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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 5 Dec 2006

Vol. 628 No. 6

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 16, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 17 to 44, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 45 to 50, inclusive, answered orally.

Health Information.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

51 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason it took so long to introduce an education campaign on antibiotics as was recommended in 2001; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41445/06]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has allocated specific funding for a three year plan to combat Health Care Associated Infections including antimicrobial resistance. A number of educational pilot projects have already been carried out as a result of The Strategy for the Control of Antimicrobial Resistance in Ireland National Committee recommendations. The HSE is now in discussions with relevant media companies with a view to agreeing a suitable national two year education and information campaign. The campaign is expected to commence early in the new year. It will run in parallel with an education intervention involving General Practitioners.

Accident and Emergency Services.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

52 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that on 28 November 2006 there were 274 people on trolleys according to the INO; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41468/06]

I am advised by the Health Service Executive that, on the day mentioned by the Deputy, the number of patients awaiting admission nationally was 172. Of these, only one patient had been waiting longer than 24 hours. I understand that the reason for the discrepancy between the figures produced by the Irish Nurses Organisation and the HSE is that the figures are compiled at different times of the day. Information on daily activity levels in A & E departments is available on the HSE website.

Tackling the problems in A & E departments is the Government's top priority in health. Our objectives are to reduce the numbers waiting for admission, the time spent waiting for admission, and the turnaround time for those who can be treated in A & E and do not require admission.

A & E services have improved around the country. The improvements, particularly in Dublin, have been acknowledged by the INO. The HSE activity reports over recent months indicate a significant reduction in the average number of patients in A & E departments awaiting admission compared with the equivalent period in 2005. Waiting times for patients have also been reduced. The percentage of people waiting longer than 24 hours for admission has decreased from 13% in May to 6% in October. I wish to move to a position where no patient will wait longer than six hours to be admitted after a clinical decision to admit has been made.

To ensure that the improvements that have been achieved in recent months are sustained, particularly during the winter months, the HSE has introduced a broad-based Winter Initiative. Its purpose is to ensure that the services required to address the particular demands of the winter season are in place and operating optimally. It encompasses not just hospital services but also primary and community care services.

The actions and initiatives being taken by the HSE are designed to deliver the sustained improvement in A & E services that patients and their families deserve.

General Practitioner Services.

Richard Bruton

Question:

53 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason investment in general practice development was reduced in 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41396/06]

I have been informed by the Health Service Executive that the amount paid by the Primary Care Re-Imbursement Service for general practice development in 2005 represents the amount claimed by GPs under the Indicative Drugs Target Savings Scheme. The Executive has indicated that all such claims were processed and paid and the total value of claims paid in 2005 was €11.933m.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Eamon Ryan

Question:

54 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Government will carry out a review of the proposals to relocate the new children’s hospital at the Mater site in view of new expert opinion on the matter. [41448/06]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

69 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of new expert opinion, she will reconsider the proposal to relocate the new children’s hospital at the Mater site; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41447/06]

Liz McManus

Question:

101 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on a new report from the board of Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin, which called for a review of the decision to locate the new national children’s hospital, following reservations from Tallaght Hospital; if she provide the full list of objections from these sources and address each; her further views on the fact that the Taoiseach appears to have given a commitment that the hospital would be located in his constituency prior to the decision-making process having been completed. [41377/06]

John Gormley

Question:

122 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the majority of parents on the south side of Dublin city are completely opposed to the proposal to move the children’s hospital to the Mater site; her views on whether this move will cause great inconvenience to parents who will have to travel longer distances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41442/06]

Catherine Murphy

Question:

132 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the recent report of the board of Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, which states that the Mater site does not have the potential to deliver a facility that can comply with the optimum level of care; if she will take action in view of this report; if so, the action she will take; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41436/06]

John Gormley

Question:

133 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the recent report by experts at Crumlin hospital for sick children she will reconsider the Government’s decision to locate the new children’s hospital at the Mater; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41441/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 54, 69, 101, 122, 132 and 133 together.

The objective of this Government is to ensure the provision of a world-class hospital to serve the children of this country. It was for this reason, and for no other, that the Government strongly endorsed the recommendation of the Joint Task Group and the decision of the Board of the Health Service Executive to locate the new National Paediatric Hospital on a site to be made available by the Mater Hospital. The decision was taken in the best interests of children, not on political grounds. To suggest otherwise is an injustice to those people who have worked tirelessly over the last twelve months to bring forward this essential development.

