arrangements in place to provide for demand to be met in the short term.

The CER is taking measures to facilitate the development of the system such that it remains adequate to maintain that security standard. Security of supply will be enhanced in the longer term with the development of additional electric interconnection and the development of the Single Electricity, and the resulting all-island approach to security of supply.

With regard to existing generation capacity, the most recent advice to me from CER and EirGrid is that generation adequacy in terms of the supply-demand balance will be manageable up to 2009 provided however that projections by generation companies regarding performance and availability are met and that planned new generation capacity comes on stream to schedule. EirGrid will shortly publish its Generation Adequacy Review 2007-2013 which will set out its assessment of supply-demand over the period.

The Government is also concerned to ensure that adequate provision is also made to encourage the development of an electricity portfolio, which can support and complement the ambitious targets which we have now set for renewable growth. Decisions in this regard by the CER, EirGrid and the Government will be informed by the need to ensure capacity and competition in the generation sector while reflecting the overriding consideration of security of supply.

David Stanton

Question:

306 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his position regarding a proposed new power station to be constructed in Aghada in East Cork by the Electricity Supply Board; if and when he will give approval for the building of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40041/06]

Any decision to grant shareholder approval for ESB investment in a new power generation plant at Aghada would be conditional on agreement on a strategy to address the company's dominance and market power, particularly with regard to mid-merit price-setting plant. Any such approval would also be strictly contingent on compliance with all terms and conditions which would accompany the authorisation by the Commission for Energy Regulation.

Fisheries Protection.

Michael Ring

Question:

307 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the hardship fund for persons affected by the compulsory buy-out of drift net fishermen will apply to persons (details supplied) in County Mayo. [40283/06]

The Government has created a hardship fund for those affected by the compulsory cessation of indiscriminate mixed stock salmon fishing at sea realising that these proposals will entail hardship for commercial fishermen and vulnerable coastal communities. This fund will be available to all those subject to a compulsory closure of their current commercial fishery, namely the holders of drift net licences and some draft net licence holders.

The level of payments will be based on the average verifiable catch for each licence holder for the past 5 years (2001-2005). Each individual licence holder should receive 6 times his average catch multiplied by the average net income per salmon (which is estimated to be €23 per salmon). In all cases a payment equal to 6 times the current licence fee will be made to each licence holder.

The hardship fund will be managed on an administrative basis by BIM and the Regional Fisheries Boards and the licence holders referred to by the Deputy will be eligible to apply on the above basis.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

308 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason driftnet fishermen in NE England were given £70,000 a number of years ago in a buy-out in the interest of salmon conservation and £110,000 is reputed to have been offered to the ones remaining as a buy-out, whilst only approximately €2,000 is being offered to 850 driftnet fishermen here for a similar buy-out with €23 per salmon caught in the past five years with a quota reduction of 75% already operating, with no provision for the driftnet crew, or other option considered for them; if this is equitable in view of the effect on fishermen and their families in rural areas for the rest of their lives, with no option for satisfaction in the event of a resurgence in salmon stock; if he is considering any other options to help driftnet fishermen, their crews and families; the action he will take in view of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40381/06]

The Deputy is aware that the Government adopted the key recommendations of the report by the Independent Group established to examine the implications of fully aligning the management of the wild salmon fishery with the scientific advice in 2007 and beyond. The central recommendation of this report is the creation of a hardship fund for those affected by the compulsory cessation of indiscriminate mixed stock fishing at sea.

The Government's primary motivation in adopting the report is that of conservation of the wild salmon species, which has long been regarded as one of Ireland's most prized fish. It is vital to afford every protection to the remaining salmon stocks and to clearly prioritise conservation over catch. The current imperative must be to maintain stocks above conservation limits or at the very least halt the observed decline.

In their report the group commented that the level of hardship likely to be experienced would vary both in extent and scale. Taking all factors into account and based on available information, noting particularly that there is no legal obligation on the State to provide compensation in a situation where it is imposing management measures that are fundamentally in the public good, they proposed to provide a measure of relief to each individual in line with the level of hardship likely to be experienced. They recommended that this should be based on the recent catch history of the individual licence holder from 2001 to 2005.

The Government accepted the recommendation of the Independent Group and has determined the level of payment should be based on the average verifiable catch and on the average net income per salmon in the commercial fishery for the past five years; that is from 2001 to 2005. This income calculation was based, on the average price obtained per fish each year less the costs incurred by fishermen. Each individual licence holder who applies to the fund is set to receive six times their average catch multiplied by the average net income per salmon. An additional payment equal to 6 times the current licence fee will be made in all cases. In the case of drift-net fishermen, this latter equals a payment of €2,022. I believe this is a fair and reasonable allocation.

An additional fund of €5 million will be available for a community support scheme. The focus of this measure should primarily be those communities, including crew members, where drift-net fishing has been a well-established activity and where its withdrawal demonstrably impacts on their economic and social fabric, e.g. Gaeltacht areas. Those eligible under this scheme would include those formerly involved in the drift-netting sector, the processing sector or where a promoter proposes to employ a significant number of people formerly engaged in drift-netting.

The licensing regime in the northeast of England was quite different to that which applies in this jurisdiction. I understand that property rights may have attached to fishing licences in England, which is not the case here. I am not aware of what may be offered to those fishermen that remain in the fishery, now that the Habitats Directive has a bearing on the continuation of mixed stock fisheries in all EU member states.

Communications Masts.

Pat Carey

Question:

309 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if new research evidence has come to the attention of his Department regarding the effects on the local population of mobile telephone masts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40433/06]

I am guided in these matters by the advice from international expert bodies, such as the World Health Organisation and the International Commission for Non-Ionising Radiation Protection. These bodies continually examine the totality of the scientific and medical evidence available so we have the most up to date and accurate information in regard to the potential health effects, if any, of electromagnetic fields.

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 in the near future.

Aquaculture Development.

Enda Kenny

Question:

310 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if in respect of Parliamentary Question No. 416 of 21 November 2006 he will confirm that he has received a request for a meeting from licensed mussel holders in Killary Harbour; if he will accede to this request; the date on which this will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40530/06]

As I have stated previously, I would earnestly hope that any local issues are debated and resolved within the local Coordinated Local Aquaculture Management Systems (CLAMS) structure. The CLAMS process is the state's mechanism for dealing with issues at a local level and it certainly is not my desire to in any way interfere with the very valuable contribution it makes in Killary and elsewhere around the coast.

With regard to the specific question asked I can confirm I have received a number of representations in relation to this matter from members of the Oireachtas but I have not as of yet acceded to requests for a meeting. However, on foot of representations made by a constituent a number of months ago I have a long-standing commitment to meet with a mussel farmer on Wednesday 29th November.

Corporate Hospitality.

Joe Higgins

Question:

311 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has been given the name of a civil servant who is alleged to have accepted corporate hospitality during the World Cup 2006 from a party associated with the consortium which holds the licence to develop the Corrib gas field. [40537/06]

My Department has no record of any staff member availing of any such corporate hospitality as outlined in the Deputy's Question.

Aquaculture Development.

Enda Kenny

Question:

312 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if, in respect of Parliamentary Question No. 441 of 21 November 2006, he will confirm that An Bord Iascaigh Mhara are responsible to him in respect of moneys paid through his Department for the purpose of assisting individual CLAMS groups in their development proposals and that therefore in the case of best results in the case of Killary clams and in view of the diverse opinions being put forward, that the appointment of an independent mediator would be beneficial; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40563/06]

BIM is the Irish state agency established under the Sea Fisheries Act 1952 with responsibility for developing the Irish Sea fishing and Aquaculture industries. Under the 1952 Act, the Board of BIM is appointed by the Minister of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and is required to prepare financial statements and to ensure regularity of transactions. BIM receives a budget from the Department each year in accordance with agreed strategies and objectives and is required to produce an Annual Report, which is audited by the C&AG and laid before the Oireachtas.

BIM assists the various CLAMS groups around the country from time to time with very modest sums of money, although there is no fixed budget allocation in their Vote devoted exclusively for this purpose. It should be noted that all of the actions of the CLAMS groups that receive state monies are co-funded by the members themselves, either by contributions in kind or by actual cash contributions. In this context, some of the groups are exploring ways of becoming financially self sufficient through collectively growing aquaculture products, on a cooperative basis, and I am encouraging this approach as it engenders financial sustainability and a spirit of acting in the common good.

With regard to the Killary CLAMS group, BIM is making a financial contribution towards the employment of an expert independent chairman and I would urge all of the growers there to engage with the chairman and participate actively in the group so as to have their point of view made known.

Membership of the group is open at all times to anybody holding an aquaculture licence. The CLAMS process is the state's mechanism for dealing with issues at a local level.

Decentralisation Programme.

Joan Burton

Question:

313 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the situation in relation to technical staff in the Overseas Aid Section of his Department who have indicated that they do not wish to move to Limerick as part of the decentralisation process; if they will be allowed to remain in Dublin; the impact this will have on the different overseas aid sections if specialist staff opt to stay in Dublin while administrative staff of the same section and others move to Limerick; if an evaluation has been carried out of the expected negative impact of same on the Irish Aid programme; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39965/06]

There are three Principal Development Specialist posts at Irish Aid headquarters in Dublin. No Principal Development Specialists have applied to decentralise to Limerick.

There are twelve Senior Development Specialist posts at Irish Aid headquarters. Two originally applied to decentralise, but subsequently withdrew their applications.

Finally, there are nine Development Specialist posts at headquarters. Five Development specialists originally applied to decentralise to Limerick and subsequently withdrew their applications. At present four specialists, who commenced employment since the announcement of the decentralisation programme in December 2003, are scheduled to decentralise.

The development specialists perform a central role in the business of Irish Aid. The advice and support provided by them is an integral part of Irish Aid's operation. The specialists work alongside diplomatic and general service staff, in close contact and co-operation with each business unit within the Division. There are a number of issues to be worked out with regard to the technical and specialist posts which are scheduled to move to Limerick.

Discussions have been on-going at a very senior level with representatives of the specialists, with their union IMPACT and with the Department of Finance in order to resolve the outstanding issues.

The Department is aware that there are challenges associated with decentralisation. The Decentralisation Implementation Plan contained an assessment of the risks involved and described the measures being taken to mitigate those risks. In addition, risk assessment and mitigation is considered as a part of the Department's annual business planning. Each unit across the Department is required to consider how they will manage the risks facing them on the basis of the Department's agreed Risk Management Policy and Programme.

Undocumented Emigrants.

Michael Ring

Question:

314 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if discussions have taken place between the Government and the new administration in America in relation to the undocumented Irish living in the USA; the position regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40372/06]

As I stated in replies to Parliamentary Questions on 23 November, the Government attaches the highest priority to the issue of the undocumented Irish in the United States. I continue to raise our concerns in all of my dealings with key figures in the US Administration and Legislature, including during a wide ranging discussion which I had with the new US Ambassador on 1st November.

In the period since the mid-term Congressional elections, I have written to a number of senior US legislators to congratulate them on the outcome of the elections. In doing so, I have taken the opportunity to emphasise again the Government's deep interest in the issue of the undocumented. Our Ambassador in Washington is also active in highlighting our concerns in his on-going contacts with the incoming Congressional leadership, as are officials of our Consulates across the United States.

I travelled to New York after the elections and discussed the prospects for immigration reform with a range of contacts there. I was happy to meet again with the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform (ILIR). ILIR is proving highly effective on Capitol Hill and beyond in communicating the Irish dimension to the undocumented issue and I have been happy to support it financially. This was the third in a series of meetings that I have had with ILIR since September and it provided a valuable opportunity to review the situation following the mid-term elections. I will be keeping in close contact with them in the period ahead.

I now look forward to a further intensification of the Government's efforts on behalf of the undocumented in the period ahead, in particular with key Members of the incoming Congress. Overall, my initial assessment is that the recent elections have given a boost to the prospects for reform, though the issue of comprehensive immigration reform remains difficult and divisive both in Congress and in the United States generally.

I should emphasise also that I very much welcome the continuing commitment of Senators Kennedy and McCain to the advancement of the comprehensive approach to immigration that they have long promoted and which the Government strongly supports. I also greatly appreciate the recent reiteration by President Bush of his on-going commitment to comprehensive reform in this area.

The Government's overriding objective continues to be to ensure that our undocumented citizens in the United States can regularise their status, travel freely to and from Ireland and ultimately secure a path to permanent residency. Despite all the difficulties and challenges, I look forward to further progress on this priority issue for the Government in the coming period.

Asbestosis Incidence.

Joe Costello

Question:

315 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the incidence of asbestosis among dockers at Dublin Port; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39925/06]

The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Exposure to Asbestos) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 386 of 2006), which are enforced by the Health and Safety Authority, require that registered medical practitioners report any case of asbestosis or mesothelioma to the Health and Safety Authority, where he or she becomes aware of such a case. I am informed by the Health and Safety Authority that it has no data on the incidence of asbestosis amongst dockers at Dublin Port.

The Health and Safety Authority is working to ensure those persons who are at risk from existing asbestos materials in workplaces, or who work with such materials, know the best way to control and prevent exposure occurring. By improving compliance with best practices, the risk from asbestos fibres being released is controlled and prevented and any residual risk is then controlled and reduced.

County Enterprise Boards.

Michael Ring

Question:

316 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the funding allocated to Mayo County Enterprise Board in each of the years 2002 to 2005 and to date in 2006; and what this funding was spent on. [39958/06]

Mayo County Enterprise Board (CEB) was established nationally in October 1993. The function of the CEB is to promote and develop indigenous micro-enterprise potential and to stimulate economic activity and entrepreneurship at local level. The role of the CEB is to deliver a series of support Programmes to underpin this function. Project promoters within any County may seek assistance from their local CEB and, subject to certain qualifying criteria, may receive either financial or non-financial assistance in the form of business training, mentoring etc. Priority is given to manufacturing and internationally traded services companies which, over time, could develop into strong export entities.

From 2002 to date in 2006 Mayo CEB has been allocated a total of €4,183,197 in exchequer funding to fund the range of financial and non-financial supports offered by Mayo CEB to its client base in addition of course to covering associated administration costs which are made up of payroll and non-pay costs such office overheads, travel costs, office accommodation etc.

The specific types of CEB assistance available to micro-enterprise is broken down between financial assistance such as grants for feasibility studies, employment grants and capital grants and non-financial assistance such as Programmes covering Business Management, Mentoring, E-commerce, Enterprise Education and Women in Business networks.

The precise information sought by the Deputy, broken down by year, is provided in tabular format below.

Exchequer Funding allocated to Mayo CEB

Year

2002

956,587

2003

829,496

2004

693,817

2005

800,116

2006 (to date)

903,181

Total

4,183,197

Industrial Disputes.

Joan Burton

Question:

317 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the situation regarding the provision of services through a FÁS firm (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to an ongoing dispute in relation to employment issues affecting a number of the staff including a transfer of undertakings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39987/06]

Róisín Shortall

Question:

321 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the failure of FÁS and its wholly owned subsidiary (details supplied) to honour a Labour Court recommendation; his views on a State agency seeking a derogation form the legal principles governing the Transfer of Undertakings Directive; and if he will take steps to ensure that FÁS complies with the said Labour Court recommendation. [40292/06]

I propose to Questions Nos. 317 and 321 together.

The Supported Employment Programme to which the deputy refers is delivered on behalf of FÁS by independent limited companies. These companies are not wholly owned subsidiaries of FÁS. FÁS provides funding for the delivery of the programme, which seeks to integrate persons with disabilities into the open labour market by providing job coaching and support on the job. FÁS is currently at an advanced stage of discussion with the company to determine how the funding available can be best utilised taking the Labour Court Recommendation into consideration. These discussions should shortly be concluded and I will advise the deputy of the outcome.

Work Permits.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

318 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the application fee for a work permit is refundable in the event that the work permit is approved but the employee fails to secure an entry visa from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. [40030/06]

The Work Permits Section of my Department has indicated that the fee for a work permit is a processing fee and in normal circumstances would not be refundable. However in circumstances such as that referred to by the Deputy a refund would be made on request from the applicant.

Departmental Properties.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

319 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the lease held on the site currently used by Enterprise Ireland at Merrion Hall, Dublin 4, will expire; the date on which the employees of Enterprise Ireland based at Merrion Hall are scheduled to cease occupation of these premises; the location to which they will transfer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40045/06]

The details of Enterprise Ireland's office leasing arrangements is an operational matter for Enterprise Ireland (EI), and not one in which I have a function.

However, I understand from Enterprise Ireland, that its lease on Merrion Hall will expire on October 31st 2008. It is estimated that all Enterprise Ireland staff will have ceased occupation of these premises in early 2008. The staff will transfer to the new Enterprise Ireland offices in East Point.

Industrial Disputes.

Joe Higgins

Question:

320 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way a company (details supplied) was able to plead inability to pay redundancy to its workers but was able to hive off its main asset, the site on which the company was situated. [40054/06]

Two hundred and fifty-five employees were paid their statutory redundancy lump sums by the employer concerned on being made redundant between 5th of July 2002 and 28th March 2003. Rebate amounting to approximately €1.3 million was paid to the company out of the Social Insurance Fund on foot of these claims.

During 2002, the Labour Court issued a recommendation and clarification aimed at resolving the dispute over ex-gratia redundancy terms at the company. In situations where the Labour Court operates as an industrial relations tribunal in trade disputes, its recommendations are not enforceable in law. In such cases, the Court hears both sides and then issues a recommendation setting out its opinion on the dispute and the terms on which it considers the dispute should be settled. I understand that in November 2002, the workers at the company voted on and accepted a revised package on severance pay which it was intended would be binding on both the company and the workers.

Question No. 321 answered with QuestionNo. 317.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

322 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to new practices of a State funded disability employment service (details supplied) whereby job coaches are no longer allowed to visit clients in their homes; his views on whether it is unreasonable and discriminatory to expect clients to come to the inaccessible offices of this service; if such a change in policy is contrary to the principles of the employment sectoral plan of his Department under the Disability Act 2005; and if he will take steps to ensure that this policy is reversed. [40293/06]

The project referred to by the Deputy is a voluntary agency administering a project aimed at assisting adults with disabilities access employment. The project is funded by FÁS as a sponsor organisation under the FÁS Supported Employment Programme for people with disabilities, and is based in Ballymun, Dublin. The FÁS Supported Employment Programme is an open labour market initiative that provides supports to disabled people, who traditionally have had difficulty getting into paid employment.

The service provided by the project is to assist ‘job ready' clients integrate back into the workplace. To qualify for the Supported Employment Programme, clients must be ready to take up work in the open labour market. This, therefore, would not necessitate job coaches making home visits and it has never been the practice to do so. Clients meet with job coaches in the Ballymun Centre, and from time-to-time in alternative locations around the city. There has been no change in policy in this regard.

As this is a sponsor organization contracted by FÁS under the Supported Employment Programme to provide services to people with disabilities, FÁS would like to be informed of any difficulties with regard to the accessibility of its offices to clients for this service.

National Minimum Wage.

Tony Gregory

Question:

323 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the minimum wage and the way it applies to persons under 18 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40378/06]

The current national minimum wage is €7.65 per hour.

In the national partnership agreement, Towards 2016, ICTU and IBEC agreed to make a joint recommendation to Government on a new minimum wage rate to be effective from 1 January, 2007. As no agreement was reached between ICTU and IBEC, ICTU has referred the matter to the Labour Court asking that the Court examine the national minimum wage and make a recommendation on the matter. The recommendation from the Labour Court is currently awaited.

Sub-minimum rates of the National Minimum Wage apply where an employee is:

Under age 18; or

In the first two years after the date of first employment over age 18; or

Undergoing a prescribed course of study or training.

In accordance with Section 14(b) of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000, employees under the age of 18 are entitled to 70% of the national minimum wage. This percentage was recommended by the National Minimum Wage Commission to strike a balance between ensuring that young employees are not exploited and ensuring that the rate of pay does not encourage students to leave full-time education.

Job Creation.

John Cregan

Question:

324 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will impress upon Enterprise Ireland the importance of engaging in a meaningful way with a group (details supplied) to ensure that every effort is made to secure replacement jobs in west Limerick following substantial job losses in the chicken processing and poultry growing industry; and if he will encourage Shannon Development to continue their valuable dialogue with the group. [40423/06]

I am confident that the State Development agencies, in partnership with other key players, including the group in question, 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 recent job losses in the local chicken processing and poultry growing industry. As regards the assets of the poultry company that closed recently, Enterprise Ireland will work with Shannon Development to assist the purchasers of the assets of the company to develop their businesses. So far, none of the assets have been sold, although it is expected that some sales will occur in the near future.

Shannon Development has had ongoing contact with the group in question in relation to a number of issues in particular, the recent job losses. Indeed, a meeting between the two regarding these and other pertinent issues was held on 1 November. I understand that both parties were pleased with the meeting and that the outcome was satisfactory from the point of view of all concerned.

Both the Government and the Industrial Development agencies recognise the need to create high volume employment opportunities in Co Limerick that will provide sustainable jobs. 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 intention to expand its Limerick operation and create some 120 jobs in high-end manufacturing.

There is 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 October, 2006, the Live Register figure for the County is 6,888 which is more than 4% down on the previous month's figure of 7,205.

Work Permits.

John McGuinness

Question:

325 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if an application for the renewal of a work permit in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be approved; if he will expedite the matter. [40424/06]

The Work Permits Section of my Department has informed me that the work permit has issued recently in this case.

Enterprise Supports.

Mary Upton

Question:

326 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the supports available to a person (details supplied) to progress the development of a new product; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40461/06]

My Department does not provide either direct funding or direct business advice to potential business start-ups nor does it have any role in the evaluation of business proposals. Support and assistance for small businesses in Ireland, both financial and non-financial, is delivered by a number of State bodies. These State bodies are the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs), Enterprise Ireland, Shannon Development and FÁS, all of whom receive their funding from this Department and all of whom have an expertise in the area of business start-ups.

The County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) provide support to micro-enterprises with 10 employees or fewer. The function of the CEBs is to develop indigenous enterprise potential and to stimulate economic activity at local level. Subject to certain eligibility criteria, enterprises may qualify for financial support from the CEBs in the form of feasibility, employment and capital grants or for non-financial support such as business advice and information, management development, training and mentoring.

All of the CEBs operate to the same criteria in relation to the assistance which they can offer i.e. they can support the establishment and/or the development of new and existing enterprises by individuals, firms and community groups provided that the projects, that should generally be in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sector, have the capacity to achieve commercial viability and which over time may develop into strong exporting entities.

In order to qualify for Enterprise Ireland assistance client companies must be Irish owned, be a manufacturing or an internationally trading services enterprise or be an overseas company in the food, drink and timber sectors seeking assistance to locate in Ireland, must employ more than 10 people or be a high growth start-up according to criteria defined by the Board of Enterprise Ireland. In addition Enterprise Ireland must be satisfied that the company will;

produce products for sale primarily in world markets

produce products of an advanced technological nature for supply to internationally trading or skilled sub-supply firms within the State

produce products for sectors of the Irish market which are subject to international competition or is a service industry, as defined by relevant ministerial order.

The most appropriate course of action, therefore, would be for the project promoter to directly contact the CEB network to discuss the potential to further develop the initiative into a formal business proposition (www.enterpriseboards.ie). Depending on the potential size and investment package of the initiative the CEBs may advise the promoter that Enterprise Ireland (www.enterprise-ireland.com), which assists in the development of small to medium enterprises, may be better placed to assist the promoter.

In addition, the project promoter should also access the website (www.basis.ie) which provides general information on starting and developing a new business in Ireland. The aim of the BASIS (Business Access to State Information and Services) website is to provide information on all Irish Government services to business.

Industrial Development.

Billy Timmins

Question:

327 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of site visits to County Wicklow, with a breakdown by town, since 1 January 2005 to date in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40503/06]

Billy Timmins

Question:

328 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of site visits to County Carlow, with a breakdown by town, since 1 January 2005 to date in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40504/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 327 and 328 together.

Since 1 January 2005 there have been 12 site visits to Carlow, seven in 2005 and five in 2006 to date. There were no site visits to County Wicklow in 2005 and 2006.

Ultimately it is the investor who decides where to locate, including where to visit as a potential location. What they are indicating to IDA is that they are seeking an urban base, close to third level educational facilities, that provides infrastructure and services that are international in focus.

At the end of 2005 there were 12 IDA supported companies located in Wicklow, employing 2,444 people and 9 companies were located in Carlow, employing 717 people. IDA Ireland's strategy for both Wicklow and Carlow is to promote these locations as part of the overall East Region, where there is a readily available pool of skilled workers, a critical mass in population, a world-class access infrastructure in terms of roads, airport and telecoms, an excellent quality of life and easy access to third level education and research capabilities. In this regard the contributions of the Institute of Technology Carlow, and St. Patrick's College, are critical to ensuring that the region develop first class educational and research capabilities to support existing and new investment.

The Agency advise that there continues to be a good level of expansion activity from its existing industry base in Wicklow, especially in the pharmaceutical and medical technological sectors. The County's proximity to Dublin, together with the rail and road links combine to enhance its attractiveness in attracting overseas mobile investment and the level of new jobs created year on year is a testament to this. In October 2006 Servier Pharmaceuticals announced a 112 job expansion involving an investment of €69m to increase production of existing products and add 2 new products.

I am confident that the strategies being pursued by IDA Ireland is the best strategy in terms of delivering new greenfield or expansion projects for the people of Carlow and Wicklow.

Job Losses.

Billy Timmins

Question:

329 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of job losses in counties Wicklow and Carlow in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40505/06]

The attached tabular statement sets out the numbers of job gains and job losses in respect of full-time employment in companies assisted by the enterprise development agencies (Enterprise Ireland and IDA) in Counties Wicklow and Carlow for the years 2001 to 2005.

It is important to remember that job creation and job losses are a feature 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. The importance of gainful employment for society, however, means that efforts to create employment opportunities to replace those lost over time are an important objective of enterprise policy. Where job losses occur, the development agencies — Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, the County Enterprise Boards and FÁS — have adopted a coordinated approach in order to enhance and facilitate the future employment prospects of the workforce and to identify and support any individual who wishes to start their own business. In addition the enterprise agencies work closely with key local partners including Local Authorities, Chambers of Commerce, educational institutions etc to develop the local infrastructure and skills base to best effect.

The enterprise development agencies are committed to promoting Wicklow and Carlow as locations for investment, as well as supporting and developing businesses already present in these county. IDA Ireland continues to work with its existing base of companies with a view to supporting such companies with potential expansions and the agency also targets potential new investment projects in the International Services Sector and high value manufacturing activities. The proximity of both counties to Dublin together with a readily available pool of skilled workers and excellent quality of life combines to enhance their attractiveness in encouraging overseas mobile investment and the level of new jobs created year on year is a testament to this. Carlow's two third level colleges, the Institute of Technology Carlow and St. Patrick's College are critical to ensuring that Carlow and the region develop educational and research capabilities to support existing and new investment.

The continued commitment by IDA Ireland to Carlow is evidenced by the development of a Flagship Business and Technology Park on the Dublin road, an investment of almost €11.5m to date. A 17,600 sq ft Advance Office Building on the Technology Park with 100% expansion capability was completed in November 2005. IDA is actively marketing the building and park through our network of overseas offices.

There continues to be a good level of expansion activity from the existing industry base in Wicklow especially in the Pharmaceutical and Medical Technological sectors. In October 2006 Servier Pharmaceuticals announced 112 job (over 5 years) expansion with €69m investment to increase production of existing products and additional 2 new products. The County's key locations for promotion to potential overseas investors at present are IDA Arklow Business Park (c.80 acres) Greystones Business & Technology Park (75 acres) and IDA Bray Business Park (50 acres).

Enterprise Ireland activity, in terms of job creation, is focused on the retention and creation of new jobs in existing companies, the creation of new jobs by supporting entrepreneurs to set up High Potential Start-Up Companies and also through enhancing the innovation capability of Ireland at a national and regional level by supporting research in companies and third level institutions.

Full-Time Employment: Job Gains/Losses in Enterprise Agency Assisted Companies in Counties Wicklow and Carlow

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

Totals

Wicklow

Losses

-901

-513

-760

-1,019

-1,889

-5,082

Gains

1,100

997

1,184

539

759

4,579

Net

199

484

424

-480

-1,130

-503

Carlow

Losses

-135

-341

-203

-479

-399

-1,557

Gains

217

186

182

177

162

924

Net

82

-155

-21

-302

-237

-633

Source: Forfás Business Information System.

John Cregan

Question:

330 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will intervene to encourage a group (details supplied) to engage with the Labour Relations Commission for the purpose of determining a reasonable redundancy package for the former employees of Castlemahon Foods, County Limerick and not have the matter referred to the Labour Relations Agency in Northern Ireland as suggested by the group. [40602/06]

As a result of trading difficulties in the poultry sector, in February 2005 Castlemahon Foods announced a restructuring plan which involved a reduction in staff numbers of 150 — down from 410 to 260. In May of that year, the company confirmed that workers at the company had accepted its redundancy offer by a large majority. Unfortunately, matters continued to decline into 2006 resulting in the company going into voluntary liquidation at the end of September with the loss of the remaining 260 jobs. Since it was liquidated by its parent company, the O'Kane Group of Northern Ireland, the workers received statutory redundancy only. The union has sought an enhanced package along the lines of three weeks pay per year of service, plus statutory.

I understand the Labour Relations Commission has agreed to facilitate talks between the O'Kane Group, the trade union and employee representatives regarding the claim for an enhanced redundancy package for the former employees of Castlemahon Foods and a meeting to this effect was held yesterday. The LRC will continue to remain in contact with the parties on the matter.

Pension Provisions.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

331 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if there is a discriminatory distinction as regards exemptions from PRSI contributions in respect of contributions made for pension provisions as between workers who are on PAYE and those who are self employed; the basis for this discrimination; and his plans for dealing with same. [40418/06]

Social welfare legislation provides for payments made towards future pension provision by either an employed contributor in receipt of reckonable earnings, or a self-employed worker who is in receipt of reckonable emoluments and pays income tax through the PAYE system, to be exempted from liability for PRSI contributions.

With regard to self-employed contributors who are outside the PAYE system, there is no provision for payments made towards future pension provision to be exempted from liability for PRSI contributions.

A direct comparison between the assessment of self-employed contributors who pay their PRSI through the self-assessment system and those who pay PRSI Class S through the PAYE system is not sustainable. While each is liable for social insurance contributions at a rate of 3 per cent, the basis for the assessment differs. For the self-employed on self-assessment, there is provision for the deduction of capital allowances, a provision which is not available to Class S contributors on the PAYE system. As such, the question of discrimination against the self-employed in the provision of benefits does not arise.

In all, I consider that the arrangements outlined above are not discriminatory and that they represent a reasonable response to the social security requirements of self-employed workers generally.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Joe Costello

Question:

332 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a rent subsidy is refused entirely when the landlord raises the rent above the prescribed level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39929/06]

Rent supplements are subject to a limit on the amount of rent that an applicant for rent supplement may incur. The objective is to ensure that rent supplement is not paid in respect of overly expensive accommodation.

Rent supplement is not normally paid where the rent is in excess of the limits because the personal contribution to rent made by the tenant should not be such that their post rent income is less than the relevant SWA rate minus the minimum contribution to rent prescribed in legislation and, as a consequence, insufficient to meet their other daily needs after paying their rent.

Notwithstanding these limits, under existing arrangements the Health Service Executive may, in certain circumstances, exceed the rent levels as an exceptional measure, for example:

where there are special housing needs related to exceptional circumstances for example, disabled persons in specially-adapted accommodation or homeless persons.

where the tenant will be in a position to re-assume responsibility for his/her rent within a short period

where the person concerned is entitled to an income disregard AND has sufficient income to meet his or her basic needs after paying rent, taking into account the appropriate rate of rent supplement that is otherwise payable in the case.

This discretionary power ensures that individuals with particular needs can be accommodated within the scheme, it specifically protects against homelessness and it ensures that people have an adequate post-rent income.

In November 2002, when the Central Statistics Office Privately Owned Rent Index first showed evidence of continued reductions in rent levels, regulations were introduced to set the maximum amount of rent in respect of which a rent supplement is payable. These limits remained in place to the end of December 2003. Further Regulations introduced in December 2003 and prescribed the limits to be used between January 2004 and June 2005. The current rent limits cover the period July 2005 to 31st December 2006.

Despite recent increases in rent levels the Central Statistics Office Privately Owned Rent Index shows that rent levels for October 2006 were in line with those which applied in October 2002.

My Department is currently reviewing rent limits in order to develop proposals regarding what limits should apply from January 2007 onwards. The review is taking account of prevailing rent levels in the private rental sector generally, together with detailed input from the Health Service Executive on the market situation within each of its operational areas.

The review will also include consultation with the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Private Residential Tenancies Board. In addition, a number of the voluntary agencies working in this area have made detailed submissions. This process will ensure that the new rent limits reflect realistic market conditions throughout the country, and that they will continue to enable the different categories of eligible tenant households to secure and retain suitable rented accommodation to meet their respective needs.

Tony Gregory

Question:

333 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason for the delay in repaying back money on disability allowance due to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and when repayments will be made. [39983/06]

The person concerned applied for disability allowance on 21st February 2006. His case was considered by the Department's medical adviser who expressed the opinion that he was not medically qualified for the allowance. The person concerned appealed this decision and was subsequently found to be medically qualified. He was awarded disability allowance in August 2006, backdated to 22nd February 2006 and he received his first payment on 13 September 2006.

The person concerned had been in receipt of unemployment assistance up to 29th April 2006 and, accordingly, details of the amount of money paid to him during the overlapping period had to be ascertained. Due to an oversight there was a delay in establishing these details. They have now been established and an arrears cheque issued to the person concerned on Thursday 23rd November. The delay which occurred is regretted.

Seán Crowe

Question:

334 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that recipients of the deserted wife’s benefit have not been given an increase in their earnings threshold since 1992; and his plans to reform same. [39993/06]

An earnings limit was introduced for deserted wife's benefit in 1992. The limit, which applied only to new claims after August 1992, was set at €12, 697.38 a year (gross earnings). Where earnings are in excess of €12,697.38 a year, there may be entitlement to a reduced rate of payment of deserted wife's benefit, provided gross earnings do not exceed €17,776.33 a year.

Following the introduction of the one parent family payment in 1997, the deserted wives benefit scheme was discontinued with effect from January that year. Existing entitlements already acquired in August 1992, when the earnings limit was introduced for new claimants, and in 1997, when the one parent family payment scheme was introduced, have been preserved. The upper income ceiling applying to deserted wife's benefit of €17,776.33 (gross) in 1997 has not changed since then.

With over 80,000 parents with caring responsibilities receiving support under the one parent family payment, I was glad to be able to increase the earnings ceiling for the one parent family payment in this year's budget from €293 to €375 per week or €19,500 a year (gross earnings). Recipients of deserted wife's benefit with dependent children may transfer to the one parent family payment if it is beneficial for them to do so.

In March of this year, I launched a major Government discussion paper, "Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents" which addresses the difficulties faced by low income families and their children.

The report puts forward radical proposals for reform of the income support system for all parents on a low income. The report proposes the expanded availability and range of education and training opportunities for lone parents, the extension of the National Employment Action Plan to focus on lone parents, focused provision of child care, improved information services for lone parents and the introduction of a new Parental Allowance for low income families with young children.

A range of views has been expressed as this report is debated and I will give very serious consideration to all of them. Once I am convinced that we have reached conclusions that are equitable, with a fully workable implementation strategy, it is my intention to bring forward proposals for legislation. Any further changes to the deserted wife's benefit scheme will be examined in an overall budgetary context.

Michael Ring

Question:

335 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an unemployment assistance or jobseekers allowance appeal will be finalised for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [39998/06]

The person concerned claimed jobseekers allowance on 19 October 2006. The Deciding Officer disallowed the claim on the grounds that the person was not genuinely seeking employment. He appealed against this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 25 October 2006. In accordance with the statutory requirements the relevant departmental papers and comments of my Department were sought. These are now to hand and the case has been referred to an Appeals Officer for early consideration. The person concerned is currently in receipt of Supplementary Welfare Allowance. Under Social Welfare Legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by Deciding Officers and Appeals Officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.

Social Insurance.

Richard Bruton

Question:

336 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the projected outturn for 2006 and the forecast revenue in 2007 from social insurance, distinguishing net paid by employers, by employees and by the self-employed. [40001/06]

The projected outturn for social insurance contribution income in 2006 is €6,872 million. The corresponding forecast revenue in 2007, on a pre-Budget basis, is €7,470 million. The make-up of both years' figures, as between employers, employees and the self-employed, is as follows:

2006 Projected Pre-Budget

2007 Outturn Forecast

€ million

€ million

Employers

5,096

5,546

Employees

1,366

1,484

Self-employed

410

440

Totals

6,872

7,470

Social Welfare Benefits.

Seán Haughey

Question:

337 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will issue guidelines to the Health Service Executive which would allow community welfare officers pay an exceptional needs payment to applicants who require extra heating due to illness; the guidelines issued by him to date in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40070/06]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive. Under the terms of supplementary welfare allowance scheme, a recipient of a social welfare or Health Services Executive payment who has exceptional heating costs due to ill health, infirmity or a medical condition which he/she is unable to meet out of household income can apply to the local community welfare officer for a special heating supplement. In addition, legislation also provides for a single payment — known as an exceptional needs payment — to be made to help meet essential, once-off exceptional expenditure.

Provision for the payment of exceptional needs payments and special heating supplements is made in the primary legislation and regulations governing the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. The legislative provisions allow the community welfare service to pay a heating supplement or an exceptional needs payment where they determine that such a payment is warranted on the basis of all the circumstances in a particular case. The community welfare service in all areas of the country deals with exceptional needs payments and heating supplements on a regular basis. Guidelines on these schemes are available on the Department's website. The guidelines for exceptional needs payments and heating supplements were last updated in June 2006.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

338 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the implementation of the sectoral plans in his Department as part of the Disability Act 2005; if he envisages delays in the roll-out of the timetable set out in his announcement in July 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40095/06]

Over the period of my Department's sectoral plan under the Disability Act, 2005 (2006/2009), my Department aims to deliver support to people with disabilities to help them achieve an appropriate level of independence by achieving their full potential through accessing further education, developing life skills and engaging in employment.

My Department will continue to provide appropriate levels of income to those who need it. Specific measures include improving the lowest rates of income support by increasing the lowest rates to €150 a week in 2002 terms by 2007 (in line with the commitment in the National Anti Poverty Strategy). The plan also provides for examining the incentive effects of disability payment levels, addressing benefit traps and employment disincentives within the structure of welfare disability schemes and examining the potential for extending, improving and rationalising schemes to better support people in their efforts to take up training opportunities and participate in employment.

Implementation of the sectoral plan is underway in my Department and I do not envisage delays in its implementation. Recent initiatives include, improvements in the earnings disregard, from June 2006, for people receiving Disability Allowance or Blind Pension and the abolition, in September 2006, of peak hour restrictions on the use of the Free Travel Pass. The result is that people with disabilities may now use their passes going to work or attending educational, rehabilitative and therapeutic courses that are, very often, central to improving their lifestyles. There have been significant improvements to Carers Allowance so that, for example, a couple can earn up to €580 a week and receive the maximum rate of carers allowance as well as free travel, the household benefits package and the respite care grant.

The Citizens Information Bill, 2006, which provides for the introduction of a Personal Advocacy Service for people with disabilities — a key priority in my Department's sectoral plan — is before Dail Eireann at present. Budget 2006 provided over €2 million to Comhairle for the development of advocacy services by the community and voluntary sector for people with disabilities and by the end of this year some 30 advocacy projects will be in place throughout the country. Earlier this month, I launched a report which sets out proposals for a new Sign Language Interpretation Service for some 5,000 people with hearing impairment to be rolled out by Comhairle in two phases commencing in 2007.

Work is on schedule in my Department in relation to other commitments in the plan including disability awareness training for front line staff and a comprehensive set of actions to ensure full accessibility for people with disabilities to the offices and the services provided by my Department. The implementation of the sectoral plan is a key priority in my Department's business and strategic planning processes over the next three years. Our objective is to ensure that people with disabilities receive high quality services that best support, recognise and encourage them in using and making a full contribution to society, in line with the Government's National Disability Strategy.

Pension Provisions.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

339 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if Irish emigrants abroad who are in receipt of an old age contributory or non-contributory pension from this jurisdiction receive the Christmas bonus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40143/06]

The Christmas bonus payment is paid to recipients of state pension (transition) and state pension (contributory) regardless of their country of residence. State pension (non-contributory) is not payable outside the State.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Willie Penrose

Question:

340 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on extending the household benefits package to all pensioners, including those with family members living with them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40328/06]

The household benefits package, which comprises the electricity/gas allowance, telephone allowance and television licence schemes, is generally available to people living permanently in the State, aged 66 years or over, who are in receipt of a social welfare type payment or who satisfy a means test. The package is also available to carers and people with disabilities under the age of 66 who are in receipt of certain welfare type payments. Widows and widowers aged 60 to 65 whose late spouses had been in receipt of the household benefits package retain that entitlement to ensure that households do not suffer a loss of entitlements following the death of a spouse.

People aged over 70 years of age can qualify for the household benefits package regardless of their income or household composition. Those aged under 70 must live alone or with certain excepted people in order to qualify. Excepted people for the purposes of the scheme include qualified adults, dependent children under age 18 or under age 22 if in full time education, people who are so incapacitated as to require constant care and attention for at least 12 months; people who would qualify for the allowance in their own right, people who are providing constant care and attention to any member of the household who is so incapacitated as to require constant care and attention for at least 12 months. A range of proposals have been made to extend the coverage of the household benefits package of schemes. These proposals are kept under review in the context of the objectives of the scheme, the achieving of maximum supports for those most in need of the entitlements, and budgetary resources.

Tony Gregory

Question:

341 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the increases to the fuel allowance implemented since Budget 2005; if an increase has been given in response to the price increases in gas and electricity; if the number of units of electricity is being increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40377/06]

The aim of the fuel allowance scheme is to assist householders on long term social welfare or health service executive payments with meeting the cost of their heating needs during the winter season. Fuel allowance, which is paid for 29 weeks from end-September to mid-April represents a contribution towards a person's normal heating expenses. Some 274,000 people (151,000 with basic fuel allowance and 123,000 with smokeless fuel supplement) will benefit in 2006 at an estimated annual cost €125.1m.

A number of improvements have been made to the scheme in recent years including the easing of the means test and extending the duration of payment from 26 weeks to 29 weeks. Most recently, Budget 2006 provided for an increase in the rate of fuel allowance of €5.00 from €9.00 to €14.00 (€17.90 in designated smokeless areas).

I have also made provision for increases in the value of the household benefits package. I increased the value of the natural gas allowance to cover increased standing charges and the associated VAT as well as additional kilowatt hour usage in order to cover the 33.8 % increase in the cost of natural gas from October 1st. This means that the value of the natural gas allowance to a household has increased from €313.17 to €516.00 per year.

At present, the electricity allowance covers normal standing charges and up to 1,800 units of electricity. The allowance also covers the VAT applicable to these charges. In the light of the recent increase in electricity charges, the allowance will be increased to cover increased standing charges and the units will also increase from 1,800 to 2,400 with effect from January 2007. I am confident that these increases will be of major benefit to these recipients. Any further changes to the fuel allowance scheme or the household benefits package would have significant cost implications and would have to be considered in the context of the Budget and in the light of the resources available for improvements in social welfare generally.

Richard Bruton

Question:

342 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the cost of increasing the income disregard for a carer’s spouse to €700; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40403/06]

Supporting and recognising carers in our society is and has been a priority of the Government since 1997. Over that period weekly payment rates to carers have been greatly increased, qualifying conditions for carer's allowance have been significantly eased, coverage of the scheme has been extended and new schemes such as carer's benefit and the respite care grant have been introduced and extended.

In line with other social assistance schemes, a means test is applied to the carer's allowance so as to ensure that limited resources are directed to those in greatest need. This means test has been eased significantly over the years. Following Budget 2006, since April, the earnings disregard for a couple has been set at €580 per week which is equivalent to gross average industrial earnings. This means that a couple with two children can earn up to €32,925 per annum and still receive the maximum rate of carer's allowance as well as free travel, the household benefits package and the respite care grant.

In accordance with the social partnership agreement, "Towards 2016 ", I am committed to expanding, subject to available resources, the income limits for carer's allowance and aiming to keep the level of the disregard in line with average industrial earnings. It is estimated that, at current rates of payment, increasing the earnings disregard for a couple to €700 per week would cost in the region of €10 million for a full year.

Enda Kenny

Question:

343 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of maternity benefit claims for 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40415/06]

My Department received a total of 35,623 claims for maternity benefit in 2005. A total of 33,988 claims were put into payment during that year at a total cost of some €133.6 million.

Marine Accidents.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

344 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the collision at Galway Port involving a foreign tanker (details supplied) and that this ship had just completed pumping highly inflammable petroleum products into shore tanks; if his attention has been drawn further to the consequences that could have resulted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39930/06]

Jerry Cowley

Question:

345 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to a collision at Galway Port involving a foreign flagged tanker (details supplied) and that this ship was transporting hazardous oil products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39931/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 344 and 345 together.

As I have previously advised the house the vessel mentioned, "M/T Orahope", was subjected to inspection by Port State Control Officers of this Department following the incident and the report of the inspection is published on the website of the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control: www.parismou.org.

Rail Network.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

346 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the serious breakdown problems emerging with the new inter urban train fleet; the cost per new train; the overall cost of the extra Dublin-Cork fleet in the Transport 21 budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39948/06]

48 of the 67 new rail carriages purchased for the Dublin-Cork inter-city railway service have now entered service. I understand from Iarnród Éireann that the balance will enter service during December 2006 and that it intends to introduce hourly clock face departures on the route from 14 January 2007. I also understand that the testing and commissioning of the new fleet has gone well and that, apart from a problem that is being addressed in relation to ride quality, no other fleet wide issues or technical failures have occurred. I understand from Iarnród Éireann that, as part of its commissioning and in service testing of the new fleet, it discovered that the ride quality did not meet the specification due to problems with the air suspension. I am informed that this is currently being rectified by the suppliers at their expense and that it is not preventing the operation of the carriages. I understand that the final contract price will not exceed the overall approved cost for the 67 carriages of €117m.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

347 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the number of new trains put into operation by Irish Rail since 2002; the amount spent on such trains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39960/06]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

348 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the number of new carriages put into operation on the Irish Rail network since 2002; the cost of these carriages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39961/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 347 and 348 together.

I am informed by Iarnród Éireann that the number of new trains and carriages that it has put into service since 2002 and that it has currently under order are as follows:

Type

Number

Cost

€m

DART Cars *

52

107.6

Commuter Railcars

116

179.0

Intercity Carriages

67

117.0

Intercity Railcars**

150

331.1

*A further 16 DART cars costing €21.6m were introduced to service at the end of 2001.

**scheduled for delivery beginning in 2007.

Rail Services.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

349 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied with the problems on the Sligo rail service including overcrowding, poor luggage capacity and a lack of catering services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39967/06]

The provision of services is an operational day-to-day matter for Iarnród Éireann. I am advised by the Company that in December 2005 the frequency of the service between Sligo and Dublin was increased from 3 to 5 trains per day in each direction. New commuter railcars were used as a temporary measure to facilitate this service frequency improvement. I understand that the extra services have been very successful in attracting additional business to rail and during 2006 the volume of passengers using the Sligo line from counties Sligo, Leitrim and Longford has increased by over 15%.

The issue of overcrowding is one of discomfort and inconvenience, rather than a safety concern and this view is in line with the consensus in the railway industry worldwide. In 2007 Iarnród Eireann will replace the commuter railcars on Sligo services with new Intercity railcars which will be very well equipped for journeys of this distance including high seating capacity, good luggage facilities and facilities for the operation of catering trolleys.

Road Safety.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

350 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Transport his plans to introduce a road safety project in Inishowen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39984/06]

The introduction of a road safety project in the Inishowen area is a matter for the Road Safety Authority and Donegal County Council.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

351 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Transport when a position will be made available (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39985/06]

The appointment of a Road Safety Officer within Donegal County Council is a matter for that Council. I have no function in the matter.

Penalty Points System.

Michael Ring

Question:

352 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Transport the number of penalty points issued in 2006; the number of people subsequently prosecuted in relation to the illegal use of fog lights; the number of people issued with penalty points or prosecuted in relation to the illegal use of a mobile telephone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40050/06]

A total of 64,196 penalty points have been issued to drivers for this year as at 31 October 2006. Penalty points for mobile phone offences were introduced on 1 September 2006. Penalty points for mobile phone offences were introduced on 1st September 2006. A driver who is detected committing a mobile phone offence has the option to pay a fixed charge of €60 within 28 days from date of issue by the Garda of the Fixed Charge Notice, or €90 if paid within the next 28 day period and incur 2 penalty points instead of being prosecuted in Court. Therefore, as of 31st October penalty points have not been issued in respect of this offence. The number of people prosecuted in relation to the illegal use of fog lights and for mobile phone offences is a matter for the Courts Service.

Traffic Management.

Seán Haughey

Question:

353 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Transport when Operation Freeflow 2006 for the Dublin area will commence; if Gardaí, as part of this plan, will ensure that motorists do not use bus and cycle lanes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40077/06]

Operation Freeflow, the annual traffic management initiative in Dublin for the Christmas and New Year period, commenced yesterday and will run until 7 January 2007. Regulations regarding use of bus and cycle lanes will continue to be enforced during this period as part of the Christmas Road Safety Campaign.

Rail Network.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

354 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied with the situation whereby DART carriages which were due to undergo refurbishment in Germany and re-enter service in December 2006, may not now be completed for a further two years; if he has discussed with Irish Rail the capacity constraints which this may cause and their impact on commuters in the Greater Dublin Area; if he is further satisfied that taxpayers are getting value for money in relation to this refurbishment contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40078/06]

Contracts for the purchase and refurbishment of railway rolling stock is an operational and commercial matter between Iarnród Éireann and its suppliers and is not one in which I have any role. I understand from Iarnród Éireann that refurbishment work on the rolling stock in question has been delayed due to difficulties with the contractors in achieving the planned programme for the works but that the delivery of refurbished cars has now commenced. As only a limited number of DART cars are under refurbishment at any one time I am informed that the impact on service levels is limited and that Iarnród Éireann will shortly be extending the number of 8 car trains in service at peak time. Issues arising under the contract relating to the refurbishment are commercial matters for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance and the Company is well aware of the need to ensure full value for money in all its contracts.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

355 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the level of subvention per passenger granted to Irish Rail; the level of such subvention granted in relation to the Dublin Cork and the Dublin Belfast lines; the number of passengers carried on these routes respectively each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40079/06]

The information sought by the Deputy is set out below in respect of 2005, the last full year for which the information is available:

Total Subvention — €179.9 million

Total No. of Passengers — 37.65 million

Subvention per Passenger — €4.78.

The total number of passengers carried by Iarnród Éireann in 2005 on the Dublin-Cork and Dublin-Belfast lines was 2.66 million and 1.35 million respectively. A breakdown of the subvention across individual railway lines is not available in my Department.

Rail Services.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

356 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the number of new trains and carriages respectively which will be introduced by Irish Rail on its routes nationwide in 2007; the routes which will be serviced by such new equipment; the cost of such equipment; if this investment has been funded out of the expenditure committed to Transport 21; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40080/06]

The scheduling of services is a day to day operational matter for Iarnród Éireann. I am advised by the company that in January 2007 it will introduce an hourly Intercity service between Dublin and Cork with its new fleet of 67 Intercity carriages. During 2007 Iarnród Éireann will start introducing the fleet of 150 new Intercity railcars. Over the period 2007-2008, these Intercity railcars will provide improved services and replace all existing rolling stock on the following routes: Dublin-Limerick; Dublin-Galway; Dublin-Waterford; Dublin-Tralee; Cork-Tralee; Dublin-Westport/ Ballina; Dublin-Sligo and Dublin-Rosslare. The cost of the 67 Intercity carriages is €117 million and of the 150 Intercity Railcars is €331million. This expenditure is included in the Transport 21 programme.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

357 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the implementation of the sectoral plans in his Department as part of the Disability Act 2005; if he envisages delays in the roll-out of the timetable set out in his announcement in July 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40096/06]

I am satisfied that good progress continues to be made on the implementation of "Transport Access for All", my Department's Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act 2005.

Public Transport.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

358 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if and when Ministerial approval will be granted to Dublin Bus for the amalgamation of the 102 and 103 bus routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40368/06]

My Department received a notification from Dublin Bus on the 9th December, 2005 seeking to combine their Routes 102 and 230. In order to progress this notification, the Department requested that the Company clarify aspects of the timetable proposed for the combined service. The requested data has not been received as of yet. However, the Company has indicated that it is engaged in a general assessment of the proposals presented to the Department in 2005 in respect of which the examination process has not yet been completed. The Company has indicated that it will revert to the Department when that process is finalised.

Departmental Correspondence.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

359 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Transport when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo can expect a detailed reply from the Secretary General of his Department, acknowledging that an initial response was sent on 3 October 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40404/06]

I understand that a letter issued from the Secretary General of my Department to the persons concerned on 3 October 2006. That letter represented the most substantive response the Secretary General was able to give, having regard to the circumstances. The Secretary General has since responded to further correspondence confirming that this remains the position.

Rail Network.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

360 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if construction work has begun on the new rail depot in Portlaoise as outlined in Transport 21; when this project will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40405/06]

I am advised by Iarnród Eireann that works have commenced on site at Portlaoise on the project to provide a new train care maintenance depot. I understand that the project is due to be completed in February 2008.

Public Transport.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

361 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport if all the disability ramps are working on a bus route (details supplied); if not, the number that are not working; the steps he will take to ensure that all disability ramps are fully operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40540/06]

This is an operational matter for Bus Átha Cliath and not one in which I have any role.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

362 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport the percentage of the Dublin Bus fleet that is disability accessible; and his plans including the timeframe for all buses to be made disability accessible. [40541/06]

Low floor accessible buses currently make up over 60% of the Dublin Bus fleet. All new buses purchased by the company are low floor and wheelchair accessible and have on-board features to assist people with mobility, sensory and cognitive impairments. Dublin Bus expects that its entire fleet will be composed of accessible buses by 2012.

Security of the Elderly.

Billy Timmins

Question:

363 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will remove the need for old age pensioners to pay a yearly fee for the provision of the safe and sound home security system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40038/06]

I presume the Deputy is referring to socially monitored alarms, the provision of which to older people is managed by local community and voluntary groups with the support of my Department, under the Scheme of Community Support for Older People.

A maximum individual grant of €300 is provided by my Department to community groups under the Scheme in respect of the once-off installation cost of socially monitored alarms. The ongoing monitoring costs that usually arise with such alarms are charged by the private commercial suppliers engaged by the community groups. I understand these costs are of the order of €80 per annum per individual and, given that the Scheme has benefited as many as 100,000 older people, the cost to my Department of providing funding for all such monitoring costs would be considerable.

It is my view that the available resources are better spent on continuing to improve the security of older people in their homes rather than paying for ongoing running costs and, accordingly, I have no plans at present to introduce a subsidy in regard to the monitoring costs for socially-monitored alarm systems.

Road Network.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

364 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his Department will provide adequate funding to complete the road widening of the Curraun Road, Achill, County Mayo; if his attention has been drawn to this dangerous stretch of road and the urgent need for these works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39943/06]

As the Deputy may be aware, this is a matter for Mayo County Council and the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the first instance. With regard to the Strategic Gaeltacht Roads Scheme, a work programme is usually agreed by me at the beginning of each year. Since 2003 an amount of €2.1m has been provided under this scheme for the improvement of the road referred to by the Deputy. The provision of further funding for this road will be assessed early in 2007, subject to available resources, when the next programme of works is being drawn up and also in the context of the priority Mayo County Council have indicated for the replacement of the bridge at Achill Sound by a new lifting bridge.

Enterprise Supports.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

365 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the assistance available to enable a person to establish a manufacturing business in a Gaeltacht, in view of the fact that this person has links to the Mayo Gaeltacht area and is a fluent speaker; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39957/06]

Údarás na Gaeltachta is the principal provider of grant assistance for industrial development in the Gaeltacht. General guidelines on the type of assistance available are to be found on the agency's website www.udaras.ie. More detailed information, including qualifying criteria, is available from Údarás na Gaeltachta itself, which has offices in various regions, including Béal an Mhuirthead, Co. Mayo. Assistance may also be available for some projects in the Gaeltacht from the Leader Groups — Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta Teoranta (MFG) and Comhar Iorrais (LEADER) Teoranta, which have offices in Acaill and Béal an Mhuirthead respectively.

Departmental Reports.

Enda Kenny

Question:

366 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the interim progress reports provided by the consultants employed by his Department into the linguistic study of Irish usage in the Gaeltacht areas will be laid before Dáil Éireann; when he expects to receive the final report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40015/06]

Work on the linguistic study to which the Deputy refers has now been completed and a draft report has been presented to my Department. This is now being assessed by my officials in conjunction with the project steering group. As I have already outlined to the House, all of the findings and proposals emerging from the study will require careful and considered examination and no decisions will be made on foot of the study until that process has been completed.

It is not my intention to publish the interim progress reports that were supplied by the consultants as part of their ongoing work on the project. However, I anticipate that the report will be published in due course and I will be glad to make copies available in the Oireachtas Library at that time.

Dormant Accounts Fund.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

367 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when a decision will be made for a group (details supplied) who applied for funding under the dormant account scheme and which Pobal have made a recommendation for and forwarded to her Department for a final decision. [40023/06]

Among the priority measures approved by Government for assistance from dormant accounts in 2006 is one providing funding for community based supports for older people. Applications received for this funding measure are currently being processed, including one received from the organisation in question. This process is almost complete and it is anticipated that decisions will be made by Government next month, in accordance with the legislation.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

368 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding the implementation of the sectoral plans in his Department as part of the Disability Act 2005; if he envisages delays in the roll-out of the timetable set out in his announcement in July 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40091/06]

I am not required to prepare a sectoral plan under the Act.

Community Development.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

369 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his proposals to bring the poor employment conditions of the people working in the community and voluntary sector up to an acceptable standard (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40284/06]

The pay and conditions of the workers referred to are a matter in the first place for their employers.

Rural Social Scheme.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

370 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of participants on the rural social scheme in County Kerry who are recipients of disability allowance, one parent family payment, survivors pension contributory and non-contributory and jobseekers allowance and benefit; the number of these participants who have transferred from community employment schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40351/06]

There are currently 279 participants employed on the Rural Social Scheme (RSS) in Co. Kerry. My Department's records show that there are 7 participants in receipt of the Disability Allowance and 1 participant in receipt of the One-Parent Family Payment participating on the RSS. Along with continuing to receive their social welfare payment, these participants also receive a top-up payment under the RSS. There are no RSS participants in Co. Kerry in receipt of the Widow(er)'s Contributory or Non-Contributory Payments.

A further 130 participants qualified to participate on the Scheme through Farm Assist, 27 participants through Jobseeker's Allowance and 74 participants through Jobseeker's Benefit. These participants cease to be clients of the Department of Social & Family Affairs for their duration on the Scheme and are been paid by my Department. According to my Department's records, 40 participants in Co. Kerry transferred onto the RSS from Community Employment. Table 1 sets out the position.

Rural Social Scheme — County Kerry — Qualifying Payments

Qualifying Payment

Number of Participants

Community Employment Scheme

40

Disability Allowance

7

Farm Assist

130

One Parent Family

1

Jobseeker’s Allowance

27

Jobseeker’s Benefit

74

Total

279

EU Directives.

Paudge Connolly

Question:

371 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the logic of excluding farmers wishing to take in pig and poultry manure from the Nitrates Directive derogation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39978/06]

Ireland applied to the European Commission for a derogation, under the Nitrates Directive, from the limit of 170kgs of organic nitrogen per hectare per year. The derogation, as submitted to the Commission, would have applied not only to grassland farmers but also to farmers wishing to import pig and poultry manure. Unfortunately, this aspect of the proposal did not meet with the approval of the Commission, and it did not form part of the Commission`s proposal which was approved by the EU Nitrates Committee involving the 25 member States on 13 November.

Producers in the pig and poultry sectors will, however, benefit from transitional arrangements which were secured under the revised European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations introduced in July 2006. These arrangements, which allow for phosphorus limits to be exceeded up to 1 January 2011 for land using pig and poultry manure from existing farming enterprises, represent a major concession and I believe they will allow these industries time to adapt to the requirements of the Regulations. In addition, my Department has introduced important measures which will benefit pig and poultry producers, such as access to the Farm Waste Management Scheme.

Paudge Connolly

Question:

372 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if, in view of the difficulties faced by Monaghan and Cavan producers seeking to dispose of upwards of 400,000 tonnes of poultry litter and pig slurry, he will make a special case for the application of the Nitrates Directive derogation to farmers wishing to take in pig and poultry manure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39979/06]

Ireland applied to the European Commission for a derogation, under the Nitrates Directive, from the limit of 170kgs of organic nitrogen per hectare per year. The derogation, as submitted to the Commission, would have applied not only to grassland farmers but also to farmers wishing to import pig and poultry manure. Unfortunately, this aspect of the proposal did not meet with the approval of the Commission, and it did not form part of the Commissions proposal which was approved by the EU Nitrates Committee involving the 25 member States on 13 November.

Producers in the pig and poultry sectors will, however, benefit from transitional arrangements which were secured under the revised European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations introduced in July 2006. These arrangements, which allow for phosphorus limits to be exceeded up to 1 January 2011 for land using pig and poultry manure from existing farming enterprises, represent a major concession and I believe they will allow these industries time to adapt to the requirements of the Regulations. In addition, my Department has introduced important measures which will benefit pig and poultry producers, such as access to the Farm Waste Management Scheme.

Grant Payments.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

373 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if an application by a person (details supplied) in County Galway for part payment made under the force majeure measure of the single payment scheme will be approved pending the outcome of an appeal on this application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39923/06]

The person named submitted an application for consideration of her circumstances under the Force Majeure/Exceptional Circumstances measure of the Single Payment Scheme. Having assessed the application, my Department informed the person named that the circumstances outlined did not fulfil the Force Majeure criteria laid down in Article 40 of Council Regulation (EC) No.1782/2003.

The person named then appealed this decision to the Independent Single Payment Appeals Committee who recommended that the decision of the Single Payment Entitlements Unit should be upheld. The 2006 Single Payment application for the person named is not fully processed due to a dual claim on an area of land included on her application. She has been contacted about this problem and her application is currently being reviewed.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

374 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when payment will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow in terms of their single farm payment. [39962/06]

An application for the Transfer of Entitlements from the person named under the Single Payment Scheme was submitted on the 26th of April 2006. Following examination of the application the person named was written to requesting further information in relation to the lease date. A reply has now been received from the person named and the application has been fully processed. Payment will issue shortly.

Question No. 375 withdrawn.

Farm Retirement Scheme.

Martin Ferris

Question:

376 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if back payment and compensation will be awarded to people who were part of the 1994 early retirement scheme but who are no longer in the ERS. [39975/06]

I recently announced substantial increases in the maximum pension rates payable under both Schemes of Early Retirement from Farming which take effect from 1 November 2006. I have decided to increase the maximum payment to participants in the 1994–99 Scheme from €12,075 to €14,075 and the maximum payment in the current Scheme from €13,515 to €15,000. These increases will cost some €33 million extra over the remaining period of the two Schemes, and some 5,000 retired farmers will benefit from them.

These increases will be payable to participants in both Schemes with effect from 1 November 2006. Therefore, retired farmers whose participation in the 1994 Scheme had finished on or before 31 October 2006 will not benefit from the increased payment.

Grant Payments.

Michael Ring

Question:

377 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo did not receive an application form for the hill sheep compensation package in view of the fact they did destock in the years 1998 to 2000; when an application form will issue to them; and when they will receive their payment. [39995/06]

Under the Single Payment Scheme regulations the entitlements of herd-owners who destocked in order to comply with an Agri-Environmental measure can be calculated using an alternative reference period if this is more beneficial. The case of the person named was reviewed under this measure and his entitlements were re-calculated to take full account of destocked sheep. A supplementary payment issued to the person named on 19th October 2006.

A special category was included under the provisions of the 2005 National Reserve to cater for sheep farmers with commonage land who were prevented from expanding their sheep production prior to or during the 2000-2002 reference period pending publication of the Commonage Framework Plans in 2002. The farmers concerned must have had a stocking density of less than 0.45 livestock units per hectare in 2001 and their existing Single Payment must have been less than €6,000. Individual farmers were free to make an application under this measure but application forms were not automatically sent to farmers. No application from the person named was received under this measure. However, the person named is not eligible for qualification under the National Reserve category for Hill Farmers as his existing Single Payment is greater than €6,000.

Sugar Beet Sector.

John McGuinness

Question:

378 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if consideration has been given to a financial package to assist beet growers and contractors who are experiencing hardship while waiting on the court decision regarding EU restructuring aid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40082/06]

Phil Hogan

Question:

383 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action she will take to ensure that workers and growers will be properly compensated arising from the closure of the sugar processing plants at Carlow and Mallow in view of the development plans published by Greencore; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40110/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 378 and 383 together.

The compensation package negotiated in the context of the reform of the EU sugar regime is worth over €310m to Ireland. It comprises three elements. The first element is the sugar beet compensation being incorporated into the Single Payment Scheme with effect from 2006. It will be worth approximately €123 million to Irish beet growers over the next seven years.

The second element is the EU restructuring aid for the sugar industry, which in Ireland's case is worth €145m approximately. This aid, as provided for in Council Regulation (EC) No. 320/2006, is to cover the economic, social and environmental costs of restructuring the sugar industry involving factory closure and renunciation of quota. It is to be drawn down on the basis of an aid application, including a detailed restructuring plan, submitted by the processor. In July 2006 the Government made decisions regarding the percentage of the aid to be reserved for beet growers and contractors and the indicative breakdown of the potential allocation of the aid to be followed by Greencore in preparing its restructuring plan, including an amount for employee redundancy payments. These decisions are now the subject of judicial review proceedings instituted by Greencore in the High Court. Under the EU Regulation, the first instalment of aid would fall to be paid in June 2007.

The third element of the compensation package is the diversification aid, also provided for in Council Regulation (EC) 320/2006, worth almost €44m in Ireland's case. A national restructuring programme is being prepared, in accordance with the EU Regulations, for submission to the EU Commission by the end of this year with a view to drawing down the diversification aid. The Regulations provide that payment of the aid would commence in September 2007.

Grant Payments.

Jack Wall

Question:

379 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a number of farmers in the south Kildare, Carlow, Laois regions have not been awarded the single farm payment in view of the fact that many of those not in receipt of the payment have raised loans and so on to purchase sugar beet contracts and find themselves in financial difficulties due to the payment not being made; the number of farmers in Kildare who have not received a payment; the number of farmers in Laois who have not received a payment; the number of farmers in Carlow who have not received a payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40097/06]

Applications were received from 7,141 Carlow/Laois/Kildare herd owners under the 2006 Single Payment Scheme and, to date, the 50% advance payment has issued to approximately 86% of these applicants. The Deputy will be aware that, as a result of my approach to the EU Commissioner earlier this year, agreement was reached to allow these advance payments.

The work involved in topping-up the Single Payment Entitlements of those former sugar beet farmers who are due to have their Single Payment increased as a result of the additional compensation due under the Reform of the Sugar Regime is completed in the case of the majority of farmers. The balancing payment incorporating the sugar beet compensation will be paid to all of these farmers, whose applications are fully processed, on 1 December 2006.

Work on the inclusion of the sugar beet compensation in the Single Payment in respect of the remainder of the cases is ongoing, but it is significantly advanced at this stage. This work is quite complex, involving as it does, for example, transfers between family members, mergers and scissions. In the meantime, I have arranged to pay the balancing payment, without the sugar beet compensation, on 1 December, to all of these farmers whose applications are otherwise fully processed.

I expect that the additional payments arising from the inclusion of the sugar beet compensation will commence issuing to these farmers in the early days of December 2006 as their applications are processed.

Generally speaking, in common with the schemes, which the Single Payment Scheme replaced, delays in processing can be caused by many factors, including incomplete application forms, errors on applications and discrepancies highlighted following computer validation, which must be resolved via correspondence with the applicant. The majority of those cases, without a sugar beet element, which have yet to receive an advance payment, are where applicants did not submit an application to transfer the Single Payment entitlements, with lands, by way of inheritance, gift, lease or purchase. As always, my Department will continue to issue payments to farmers, as outstanding problems are resolved.

Horseracing Industry.

Denis Naughten

Question:

380 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of equidae registered on stud books with an approved body for the purposes of Regulation 399 European Communities (Equine stud-book and Competition) Regulations 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40098/06]

Denis Naughten

Question:

381 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of registered equidae that are in possession of the necessary identification documents pursuant to Regulation 399 European Communities (Equine stud-book and Competition) Regulations 2004; the estimated number of outstanding equidae that remain to be registered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40099/06]

Denis Naughten

Question:

382 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of officials within her Department appointed to enforce Regulation 399 European Communities (Equine stud-book and Competition) Regulations 2004; the actions taken against those who have failed to comply with this legislation; the number of individuals who have failed to comply with this legislation since its introduction; the number of veterinary surgeons who have been detected for failing to request relevant identification documents as required under this legislation prior to administering treatment; the action which has been taken against veterinary surgeons for such compliance failures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40100/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 380 to 382, inclusive, together.

Six equine breeding organisations have been approved for the purpose of maintaining a stud book under Regulation 3 of the European Communities (Equine Stud-Book and Competition) Regulations, SI 399 of 2004.

In addition, two organisations have been approved under Regulation 7 of the European Communities (Equine Stud-book and Competition) Regulations, SI 399 of 2004 for the purpose of issuing equine identification documents only.

My Department does not have the information on the number of horses on the various studbooks held by the bodies for the maintenance of studbooks or of the number of identity identification documents issued. There is no legal obligation on the bodies to provide this information to my Department. While there are no statistics held in my Department on the number of horses that remain to be registered our current best estimate is in the region of 12,000 out of a total national herd of about 124,000.

The principal reason for the adoption of the regulations on identification of horses was to ensure proper recording of the administration of veterinary medicines and to avoid the introduction of such medicines to the human food chain. A Code of Practice on the procedures to be adopted by Veterinary Surgeons administering veterinary medicines to horses was agreed between my Department and Veterinary Ireland in February 2005. Furthermore, under EU legislation, all horses presented for slaughter at meat plants in the Community for entry into the human food chain must be accompanied by the requisite identity documentation and this is subject to check by the Veterinary Services. There have been no prosecutions under SI 399/2004 since it was adopted.

Question No. 383 answered with QuestionNo. 378.

Rural Environmental Protection Scheme.

John Perry

Question:

384 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food further to a parliamentary question on behalf of a person (details supplied) if her attention has been drawn to the circumstances outlined in correspondence; if she will address the issues raised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40278/06]

The person named wrote to my officials very recently, expressing a concern that she might not be able to complete some of her REPS undertakings within the scheduled timeframe. An official has since contacted her directly by telephone, and I understand that her situation will be sympathetically examined.

Farm Retirement Scheme.

Enda Kenny

Question:

385 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of farmers who participated in the early farm retirement scheme each year from 1994 to date in 2006; the amount granted in relation to this scheme for the same period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40279/06]

Payments are currently being made under two Schemes of Early Retirement from Farming. Details of the number of participants who entered the 1994 Scheme of Early Retirement from Farming, which closed to new applicants on 31 December 1999 and the current Early Retirement Scheme which was introduced in November 2000 and is due to close at the end of this year, are set out in the following table for each of the years 1994 to 2006. The amount paid in each year is also shown.

Year ended

Entrants to the Scheme

Payments

€ million

31 December 1994

1,962

6.94

31 December 1995

2,198

35.15

31 December 1996

1,795

55.92

31 December 1997

1,796

72.45

31 December 1998

1,305

84.94

31 December 1999

1,608

87.05

31 December 2000

41

90.88

31 December 2001

805

79.88

31 December 2002

809

78.83

31 December 2003

528

78.11

31 December 2004

307

71.17

31 December 2005

296

60.59

23 November 2006

138

44.27

Grant Payments.

Michael Ring

Question:

386 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their REPs scheme payment. [40280/06]

This application was received in my Department on 5 October 2006 and is being processed in the normal way. Payment will issue within the agreed period.

Departmental Expenditure.

Denis Naughten

Question:

387 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the headings under which her Department is expecting to have an underspend in 2006; the projected underspend under each heading; the reason for the underspend; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40281/06]

Most of the schemes operated by my Department are demand-led measures on which expenditure in any one year is difficult to predict. It is very important that adequate provision is made for such schemes in the annual Estimates. For 2006, the gross provision for the Department was €1.516b, and it is estimated that approximately 94% of this allocation will be spent. While it is not possible to predict the final outturn with precision at this point, savings in the region of €90 million could arise.

Of the total projected savings, over €80 million relates to demand-led schemes. These include measures under the CAP Rural Development Programme (REPS, land mobility and forestry), as well as on-farm investment schemes. The balance is likely to arise primarily in the animal health, research and administrative budget areas.

All of the schemes are subject to variables such as farmer demand, animal disease trends, the pace of progress on approved projects and market conditions. Demand for such schemes is never easy to predict with precision, and in recent years has been impacted by the introduction of the decoupled Single Farm Payment, the Nitrates Directive, and the relative proximity of a new Rural Development Programme. In the case of forestry, issues such as the price of land, and competing alternative uses, were also a factor. Reducing levels of animal disease, and staff savings arising from improved technology and the centralised administration of the Single Farm Payment, are also likely to lead to savings in the relevant Subheads.

I regard it as essential that the measures referred to above, which protect the animal health status of this country, provide vital investment capital and boost income for the farming community, and others in the agri-food sector, are adequately funded. My policy has been to ensure sufficient funding for potential demand under these very important measures, and I will continue to do so in the future.

Grant Payments.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

388 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when premiums will be reinstated in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40282/06]

I understand that in this case Forestry Premium payments were suspended this year because of repeated trespass and grazing by cattle in the plantation. Despite written warnings in previous years, the grazing continued and so premium payments were suspended.

My officials now report that the situation has improved in the interim and, as the farmer has undertaken to protect the plantation in future, I am satisfied that payments can resume. An annual premium claim form has been sent to the applicant for completion and return.

Food Safety Standards.

Denis Naughten

Question:

389 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason butchers can not bone out bovine animals over 24 months on their premises; the reason same is not increased to 30 months in line with BSE and SRM restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40308/06]

Regulation (EC) No. 999/2001 designates certain bovine tissues as specified risk material (SRM) and lays down rules for its removal as a public health protection measure in the context of BSE controls.

In its opinion of 28 April 2005 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that a scientific basis existed to review the age limit for the removal of certain SRM in bovine animals, in particular as regards the vertebral column. In July 2005 the EU Commission adopted a reflection paper, the TSE Roadmap, looking at the next steps that could be taken with regard to BSE in the short, medium and long term. After consultation with the Member States and stakeholders, Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1974/2005 was adopted in December 2005. This Regulation provided that the age limit for removing vertebral column, including dorsal root ganglia of bovine animals as SRM could be increased from 12 to 24 months. Provision is also made for further review of the age limit, which would have to be on the basis of scientific advice.

The requirement for authorisation of retail establishments such as butchers for the specific activity of handling and removing SRM is prescribed in European and national regulations. The Environmental Health Officers Service of the Health Service Executive, under service contract to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) implements these regulations in retail butchers shops. Butchers are required either to declare non-handling of SRM or to comply with the standards for authorisation for handling of SRM. Authorisation ensures that this material is removed and disposed of in a manner which protects consumers. Butchers seeking authorisation need to demonstrate the presence of systems to ensure adequate identification, separation, removal, storage and disposal of SRM.

Retail butchers who choose not to handle SRM can handle all beef from animals under 24 months. In addition unauthorised retail butchers can handle beef from animals over 24 months if it has been boned out or has its vertebral column removed prior to intake. The handling of SRM at retail level has been identified as a priority area for protection of consumers. The FSAI has consulted with the trade on the approach to implementing these regulations, and has published an extensive set of Frequently Asked Questions on its website, www.fsai.ie, to assist the trade in understanding these requirements.

The requirement that all bovine animals over 30 months of age, slaughtered for human consumption, must be tested for BSE is also provided for in Regulation (EC) No. 999/2001. Under the Regulation, as it currently stands, I have no discretion to raise the age limit at which bovines destined for human consumption must be tested.

Regulation (EC) No. 999/2001 is currently in the process of being revised, though it is not now anticipated that the proposed amendments will become law before 2007. The amendments, as currently drafted, would enable Member States to seek the approval of the Commission and other Member States for revisions to their annual monitoring programmes to change the age limit for testing for BSE in healthy animals slaughtered for human consumption. Such applications would be on the basis of a range of criteria relating to the BSE situation and controls in the particular country. These criteria have yet to be determined and may yet take some time to finalise.

I, and my officials, have made repeated and consistent efforts to have the age thresholds for the various categories of animals changed, based on the results of surveillance carried out here and I will, of course, continue to press for a change in the age threshold at every opportunity.

Grant Payments.

Marian Harkin

Question:

390 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if all outstanding payments due to sheep farmers in commonage areas in destocked counties Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal, Mayo and Galway, will be awarded in full within the next two to three weeks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40329/06]

My Department is currently reviewing the entitlements of applicants who destocked in commonage areas in the named counties. Processing of these applications is continuing and the intention is to issue supplementary payments to successful applicants at the earliest opportunity.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

391 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding an appeal of a decision not to grant an allocation from the national reserve for the single farm payment in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40330/06]

As indicated in an earlier reply to the Deputy the person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the 2005 Single Payment Scheme National Reserve under Category C.

Category C caters for farmers who were active milk producers who sold their milk quota into the Milk Quota Restructuring Scheme and converted their enterprise to a farming sector for which a direct payment under Livestock Premia and/or Arable Aid Schemes would have been payable during the reference period 2000 to 2002. Documentation received in my Department from the person named indicates that he ceased supplying milk in November 1998 and therefore was deemed unsuccessful as he was not an active milk producer up to the date of sale of the milk quota.

An appeal has been submitted by the person named. And it has been forwarded to the Independent Single Payment Appeals Committee who will carry out a full review of the case and will correspond directly with the person named following the outcome of their review.

Farm Retirement Scheme.

Seamus Kirk

Question:

392 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the recent developments in respect of the farm retirement scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40331/06]

Payments are currently being made under two Schemes of Early Retirement from Farming. I recently announced substantial increases in the maximum pension rates payable under both Schemes to take effect from 1 November 2006. I have decided to increase the maximum pension rate payable under the 1994–99 Scheme from €12,075 to €14,075 and the maximum pension rate payable under the current Scheme from €13,515 to €15,000. These increases will cost some €33 million extra over the remaining period of the two Schemes, and over 5,000 retired farmers will benefit from them.

The announcement of these increases follows an announcement in September of an increase in the off-farm income limit for transferees under the current Scheme of Early Retirement from Farming from €25,400 to €40,000 and the removal of the total income limit for retiring farmers. Heretofore, an income limit exemption for retiring farmers existed only in cases where the farm was transferred definitively to a family member. These changes were effective from 1 September, 2006.

The current Scheme closes to new applications on 31 December 2006. Proposals for a new Scheme, with a maximum payment rate of €15,000, have been included in the draft Rural Development Plan for the period 2007-2013 which was recently published for consultation.

Social Partnership Agreements.

Seamus Kirk

Question:

393 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the main elements of the recent partnership agreement with the farming organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40332/06]

One of the key features of the agriculture chapter of Towards 2016 has been the Government's willingness to provide a major increase in funding for agriculture from Exchequer resources. This has not only made up for the inevitable decline in EU funding due to our economic success as a country, but has also provided the finance for the very significant enhancement of some major schemes which support the development of the sector.

National Exchequer funding for the farm schemes under the Rural Development Programme will be €4.7 billion for the period 2007 to 2013. This is an increase of 135% from the €2 billion in exchequer funds provided for the same schemes in the current round 2000-2006. The total funding for the agricultural measures is €6.8bn, including €2.1bn from EU and modulation.

The new draft rural development programme reflects the commitments contained in the partnership agreement and will cover both agricultural and non-agricultural measures. In line with the EU rural development framework, the measures in the programme will address competitiveness and sustainability. The main elements are as follows:

A 17% increase in payments under the Rural Environmental Scheme (REPS).

An 8% increase in Disadvantaged Areas Scheme payments.

The average forestry premium will rise by 15%.

The Installation Aid rate will increase by 56%, bringing it up to €15,000.

A new Early Retirement Scheme will be put in place with a maximum payment rate of €15,000.

A total of €250m is allocated for an Animal Welfare, Recording and Breeding Scheme for Suckler Herds.

There is capital investment funding of €100 million to support the dairy processing sector, and a €50m package for the beef and sheepmeat processing sector has also been announced.

These are just a few of the measures contained in the agriculture chapter of the partnership agreement, which is a very comprehensive document. It includes actions on all the main farming sectors, as well as on the development of the food industry. It also includes important measures on animal health, including a 50% reduction in disease levies, and includes commitments to continuing high levels of service to farmers by the Department. The strong focus on the future in the document is further underlined in the sections on "renewable energy", "enhancing the environment" and "measures to encourage structural change".

Grant Payments.

Denis Naughten

Question:

394 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if, in view of the safety issues involved, she will introduce grant aid for the construction of cattle underpasses on the road network; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40346/06]

I have no plans to extend grant-aid under my Department's on-farm investment schemes to include the construction of cattle underpasses on the road network.

Fur Industry.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

395 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the trade in dog and cat fur; if there are proposals to ban the trade in dog and cat fur here; her views on the mandatory labelling of products with dog and cat fur; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40350/06]

The EU Commission presented proposals on the 22nd of November dealing with the banning of trade in cat and dog fur and the import and export of these products. In general I welcome the Commission's decision to propose legislation in this area but of course the detailed provisions will have to be discussed in the various EU fora in the period ahead.

Beef Exports.

Martin Ferris

Question:

396 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she will take to persuade Russia that Irish beef over which Russia has expressed concerns is both safe and of a higher standard than beef originating in the accession States of Romania and Bulgaria. [40383/06]

The Russian Federation has not expressed any concerns about Irish beef which meets all the veterinary requirements for export there. What it is concerned about is the status of animal products from Romania and Bulgaria once these States have joined the EU. It has asked the EU Commission to inform it of the animal products which will be allowed to be exported to it from these countries and the phyto-sanitary requirements which will apply to them. It has also asked that the EU arrange a joint inspection of premises to be approved for export, before 1 January 2007. Otherwise it has threatened to suspend trade in animal products between Russia and the EU.

EU veterinary officials will travel to Moscow this week to explain the transitional veterinary and food safety measures that will be applied in Romania and Bulgaria from 1 January 2007. It is hoped that this will avert the threatened Russian ban on imports of animal products from the EU.

Martin Ferris

Question:

397 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the amount and the value of beef Ireland has exported to Russia per year since 2002. [40384/06]

The official figures provided by the CSO on the volume and value of Irish beef exports to Russia since 2002 are shown in the table below:

Year

Volume in tonnes (carcase weight equivalent)

Value in Euros

2002

83,000

79.7m

2003

76,000

69.1m

2004

47,000

48.8m

2005

28,000

35.3m

2006 (January to June)

14,000

19.6m

EU Conventions.

Simon Coveney

Question:

398 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason Ireland has not signed or ratified the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals; and the action she will take to rectify the matter in view of the fact that other countries (details supplied) have. [40406/06]

My Department has statutory responsibility for the welfare and protection of animals kept for farming purposes only and it does not extend to animals kept as pets. I understand that the matters relating to ratification of Council of Europe Conventions and the responsibility of Departments in that regard are still under consideration.

Afforestation Programme.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

399 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if, in advance of any legislative reform of the Forestry Acts, she is waiving or is prepared to waive the replanting obligation to allow habitat restoration in sensitive areas where forestry is proving uneconomic or has been associated with significant environmental damage. [40429/06]

There are two type of Felling Licence in operation at present, i.e. a General Felling Licence and a Limited Felling Licence. In relation to Limited Felling Licences, Section 41 of the Forestry Act 1946 provides that the Minster may, under certain conditions, release the licensee from the obligation to comply with all or any of the replanting conditions imposed or alternatively reduce the number of trees to be planted by the licensee. Where a General Felling Licence is in operation, which is the normal type of licence used for commercial harvesting, there is still provision to exclude areas from the replanting obligation on environmental grounds, following the detailed consultation process that all felling licence applications go through. The procedure here is to make such areas subject to a Limited Felling Licence instead and the Minister can then release the licensee from any associated replanting obligation.

Any decision to waive the replanting obligation contained in a Limited Felling Licence for environmental reasons is considered on a case by case basis following detailed examination and assessment by my Department's Forest Inspectorate, and in consultation with the environmental bodies such as National Parks and Wildlife Service, Fisheries Boards and local authorities.

Farm Waste Management.

Denis Naughten

Question:

400 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will be approved for construction by her Department under the farm waste management grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40460/06]

The person concerned is an applicant under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. My Department's inspectorate carried out a preliminary inspection of the farm on 27 November 2006 and a decision in respect of the application concerned will be made shortly.

Organic Farming.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

401 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the way she plans to improve compliance with rules regarding the advertising of organic produce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40590/06]

The introduction of the European Communities (Organic Farming) Regulation 2004 (SI No. 112 of 2004) gave my Department powers to prosecute contraventions of Council Regulation (EEC) No. 2092/91 on organic production and indications referring thereto on agricultural products and foodstuffs. So far, my Department has successfully prosecuted one operator for an offence for labelling product in contravention of these Regulations.

My Department is committed to ensuring that consumers can have full confidence in the organic food they buy. For that reason, extra resources have been assigned to the Organic Unit earlier this year. My officials are now systematically inspecting retail outlets, including supermarkets, shops and farmers' markets, checking to ensure that all product identified as organic has been produced fully in accordance with the organic regulations.

Consumers can play an important part in identifying traders and retailers who may be trying to abuse the Regulations governing the organic sector. My officials will carry out full and rigorous investigations in any such cases and will bring prosecutions where appropriate.

Meat Exports.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

402 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she has made representations to the Russian authorities regarding Russia’s possible ban on EU meat; if she has assessed the impact of this policy on agriculture here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40591/06]

The Russian Federation has written to the EU Commission expressing concern about the status of animal products from Romania and Bulgaria once these States have joined the EU. It has asked the EU Commission to inform it of the animal products which will be allowed to be exported to it from these countries and the phyto-sanitary requirements which will apply them. It has also asked the EU to arrange a joint inspection of premises to be approved for export, before 1 January 2007. Otherwise it has threatened to suspend trade in animal products between Russia and the EU.

EU veterinary officials will travel to Moscow this week to explain the transitional veterinary and food safety measures that will be applied in Romania and Bulgaria from 1 January 2007. It is hoped that this will avert the threatened Russian ban on imports of animal products from the EU.

The Russian Federation has not expressed any concerns about Irish meat which meets all the veterinary requirements for export there. While the focus for our beef and pigmeat exports in recent years has been the EU market, Ireland continues to have a good level of trade in beef and pigmeat with Russia where we exported in the order of 28,000 tonnes of beef and 5,000 tonnes of pigmeat last year.

Grant Payments.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

403 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Wexford was refused payment entitlements from the 2005 national reserve; the appeal system in place for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40676/06]

The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the 2005 Single Payment Scheme National Reserve under Categories A and D.

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 by 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 deemed unsuccessful under this category as she did not receive the land free of charge or for a nominal sum.

Category D caters for farmers who inherited or purchased land and who commenced farming after 31 December, 2002 or who commenced farming in 2002 but who received no direct payments in respect of that scheme year. The person named was also deemed unsuccessful under this category as the land acquired was leased land which does not qualify for this category.

A formal letter outlining my Department's decision on the National Reserve has issued to the person named. The person named submitted an appeal against this decision and provided additional documentation in support of her appeal. In all such cases, the procedure is that all contentions put forward in support of an appeal are first of all reviewed within my Department to see whether there is sufficient evidence to warrant any change to the original decision. In this case the documentation was examined by my Department but did not provide grounds for a change to the original decision. This case has since been forwarded to the Independent Single Payments Appeals Committee who will carry out a full review of the case and will correspond directly with the person named following the outcome of their review.

In the 2006 National Reserve there is provision for New Entrants to farming who have leased land. The leased/rented land must have been declared on the 2004 Area Aid application and on the 2005 and 2006 Single Payment Scheme applications.

Higher Education Grants.

Michael Ring

Question:

404 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will amend the qualifying guidelines for the special rate top-up maintenance grant in Budget 2007 to include parents who earn less than €20,000 and cannot qualify for family income supplement due to insufficient working hours. [40297/06]

Michael Ring

Question:

441 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will amend the guidelines for the special rate top-up maintenance grant in view of the fact that some people earning less than €20,000 can not get this grant; and that the Minister review the guidelines. [40287/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 404 and 441 together.

To qualify for the top-up grant in the academic year 2006/2007 all candidates must satisfy the following conditions:

1. Qualify for the ordinary maintenance grant in respect of the academic year 2006/07;

2. Total reckonable income limit in the tax year to 31 December 2005 must not exceed €16,748 (net of standard exclusions, as set out in the 2006 Maintenance Grants Schemes and net of Child Dependant increase (CDI) payments, where applicable);

3. As at 31 December 2005, the reckonable income of parent(s)/guardian(s), the candidate himself/herself, or the income of the spouse/partner, as the case may be, must include one of the eligible social welfare payments prescribed under the Scheme.

List of Eligible Payments

1. Social Assistance Payments

Blind Person's Pension

Carer's Allowance

Deserted Wife's Allowance

Disability Allowance

Farm Assist

Lone Parent's allowance

Unemployment Assistance (where held for 391 days or more)

Old Age (Non-Contributory) Pension

One parent family payment

Orphans (Non-Contributory) pension

Pre-retirement allowance

Prisoner's Wife's Allowance

Widow's/Widower's (Non-Contributory) Pension

2. Social Insurance Payments

Carer's Benefit

Deserted Wife's Benefit

Invalidity pension

Unemployability Supplement

Occupational Injuries Death Benefit (Orphan's pension)

Occupational Injuries Death Benefit (pension for a widow or widower)

Old Age Contributory Pension

Orphan's (Contributory) Allowance

Unemployment Benefit (continuous for at least 12 months)

Widow's/Widower's (Contributory) Pension

Retirement Pension

3. Family Income Supplement (FIS)

4. Designated Programmes

Back to Education Allowance

Back to Work Allowance (Employees)

Back to Work Enterprise Allowance

Community Employment Scheme

FÁS Training Programmes, including Apprenticeships

Job Start

Part time job incentive scheme

Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS)

5. Others

(a) In receipt of payments under the Fáilte Ireland Skills Programme equivalent to a social welfare payment;

(b) In receipt of payments under the FIT (Fastrack to IT) initiative equivalent to a social welfare payment;

(c) Participants on a training course approved by a Government Department, State Agency or Area Partnership and who were in receipt of an eligible payment prior to progressing to the programme;

(d) Grant aided employees in social economy enterprises;

(e) In receipt of payments under the Senior Traveller Training Centre programmes.

The annual income threshold for the special rates of maintenance grant is increased, in line with the relevant social welfare payments. The higher, non-adjacent special rate of maintenance is based on the maximum personal rate of Social Welfare Unemployment Assistance.

While I have no plans to depart, in the foreseeable future, from the current practice in relation to the Special Rate of Maintenance Grant under my Department's student maintenance grant schemes, I am committed to ongoing improvements in the scheme including increasing the income limits and the rate of payment, as resources permit.

Juvenile Offenders.

Mary Upton

Question:

405 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the weekly cost to the State for keeping a young person in a juvenile detention centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40463/06]

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.

Proposed Legislation.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

406 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science when the Student Support Bill will be published; the pre-consultation that has taken place with students and representative bodies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40311/06]

The Deputy will be aware that, in accordance with the commitment in the Agreed Programme for Government, I plan to introduce a single unified scheme of maintenance grants for students in higher education. This will, I believe, provide for a more coherent administration system which will facilitate consistency of application, improved client accessibility and ensure the timely delivery of grants to those who need them most. This is part of my overall plan to introduce service improvements in the administration of the student grant schemes. These will include guaranteed timeframes for the earlier payment of grants, an independent appeals procedure and more efficient arrangements for handling applications and making payments.

To effect these administrative and service improvements requires the introduction of a new statutory basis for the scheme to replace the existing arrangements which involve a mix of statutory and non-statutory administrative schemes. Accordingly, the Government has approved the drafting of a new Student Support Bill which will place all student support schemes on a statutory footing for the first time, including providing for the designation of an appropriate awarding authority and for the general basis on which grants will be awarded to eligible students.

Work on the Bill is at an advanced stage and I hope to be in a position to publish the Bill in early 2007.

My Department has, as I have indicated previously, engaged in substantial consultations with the key stakeholders, including students in order to map the most logical and effective arrangements for the future structure and administration of the student support schemes. This process of consultation is on-going. Implementation of the Bill when enacted, will take place in consultation with the relevant stakeholders to ensure an orderly transition and minimise disruption to students.

Psychological Service.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

407 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science when all primary schools will be fully covered by the National Educational Psychological Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40512/06]

As the deputy will be aware all primary and post primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through the NEPS or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA), full details of which are available on my Department's website.

Schools that do not currently have NEPS psychologists assigned to them may avail of the SCPA, whereby the school can have an assessment carried out by a member of the panel of private psychologists approved by NEPS, and NEPS will pay the psychologist the fees for this assessment directly.

The NEPS service is locally based and regionally organised with a small national Head Office. Currently, the NEPS service is now available to approximately 1,604 primary schools (representing approximately 60% of pupils) and approximately 586 post-primary schools (representing 78% of students). This number includes 46 schools in the City and County of Dublin Vocational Schemes, which have their own psychological service.

In common with many other psychological services, NEPS encourages a staged assessment process, whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention, in consultation with their assigned NEPS psychologist. Only if there is a failure to make reasonable progress in spite of the school's best efforts, will a child be referred for individual psychological assessment. This system allows the psychologists to give early attention to urgent cases and also to help many more children indirectly than could be seen individually. It also ensures that children are not referred unnecessarily for psychological intervention.

The introduction of the General Allocation Model for primary schools last year, supported by the provision of over 600 extra resource teachers, means that children with high incidence special needs now longer have to wait for an individual assessment before they can get access to extra support.

Since the establishment of NEPS, the number of psychologists in the service has increased from 43 to 127 at present (including 4 psychologists currently seconded to the National Behavioural Support Service). In the last recruitment round, regional panels were used to allow my Department give greater priority in filling vacancies to areas with the greatest need.

In addition to the 127 psychologists currently in NEPS, a further 6 are in the process of being recruited. On top of this, the 17% increase in funding for the service provided in the 2007 Estimates, will allow some further expansion in the number of psychologists next year and consequently the coverage of schools by NEP psychologists. The actual number of extra staff will be determined shortly.

Schools Building Projects.

Seán Crowe

Question:

408 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the consideration given to the Comptroller and Auditor General’s report of June 2004, which found that the pilot school building PPP projects were far more costly than the construction of schools by conventional means, before her recent announcement of the construction of more new schools under public private partnership. [40589/06]

My Department fully considered all aspects of the Comptroller and Auditor General's report and has taken on board the key lessons learned from the pilot PPP Programme. In this regard, a full life-cycle analysis of the costs of providing the project outputs through conventional means was conducted. The result of this analysis was a Public Sector Benchmark for the project. The Public Sector Benchmark will be used to set an affordability cap for the project before formal procurement commences. The benchmark is set in terms of capital cost, unitary cost and the associated net present value (NPV). My Department considers that this addresses the issues raised by the Comptroller and Auditor General.

School Enrolments.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

409 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide figures, broken down on a county basis, for the number of pupils in primary schools in classes of 0 to 24, 25 to 29, 30 to 39 and 40 plus; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39924/06]

Information in relation to class sizes 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. As the Deputy will be aware, there are now no less than 4,000 extra primary teachers, compared with 2002. Furthermore, there are nearly 7,000 more primary teachers than there were in 1997. The average class size in our primary schools is now 24. With the unprecedented increases in support staff, there is now one teacher for every 17 primary school children, down from one for 22. Children who need extra help are getting more support than ever before. I am sure the Deputy will be happy to hear that the number of children in large classes nationally has been significantly reduced. When the Government first came into office, there were more than 52,000 children in classes of 35 and over — five times the number that there were in the last school year. There were also more than 1,900 children in classes of 40 and over — compared to just over 200 in 05/06. While I appreciate the need to make further progress in reducing class size, it should be acknowledged just how much has been achieved.

In recent years, priority has rightly been given to providing extra support for children with special needs, those from disadvantaged areas and those that need help with their English. Special education provision in particular has undergone a level of expansion the extent of which nobody could have predicted a few years ago and this was only right. If we had put all 4,000 of the teachers hired since 2002 into classroom teaching, our average class size would be a lot smaller than it is now, but we would have done a great disservice to those children who need extra help the most. I am sure the Deputy would accept that we have taken the right approach. Now that children with special needs are finally getting the support they deserve, we are providing extra teachers this year and next specifically to reduce class sizes, through a reduction in the mainstream staffing schedule. This has meant that, whereas all primary schools were staffed on a general rule of at least one classroom teacher for every 29 children in the 05/06 school year, in the current school year there is a general rule of at least one 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 we are committed to hiring even more extra teachers in order to reduce this to a general rule of at least one teacher for every 27 children.

We also acted this year to specifically address the needs of growing schools by making it easier to qualify for a developing school post. Over 280 such posts were sanctioned for the 2006/07 school year, compared to 170 in 2005/06. This change specifically addressed the needs of schools which are seeing large increases in their enrolments year on year. The improvements we have made in school staffing in recent years are absolutely unparalleled, but we are determined to go even further, and so the 2007 Estimates include provision for another 800 primary teachers. About 500 of these will be classroom teachers, which includes our commitment to reduce class sizes. I assure the Deputy that we will continue to prioritise further improvements in school staffing going forward. We will also continue our focus on measures to improve the quality of education in our primary schools to ensure that increased resources lead to better outcomes for our children.

Physical Education Facilities.

Finian McGrath

Question:

410 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the application for funding for a school hall for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 13; and to support them on this matter. [39932/06]

Finian McGrath

Question:

420 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if the summer works scheme will fund the astroturf pitch at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 13; if the special incentive scheme will fund the balance of €750,000 on the physical education hall at the school; and if this school will be given the maximum support and financial assistance. [39952/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 410 and 420 together.

The school referred to by the Deputy has an application with the Department for major capital grant aid for a PE Hall. This project has been assessed in accordance with the published criteria for large scale building projects and has been assigned a Band 4 rating. Progress on the proposed project is being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme from 2007 onwards. The Department is also in receipt of an application for the Summer Works Scheme 2007 from the management authority of this school. Applications for the Summer Works Scheme are currently being assessed and the list of successful applicants will be published as soon as possible.

Schools Building Projects.

Finian McGrath

Question:

411 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the new school building for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and the reason for the delay for the technical team report. [39933/06]

A technical site visit of the proposed school premises for the school to which the Deputy refers was recently carried out by the Department. A preliminary report has been compiled by the Department's technical staff which deals with the suitability of the proposed school premises and also outlines the strategy for developing the final brief for accommodating the schools which are to be situated on this campus. It is expected that the final accommodation brief will be completed very soon. The School Planning Section of my Department will be in contact with the management authorities of the school concerned in this regard in due course.

School Staffing.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

412 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department will reply and meet with a person (details supplies) in Dublin 3; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39934/06]

The recruitment and appointment of teachers to fill vacancies in an individual primary school is a matter for the Board of Management of the school concerned. Accordingly, it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in individual cases. The person in question is a qualified second level teacher. Qualifications recognised for the purposes of teaching at second level are not accepted for the purpose of recognition to teach in a permanent capacity in primary schools. At primary level teachers are class teachers, rather than subject specialists, and must be qualified to teach the range of primary school subjects to children aged 4 to 12 years. In order to obtain recognition to teach in mainstream primary schools, persons holding qualifications recognised for teaching at second level must successfully complete a recognised post-graduate primary conversion course. Unqualified personnel should only be employed in exceptional circumstances and when all avenues for recruiting qualified personnel have been exhausted. The letter of 8th November referred to by the Deputy was answered by my Private Secretary on 21st November.

Youth Work.

Ivor Callely

Question:

413 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the appointment of an assessor of youth work to her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39937/06]

The appointment of an Assessor of Youth Work was identified as a priority in the National Youth Work Development Plan 2003-07. This post is viewed by all involved in youth work as an essential step forward. An appointment was made to this position in August 2006 on a two year contract basis.

State Examinations.

Ivor Callely

Question:

414 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science the level of appeals by students of their grades in the leaving certificate examinations over the past five years; her views on the fact that over 20% of students that appealed their exam grades in 2006 received increased points following their appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39938/06]

The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations, including organising the holding of examinations and issuing the results of examinations. The Commission has put in place a number of measures designed to enhance transparency and to put candidates in the best possible position with regard to deciding whether or not to appeal a result in a particular subject. Following the issue of provisional results, all Leaving Certificate candidates are allowed to view their marked scripts. For this, they are provided with a copy of the official marking scheme and may be accompanied, while viewing their scripts, by a person of their own choosing, for example a parent, teacher or subject expert. Consequently, in many instances where an appeal is lodged, the candidate will have done so because the prospect of an upgrade has been seen to be very good. The use of split grades in the Irish examination system means that all results from A2 to D3 correspond to 5% bands. Results in these grade bands are of necessity within 2.5% (or the equivalent of one mark out of forty) of the nearest grade boundary. The statistics provided in the attached table show that the number of upgrades awarded on appeal has remained constant over recent years at approximately 0.6% of the total number of grades awarded.

Appeals of Provisional Examination Results — 2002 to 2006

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

Grades issued

362,545

387,749

380,013

374,171

333,762

Grades Appealed

9,585

10,299

10,136

11,582

9,290

Upgrades

2,018

2,192

2,064

2,651

1,998

Upgrades as percentage of original results

0.6%

0.6%

0.5%

0.7%

0.6%

Youth Work.

Ivor Callely

Question:

415 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science the work and progress of the North South Education and Training Standards Committee for the Professional Endorsement of Youth Work Training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39939/06]

Ivor Callely

Question:

417 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science the education and training programmes and awards in youth work that have been approved by the North South Education and Training Standard Committee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39941/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 415 and 417 together.

A North/South Committee for the professional endorsement of youth work training was established in October 2005 following detailed discussions between representatives of the National Youth Work Advisory Committee (NYWAC) and the Youth Council of Northern Ireland, National Youth Agency in Leicester and the Department of Education in Northern Ireland. I was happy to launch this initiative with Minister Angela Smith. The establishment of such a committee was recommended in the National Youth Work Development Plan 2003-2007. The Committee's purpose is, having developed a comprehensive framework for accreditation and certification in youth work on an All Ireland basis, to professionally endorse relevant youth work qualifications provided in the first instance by Higher Education Institutions. In this regard, the Dundalk Institute of Technology had its Degree Programme in Youth Work endorsed for accreditation in September 2006 by the Committee. Submissions from the University of Ulster at Jordanstown and the National University of Ireland, Maynooth for endorsement of their youth work courses are being considered by the Committee at present.

Ivor Callely

Question:

416 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding allocated to the work of the National Youth Council of Ireland; the additional funding granted for special projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39940/06]

The National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) is funded under the Youth Service Grant Scheme administered by the Youth Affairs Section of my Department and is the prescribed national representative youth work organisation under the terms of the Youth Work Act, 2001. The financial allocation to the NYCI from my Department for 2006 is €691,897. The total allocation to date in 2006 for the Special Projects for Youth Scheme, which targets our most marginalised young people, is €17.052 million, an increase of €1.32 million over 2005. There is provision for an increase in baseline funding for the scheme in the 2007 estimates.

Question No. 417 answered with QuestionNo. 415.

Ivor Callely

Question:

418 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science the work and progress of the National Youth Work Advisory Committee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39942/06]

The National Youth Work Advisory Committee (NYWAC) was appointed in April 2002 under the Youth Work Act, 2001 for a period of up to five years. The main function of this Committee is to advise the Minister on the development of youth work policy. Some eight sub-committees/working groups have been working on a range of issues since 2002 including a sub-committee charged with the development of guidelines and criteria for the roll out of the Act. Such detailed guidelines and criteria are considered by all youth work interests to be necessary to ensure that the Act is rolled out in a strategic and coherent manner. I am glad to report that these guidelines and criteria are nearing completion. Other sub-committees are currently assisting with issues such as Child Protection for the youth work sector, youth welfare issues including alcohol misuse, the role of youth work in addressing educational disadvantage and assisting consultants in reviews of youth work funding and youth information provision. The NYWAC also assisted in the planning and organisation of the Third National Youth Conference which I held in Croke Park in October this year. This Committee is a valuable source of advice to me and my Department and its work and commitment to youth work issues is highly regarded.

School Enrolments.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

419 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will publish a detailed analysis of primary school figures in respect of the general Tallaght, Dublin 24 area; if she will confirm contacts which have taken place with South Dublin County Council planners in respect of those figures; the action she proposes to deal with increased demand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39949/06]

As recently advised to the Deputy, the Department has examined current capacity in existing primary and post-primary schools in the context of the proposed Tallaght Town Centre development. Arising from this, a submission has been made to the local authority on estimated school site and school requirements for inclusion in the local area plan. The Department has requested that two sites be reserved for the provision of four additional primary schools. Owing to the level of spare capacity in existing Post-Primary schools in the area, the Department is not proposing additional post-primary provision at this time.

Question No. 420 answered with QuestionNo. 410.

Home Tuition.

Pat Carey

Question:

421 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department will arrange for home tuition for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39972/06]

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that home tuition has recently been granted to the child in question and this decision has been conveyed to the applicant.

School Staffing.

Paudge Connolly

Question:

422 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of rapidly increasing local population, a primary school (details supplied) in County Cavan will be provided with additional staffing to enable teachers to cope; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39976/06]

The mainstream staffing of a primary school for a particular school year is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on the 30th September of the previous school year and by reference to a staffing schedule. This staffing schedule for the 2006/07 school year is outlined in Primary Circular 0023/2006 which was issued to all primary schools. Based on an enrolment of 278 pupils on the 30th September 2005, as submitted by the Board of Management of the school referred to by the Deputy, the mainstream staffing warranted in the school for the 2006/2007 school year is a Principal and 10 mainstream class teachers.

Within the terms of the current staffing arrangements for primary schools there is provision for additional posts, referred to as developing school posts, to be assigned to schools on the basis of projected enrolments for the next school year. A developing school is defined as a school where the enrolment on 30 September of one year is projected to exceed the enrolment on 30 September of the previous year by a minimum specified numerical increase and by having an excess of 5 pupils above the required appointment figure. The school in question has secured a developing school post for the 2006/2007 school year.The school also has the services of a learning support teacher and a language support teacher.The overall total staffing in the school for the current year is therefore Principal and 13 teachers.

Schools Building Projects.

Paudge Connolly

Question:

423 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Science if additional permanent accommodation will be provided for a primary school (details supplied) in County Cavan to replace five temporary prefabricated classrooms, which occupy most of the school’s play space; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39977/06]

An upward trend in enrolment in recent years at the school referred to by the Deputy has necessitated a review by my Department of demographic trends, housing developments and enrolment trends in the area in order to ensure that any capital funding provided will deliver accommodation appropriate to the school's need into the future. Upon completion of this assessment a decision will be conveyed to the school on how best to provide for the school's long term accommodation needs. The project will then be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2006-2010.

School Enrolments.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

424 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will address the main point of Parliamentary Question No. 219 of 16 November 2006 which dealt with the matter of a new requirement to prove the address of pupils seeking enrolment; and if the parents right to send their children to the school of their choice had been removed. [39980/06]

As previously stated in my response to the Deputy, 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. 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. My Department has no involvement in the criteria which individual schools choose to include in their enrolment policies. However, in formulating an admissions policy, a school must ensure it is lawful. In particular, it must act in accordance with section 7 of the Equal Status Act 2000.

Where a Board of Management refuses to enrol a student in a school, the parent of the student or, where the student has reached 18 years of age, the student himself or herself, 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 my Department. A committee is established to hear the appeal with hearings conducted with a minimum of formality. In most cases appeals must be dealt with within 30 days. Where appropriate, my Department may give whatever directions to the Board of Management that are considered necessary to remedy the matter complained of.

School Fees.

Finian McGrath

Question:

425 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if there are some second level private schools (details supplied) collecting between €5 to €7 million per year in school fees; and if she will make a statement on this matter particularly on the lack of access for poorer and weaker students. [39981/06]

Fee charging schools are a traditional feature of the post-primary educational system, particularly in Dublin. As the schools concerned are institutions that are privately owned and managed, the level and extent of school fees is a matter for the schools concerned. A significant element of the fee-charging school sector has traditionally been made up of Protestant schools and those with a minority religious ethos. Fee-charging schools, with the exception of the special arrangements that apply in respect of the Protestant and Jewish fee paying schools, do not receive capitation or related supports. The Protestant and Jewish schools receive funding by way of a Block Grant, which has its origins in the desire of the State to enable students of the Protestant and Jewish persuasion to attend schools, which reflect their denominational ethos. The Block Grant includes payments in respect of capitation.

In relation to the application of fair and objective criteria for entry to second level schools including fee charging schools, a Memorandum of Understanding was agreed between my Department and the three post-primary managerial associations in 1993, that the selection of pupils for enrolment in second-level schools should not be based on academic ability. Schools were notified of this agreement by Circular letter M51/93, which issued in December of that year.

Teachers’ Remuneration.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

426 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if graduates from a college (details supplied) will qualify for an increment in respect of it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40007/06]

The forum for dealing with claims for improvements to conditions of service for teachers is the Teachers Conciliation Council. A formal claim on the matter referred to by the Deputy has been submitted to the Council. Pending the outcome of consideration of that claim, I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter.

Schools Building Projects.

Jack Wall

Question:

427 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of a school building programme for a primary school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40018/06]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that on 10 April, 2006 my Department gave devolved authority for the project in question to proceed to planning permission and preparation of tender documentation. My Department is currently awaiting confirmation from the school that they have completed this process.

Eating Disorders.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

428 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the supports in place within the school and education setting to support young people who may be vulnerable to developing an eating disorder or who may be living with an eating disorder; her views on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40024/06]

A curriculum in Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE) is a mandatory part of all programmes for primary students, and its implementation is also being assisted by a full-time support service. The programme begins in the infant classes and specifically addresses the need for regular exercise, and examines food and nutrition issues and the need for a balanced diet. The objective is that by fifth and sixth class, students are equipped to take responsibility for making wise food choices and adopting a healthy balanced diet, and in that context, exploring and examining the food pyramid.

The strand ‘Myself' in the SPHE Curriculum is concerned with the personal development of the individual child and his/her health and well-being. The content facilitates the development of a variety of personal and self-management skills and fosters a sense of personal responsibility for their own actions and behaviour. Media education is addressed as an integral part of the strand ‘Myself and the Wider World'. This aims to enable children to become aware of the purpose and nature of advertising and to explore how marketing and advertising can influence behaviour and opinion.

At post-primary level, SPHE for Junior Cycle builds on the primary SPHE Curriculum. All post-primary schools have been required to have SPHE as part of the Junior Cycle core curriculum since September 2003. In this way, all students are provided with the opportunity to develop the skills and competences to enable them to develop a framework for responsible decision-making and to promote their physical, mental and emotional health and well-being.

Personal health issues are addressed in a holistic way in the post-primary SPHE curriculum. Nutrition and physical activity are specifically addressed in the module on ‘Physical Health'. Cross-curricular links with other subjects that deal with SPHE-related topics: Home Economics, PE and Junior Science, for example are encouraged. It is a requirement, however, that SPHE is allocated discrete class time.

Ongoing support to teachers and to schools in their implementation of the SPHE curricula is offered through the Primary Curriculum Support Programme and the Post-Primary SPHE Support Service. In post-primary schools the implementation of SPHE is supported through partnership between the Department of Health and Children and the Department of Education and Science together with the Health Boards. Collaborative work between the SPHE team of the Primary Curriculum Support Programme (PCSP) and Health Boards is also being undertaken.

In addition to this, the Transition Year Programme, which is available to schools on an optional basis provides a flexible menu of options designed to further support pupils' personal and social development, to provide a bridge between junior and senior cycle and to offer a broad educational experience which can aid the maturing process. As part of this, many schools offer modules in Mental Health Matters. All post-primary schools provide a guidance and counselling service for their students and they receive ex-quota hours from the Department for this provision. Qualified guidance counsellors, working in second level schools, are trained to provide counselling support to students.

While the specific occurrence of eating disorders among students constitutes an issue primarily for action by health authorities and the appropriate clinical intervention it is my experience that schools provide a caring environment within which school authorities and teachers will do their very best to ensure that, where aware, they support such students educational and wider personal needs.

The services of my Departments National Educational Psychological Service (NEPs) are in turn available to schools to provide consultation and advice to parents and teachers and liaison with health services, where appropriate.

The above is a broad outline of the significant provision that exists within the education system to address these very serious issues in our society and to provide our students with skills, understandings and supports to equip them for life in today's world.

Special Educational Needs.

James Breen

Question:

429 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide funding to purchase equipment for a sensory room for autistic children in a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40027/06]

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that funding is available for the purchase of equipment in sensory rooms for children with autism. In relation to the school in question, my Department issued a once-off Start-Up Equipment Grant to the school when the Autistic Unit was originally set up.More recently, officials in my Department have been in contact with the school regarding the acquisition of equipment for the sensory room.

School Accommodation.

James Breen

Question:

430 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will prioritise the provision of three prefabricated buildings to a school (details supplied) in County Clare in view of the fact that two teachers are teaching pupils in corridors and one in a staffroom; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40028/06]

Pat Breen

Question:

440 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science when a decision will be made regarding costs for three prefabricated buildings for a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40286/06]

I propose to take Questions 430 and 440 together.

The school authority to which the Deputy refers was given approval to seek quotations for the rental and installation of 3 mainstream prefabricated classrooms. The Form of Acceptance which outlines details of the costs has been returned by the school and is currently being examined by the Department.

Schools Building Projects.

Michael Collins

Question:

431 Mr. Collins asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will make a full statement on the establishment of the proposed new community college in Abbeyfeale, County Limerick. [40059/06]

The new community college in Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick has been included in the second bundle of Public Private Partnership projects which I announced last week and arises from the amalgamation of St Ita's College, Abbeyfeale, St. Joseph's Secondary School, Convent of Mercy, Abbeyfeale and Abbeyfeale Vocational School. When completed the new school will provide 850 student places and will ensure that post-primary students in Abbeyfeale will be able to access a broad subject range.

My Department's PPP Unit will immediately commence the pre-procurement process for this new project bundle and will shortly begin stakeholder meetings with each of the individual schools. The stakeholder meetings will include management, staff, pupils, parents, trade unions and other interested relevant local individuals or groups and will provide a detailed explanation of the PPP procurement process and the role of the individual schools in the bundled project.

Other tasks to be undertaken as part of the pre-procurement process include the preparation of Output Specifications in respect of each school in the bundle, preparation of the Public Services Benchmark and the completion of all statutory requirements. When these tasks are completed the project bundle will be handed over to the National Development Finance Agency who will procure the projects on behalf of my Department.

Schools Refurbishment.

Michael Noonan

Question:

432 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received proposals from a post primary school (details supplied) in County Limerick for the securing, making safe, refurbishing and developing of an old school premises; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40083/06]

An application for a refurbishment project has been received from the school to which the Deputy refers. The project has been assessed and will be progressed in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2006-2010.

Michael Noonan

Question:

433 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received proposals from a post primary school (details supplied) in County Limerick for the refurbishment of an old building on the school site to make it suitable for the running of summer work programmes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40084/06]

My Department is in receipt of an application for the Summer Works Scheme 2007 from the management authority of the school to which the Deputy refers. Applications for the Summer Works Scheme are currently being assessed and the list of successful applicants will be published as soon as possible. In addition, an application for a refurbishment project has been received from the school to which the Deputy refers. The project has been assessed and will be progressed in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2006-2010.

Schools Building Projects.

John McGuinness

Question:

434 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of an application for an extension to a school (details supplied) in County Carlow; if the application will be expedited in view of the new existing housing developments in the area and the fact that further houses are under construction and in planning; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40085/06]

I can confirm that the Department is in receipt of an application for capital funding under the Permanent Accommodation Scheme 2007 from the management authority of the school to which the Deputy refers. Applications under this Scheme are currently being assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria and a list of successful applicants will be announced when this process is complete.

School Transport.

John McGuinness

Question:

435 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if the school transport arrangement for a school (details supplied) in County Carlow will be investigated with a view to providing a more efficient service; if the school authorities will be consulted as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40086/06]

The case referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied has been considered by the School Transport Appeals Board which found that the present level of service to the school in question is reasonable and that the benefits of an exclusive service would not justify the costs involved. In the circumstances, it is not open to me to re-examine the case.

Special Educational Needs.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

436 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the implementation of the sectoral plans in her Department as part of the Disability Act 2005; if she envisages delays in the rollout of the timetable set out in her announcement in July 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40092/06]

My Department is not required to produce a sectoral plan as the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act (EPSEN), 2004 specifically deals with the education sector.

Both the Disability Act, 2005 and the EPSEN Act, 2004 refer to the need to co-ordinate and plan special needs resources in both the Health and Education sectors. It is proposed to commence Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 for children aged under 5 years with effect from 1st June 2007. Part 2 will be commenced in respect of children aged 5 to 18 years in tandem with the implementation of the EPSEN Act. The National Council for Special Education recently submitted its implementation report, which sets out its views and recommendations on a plan for the implementation of the EPSEN Act over a period of 5 years and this is currently being considered by my Department. The statutory requirements of Part 2 of the Disability Act will be extended to adults as soon as possible but no later than the end of 2011.

Schools Building Projects.

Denis Naughten

Question:

437 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 464 of 20 June 2006, if an application will be approved with her primary building unit for the school in County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40102/06]

The School Planning Section of my Department is now in receipt of an application for the Small Schools Scheme 2007 from the school referred to by the Deputy. The application will be assessed by my officials and publication of the list of successful applicants for the scheme will be published as soon as possible.

Phil Hogan

Question:

438 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science when a school (details supplied) in County Carlow will be approved for funding under the permanent accommodation scheme and grant aid for major works as submitted by the board of management; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40103/06]

I can confirm that the Department is in receipt of two applications for capital funding from the management authority of the school to which the Deputy refers, one under the Permanent Accommodation Scheme 2007 and one under the Small Schools Scheme 2007.

The closing date for receipt of applications for both of these devolved funding schemes was the 27th October 2006. The Department is now in the process of assessing the applications of the all schools that applied under these schemes according to the published prioritisation criteria.

A list of successful schools will be published when the assessment process has been completed.

Home-School Liaison Scheme.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

439 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason schools (details supplied) in County Galway have been informed that they will lose their home school community liaison teacher in September 2007; if her attention has been drawn to the work that has been done by these schools in this regard and of the continuing necessity to continue to bridge the gulf between dysfunctional families and school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40105/06]

The Home/School/Community Liaison Scheme (HSCL) is a major mainstream preventative strategy targeted at pupils at risk of not reaching their potential in the educational system because of background characteristics which tend to affect adversely pupil attainment and school retention. The scheme is concerned with establishing partnership and collaboration between parents and teachers in the interests of children's learning. It focuses directly on the salient adults in children's educational lives and seeks indirect benefits for the children themselves.

Under DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the new Action Plan for Educational Inclusion, which is currently being implemented by my Department, I recently announced the allocation of 80 additional posts in order to extended Home School Community Liaison services to all 338 urban/town primary and 203 second level schools participating in the School Support Programme under DEIS that do not currently have the service, in addition to the 370 local coordinators already in place.

In addition, schools in the HSCL scheme not selected under DEIS, including the two schools referred to by the Deputy, will continue to receive HSCL services after 2006/2007. HSCL services will be provided to some 650 schools (282 second level and 370 primary schools), however, following a full review of HSCL clustering arrangements by my Department in the coming year, the level of service may change to some schools to ensure that all schools receive HSCL services in line with their level of disadvantage and size and to facilitate local HSCL coordinators working with families of disadvantaged children across both primary and second level.

The rationale behind DEIS is to ensure that the most disadvantaged schools benefit from all of the available supports. Targeting resources at the most disadvantaged schools who are working to counteract educational disadvantage will continue to be a priority for the Government.

Question No. 440 answered with QuestionNo. 430.
Question No. 441 answered with QuestionNo. 404.

Psychological Service.

David Stanton

Question:

442 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children who have had an educational assessment carried out under the National Educational Psychological Service scheme each year since the establishment of NEPS; the number of children currently awaiting an assessment; the number of assessments carried out under the scheme for commissioning psychological assessments in the same period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40288/06]

I set out below for the Deputies information a count of the number of assessments delivered since the establishment of NEPs in 1999 by NEPs psychologists and under the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA). NEPS does not keep waiting lists for assessments of children but in common with other psychological services encourages a staged assessment process, whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention, in consultation with their assigned NEPS psychologist. Only if there is a failure to make reasonable progress in spite of the school's best efforts, will a child be referred for individual psychological assessment. This system allows the psychologists to give early attention to urgent cases and also to help many more children indirectly than could be seen individually.

Children who manifest very special or urgent needs in school and who have not been previously assessed by a psychologist and are brought to the attention of a NEPS psychologist by the Principal teacher will usually be assessed by the psychologist within that school term. Normally, principals of schools prioritise those children in need of psychological assessment in consultation with the assigned psychologist.

Community colleges and vocational schools in the Dublin area have access to psychological services provided by the two VEC committees. In the case of schools that do not currently have dedicated NEPS psychologists assigned to them such schools have access to educational psychological assessments through the SCPA. Under this Scheme, schools can commission assessments from a member of the panel of private practitioners approved by NEPS, and NEPS will pay the fees directly to the psychologist concerned.

NEPS provides assistance to all schools and school communities that experience critical incidents, regardless of whether or not they have a NEPS psychologist assigned to them. NEPS also provides psychological services to schools in Dublin for children with visual impairment and for children with hearing impairment. Since the establishment of the NEPS in 1999, the number of NEPS psychologists has increased from 43 to 123 at present. Four psychologists have recently been assigned to the National Behaviour Support Service of my Department and my Department is currently in the process of replacing those psychologists from an established panel resulting from a recruitment competition of last year.

Development of psychological services must be seen in the context of all the initiatives and support services introduced by my Department in recent years, including the general allocation of resources to all schools, the DEIS programme, the establishment of the NBSS referred to above and the development of the NCSE (National Council for Special Education) and of the NEWB (National Education and Welfare Board).

Number of Assessments

Academic Year

NEPs Psychologist

SCPA Psychologist

Total

1999-2000

3,051

3,051

2000-2001

2,978

2,978

2001-2002

4,536

2,979

7,515

2002-2003

4,837

4,447

9,284

2003-2004

5,024

3,507

8,531

2004-2005

5,986

3,475

9,461

2005-2006

6,800

4,068

10,868

David Stanton

Question:

443 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if, with reference to the scheme for commissioning psychological assessments, her Department provides funding to pay for the travelling expenses of the private psychologists approved by the National Educational Psychological Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40289/06]

The Deputy will be aware that all primary and post primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through the NEPS or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA). 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.

Question No. 444 answered with QuestionNo. 93.

Physical Education Facilities.

Willie Penrose

Question:

445 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will confirm that her Department has received an application for capital funding for the provision of a sports centre or gym facility at a school (details supplied) in County Longford; if, in view of the importance of same for the school and the expanding hinterland, she will take steps to ensure that the funding is provided to this school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40291/06]

An application for capital funding for a PE Hall has been submitted by the school referred to by the Deputy. The application will be examined under the published criteria for major capital projects and the project will be considered for inclusion in the School Building and Modernisation Programme for 2007 and onwards.

Under the SCPA a fee of €330 is paid for each assessment commissioned. This fee is all-inclusive and therefore the payment travel and subsistence does not arise.

Schools Recognition.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

446 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science when will the recognition for a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow be awarded; if a decision will be made in time for the sixth class students entry into secondary school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40333/06]

I can confirm that the Department is in receipt of an application for recognition for a new school referred to by the Deputy.

This application is currently under consideration and a decision will be communicated to the proposer as soon as possible.

Multi-Denominational Schools.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

447 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received an application to approve the establishment of a multi-denominational primary school from a group of parents in Carlow who wish to be recognised as the patron body for the school; the consideration she has given to the application; when she will make a decision on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40334/06]

The New School Advisory Committee is in receipt of a notification of an intention to apply for a Multi-Denominational English medium primary school in Carlow town. The closing date for applications is 31 January 2007. All applications received will be referred to the New School Advisory Committee for their consideration.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

448 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the crisis faced by groups of parents who had hoped to be able to establish a multi-denominational school under the patronage of Educate Together and who cannot apply for recognition under their patronage due to the lack of resources available to Educate Together and the large numbers of schools under their patronage that are still in temporary accommodation; the action she will take to address this crisis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40335/06]

School building projects are selected for inclusion in the School Building and Modernisation Programme on the basis of priority of need using published criteria.

A significant number of new multi-denominational schools are established in rapidly developing areas. All infrastructural projects in these areas, regardless of ethos, are assigned a band 1 priority status under the criteria. Innovations in the delivery of school buildings such as Generic Repeat Designs and the use of the Design and Build model ensure that new school buildings are being delivered in these areas in the fastest time-frame possible.

This Government is delivering on its commitment to provide modern facilities in schools and has progressively increased funding in recent years with an aggregate total of over €2 billion alone between 2000 and 2005 and a commitment to invest a further €3b up to 2010. This is the largest investment programme in the history of the State.

The Department has never underestimated the scale of the task and the level of capital funding and other resources required to both rectify decades of under investment in school infrastructure and to meet newly emerging needs in the face of a huge expansion in our population base and the rapid expansion in teacher numbers. It has no desire to see any school in less than adequate accommodation and it will continue to tackle this issue in a structured and targeted fashion.

Schools Amalgamation.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

449 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made regarding an application by a school (details supplied) in County Kerry not to amalgamate with another school in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40352/06]

Agreement was reached some years ago, between the management authority of the school referred to by the Deputy and the authorities of two other primary schools in the area to amalgamate. A new eight classroom school is currently under construction to accommodate the amalgamated school. A decision on the amalgamation of these schools rests primarily with the Patron, subject only to my approval. I understand that the Patron has communicated with the Parents Committee of the school. It is now a matter for the Patron to officially appraise the Department of his position.

Teaching Qualifications.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

450 D’fhiafraigh Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta cén fáth a bhfuil an riail ann go bhfuil sé de dhualgas ar mhúinteoirí atá ag obair sna Sé Chontae an chuid phraiticiúil den Scrúdú le hAghaidh Cáilíochta sa Ghaeilge a dhéanamh i scoil sna 26 Chontae amháin, seachas sna scoileanna ina bhfuil siad ag múineadh Gaeilge sna Sé Chontae; an athróidh sí an riail seo; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [40357/06]

Don Triail Phraiticiúil beidh ar an iarrthóir a léiriú gur féidir leis/léi an clár sa Ghaeilge mar atá sé léirithe i gCuraclam na Bunscoile 1999 a mhúineadh mar ba chóir. Chun an critéir seo a shásamh ní mór don iarrthóir a bheith ag múineadh i limistéar ina bhfuil an curaclam san i bhfeidhm. Ciallaíonn san nach féidir an Triail Phraiticiúil den SCG a chríochnú go dtí go mbeidh fáil ag an iarrthóir ar rang in Éirinn chun a c(h)umas i leith múineadh an churaclaim san a léiriú.

School Enrolments.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

451 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science her projected future enrolments for a primary school (details supplied) in County Tipperary, in view of recent and future house building developments in the village; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40358/06]

In relation to forward planning in areas of growth, the process of assessing the need for new or additional educational facilities at primary or post-primary level in any given area entails consideration of all relevant factors, including enrolment and demographic trends, housing developments and the capacity of existing schools to meet the demand for places. Liaison with existing schools is also an important part of the process, as the school authorities would usually alert the Department where, in their view, the need for additional accommodation is anticipated. In this way, every effort is made to ensure that there is adequate existing provision, or that timely arrangements are made to extend capacity or provide new infrastructure where necessary.

The School Planning Section of the Department is not in receipt of any application for additional accommodation from the management authority of the school to which the Deputy refers.

Special Educational Needs.

Máire Hoctor

Question:

452 Ms Hoctor asked the Minister for Education and Science her proposals to support the role of special schools. [40359/06]

John McGuinness

Question:

547 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the policies she is implementing to support special schools. [40677/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 452 and 547 together.

I wish to assure the Deputies that I recognise the unique contribution of special schools in the education of children with special educational needs and am committed to further developing this area. This is why I have asked my officials to undertake a review of the role of the special school and the special class. With inclusion of pupils with special needs becoming a reality for many mainstream schools, it is essential to develop mechanisms to facilitate the sharing of expertise in special schools and to begin the process of creating ‘learning communities of schools'. The development of such a resource role for the special school is an acknowledgement by my Department of the value of these schools. My Department is most anxious that the skills and expertise that these schools have accumulated in supporting children with special needs is utilised to best advantage in providing for such children going forward. In addition, it will provide clear pathways towards enabling all schools within a geographical area to liaise professionally in a collaborative and co-operative fashion.

The initial part of the review involves the gathering and collation of information and views in relation to special schools and classes. This is being undertaken on behalf of my Department by St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra, Dublin 9. It is envisaged that this part of the process will be completed by the end of December 2006. The second phase of the review will be managed by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and will involve wider consultation with the schools and other partners.

The Deputies will be aware that in the context of increased investment in special education in 2007, I recently announced a significant increase in the rates of capitation grant paid to special schools. The increases range from a 30% increase in some payments to a near doubling of the rate for children with physical disabilities. These increases are a tangible demonstration of my commitment to supporting an important role for special schools. The extra payments for children in most special classes in mainstream schools are also being increased. The total cost of these measures will be €1.5 million.

School Staffing.

Máire Hoctor

Question:

453 Ms Hoctor asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to hire more teachers for Tipperary primary schools. [40360/06]

As the Deputy will be aware, there are now no less than 4,000 extra teachers in our primary schools, compared with 2002. Furthermore, there are nearly 7,000 more primary teachers than there were in 1997. This represents the largest increase in teacher numbers since the expansion of free education.

In recent years, priority has rightly been given to providing extra support for children with special needs, those from disadvantaged areas and those that need help with their English.

Extra teachers are being provided this year and next specifically to reduce class sizes, through a reduction in the mainstream staffing schedule. This has meant that, whereas all primary schools were staffed on a general rule of at least one classroom teacher for every 29 children in the 05/06 school year, in the current school year there is a general rule of at least one 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, we are committed to hiring even more extra teachers in order to reduce this to a general rule of at least one teacher for every 27 children.

The improvements we have made in school staffing in recent years are absolutely unparalleled. But we are determined to go even further, and so the 2007 Estimates include provision for another 800 primary teachers. About 500 of these will be classroom teachers, which includes our commitment to reduce class sizes. I assure the Deputy that we will continue to prioritise further improvements in school staffing going forward. We will also continue our focus on measures to improve the quality of education in our primary schools to ensure that increased resources lead to better outcomes for our children.

Schools Building Projects.

Denis O'Donovan

Question:

454 Mr. O’Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Science the next steps for the Bantry schools PPP project. [40365/06]

My Department's PPP Unit will immediately commence the pre-procurement process for the second bundle of Public Private Partnership projects which includes Bantry Community College and Gaelscoil Bheanntrai and will shortly begin stakeholder meetings with each of the individual schools. The stakeholder meetings will include management, staff, pupils, parents, trade unions and other interested relevant local individuals or groups and will provide a detailed explanation of the PPP procurement process and the role of the individual schools in the bundled project.

Other tasks to be undertaken as part of the pre-procurement process include the preparation of Output Specifications in respect of each school in the bundle, preparation of the Public Services Benchmark and the completion of all statutory requirements. When these tasks are completed the project bundle will be handed over to the National Development Finance Agency who will procure the projects on behalf of my Department.

Schools Refurbishment.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

455 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the extension and refurbishment of a school (details supplied) in County Donegal. [40370/06]

An application for capital funding towards an extensive refurbishment at the school referred to by the Deputy, has been assessed and the long term projected enrolments, on which the school's accommodation needs will be based has been determined and notified to the school authority. The building project required to address the school's accommodation needs will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2006-2010.

Teachers’ Remuneration.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

456 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway started on the lowest salary point as a special needs teacher in March 2005 despite the fact that they were employed by her Department; the reason it was necessary for her Department to disregard their five years previous employment as a special need teacher; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40395/06]

My Department has examined the case referred to by the Deputy. Confirmation has been received by my Department that this Special Need Assistant had previous service which should be taken into account in determining her point on the salary scale. The details regarding the level of reckonable service will be issued to the person this week. The salary point will be adjusted accordingly, and any arrears owed to the person will be issued in December.

Decentralisation Programme.

Willie Penrose

Question:

457 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has considered securing temporary accommodation to facilitate a forward move of a number of personnel form her Department who wish to decentralise to Mullingar; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40396/06]

At this stage, no decision has been taken relating to an advance party.

The feasibility of sending an advance party to temporary accommodation in Mullingar will be reviewed but any decisions made must be based on an adequate cohort of staff being in place with sufficient experience to undertake the functions decentralising as well as the availability of suitable temporary accommodation.

Schools Refurbishment.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

458 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has received an application for a school extension form a school (details supplied) in County Carlow; and when she expects a decision on same. [40407/06]

I can confirm that the School Planning Section of the Department is in receipt of an application for an extension and refurbishment work under the Small Schools Scheme 2007 from the management authority of the school to which the Deputy refers. Applications under this Scheme are currently being assessed and a list of successful applicants will be published when this process is complete.

Higher Education Grants.

John McGuinness

Question:

459 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if the negative decision taken by the Vocational Educational Committee in Kilkenny relative to an application for a college grant in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny, can be appeared on the basis of the exceptional circumstances of the applicant and their health problems; if the course being undertaken by the applicant cannot be seen as an extension of the previous course in view of the information technology content of the course; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40408/06]

The decision on eligibility for third level or further education grants is a matter for the relevant local authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where. for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is desired. It appears that no such advice or instruction has, to date, been sought in the case of the student referred to by the Deputy.

If the candidate referred to by the Deputy has any further information to add to the initial grant application it should be forwarded to Kilkenny VEC directly.

If an individual applicant considers that he/she has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, he/she may appeal to Kilkenny VEC.

Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by the relevant Local Authority or VEC, and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in his case, a letter outlining the position may be sent to my Department. Alternatively, the VEC may, itself, in exceptional circumstances, seek clarification on issues from my Department.

However, it is not open to me, or my Department, to depart from the terms of the maintenance grant scheme regardless of the circumstances.

School Transport.

Phil Hogan

Question:

460 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will sanction a change to the school transport service in respect of a location (details supplied), whereby the students will be able to avail of a better service to second level schools in Kilkenny City. [40409/06]

My Department has requested the Transport Liaison Officer for County Kilkenny to examine the situation regarding school transport for the pupils referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied.

The Transport Liaison Officer will contact the families when this examination is completed.

Question No. 461 answered with QuestionNo. 93.

Schools Building Projects.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

462 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the first and second level schools in respect of which new schools or major refurbishment or extensions that were approved in the period between 17 May 2001 and 16 May 2002; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40430/06]

The information is not readily available in the format sought by the Deputy for the period in question.

However, I can assure the Deputy that the Government has made a record investment of over €2 billion in the period from 2000 to 2005 in upgrading existing school infrastructure and providing new school accommodation at both first and second-level. Over 6,500 projects were delivered in this period, including 76 new school buildings, 380 major refurbishment/extensions and over 6050 smaller scale projects. In addition the investment covered site purchases; the minor works grant issued to all primary schools annually, dust/asbestos and radon remediation programmes, science and technology initiatives, contingency works and grants for the purchase of furniture and equipment. This year alone over 1,300 building projects will be delivered.

I am also pleased that over recent years my Department has streamlined its processes for delivering projects with a particular emphasis placed on devolving the delivery of projects to local school management level.

The infrastructural investment needs in schools will continue into the future. Building on the record investment in recent years the Government's has decided to provide €3.9 billion in capital funding for the education sector over the next 5 years. This is proof of its continuing commitment to educational infrastructure and will allow my Department to continue to take a pro-active approach in modernising school accommodation throughout the country.

Special Educational Needs.

Pat Breen

Question:

463 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 452 of 7 November 2006, if the SENO has made a decision regarding a laptop for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40498/06]

I can confirm that my Department has recently received the SENO's recommendation in relation to the application for a laptop for the pupil in question. This is currently being considered and my Department will convey its decision to the school authorities shortly.

School Staffing.

John Gormley

Question:

464 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in Dublin 4 has applied for a new teacher; if they will be assisted in any way; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40508/06]

I can confirm that correspondence was received in relation to the staffing in the school referred to by the Deputy.

The mainstream staffing of a primary school for a particular school year is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on the 30th September of the previous school year and by reference to a staffing schedule. This staffing schedule for the 2006/07 school year is outlined in Primary Circular 0023/2006 which was issued to all primary schools.

Based on an enrolment of 224 pupils on the 30th September 2005, as submitted by the Board of Management of the school in question, the staffing warranted for the 2006/2007 school year is a Principal and 8 mainstream class teachers.

Within the terms of the current staffing arrangements for primary schools there is provision for additional posts, referred to as developing school posts, to be assigned to schools on the basis of projected enrolments for the next school year.

A developing school is defined as a school where the enrolment on 30 September of one year is projected to exceed the enrolment on 30 September of the previous year by a specified minimum numerical increase and by having an excess of 5 pupils above the required appointment figure.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the school has secured a developing school post for the 2006/2007 school year based on the enrolment of 256 pupils as submitted by the Board of Management of the school on the 30th September 2006.

The school also has the services of 1 Permanent DAS teacher, 3 Temporary Language Support teachers, 1 Permanent Learning Support/ Resource teacher and 7.5 part-time hours of resource teaching support under the General Allocation Scheme.

The school is included in DEIS Urban Band 2 which entitles it to additional supports, including additional funding, access to home/school/liaison services and the schools meals programmes and access to a range of professional development supports.

Paul McGrath

Question:

465 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the plight of long serving substitute and temporary teachers in the primary sector; if having regard to their long years of service to the system, consideration will be given towards acknowledging their position; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40513/06]

It is assumed that the Deputy is referring to unqualified personnel.

The recruitment and appointment of teachers to fill vacancies in an individual primary school is a matter for the Board of Management of the school concerned. It is the policy of my Department that unqualified personnel should only be employed in exceptional circumstances and when all avenues for recruiting qualified personnel have been exhausted.

Persons who serve as unqualified temporary or substitute teachers are entitled to holiday pay which is paid by my Department. Payment is made in accordance with the terms of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997.

My officials have been engaged in discussions with the education partners, with the guidance of a Facilitator, to consider the implementation of the Protection of Employees (Fixed Term) Act, 2003 in the context of the employment of fixed term workers. These discussions will address the conditions of service, including sick pay, of fixed term teachers. Boards of Management will be advised on the outcome of these discussions when finalised.

Arrangements are currently being made, having regard to recent pension reforms, for the admission to pensionable service of persons who are employed in schools as unqualified teachers. Admission is with effect from 1 September, 2001 in the case of persons in service at that date or date of appointment if later. The detailed arrangements are being finalised and will also include provision for such teachers to reckon service given prior to 1 September, 2001 as pensionable subject to payment of appropriate contributions. The arrangement will apply to wholetime unqualified teachers and in the case of unqualified part-time teachers who have corresponding wholetime equivalents.

Schools Building Projects.

Willie Penrose

Question:

466 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the provision of additional school accommodation facilities in Gainstown, Mullingar, County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40519/06]

The building project for the School referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. This School was among 40 Schools that I announced in April of this year to go to tender and construction on a rolling basis over the next 12 to 15 months.

My Department's Officials wrote to the School Authorities on the 22nd September 2006 seeking a revised stage 1/2/3 (detailed plans / costs) submission. This revised stage 1/2/3 submission has been received in my Department and when it is has been reviewed my Department's Officials will be in further contact with the School Authorities as to the next steps involved in progressing this project.

School Staffing.

Enda Kenny

Question:

467 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation that currently applies to teachers of restricted recognition; the number who are currently in this situation; the procedure being adopted to regularise same; the number to be taken out of restricted category as a consequence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40528/06]

There are 497 teachers with restricted recognition currently working in primary schools. My Department does not have information on the number of such teachers here who are not in employment in primary schools.

Restricted recognition gives eligibility to teach in certain categories of special schools and in categories of special classes in mainstream schools where Irish is not a curricular requirement. Teachers with such recognition are also entitled to take up positions in special schools for young offenders, youth encounter projects and special education projects. They may also take up positions as substitute teachers.

Restricted recognition is granted to teachers, who trained outside the State and who hold a recognised primary teacher qualification, and to teachers with certain approved Montessori qualifications i.e. the Montessori qualification which is awarded on completion of the three year full time course in the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) College, Dublin or teachers with the B.A. in humanities in Montessori Education from St. Nicholas Montessori College, Dún Laoghaire.

Restricted recognition is also granted to teachers with a recognised post-primary qualification to enable them to teach in a special school where a proportion of pupils attending the special school are of post-primary age and where second level programmes are being provided by the school.

Teachers with restricted recognition, working in posts that their recognition entitles them to hold, are entitled to the same conditions of service as fully recognised teachers.

Special Educational Needs.

Enda Kenny

Question:

468 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of temporary teachers in the primary system who teach children in the low incidence category, autism, speech and language, physical disability and emotional behavioural difficulties; her views on whether it is natural for teachers in such temporary teaching position to leave when permanency becomes available; her views on this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40529/06]

I wish to advise the Deputy that the information in relation to the number of temporary teachers in the primary system who teach children in the low-incidence special educational needs categories is not readily available.

Many teaching posts that cater for pupils in the low-incidence categories also cater for pupils with high-incidence special educational needs and learning support requirements.

Under my Department's Circular 0036/2006 all learning support/resource teacher (LS/RT) posts that were temporary or fixed term in schools in the 2005/2006 school year may be re-categorised as permanent posts for 2006/2007 school year and onwards, provided the criteria for retaining the posts are met. It is also the case that any new LS/RT or resource teacher (RT) posts will be regarded as permanent. A fulltime post consists of 25 hours per week. A minimum of 22 hours, comprising low-incidence hours or a combination of low-incidence hours and general allocation hours is required to create or retain a first post. Where schools or clusters of schools cannot bring enough hours together to create or retain a fulltime permanent post the school may recruit part-time teachers for the hours required. Fulltime and part-time posts exist only for as long as the posts are warranted.

Enda Kenny

Question:

469 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the hours of special teaching that children with a mild general learning disability or specific learning difficulty are entitled to in primary schools; the way this is determined; the criteria used for such determination; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that such children receive a diluted service in main stream schools in many cases; her views on whether specific learning difficulties are so specific that it becomes almost impossible to cater for all children in a teaching session; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40564/06]

The Deputy will be aware that my Department, in consultation with educational interests, introduced a new General Allocation system of teacher support to all primary schools to cater for pupils with higher incidence special educational needs, that is, pupils with borderline mild and mild general learning disability and specific learning disability. The allocation is also intended to support those with learning support needs. This model, which was announced in 2004 and came into effect in September 2005, was designed to put in place a permanent resource in primary schools to cater for pupils with these special educational needs.

The new system has a number of benefits associated with it:

It puts resources in place on a more systematic basis, thereby giving schools more certainty about their resource levels;

It facilitates early intervention as the resource is in place when the child enrols; and

It allows flexibility to school management in the deployment of resources, leading to a more effective and efficient delivery of services.

The new system means that rather than schools having to make individual applications for resources for such pupils, resources are provided in advance to the school. It is a matter for each school to determine the pupils with high incidence special education and learning support needs that will receive this support. Each school will have enough General Allocation teaching hours to provide its pupils with a level of support appropriate to their needs.

The school can then use its professional judgement to decide how these hours are allocated to the pupils in the school, to ensure that all their needs are met. Research shows that some pupils with special needs will respond better with one-to-one tuition. Others, however, do better when taught in small groups. Often it is best for resource/learning support teachers to work with pupils in the classroom rather than taking them away to a separate room, as the pupils then have to catch up on work done by the rest of the class in their absence. The point is that the type of response needed depends on the pupil.

My Department issued a comprehensive circular (Sp Ed 02/05) to all primary schools regarding the organisation of teaching resources for pupils who need additional support in mainstream primary schools. The main purpose of this circular is to provide guidance for schools on the deployment and organisation of the teaching resources that were allocated under the general allocation model. It is anticipated that a review of general allocations will be undertaken after three years of operation.

Irish Language.

Enda Kenny

Question:

470 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes she has made in the second level curriculum in regards to content for Irish for the school year 2006 to 2007; the changes envisaged for the school year 2007 to 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40565/06]

A revised literature course for Leaving Certificate Irish was introduced in September 2004 for examination in 2006, in 2007 and in 2008.

This has been widely welcomed as it allows literature to be taught using modern communicative approaches that appeal to young people and it affords a high level of choice to students and teachers. For example, film became an option for the first time.

A comprehensive set of guidelines to support teachers in delivering the revised course has been issued.

I have asked the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) to prioritise its work on curriculum provision for Irish in post-primary education and to make proposals to me as soon as possible on how the syllabuses should be reformed. I have requested that particular emphasis be placed on strengthening students' communicative skills, especially their oral fluency.

I am committed to ensuring that Irish is taught in our schools in a way that is interesting and relevant and will promote a positive attitude to the language among our young people.

Schools Refurbishment.

Enda Kenny

Question:

471 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding improvements and building works at a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; the approval she has authorised for 2006 and 2007; the works to be carried out in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40566/06]

The school to which the Deputy refers received funding of €24,716.70 under the Summer Works Scheme 2006 for a Window Replacement programme. The Department is also in receipt of an application for the Summer Works Scheme 2007 from the management authority of the school. Applications for the Summer Works Scheme 2007 are currently being assessed and the list of successful applicants will be published as soon as possible.

Computerisation Programme.

Enda Kenny

Question:

472 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the assistance she proposes to give in 2006 and for 2007 for the provision of computer facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; when purchase agreements will be signed for appropriate facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40567/06]

As the Deputy will be aware, the major focus for investment over the last two years has been on developing computer networks in schools and ensuring that schools have broadband access. I understand that the school in question received a computer networking grant of €11,500 and has had its broadband connectivity installed.

I am aware of the benefits that good use of ICT can bring to our children's education and I am conscious of the need for further investment to realise the full potential of integrating ICT into teaching and learning and I intend to publish a comprehensive new ICT strategy in 2007 covering the period of the new National Development Plan to 2013.

Irish Language.

Enda Kenny

Question:

473 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the results of the leaving certificate for ordinary and honours Irish for 2006; the way this compares with results for each of the past ten years for both male and female students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40568/06]

The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations, including organising the holding of examinations and issuing the results of examinations.

In view of this, I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.

Enda Kenny

Question:

474 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the target she announced of an increased number of males achieving honours in the Irish paper in the leaving certificate 2006; the way the results compared with the targets set; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40569/06]

My Department did not set a target for the number of males achieving particular grades in the 2006 Leaving Certificate Higher Level Irish examination.

I have requested the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) to focus on increasing the attractiveness of Irish to all students, male and female, in its current review of curriculum provision for Irish in post-primary education.

Enda Kenny

Question:

475 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students, male and female, who did not sit or who did not complete the Irish examination, honours or pass, in the leaving certificate examination 2006; the persons who were required to do so; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40603/06]

In accordance with the Rules and Programme for Secondary Schools, the approved course for the established Leaving Certificate must include not less than five approved examination subjects, of which one must be Irish. The exception to this is where a student has been granted an exemption from the study of Irish under the terms of my Department's circular letter M10/94.

There is no requirement to sit any particular subject in the established Leaving Certificate Examination in order to be awarded a certificate. Each candidate will be awarded a certificate showing the grades obtained by him/her in whatever examinations have been taken, regardless of the overall number of subjects.

Provisional figures indicate that out of 50,955 candidates who sat the established Leaving Certificate or the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) examinations in 2006, some 43,928 took the subject Irish (4543 at Foundation Level; 26,437 at Ordinary Level and 12,948 at Higher Level).

Schools Building Projects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

476 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to meet the accommodation requirements as set out by the school authorities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40604/06]

As part of the expansion of the devolved scheme for primary school building works, a grant of €484,000 was sanctioned to enable the management authorities of the school in question to meet its accommodation requirements.

The initiative allows Boards of Management to address their accommodation and building priorities with a guaranteed amount of funding and gives Boards of Management control of the building project.

The school authorities have indicated that this project will not commence until early 2007.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

477 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the building project commenced in May 2006 at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40605/06]

As part of the expansion of the devolved scheme for primary school building works, a grant was sanctioned to enable the management authorities of the school in question to provide additional accommodation.

The initiative allows Boards of Management to address their accommodation and building priorities with a guaranteed amount of funding and gives Boards of Management control of the building project.

I understand that this project is now completed.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

478 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she expects to determine a priority position in respect of the application for major capital funding received in her Department in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if she intends this project to proceed further in 2006; if so, the extent to which it will proceed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40606/06]

The School Planning Section of the Department has received an application for major capital funding from the management authorities of the school to which the Deputy refers. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale projects. Progress on the proposed works is being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme from 2007 onwards.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

479 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to provision of facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40607/06]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that an extension project commenced construction at this school in May 2006.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

480 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the application for major capital funding by the management authority of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if she expects to respond favourably to this request in the near future; the expected timeframe for implementation for funding for this school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40608/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

486 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to application for major capital funding by the management authority of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if she expects to respond favourably to this request in the near future; the expected timeframe for implementation of funding for this school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40614/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

510 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to an application for major capital funding by the management authority of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if she expects to respond favourably to this request in the near future; the expected timeframe for implementation of funding for this school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40638/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

514 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when she expects to provide the extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40642/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

516 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the acquisition of extra space for the provision of projected requirements at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40644/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 480, 486, 510, 514 and 516 together.

The School Planning Section of my Department has received applications for major capital funding from the management authorities of the schools to which the Deputy refers. The applications have been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale projects. Progress on the proposed works is being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme from 2007 onwards.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

481 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding provision of facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40609/06]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the project at the school in question commenced construction in February 2006.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

482 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the extension project at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if the school authorities have responded to her Department’s development control plan report; her plans to progress this matter in the next six months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40610/06]

The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning.

Officials from my Department visited the School in question in June of 2005 to carry out a Technical inspection of the existing accommodation and to assess the needs of the pupils attending the School.

The School authorities have embarked on a major redevelopment programme which is currently at a very early design stage. They are assessing the needs into the future of the residents with special needs on the campus and outreach facilities and the many support services and industries around them.

The School's Design Team are currently preparing a development control plan for the site, of which this school forms part and my Department are awaiting their response before the project can proceed further.

In the meantime a member of my Department's Inspectorate has drafted a schedule of overall accommodation to reflect the current educational needs of the pupils attending the school.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

483 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the provision of extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if she expects the project to advance in 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40611/06]

The process of appointing a design team to the proposed building project at the school referred to by the Deputy has commenced.

On behalf of the Client (the School Board of Management) the School Building Section of the Department published the advertisement seeking the relevant consultancy services on the public procurement portal, www.etenders.gov.ie, on 15 August last. The closing date for receipt of expressions of interest under this EU procurement process was 12 noon on Monday 9th October 2006 and all submissions were returned to the Board of Management, in order for them to conduct the assessment of those submissions.

As soon as the Board of Management has completed the assessment exercise, and the School Building Section has ratified their recommendations, the architectural planning phase of the project will begin.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

484 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she expects to determine a priority position in respect of the application for major capital funding received in her Department in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if she intends this project to proceed further in 2006; if so, the extent to which it will proceed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40612/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

493 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when she expects to provide extra facilities urgently required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40621/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

506 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the provision of extra facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40634/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

515 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when she expects to provide the extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40643/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 484, 493, 506 and 515 together.

My Department has no record of applications for the provision of additional facilities from the relevant authorities of the schools referred to by the Deputy.

School Accommodation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

485 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extra facilities required at a school (details supplied); her plans to meet the schools requirements as set out by the school authorities; when she expects to meet these requests in full; the extent to which she has evaluated the entire primary and second level requirements in the Naas, Sallins and Kill areas having due regard for the rapidly expanding population in the area and the need to enable children receive their education in permanent classrooms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40613/06]

As the Deputy is aware the new school to which he refers opened in September 2005. The school was given approval to enrol two Junior Infant Classes per year and, when fully occupied, will operate as a two-stream 16-classroom school. This incremental development is common to all newly established schools to ensure that a shortage of accommodation at the school is avoided by an over enrolment in the early stages and crucially, to ensure that the enrolments and staffing levels in other schools in the area, where older pupils would inevitably be drawn, are not adversely affected.

Notwithstanding this position and as an exceptional matter, the school authority has been given approval to enrol three junior infants classes for the 2006/07 school year only, on the grounds that this will not impact negatively on the other schools in question.

Approval has also been given to enrol an additional 40 pupils up the classes that could not obtain places in other schools in the area. Pupils moving into the area in the course of the school year can also enrol in the school on the same basis.

I am aware that Sallins, Naas, and Kill, like many areas located within close proximity to Dublin, continue to experience population growth, a position that almost inevitably places some strain on existing educational provision. However, a range of significant measures has been undertaken by the Department to address the current and future need for pupil places in these areas.

The School Planning Section of the Department will keep the position under review to ensure that any additional emerging needs are met as expeditiously as possible.

Question No. 486 answered with QuestionNo. 480.

Schools Building Projects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

487 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the full facilities and extension at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40615/06]

I am please to inform the Deputy that the extension project at the school referred to by the Deputy has been completed.

School Accommodation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

488 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she is satisfied regarding the adequacy of the accommodation at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare having particular regard to demographic trends and the need for adequate forward planning to ensure that the necessary steps are taken in time with a view to the elimination of the use of temporary accommodation in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40616/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

499 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she is satisfied regarding the adequacy of the accommodation at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare having particular regard to demographic trends and the need for adequate forward planning to ensure that the necessary steps are taken in time with a view to the elimination of the use of temporary accommodation in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40627/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 488 and 499 together.

The School Planning Section of my Department has received applications for major capital funding from the management authorities of the schools to which the Deputy refers. The applications have been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale projects. Progress on the proposed works is being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme from 2007 onwards.

Schools Building Projects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

489 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to school extension works at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40617/06]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that a new 8 classroom building for the school in question has been completed.

The school authorities have applied for additional classroom accommodation under the Permanent Accommodation Scheme 2007. This application is currently being assessed.

Radon Gas Levels.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

490 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if adequate and appropriate action has been taken to address the issue of radon gas in all schools throughout County Kildare to the satisfaction of the school authorities; if further corrective action is required; if the RPII has been in touch with her Department in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40618/06]

My Department commenced a Radon Remediation Programme in 1998 when it commissioned the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) to conduct a survey of radon levels in all primary and post primary schools.

The programme initially involved surveying radon levels in schools and subsequently carrying out mitigation works where appropriate. The programme is 100% funded by my Department and has cost approximately €6m to date.

All schools have been advised of the programme and where excess radon levels are located, funding is provided for the mitigation works. Follow-up monitoring also takes place to ensure that the remediation action has been successful.

The remaining handful of schools who have not agreed to participate in the radon surveys are regularly advised of the need to do so. Radon barriers are included in the design of all new school building projects.

Psychological Service.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

491 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which educational psychologists have been made available to primary and second level schools in County Kildare and throughout the country; the full extent of the requirements as set out by parents, teachers and school authorities; when she expects to meet this requirement in full; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40619/06]

All primary and post primary schools have access to psychological assessment service either directly from the National Educational Psychological Service or from the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments, details of which are available on my Department's website.

In common with many other psychological services, NEPS operates a staged model of service to schools, whereby an initial referral usually leads to a consultation and provision of advice to teachers and parents on appropriate teaching and management strategies. Progress is kept under review and only those children who fail to respond to these interventions will need to see a psychologist. This allows the psychologists to offer early appointments to children who are in urgent need of support and early advice to teachers in respect to those children whose needs are perhaps less pressing but who still need additional help in school.

NEPS also provides support to all school communities that experience critical incidents. The complement of psychologists has increased from 43 on the date of establishment in September 1999 to 127 psychologists in November 2006. This includes 4 psychologists have been assigned to the National Behaviour Support Service. A further 2 psychologist are on career break.

Six (6) further appointments will be made shortly from the current panel organised by the Public Appointments Service. Recruitment from that panel, which established regional panels has facilitated my Department in to give greater priority in filling vacancies in areas of greatest need.

I am pleased to inform the deputy that the financial provision in the 2007 Estimates will allow additional posts to be allocated in 2007. I have yet to determine the number of posts. Decisions on deployment will be taken in advance of the recruitment process.

Schools Building Projects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

492 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress to date in the case of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40620/06]

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the school in question is on the 2006 School Building programme and was authorised in March 2006 to apply for planning permission and fire certificate and to proceed with the preparation of tender documentation for the project.

Question No. 493 answered with QuestionNo. 484.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

494 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress to date regarding the provision of extra facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if relevant documentation required under stage three has been received and approved by her Department; the expected timeframe for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40622/06]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that a letter issued to the school Authorities on 19 May 2006 giving approval to proceed to stage 3 (detailed plans/costs) of architectural planning. When a response is forwarded to the Department, it will then be in a position to progress this project further.

As the Board of Management is the Client in this instance, responsibility for setting a time frame for the receipt of the stage 3 submission rests with the Board.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

495 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she expects to determine a priority position in respect of the application for major capital funding received in her Department in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if she intends this project to proceed further in 2006; if so, the extent to which it will proceed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40623/06]

The School Planning Section of the Department has received an application for major capital funding from the management authorities of the school to which the Deputy refers. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale projects. Progress on the proposed works is being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme from 2007 onwards.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

496 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she is satisfied regarding the adequacy of the accommodation at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare having particular regard to demographic trends and the need for adequate forward planning to ensure that the necessary steps are taken in time with a view to the elimination of the use of temporary accommodation in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40624/06]

The School Planning Section of my Department has received an application for major capital funding from the management authorities of the school to which the Deputy refers. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale projects. Progress on the proposed works is being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme from 2007 onwards.

School Accommodation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

497 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which she expects to meet the requirements in terms of accommodation, staff, remedial, resource or special needs teachers and classroom assistants in each of the schools, primary and post-primary in Leixlip, County Kildare in the course of the next 12 months arising from the provisions in the recently published estimates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40625/06]

As the Deputy may be aware, following widespread local consultation undertaken by the Commission on School Accommodation, the Area Development Plan for the N4/M4 corridor was published in May 2005. This plan outlines the Department's long-term educational strategy at both primary and post-primary level for this area which included Leixlip. The recommendations in the plan are being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation programme from 2007 onwards subject to the prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects.

It is open to the school authorities of the schools in Leixlip to apply for temporary accommodation to offset any immediate short-term accommodation needs.

School Staffing.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

498 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when teaching staff numbers will be matched with requirements at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40626/06]

The Deputy will be aware that the staffing schedule for primary schools is structured to ensure that all primary schools will operate to an average mainstream class size of 28 pupils. Posts allocated on the basis of this schedule are specifically for mainstream classes and should be deployed accordingly. School authorities are requested to ensure that the number of pupils in any class is kept as low as possible, taking all relevant contextual factors into account (e.g. classroom accommodation, fluctuating enrolment). In particular, school authorities should ensure that there is an equitable distribution of pupils in mainstream classes and that the differential between the largest and smallest classes is kept to a minimum.

The staffing of the school referred to by the Deputy for the current school year is a Principal, 7 mainstream class teachers (based on an enrolment of 187 pupils on 30th September, 2005) and 2 Permanent Learning Support/Resource teachers.

The enrolment figure submitted by the Board of Management for the 30th September, 2006 is 196 pupils. The average class size in the school this year is therefore 28.

The Deputy should note that when calculating the pupil teacher ratio, all posts based in the school, including ex-quota posts, are taken into consideration.

Question No. 499 answered with QuestionNo. 488.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

500 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will improve pupil-teacher ratio at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40628/06]

The Deputy will be aware that the staffing schedule for primary schools is structured to ensure that all primary schools will operate to an average mainstream class size of 28 pupils. Posts allocated on the basis of this schedule are specifically for mainstream classes and should be deployed accordingly. School authorities are requested to ensure that the number of pupils in any class is kept as low as possible, taking all relevant contextual factors into account (e.g. classroom accommodation, fluctuating enrolment). In particular, school authorities should ensure that there is an equitable distribution of pupils in mainstream classes and that the differential between the largest and smallest classes is kept to a minimum.

The staffing of the school referred to by the Deputy for the current school year is a Principal, 21 mainstream class teachers (based on an enrolment of 586 pupils on 30th September, 2005), 4 Permanent Learning Support/Resource teachers, 1 Permanent Special Class Teacher and 3 Temporary Language Support teachers.

The enrolment figure submitted by the Board of Management for the 30th September, 2006 is 566 pupils. The average class size in the school this year is therefore 26.9.

The Deputy should note that when calculating the pupil teacher ratio, all posts based in the school, including ex-quota posts, are taken into consideration.

Schools Building Projects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

501 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the application for major capital funding by the management authority of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if she expects to respond favourably to this request in the near future; the expected timeframe for implementation of funding for this school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40629/06]

The School Planning Section of the Department has received an application for major capital funding from the management authorities of the school to which the Deputy refers. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale projects. Progress on the proposed works is being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme from 2007 onwards.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

502 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the provision of facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40630/06]

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that a new school building was completed and provided for the school to which he refers in September 2006.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

503 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if further extra facilities are required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40631/06]

The process of appointing a design team to the proposed building project at the school referred to by the Deputy has commenced.

On behalf of the Client (the School Board of Management) the School Building Section of the Department published the advertisement seeking the relevant consultancy services on the public procurement portal, www.etenders.gov.ie, on 15 August last. The closing date for receipt of expressions of interest under this EU procurement process was 12 noon on Monday 9th October 2006 and all submissions were returned to the Board of Management, in order for them to conduct the assessment of those submissions.

As soon as the Board of Management has completed the assessment exercise, and the School Building Section has ratified their recommendations, the architectural planning phase of the project will begin.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

504 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in relation to the provision of the extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40632/06]

The Department has not received an application for capital funding from the management authority of the school to which the Deputy refers.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

505 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress to date regarding the provision of extra facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if relevant documentation required under stage three has been received and approved by her Department; the expected timeframe for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40633/06]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that a letter issued to the school Authorities on 16 March 2006 giving approval to proceed to stage 3 (detailed plans / costs) of architectural planning. When a response is forwarded to the Department, it will then be in a position to progress this project further.

As the Board of Management is the Client in this instance, responsibility for setting a time frame for the receipt of the stage 3 submission rests with the Board.

Question No. 506 answered with QuestionNo. 484.

School Accommodation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

507 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she is satisfied regarding the adequacy of the accommodation at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare having particular regard to demographic trends and the need for adequate forward planning to ensure that the necessary steps are taken in time with a view to the elimination of the use of temporary accommodation in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40635/06]

As I pointed out to the Deputy in response to previous Parliamentary Questions, the Department has no record of the school in question. If the Deputy submits more information which would make it possible to identify the school to which he refers then the Department will be happy to forward the information requested.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

508 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding her Department’s assessment of the accommodation needs of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40636/06]

The Department is not in receipt of an application for additional accommodation at the school to which the Deputy refers.

Special Educational Needs.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

509 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has taken place to date to provide the facilities anticipated at a project (details supplied) in County Kildare with particular reference to the proposals in respect of autistic children; the reason for the long drawn out process in regard to the project; when she expects the unit to become fully operational; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40637/06]

As previously advised, Officials from my Department, the National Council for Special Education and the Health Service Executive met with members of the Board of Management of the school in June 2006 in order to progress the opening of the unit. The NCSE is continuing to liaise with the school on an ongoing basis in order to progress the situation.

Question No. 510 answered with QuestionNo. 480.

School Staffing.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

511 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when she expects a school (details supplied) in County Kildare to be fully occupied with a full quota of staff required to meet the population needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40639/06]

The Deputy will be aware that the staffing schedule for primary schools is structured to ensure that all primary schools will operate to an average mainstream class size of 28 pupils. Posts allocated on the basis of this schedule are specifically for mainstream classes and should be deployed accordingly. School authorities are requested to ensure that the number of pupils in any class is kept as low as possible, taking all relevant contextual factors into account (e.g. classroom accommodation, fluctuating enrolment). In particular, school authorities should ensure that there is an equitable distribution of pupils in mainstream classes and that the differential between the largest and smallest classes is kept to a minimum.

Based on an enrolment of 52 pupils on the 30th September 2005, as submitted by the Board of Management of the school that, it is assumed, the Deputy is referring to, the mainstream staffing warranted for the 2006/2007 school year is a Principal and 2 mainstream class teachers. Within the terms of the current staffing arrangements for primary schools there is provision for additional posts, referred to as developing school posts, to be assigned to schools on the basis of projected enrolments for the next school year.

A developing school is defined as a school where the enrolment on 30 September of one year is projected to exceed the enrolment on 30 September of the previous year by a minimum specified numerical increase and by having an excess of 5 pupils above the required appointment figure.

The school has secured 6 developing school posts for the 2006/2007 school year based on the enrolment of 216 pupils as submitted by the Board of Management of the school on the 30th September, 2006. The school also has the services of 1 Permanent Learning Support/Resource teacher, 1 Permanent Special Class Teacher and 3 Temporary Language Support teachers. The overall total staffing of the schools for the current school year is therefore Principal and 13 teachers.

Schools Building Projects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

512 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans for the provision of a replacement for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40640/06]

The management authority of the School in question, Co. Kildare Vocational Education Committee, is currently progressing plans to re-locate the School and to extend the capacity to 1000 pupils. In September of 2006, the Vocational Education Committee notified the Department that the Local Authority had issued full planning permission for the education campus. The site will be legally transferred to Kildare Vocational Education Committee on successful completion of the planning permission process.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

513 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40641/06]

I can confirm that the School Building Section of the Department is in receipt of the Stage 3 submission for the project in question and it is currently being reviewed.

Question No. 514 answered with QuestionNo. 480.
Question No. 515 answered with QuestionNo. 484.
Question No. 516 answered with QuestionNo. 480.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

517 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the provision of the proposed new school and facilities at Ardclough, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40645/06]

The new school building project for Ardclough is one of the 80 projects recently announced to commence architectural planning. The School Building Section of the Department has recently contacted the school authorities on this matter and an information meeting has been set up for schools to facilitate the initiation of the design phase of this project.

Site Acquisitions.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

518 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of negotiations in regard to site purchase, acquisition and planning permission for the proposed new primary school at Kill, County Kildare; if all of the outstanding issues have been addressed and resolved with particular reference to the need for teachers and pupils to relocate from their present unsatisfactory location and condition; if she has identified a timescale for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40646/06]

The Property Management Section of the Office of Public Works which acts on behalf of my Department in relation to site acquisitions generally was requested to source a site for a new national school in Kill. Agreement has been reached, subject to contract, on the acquisition of a site for a new school at Kill, Co. Kildare. Draft contracts have been exchanged but the conveyancing process is delayed by the vendor, pending the outcome of a planning application.

Schools Building Projects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

519 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the provision of permanent facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40647/06]

The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy was one of the sixty two projects that were announced to start the architectural planning process in January 2006. The brief for this project consists of a new 16 classroom school. In September of this year the Design Team were instructed to proceed to stage 1/2 (develop sketch scheme with costings) submission. When the stage 1/2 submission is received in the Department, my officials will arrange a meeting with the School Authorities and the Design Team in order to evaluate the documentation. It is envisaged that unless there are very exceptional circumstances involved, the meeting will be sufficient to authorities the project to progress to the next stages of architectural planning.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

520 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when she expects a school (details supplied) in County Kildare to be completed and ready for occupation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40648/06]

Construction on the project referred to by the Deputy commenced in late May 2006. The project is currently on target and it is envisaged that the school will be ready for occupation in September 2007.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

521 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the provision of the extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40649/06]

The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy was one of sixty two projects that were announced to start the architectural planning process in January 2006. The brief for this project consists of a 16 classroom Generic Repeat Design with an additional bolt-on Special Education Tuition room. A design team was appointed on the project in June of this year and following a briefing seminar in the Department's Offices in Tullamore, the design team were instructed to proceed to stage 3 (detailed design with costings) of the Department's Design Team Procedures.

When the stage 3 submission is received in the Department, officials will arrange a meeting with the school authorities and the design team in order to evaluate the documentation. It is envisaged that unless there are very exceptional circumstances involved, the meeting will be sufficient to authorise the project to progress to the next stages of architectural planning.

School Placement.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

522 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the degree to which she has identified the number of primary level school placements required for the next five years in the Kilcock area of County Kildare; the number of places currently available; her plans to meet the projected requirements with a specific timescale; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40650/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

523 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the degree to which she has identified the number of second level school placements required for the next five years in the Kilcock area of County Kildare; the number of places currently available; her plans to meet the projected requirements with a specific timescale; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40651/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 522 and 523 together.

As the Deputy may be aware, following widespread local consultation undertaken by the Commission on School Accommodation, the Area Development Plan for the N4/M4 corridor was published in May 2005. This plan outlines the Department's long-term educational strategy at both primary and post-primary level for this area which included Kilcock. The recommendations in the plan are being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation programme from 2007 onwards subject to the prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects.

It is open to the school authorities of the schools in Kilcock to apply for temporary accommodation to offset any immediate short-term accommodation needs.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

524 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the degree to which she has identified the number of second level school placements required for the next five years in the Clane area of County Kildare; the number of places currently available; her plans to meet the projected requirements with a specific timescale; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40652/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

525 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the degree to which she has identified the number of primary level school placements required for the next five years in the Clane area of County Kildare; the number of places currently available; her plans to meet the projected requirements with a specific timescale; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40653/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 524 and 525 together.

I am aware that Clane, like many areas are experiencing population growth, a position that almost inevitably places some strain on existing educational provision. However, measures have been undertaken by my Department to address the current and future need for pupil places in this area.

At primary level, it has been determined that Scoil Pádraig requires to be developed into a 24 classroom facility (a three stream school) with appropriate ancillary accommodation. This has been agreed with the school authority. The project has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and it has been assigned a Band 2 rating. Progress on the project is being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme from 2007 onwards.

At post primary level, there is currently no application from Scoil Mhuire Community School for additional accommodation. It is open to the school authorities of the schools in Clane to apply for temporary accommodation to offset any immediate short-term accommodation needs. The School Planning Section of my Department will keep the position under review to ensure that any additional emerging needs are met as expeditiously as possible.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

526 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the degree to which she has identified the number of primary level school placements required for the next five years in the Naas, Sallins and Kill areas of County Kildare; the number of places currently available; her plans to meet the projected requirements with a specific timescale; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40654/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

527 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the degree to which she has identified the number of second level school placements required for the next five years in the Naas, Sallins and Kill areas of County Kildare; the number of places currently available; her plans to meet the projected requirements with a specific timescale; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40655/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 526 and 527 together.

I am aware that Sallins, Naas, and Kill , like many areas located within close proximity to Dublin, continue to experience population growth, a position that almost inevitably places some strain on existing educational provision. However, a range of significant measures has been undertaken by the Department to address the current and future need for pupil places in these areas.

At primary level, an entire new school has been provided at Killashee. In addition, a brand new 16 classroom school together with temporary accommodation has been provided at Scoil Corbain, St. Conleth's & St. Mary's NS and St. Conleth's Naofa in Naas. Temporary accommodation has also been provided at one of the two nearby national schools at Caragh. On top of this, approval has been given to Gaelscoil Nás na Ríogh, Caragh NS and Kill NS for additional accommodation for September 2006. Gaelscoil Nás na Ríogh has recently been approved to commence architectural planning for the provision of a new 16-classroom school.

At Sallins National School, a seven classrooms extension is completed and this extension has increased capacity from 9 classrooms to 16 classrooms. An extension to bring the school up to 24 classrooms has commenced architectural planning.

These are practical examples of the extent of the extra provision being made in terms of additional school places throughout the area. These and many other initiatives represent huge capital investment and demonstrate the commitment to meeting the needs of the area concerned. The School Planning Section of the Department will keep the position under review to ensure that any additional emerging needs are met as expeditiously as possible.

Schools Building Projects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

528 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if and when she expects to provide or replace facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40656/06]

The School Planning Section of the Department has received an application for major capital funding from the management authorities of the school to which the Deputy refers. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale projects. Progress on the proposed works is being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme from 2007 onwards.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

529 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science her proposals and timescale for the provision or replacement of the extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40657/06]

The process of appointing a design team to the proposed building project at the school referred to by the Deputy has commenced.

On behalf of the Client (the School Board of Management) the School Building Section of the Department published the advertisement seeking the relevant consultancy services on the public procurement portal, www.etenders.gov.ie, on 15 August last. The closing date for receipt of expressions of interest under this EU procurement process was 12 noon on Monday 9 October 2006 and all submissions were returned to the Board of Management, in order for them to conduct the assessment of those submissions.

As soon as the Board of Management has completed the assessment exercise, and the School Building Section has ratified their recommendations, the architectural planning phase of the project will begin.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

530 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she is satisfied with the pupil-teacher ratio and class sizes at each school, primary and second level in Naas, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40658/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

531 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she is satisfied with the pupil-teacher ratio and class sizes at each school, primary and second level in Clane, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40659/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

532 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she is satisfied with the pupil-teacher ratio and class sizes at each school, primary and second level in Kilcock, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40660/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

533 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she is satisfied with the pupil-teacher ratio and class sizes at each school, primary and second level in Leixlip, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40661/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

534 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she is satisfied with the pupil-teacher ratio and class sizes at each school, primary and second level in Maynooth, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40662/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

535 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she is satisfied with the pupil-teacher ratio and class sizes at each school, primary and second level in Celbridge, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40663/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 530 to 535, inclusive, together.

The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department and would take an inordinate amount of administrative time to compile.

As the Deputy will be aware, there are now no less than 4,000 extra teachers in our primary schools, compared with 2002. Furthermore, there are nearly 7,000 more primary teachers than there were in 1997. This represents the largest increase in teacher numbers since the expansion of free education.

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.

The number of children in large classes has been significantly reduced. When this Government first came into office, there were more than 52,000 children in classes of 35 and over — five times the number that there were in the last school year. There were also more than 1,900 children in classes of 40 and over — compared to just over 200 in 05/06.

While I appreciate the need to make further progress in reducing class size, it should be acknowledged just how much has been achieved. In recent years, priority has rightly been given to providing extra support for children with special needs, those from disadvantaged areas and those that need help with their English.

Special education provision in particular has undergone a level of expansion the extent of which nobody could have predicted a few years ago — and this was only right. If we had put all 4,000 of the teachers hired since 2002 into classroom teaching, our average class size would be a lot smaller than it is now. But we would have done a great disservice to those children who need extra help the most. I am sure the Deputy would accept that we have taken the right approach.

Now that children with special needs are finally getting the support they deserve, we are providing extra teachers this year and next specifically to reduce class sizes, through a reduction in the mainstream staffing schedule. This has meant that, whereas all primary schools were staffed on a general rule of at least one classroom teacher for every 29 children in the 05/06 school year, in the current school year there is a general rule of at least one 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, we are committed to hiring even more extra teachers in order to reduce this to a general rule of at least one teacher for every 27 children.

We also acted this year to specifically address the needs of growing schools by making it easier to qualify for a developing school post. Over 280 such posts were sanctioned for the 2006/07 school year, compared to 170 in 2005/06. This change specifically addressed the needs of schools which are seeing large increases in their enrolments year on year.

On the Post Primary side allocations are approved by my Department on an annual basis in accordance with generally applied rules relating to recognised pupil enrolment. In general a ratio of 18:1 is applied in respect of recognised pupils on established Junior Certificate, Leaving Certificate, repeat Leaving Certificate and Transition Year Programmes and a ratio of 16:1 is applied in respect of recognised pupils on the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme, Post leaving Cert courses and Leaving Cert Applied.

Each school management authority is required to organise its curriculum, teaching time-table and subject options having regard to pupils' needs within the limits of its approved teacher allocation. Significant improvements have been made in the pupil teacher ratio at post primary level in recent years. The ratio has fallen from 16:1 in the 1996/97 school year to 13:1 in the 2005/06 school year.

The improvements we have made in school staffing in recent years are absolutely unparalleled. But we are determined to go even further, and so the 2007 Estimates include provision for another 800 primary teachers. About 500 of these will be classroom teachers, which includes our commitment to reduce class sizes.

I assure the Deputy that we will continue to prioritise further improvements in school staffing going forward. We will also continue our focus on measures to improve the quality of education in our primary schools to ensure that increased resources lead to better outcomes for our children.

School Accommodation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

536 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the action she proposes to address the issue of class overcrowding at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40664/06]

The Department has not received any application for additional accommodation from the school referred to by the Deputy.

The school authorities should contact the School Planning Section of the Department if it has concerns in this regard.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

537 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to address the issue of overcrowding in all schools here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40665/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

543 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when she expects the school accommodation requirements to date identified to her Department by the various school authorities to be completed with particular reference to the need to achieve an acceptable pupil-teacher ratio and class size at primary and second level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40671/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

545 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps she will take to speed up the process of the provision of new schools or school extensions here with a view to meeting accommodation problems within a reasonable time having regard to demographic pressures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40673/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

546 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to provide extra classroom space with a view to achieving a desirable pupil-teacher ratio in each class; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40674/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 537, 543, 545 and 546 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, major improvements have been made in staffing at both primary and post-primary level in recent years. At the beginning of the current school year there are no less than 4000 extra teachers in our primary schools, compared with 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. Over the next two school years even more teachers will be put in place both for the above priority areas of disadvantage and special education and also under a reduction in the mainstream staffing schedule.

As you know all 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, as is the case in many schools. 170 such posts were sanctioned in the 2005/06 school year, compared to 105 in 2004/05.

The demand for additional accommodation in schools has risen significantly over the last number of years mainly due to the rapid expansion in teacher numbers particularly in the area of special needs, the growth in the school-going population in rapidly developing areas including the impact of inward migration and the demands to cater for diversity through the recognition of new Gaelscoileanna and Educate Together schools.

In planning for school provision to meet these demands the Department has adopted an area based approach which involves a public consultation process involving all interested parties. This leads to the production of a blueprint for schools' development in an area for a timeframe of approximately ten years. The exercise recently completed on the N4-M4 corridor is an example of this and the rapidly developing areas of north Dublin, south Louth and east Meath are being examined this year. This structured process will ensure a more proactive approach to school planning than had been the case in the past.

Apart from the area development planning process the Department is also proactively engaged with local authorities on a continual basis in relation to specific areas. This is being done through improved contacts and communication protocols to ensure that the Department is better alerted about new and expanding residential areas and afforded an opportunity to ensure appropriate zoning provision for educational purposes.

For example in the case of the Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) at Adamstown the Department is working closely with South Dublin County Council and the developers to produce an integrated solution to education and community facilities that matches the delivery of new housing. Under the SDZ arrangements there is a requirement that schools are in position ahead of or in line with demand, and I think it is one that should be adopted by other planning authorities in relation to major new housing schemes.

The Department is working particularly closely with Fingal County Council to develop a joint approach to the timely provision of schools in an area of the country subject to extremely rapid development. This work is providing innovative approaches to partnership which I believe can be used to advantage across the country in future.

The Department prioritises school buildings for rapidly developing areas. This is achieved by assigning them a band one priority rating under the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects. Whenever possible, the Department implements a standardised design model or a design and build process to fast track delivery of the buildings themselves. Not alone does this result in speedier delivery of projects but it also achieves savings in design fees and land use arising from the use of the two storey design. Among schools completed using one of these processes is Griffeen Valley in Lucan which was completed in a 13 month timeframe.

The level of work being done under the schools building programme is at an all-time high. While increased investment is a central reason for this — €500m this year alone — radical changes in how projects are planned and managed have also made a major difference in ensuring that provision is delivered in line with or ahead of demand.

Drugs in Schools.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

538 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to a serious and growing drug abuse problem at both primary and second level schools; the steps being taken to address the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40666/06]

My Department contributes fully to the overall aim of the Government's policy in relation to drugs, which is to provide an effective, integrated response to the problems posed by drug misuse. As part of this process, my Department is represented at senior level on the National Drugs Strategy Team and on the Interdepartmental Group which in turn reports to the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion. In addition, my Department is represented on all Drugs Task Forces, both Local and Regional.

My Department has taken a number of initiatives to counteract substance misuse in schools, including alcohol.

In October 2002, my Department issued guidelines to all schools to assist them in the development of School Substance Use Policies. These guidelines were developed in partnership with the Department of Health and Children and the then Health Boards. The central objective of a school's substance use policy is the welfare, care and protection of every young person in line with the Education Act, 1998 and the Education Welfare Act, 2000.

The policy is intended to address both education concerning alcohol, tobacco, drugs and other dangerous substances and the procedures for managing incidents relating to them.

Drug prevention education is implemented as part of the Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) curricula in primary and post-primary schools. The SPHE curriculum is mandatory in all primary schools and post-primary schools up to Junior Certificate Level and substance use is one of 10 modules taught. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment SPHE course committee is currently finalising a Framework SPHE curriculum for Senior Cycle Students at post-primary level. This will be submitted to my Department for consideration.

In addition, my Department currently funds 36 mainstreamed Local Drug Task Force projects at a cost of over €3m.

School Attendance.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

539 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps she has taken to improve school attendance at both primary and second level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40667/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

541 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of staff dedicated to the operation of the Educational Welfare Board on a county basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40669/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 539 and 541 together.

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that my Department's Estimates for 2007 include a provision of €9.8 million for the National Educational Welfare Board. This represents an increase of 20% on the 2006 allocation and of 50% on the 2004 level.

This substantial increase in funding is a clear indication of this Government's commitment to prioritise investment in favour of those most at risk. Through increased investment and improved services we are determined to optimise access, participation and educational outcomes at every level of the system for disadvantaged groups.

The increase in funding for the Board will allow it to expand its services further and increase to staffing.

Since we formally launched the Board in December 2003, the number of staff has increased to 94. The Board operates through 5 regional teams, with bases in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford. A service is provided from 26 locations nationwide. Staff are deployed in areas of greatest disadvantage and in areas designated under the Government's RAPID programme. In addition, the Board follows up on urgent cases nationally where children are not currently receiving an education. Educational Welfare Officers monitor school attendance and work to improve it. They also help parents that are experiencing a difficulty with getting a school place for their child.

Since January 2004, 20,000 cases involving students with reported school attendance difficulties have been resolved by the Board. The NEWB has also written to every family with children of school going age advising them of their rights and responsibilities in relation to education and school attendance and where they can get help.

The first national data on school attendance has also been collected and is being used to inform the Board's work. In relation to the effectiveness of the service, it is encouraging to note research findings that attendance at school in the areas where EWOs are working intensively improved in 2004/05 compared with the previous year.

The Board is currently working on guidelines for schools on developing attendance strategies and the prevention of student absenteeism. Work is also advanced on guidelines for codes of behaviour.

So, while the NEWB was set up just three years ago, a lot has already been achieved by the service and the Government is committed to strengthening its role even further.

It should, however, be remembered that the Board is just one aspect of the comprehensive framework that this Government has put in place to improve school attendance and encourage more young people to finish school. In this regard, extra supports targeted at young people in disadvantaged areas include both educational initiatives such as intensive literacy programmes and services such as breakfast clubs and homework clubs.

In fact, in addition to the NEWB, there are currently some 490 staff within the education sector with a role in school attendance. Home School Community Liaison Coordinators, in working with parents, promote school attendance and its importance for success in school. School attendance is a central objective of School Completion Programme with attendance tracking a core feature and one of its preventative strategies. Access to these services is being increased under the new Action Plan for tackling educational disadvantage, DEIS.

In reply to the Deputy's specific question regarding the deployment of service delivery staff on a county basis, the NEWB is a independent statutory body and operational matters such as the deployment of staff are for the Board to decide upon.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

540 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps she has taken or proposes to take to address the issue of wayward children who refuse to attend school or accept parental authority with obvious consequences in later life; the number of such cases examined to date by the Educational Welfare Board; the results of such examinations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40668/06]

This government is determined to do all that is possible to ensure that every child gets all the opportunities and support they need to enable them to achieve their potential and participate fully in education. A key focus of the Government's education policy is to prioritise investment in favour of those most at risk and to optimise access, participation and educational outcomes at every level of the system for disadvantaged groups.

DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the new action plan for educational inclusion that I launched last year, will focus on addressing the educational needs of children and young people from disadvantaged communities, from pre-school through second-level education (3 to 18 years). The plan represents a shift in emphasis away from individual initiatives, each addressing a particular aspect of the problem, with the new plan adopting a multifaceted and more integrated approach. This is the first time that an integrated educational inclusion strategy has been developed for 3–18 year olds in this country.

The key principle of early intervention underpins both the early childhood education measure and many of the literacy and numeracy measures being adopted under the new action plan. The plan will place a renewed emphasis on the involvement of parents and families in children's education in schools.

Implementation will be a phased basis over five years and will involve an additional annual investment of some €40m on full implementation. It will also involve the creation of about 300 additional posts across the education system generally.

A further measure designed to deal with absenteeism from school was the establishment of the National Educational Welfare Board, under the Education Welfare Act, 2002. The Act provides a comprehensive framework promoting regular school attendance and tackling the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving. The Board has responsibility to monitor school attendance, assist parents with obtaining a school place for their child run promotional campaigns on the importance of attendance and finishing school and conducting research into the causes for and strategies to combat absenteeism.

The general functions of the NEWB are to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education. The Board is developing a nationwide service that is accessible to schools, parents/ guardians and others concerned with the welfare of young people. For this purpose, Educational Welfare Officers (EWOs) have been appointed and deployed throughout the country to provide a welfare-focused service to support regular school attendance and discharge the Board's functions locally.

The NEWB through their local EWO has involvement with the Garda Junior Liaison Scheme. There are regular and ongoing contacts made by way of referrals to the HSE where the EWO has concerns regarding the welfare or care of a child. There is also attendance and participation by EWOs at Child Care Conferences and meetings convened by the HSE.

The Board, appointed an expert group in November 2005 to draw up a discussion document on the guidelines for schools on developing Codes of Behaviour. The Guidelines will focus on how schools can deal progressively and inclusively with behavioural issues, thereby helping to support participation in education for all. Poor behaviour impacts on the learning and teaching environment in a school and valuable class time can be taken up managing it and can also be a barrier to good attendance and participation in school activities.

In addition to the NEWB there are some 490 staff, within the education sector, deployed in education disadvantage programmes. A further 137 additional posts will come into the system under the DEIS Initiative. The work of these personnel involves an element of school attendance and significant scope exists for integrated working with Educational Welfare Officers. My Department is anxious to ensure that the maximum benefit is derived from this deployment of resources. Consequently work is ongoing to develop appropriate protocols for all agencies and services to work together in collaboration and to ensure that optimum use is made of the resources deployed including NEWB resources.

Earlier this year, I launched "School Matters" the final Report of the Task Force on Student Behaviour in Second Level Schools, and outlined a package of measures to tackle student behaviour issues and announced an implementation strategy following publication of "School Matters". That strategy is now well advanced.

The National Behaviour Support Service (NBSS), which was at the core of the recommendations of the Task Force, has now appointed a National Co-ordinator and four Assistant National Co-ordinators. In addition, nine Regional Development Officers and twenty part-time Associates have been recruited to ensure the success of this significant initiative. A key feature of the composition of the National Behaviour Support Service is the assignment to it of a senior psychologist and three psychologists. These have been seconded from the National Educational Psychological Service and their presence will ensure that the team operates in a multi-disciplinary way. A full-time administrator is based in Navan Education Centre.

Since their appointment, the team has been working on a number of key issues:

1. The development of a Draft National Framework for Behaviour Improvement.

2. The development of models of good practice for systems in schools which assist with and impact on classroom and whole school behaviour.

3. On-going training for the NBSS team.

4. Research into and communication with behaviour support systems in other jurisdictions.

The NBSS has commenced its engagement with schools and a series of information seminars have been organised throughout the country. Subsequently intensive work will begin with a smaller number of schools most in need of this intervention.

It is my intention that this new service will work intensively with those schools initially selected for inclusion in this development. I have already announced that part of this work will see us trialling the concept of a behaviour support classroom in up to 30 schools next year. I want to emphasise however that these classrooms cannot be, in themselves, a solution to the issue of poor student behaviour. They must be one part of a holistic response which should see a school, actively supported by the Behaviour Support Team, defining for itself a pathway to improvement.

In relation to the Task Force recommendations in respect of class size, I wish to draw the attention of the Deputy to the significant improvements that have been made in the pupil teacher ratio at post primary level in recent years. The ratio has fallen from 16:1 in the 1996/97 school year to 13.21:1 in the 2005/06 school year. The reduction in the ratio was achieved through the creation of 2,017 additional posts and the retention of over 2,100 posts which would otherwise have been lost due to the fall in enrolments. I should add that I have consistently ruled out the creation of additional teaching posts across the second level system as a response to the issue of poor student behaviour. On the contrary I see this issue as requiring focussed intervention along the lines now being pursued.

It terms of expenditure, funding has been provided to cover the costs of the NBSS recruitment process, staff training and development, staff salaries, establishment of an NBSS Office, development of an NBSS website and the information seminars with schools. At this stage, it is anticipated that the €2 million allocated in 2006 toward the implementation of the Task Force's recommendations will be fully expended by the end of the current financial year.

I wish to draw the attention of the Deputy to my announcement in the context of the 2007 Estimates, that I am providing €8 million to support the work of the NBSS, in helping schools promote positive student behaviour at second level.

Question No. 541 answered with QuestionNo. 539.

Bullying in Schools.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

542 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has put in place further arrangements to combat school bullying with particular reference to having such incidents reported to her Department on a regular basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40670/06]

I share the Deputy's concern that any child would feel upset in school because of bullying — be it physical, verbal or cyber and I assure him that supports are in place to enable schools both to prevent bullying and to deal with cases that may arise.

For a start, each school is required to have in place a policy which includes specific measures to deal with bullying behaviour, within the framework of an overall school Code of Behaviour and Discipline. Such a code, developed through consultation with the whole school community and properly implemented, can be the most influential measure in countering bullying behaviour in schools.

My Department has issued guidelines as an aid to schools in devising measures to prevent and deal with instances of bullying behaviour and to increase awareness among school management authorities of their responsibilities in this regard. These guidelines were drawn up following consultation with representatives of school management, teachers and parents, and are sufficiently flexible to allow each school authority to adapt them to suit the particular needs of their school. My Department, through the National Centre for Technology in Education has also developed Policy Guidelines and Advisory Notes for schools and parents which deal with the issues of internet and mobile phone bullying.

The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is at present developing further guidelines for schools on Codes of Behaviour, as provided for under section 23 of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000. Work on the guidelines is at an advanced stage and will be informed by broad consultation. It is envisaged that implementation will commence in the current school year.

Once the NEWB Guidelines are in place, my Department will commence the process of revising and updating its own "Guidelines on Countering Bullying Behaviour". This review will take into account issues such as legislative developments, the involvement of the support services available to schools, technological advancements such as use of the Internet, e-mail, mobile phones and camera phones and the latest developments in International best practice on dealing with bullying behaviour.

These guidelines, on top of those that are already in place, will provide vital guidance for schools in fulfilling their responsibilities in relation to this issue. The Deputy may also be interested to know that dealing with bullying has also been incorporated in training for Principals through the Leadership Development for Schools programme.

I have also stressed to the teacher unions the importance of not just having a written policy on bullying but also ensuring a climate in which it is not tolerated in any form and in which children know that if they make a teacher aware of bullying that it will be dealt with.

The Deputy will also be aware that the education of students in both primary and post-primary schools in relation to anti-bullying behaviour is part of the SPHE curriculum. SPHE is now a compulsory subject both at primary level and in the junior cycle of post-primary schools.

In relation to the Deputy's query about reports to my Department, there is no requirement for schools to report incidents of bullying to my Department, nor do I believe that this should be the case. Responsibility for tackling bullying naturally falls to the level of the individual school as it is at local level that an effective anti-bullying climate must be established. I am, however, anxious to support schools in tackling bullying and it is for that reason that so many supports have been put in place in recent years.

Question No. 543 answered with QuestionNo. 537.

Special Educational Needs.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

544 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the way or when she expects her proposals speech and language therapy in all schools, as required here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40672/06]

I wish to advise the Deputy that responsibility for the provision of speech and language therapy services rests with the Health Service Executive. However, I can confirm that my Department has sanctioned 59 special classes for children with specific speech and language disorder. Each class can cater for up to 7 children and the children have access to a speech and language therapist.

In May 2002, my Department approved the provision of 175 additional therapy training places to tackle shortages of physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists as identified in the report "Current and Future Supply and Demand Conditions in the Labour Market for Certain Professional Therapists", which was undertaken by Dr. Peter Bacon and Associates in 2001.

Within this provision there was an increase of 75 places on new courses in Speech and Language Therapy courses. These increased intakes will result in a significant increase in the number of Speech and Language Therapists graduating from the third level sector.

Questions Nos. 545 and 546 answered with Question No. 537.
Question No. 547 answered with QuestionNo. 452.

Science Strategy.

John McGuinness

Question:

548 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress to date with regard to the implementation of educational elements of the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40678/06]

In June 2006 the Government launched the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation. This Strategy is a multi-annual, multi-billion euro investment in research and development activity for the period to 2013. The Strategy will see Ireland secure its position as one of the world's advanced knowledge economies and become renowned worldwide for the excellence of its research. It will put the benefits and opportunities of science, technology and innovation at the heart of Irish economic and social development, grow our enterprise sector in a sustainable manner and facilitate social advancement.

It is a major milestone in the development of our national architecture for research and development and an essential stimulus to the achievement of Ireland's strategic economic and social goals over the coming years. The education system at all levels will be central in delivering on this strategy. Details of action areas for science education at both primary and secondary levels are outlined in the Strategy.

A blueprint for Ireland's advancement has been provided in this Strategy. Central to this will be the development of the capacity of our higher education system for the achievement of key targets during the lifetime of the Strategy such as doubling the number of PhD graduates, for attaining the necessary intellectual critical mass, for advancing the quality of our post-graduate and PhD training, for strengthening arrangements for industry collaboration and for providing all the necessary supporting structures to achieve the research objectives of a range of sectors. The growth of fourth level education under the strategy will have a major impact on the profile of our higher education institutions.

The educational elements of the strategy will be progressed over the life of the plan. The Programme for Research at Third Level Institutions is a key element in delivering on the objective of doubling the number of PhD graduates and the estimates for 2007 show a 15% increase over 2006 in the provision for research including the funding for a further call for proposals from institutions under cycle 4 of this programme.

Defence Forces Recruitment.

Willie Penrose

Question:

549 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Defence the steps he is taking to increase the numbers at Columb Barracks, Mullingar, County Westmeath, which in understaffed due to the number of overseas commitments undertaken by personnel from this barracks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40285/06]

The Defence Forces provide military personnel to overseas missions as directed by the Government. There are currently twenty-eight (28) personnel from Columb Barracks, Mullingar serving overseas. This compares with figures of up to forty-two (42) personnel in 2005 and up to fifty-nine (59) personnel in 2004. The 4 Western Brigade is capable of fulfilling all of its domestic responsibilities while continuing to support and to participate in the Defence Forces overseas commitments. In conjunction with the policy of ongoing recruitment to the Defence Forces, Columb Barracks receives newly trained recruits as necessary.

Defence Forces Property.

Tony Gregory

Question:

550 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Defence the date on which the Defence Forces vacated Clancy Barracks, Dublin; the units located there prior to that date; the locations they were relocated to; the date on which the property was then sold; the person to whom it was sold; and the price involved. [40369/06]

Clancy Barracks was vacated in December 2001. The following units were stationed in Clancy Barracks:

2 Field Engineer Company

Relocated to McKee Barracks

11 Field Transport Company (FCA)

Relocated to McKee Barracks

11 Field Engineer Company (FCA)

Relocated to McKee Barracks

2 Field Military Police Company

Relocated to Cathal Brugha Barracks

Ordnance School

Relocated to The Defence Force Training Centre, The Curragh

Logs Base Dublin

Relocated to The Defence Force Training Centre, The Curragh

Barrack Foreman of Works Stores

Closed

The sale of the barracks to Florence Properties Ltd, for €25.4 million, was completed in March 2004.

Michael Ring

Question:

551 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a property (details supplied) available to another agency; and if a meeting will be set up in this regard with the Coast Guard, his Department and the Office of Public Works to try and arrange for the use of this property. [40374/06]

I am informed that the Department of Defence has no record of receiving an approach for the use by the agency concerned of the property referred to by the Deputy. This property is currently used by the Defence Forces for training purposes. Due consideration will, however, be given to any such request when received.

Local Authority Schemes.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

552 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will amend the RAS scheme and reduce from 18 months the time they must wait to qualify for the scheme for those who have been deemed to be homeless under the 1988 Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40414/06]

Any person who is deemed to be homeless and who is assessed by the housing authority to have a long term housing need is eligible for RAS.

Decentralisation Programme.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

553 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of staff decentralising to Waterford that are included in the over 2,100 staff who have already been reassigned to decentralising posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40425/06]

In accordance with the most recent progress Report from the Decentralisation Implementation Group, the indicative timescale for completion of the Department's Office in Waterford is Quarter 3, 2010. At this stage a total of 31 staff have confirmed their availability to decentralise with this Department to Waterford, with 15 of these currently assigned and working in the Department; the process of arranging for the transfer of the other staff to the Department is continuing.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

554 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position further to the submission of outstanding information requested by his Department that has now been submitted in relation to a scheme (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39944/06]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 574 of 21 November 2006.

Public Service Charges.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

555 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if local authorities have the legal right to waiver water rate bills charged to schools and other non-profit making organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39953/06]

Marian Harkin

Question:

558 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on using Article 9 Paragraph 1 of the Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC to allow flexibility in dealing with the issue of the cost of installation, ongoing maintenance and reading of water meters for agricultural use in the case of multiple fragmented small farm holdings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40032/06]

Marian Harkin

Question:

559 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 628 of 1 November 2006, he will instruct Sligo County Council to cease charging for individual water meters on multiple fragmented small farm holdings until he has completed his examination on the impact of these charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40033/06]

Denis Naughten

Question:

565 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide additional funding to local authorities to fund the installation of additional water meters on farms due to farm fragmentation; if his attention has been drawn to the increased financial burden that it will place on small holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40294/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 555, 558, 559 and 565 together.

Local authorities are required to recover the cost of providing water services from all users of these services, with the exception of householders. Waiver provisions in relation to local government services are intended only to address cases of personal hardship and would therefore not accommodate schools or other non-profit organisations. In order to provide a transparent and equitable cost recovery mechanism for water services, as envisaged by the EU Water Framework Directive, local authorities are now moving towards the metering of all non-domestic users. Metering of water usage should incentivise all non-domestic users, including schools, to conserve their use of water and so minimise this element of their running costs.

Article 9.1 of the EU Water Framework Directive requires Member States to take account of the principle of water services cost recovery, including environmental and resource costs, in accordance with the polluter pays principle. The Directive is being implemented in Ireland in relation to the non-domestic sector on the basis of recovery of all non-domestic water services costs, including marginal capital costs and operational, administrative and meter installation costs, from those users of the services.

Following a pilot billing project in one local authority area, and having regard to discussions conducted with farming representatives, I am arranging for the billing guidance being prepared for local authorities to include a request that authorities consider the impact of their charging arrangements for water meters on multiple fragmented small farm holdings when deciding their water charges.

Animal Welfare.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

556 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will sign or ratify the European Convention on Protection of Pet Animals; the reason this convention has not been ratified to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39971/06]

The principal statutes governing welfare and prevention of cruelty to domestic animals, including dogs and cats, are the Protection of Animals Acts 1911 and 1965. As responsibility for that legislation is a matter for the Department of Agriculture and Food, it would not be appropriate for my Department to take on the lead role in relation to the Convention referred to in the Question.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Enda Kenny

Question:

557 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the nature of the works required to be carried out in order to upgrade the treatment plant for the Lough Mask regional water supply scheme; the works to be carried out in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40026/06]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 438 of 22 November 2006.

Detailed information in relation to the proposed upgrading works to the treatment plant and the timescale for carrying out these works may be obtained from Mayo County Council.

Questions Nos. 558 and 559 answered with Question No. 555.

Local Authority Lands.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

560 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if it is policy for local authorities to deny public leases to community organisations that are seeking them even where the EU is offering funding to the community organisation and that funding is conditional on a public lease. [40034/06]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

561 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the case of a group (details supplied) who have secured a commitment of €1.6 million in funding from Pobal for a community childcare project conditional on the group obtaining a public lease from Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council which the council are currently refusing to provide; if he will intervene to ensure that the group can avail of the funding offered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40035/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 560 and 561 together.

Under the provisions of section 211 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, a decision to dispose of local authority land, including the granting of a lease, is a matter for the relevant local authority and my Department has no power under that Act to direct an authority to exercise such power in individual cases.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

562 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the implementation of the sectoral plans in his Department as part of the Disability Act 2005; if he envisages delays in the roll out of the timetable set out in his announcement in July 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40093/06]

As required under the Disability Act 2005, my Department's sectoral plan was approved by the Houses of the Oireachtas in October 2006. The plan, covering my Department, its partner bodies and local authorities, sets out national objectives and guidelines for access to public buildings, services, amenities, and information, as well as to heritage sites and other facilities. The plan provides for a range of positive measures, including improvements to Part M of the Building Regulations, the introduction of a new Disability Access Certificate and the development of a Housing Strategy for people with disabilities. The implementation of these measures will promote and pro-actively encourage equal opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in the economic, social and cultural life of the community.

Significant progress is being made on the implementation of my Department's sectoral plan. The Building Control Bill 2005 is before the Oireachtas and is expected to be enacted in the first quarter of 2007. The Bill provides for a Disability Access Certificate and will strengthen enforcement powers of Building Control Authorities as well as simplify the prosecution process. In addition, the Review of Part M of the Building Regulations is ongoing; following receipt of more than 40 submissions during the preliminary public consultation phase, a Building Regulations Advisory Board (BRAB) Expert Working Group will shortly submit preliminary draft proposals to amend Part M regime for consideration by BRAB.

The review of the Disabled Persons Grant scheme has been finalised within my Department. The aim of the review has been to refocus the available funding, to streamline the procedures governing the operation of the grant schemes, and to heighten consistency in operation across local authorities. The revised grant scheme will be published and implemented in early 2007.

Investment by local authorities to meet the needs of people with disabilities, and to fulfil their obligations under the Disability Act 2005, is being directed toward providing new or improved access to and within public buildings, amenities, streetscapes etc, including electronic equipment and adaptations, and towards training, accessibility audit work, improved access to information services, software etc. I have provided €18 million in 2006 to help local authorities and other bodies under the aegis of my Department to implement the National Disability Strategy, as part of a multi-annual funding programme, begun in 2005, which will continue until 2009.

I do not envisage delays in the timetable as set out in the sectoral plan.

Departmental Schemes.

Seamus Healy

Question:

563 Mr. Healy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce a grant scheme for the installation of central heating for categories of persons who own their own homes and whose income is solely or mainly derived form social welfare payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40126/06]

It is not proposed to introduce a national grant scheme for the installation of central heating in private houses. However, there are a number of selectively targeted schemes currently in operation under which grant-aid is available for the provision of heating systems. These schemes are outlined as follows:

Essential Repairs Grant Scheme

The essential repairs grant enables people in houses, which cannot be made habitable in all respects at a reasonable cost, to have basic works, including the provision of central heating, carried out to them. The scheme is directed primarily at older persons living in poor housing conditions. It is operated by local authorities on the basis of partial recoupment of their expenditure (generally two thirds) by my Department.

Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme

Aid is available under the special housing aid for the elderly scheme, which is operated by the Health Service Executive, for necessary repairs to make a dwelling habitable for the lifetime of the occupant. In 2000, the scheme was extended to include the provision of suitable heating systems where found necessary to meet the needs of elderly persons.

Disabled Persons Grant Scheme

The disabled persons grant scheme provides for the payment of a grant to a person for the provision of additional accommodation or the carrying out of works of adaptation that, in the opinion of the housing authority, are reasonably necessary for the purpose of rendering a house more suitable for the accommodation of a disabled member of the household. The scheme is operated by local authorities whose expenditure on grants is partially recouped (generally two thirds) by my Department. Guidelines for the scheme state that local authorities may assist in the provision of heating under the scheme in certain circumstances.

A review of these schemes was recently completed within my Department. Proposals for the future operation of the schemes are being prepared and are expected to be announced early next year in the context of a new Housing Policy Statement.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Michael Ring

Question:

564 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there is grant assistance available for the purchase and installation of a system (details supplied). [40138/06]

A grant of up to €2,031.58 or 75% of the approved cost, whichever is the lesser, is available from county councils under the Rural Water Programme for the provision or necessary improvement of a domestic water supply to an existing dwelling but only where a supply cannot be obtained from either a public or group water scheme. Responsibility for determining the eligibility of an individual application or proposal under this devolved programme rests with the relevant county council.

Question No. 565 answered with QuestionNo. 555.

National Parks.

Billy Timmins

Question:

566 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funding provided by him for the upkeep and development of Glendalough, County Wicklow and it environs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40295/06]

The Glendalough monastic site is under the responsibility of the Office of Public Works but is set in Wicklow Mountains National Park, which is managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department. NPWS provides a number of facilities in Glendalough, including a Visitor Information Point near the Upper Lake and picnic facilities.

Glendalough also enjoys the services of eight NPWS guides and is supported by four general operatives who also work in the general National Park area.

In recent years a number of works have been undertaken to improve visitor facilities in the area. A boardwalk around the lower lake at Glendalough has been completed, offering those with physical disabilities, in particular, easy access between the monastic site and the Upper Lake. The boardwalk, which cost some €112,000, formed part of a programme to provide nine way-marked routes around the National Park.

A Sensory Garden has also been developed at a cost of some €7,000, with the valued advice of the Irish Wheelchair Association, among others, at the information point near the Upper Lake. This Garden provides a stimulating and relaxing environment for those with a visual impairment in particular.

The NPWS Education Centre at Bolger's Cottage, beside the Upper Lake, has been restored recently at a cost of some €105,000 and has allowed a significant expansion of the education programme there.

Road Safety.

Denis Naughten

Question:

567 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the safety issues involved, he will introduce grant aid for the construction of cattle underpasses on the road network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40347/06]

The improvement and maintenance of non-national roads is a matter for local authorities to be funded from their own resources supplemented by State grants provided by my Department. While there are no specific grants available from my Department for the construction of cattle underpasses on the non-national road network, local authorities may use discretionary improvement grants provided by my Department towards the cost of providing such underpasses. In 2006, the discretionary improvement grant allocation to county councils is €24.27 million. In addition, in cases where my Department is providing grant assistance for the provision of new non-national roads or improvements to existing non-national roads, it is open to local authorities to include underpasses as part of such schemes in circumstances where they are deemed to be appropriate by the authority.

My Department has no function in relation to national roads. Responsibility for national roads is a matter for the relevant road authority and the National Roads Authority which operates under the aegis of my colleague the Minister for Transport.

Forestry Licences.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

568 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if ongoing building development in Lady’s Abbey, Ardfinnan, County Tipperary, conforms to the provisions of the Wildlife Act 1976, as amended and the Wild Birds Directive; if he will send an officer of his Department to investigate this site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40361/06]

My Department understands that, in connection with this development, an application for a felling licence may be made to the Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture and Food. In the event of such an application, my Department would be consulted in relation to wildlife and conservation implications and would submit any views to the Forest Service as necessary.

Waste Water Treatment.

Seán Ryan

Question:

569 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way he responded to the decision of the European Court of Justice Case C282/05 Commission v. Ireland, for inter alia not having an authorisation system for discharges from urban waste water treatment plants and other waste water infrastructures. [40362/06]

My Department is in ongoing communication with the European Commission regarding the measures which continue to be put in place to comply with the wide-ranging judgment of the European Court of Justice in Case C-282/02 in relation to implementation of the Dangerous Substances Directive in Ireland.

One of the measures proposed is the licensing of urban waste water discharges from local authority treatment plants. Consultations are taking place between my Department, the Environmental Protection Agency, the European Commission and other relevant Government Departments on a draft of regulations which it is proposed to make under section 59 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992. The proposed regulations will provide for a framework for the licensing of such discharges and give further effect to provisions of the EU Dangerous Substances Directive (76/464/EEC) and the EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC).

Planning Issues.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

570 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there is an acceptable distance where a dwelling house or a housing development should be built away from an existing cattle shed or other farm building; if it is acceptable that such a housing development would be built within 20 meters of an existing intensive cattle yard in a rural area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40371/06]

Specific distance requirements for residential, or other development from agricultural establishments are not provided for under planning legislation. It is a matter for each planning authority, when making decisions in relation to planning applications for their functional area, to reach a determination in each case in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

Wildlife Protection.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

571 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the expert advice sought by Waterford City Council from his Department in terms of preserving and maintaining the unique feral urban goat herd whose habitat is the Bilberry Rock and Coady’s Pond. [40391/06]

Feral goats are not afforded protection under the Wildlife Acts and my Department is not in a position to provide expert advice on their preservation. The question of protecting this herd of goats as an element of Waterford City's biodiversity would be a matter for the City Council to consider.

Planning Issues.

Michael Noonan

Question:

572 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if section 261 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 has been brought into force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40392/06]

Section 261 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 was commenced with effect from 28 April 2004. It introduced a once-off system of registration for all quarries, except those for which planning permission was granted in the preceding 5 years. Under the registration system quarry operators were required to supply full details of their operations to the planning authority, including information on the area of the quarry, the material being extracted, the hours of operation, and the traffic, noise and dust generated by the quarry. This information was required to be supplied within a year, i.e. by 27 April 2005.

Under Section 261, each planning authority was obliged, among other things:

to enter in its register the information required to be supplied by quarry owners as part of the registration procedure;

to publish a notice of registration in one or more newspapers circulating in its area not later than 6 months from the registration. This notice was required to state:

that the quarry had been registered in accordance with section 261;

whether the quarry had been granted planning permission or not;

where a quarry had been granted planning permission whether the planning authority was considering restating, modifying or adding to the conditions attached to the planning permission;

where a quarry had not been granted planning permission whether the planning authority was considering imposing conditions (for quarries which were operating prior to 1 October 1964) or requiring the quarry owner/operator to make a planning application and to submit an environmental impact statement;

the place or places where the register may be inspected; and

that submissions or observations regarding the operation of the quarry may be made to the planning authority within 4 weeks from the date of publication of the notice; and

to notify the quarry owner or operator of a proposal to impose, restate, modify or add to conditions on the operation of the quarry or to require a planning application to be made and an environmental impact statement to be submitted, after the 4 week period for observations or submissions had elapsed. The notice is required to state the reasons for the proposal, and that the owner or operator could make submissions or observations to the planning authority within a set period being not less than 6 weeks from the date of the notice.

Local Authority Housing.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

573 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he supports the multi-disciplinary approach towards combating antisocial behaviour by a minority of tenants in local authority estates; the arrangements currently in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40411/06]

Local authorities have extensive powers under the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997 to deal with the problem of anti social behaviour. In fulfilment of commitments in the Housing Policy statement — Building Sustainable Communities, I am reviewing the provisions of this Act with a view to strengthening their powers.

The powers of the Gardaí in dealing with this issue were recently enhanced under the provisions of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. The Garda Síochána Act 2005 further supports these efforts and provides for the establishment of joint policing committees — representative of local authorities, the Gardaí, other public bodies and community interests — whose statutory function includes reviewing the level and patterns of anti-social behaviour and advising on measures to tackle such behaviour. Clearly, the issue of anti social behaviour is best addressed with by a co-ordinated response from all relevant agencies and I am fully supportive of such an approach.

Private Rented Accommodation.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

574 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the Private Residential Tenancies Board has adequate resources; the details of the resources available in terms of manpower and moneys; and if further resources will be made available. [40417/06]

Significant resources have been allocated for the operation of the Private Residential Tenancy Board. An increased provision of €3.7 million is available to fund the Board's administration and services in 2006, compared with an outturn of €1.737 million in 2005. There is currently a total of 51.5 staff working in the Board. The Board has also engaged a panel of 175 mediators and adjudicators to assist with its dispute resolution functions. It is a matter for the Board to prioritise the allocation of resources and to keep the adequacy of such resources under review.

Local Authority Housing.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

575 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the information available to his Department on the number of local authority dwellings currently boarded up or otherwise out of use; if figures are available in regard to individual local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40431/06]

The detailed information sought in the Question is not held in my Department. Available information indicates that at 31 December 2005 there were an estimated 2,500 vacant local authority dwellings, exclusive of vacant dwellings which are subject of planned refurbishment/remedial programmes. It is not possible to determine from these general figures how many dwellings are boarded up and out of use.

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