The McKinsey report commissioned by the HSE, at my request, provided the original basis for the decision to co-locate adult and paediatric hospital services. The report is very clear. It demonstrates that best outcomes for children are achieved by having the necessary breadth and depth of services on a single site. Co-location of paediatric services with adult services and, in due course, with maternity services, is in line with best international practice and this was widely accepted by stakeholders when the McKinsey report was published.

The collaboration of adult and paediatric specialists is of critical importance. It creates the necessary platform for sub-specialisation and improved outcomes. The optimum delivery of complex paediatric surgical services can best be achieved by creating teams of specialists covering both adult and paediatric patients. Co-location also offers the benefits of providing transitional care for children with complex illnesses who are now surviving well into adult life. I am fully satisfied that the Task Group undertook a rigorous and robust examination of the key issues in making its recommendation.

It is true that the site chosen for the new National Paediatric Hospital is in the Taoiseach's constituency. Is it being suggested that the Mater Hospital, an internationally renowned adult teaching hospital, should have been disregarded as a possible site for the new paediatric hospital simply because of its location? Comments by the Chairperson of the Mater and Children's University Hospital Limited at a public function a number of months ago were reported out of context. They related to the Taoiseach's long-standing support for the redevelopment of the Children's University Hospital Temple Street on the Mater site which at the time was at an advanced stage of planning. This has now been overtaken by the Government decision to develop a National Paediatric Hospital.

It is perhaps understandable, in circumstances where services provided at three hospitals are to move, that the decision has not met with universal approval. However, some of the public comment has been misinformed. Not all paediatric services are moving to the new hospital. As is the case internationally, the new National Paediatric Hospital will be supported by a strategically-located urgent care service. The Transition Group will be advising early in the New Year on the recommended scope and location for this service. The Group is working to ensure that the widest possible range of services will be provided through the urgent care service.

The report commissioned by Our Lady's Children's Hospital in Crumlin was submitted to the joint HSE/Departmental Transition Group some weeks ago and has already been the subject of discussions with the hospital. I also received the report and have met with hospital representatives to discuss their concerns. The Transition Group is overseeing the preparation of a high level framework brief to inform decisions in relation to the range of services to be provided at the new hospital and the specific site to be ceded by the Mater Hospital. I understand that the Transition Group is satisfied that the new hospital can be fully accommodated at the Mater. The Transition Group has assured the Crumlin hospital authorities that their report will be taken into consideration in the preparation of the framework brief.

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 service. The Taoiseach has given an assurance to Tallaght Hospital that the Government wishes to see it thrive on a sustainable basis as a particular focal point for the involvement of the minority tradition in the healthcare system, and as a key health provider to an expanding local population.

I am satisfied that the development, as planned, is consistent with international best practice. For example, I recently had the opportunity to visit the Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago, which is an established secondary and tertiary paediatric centre. The hospital, which at present operates as a stand-alone facility, will be transferring to a city-centre site where it will be tri-located with an existing adult teaching hospital and a new maternity hospital. The hospital authorities considered other options, including a move to a greenfield site, but ultimately decided that the clinical and other benefits of the tri-location model far outweighed any other considerations, and would allow for the provision of an enhanced level and quality of care for children.

Health Services.

Ivor Callely

Question:

55 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health and Children her Department’s policy in relation to the provision of speech therapy services; the service and waiting period for commencement of service in the Dublin region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41364/06]

€12.5m was made available by the Health Service Executive from the 2006 disability services investment programme to provide multi-disciplinary supports, including therapy supports, to people with intellectual, physical and sensory disabilities and people with autism. I also understand that the HSE's priority in 2006 has been to increase the multi-disciplinary support services for children with developmental delay.

The HSE has experienced difficulties in recruiting speech and language therapists. They are one of the therapy grades where shortages are being experienced nationally. A national initiative to train more such therapists has commenced. This initiative should shortly improve the position with regard to recruitment.

The Health Service Executive has informed my Department that they are also working to move from a disparate, uneven system to a national consistent system. In future, additional speech and language therapist posts will be allocated to Local Health Offices based on assessed need. The HSE will seek to ensure equity in resource distribution throughout the country in order that people can access all services in a timely, equitable manner within available resources.

With regard to the waiting times, the Health Service Executive have informed me that this information will be issued separately to the Deputy.

Water Fluoridation.

Dan Boyle

Question:

56 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in implementing the 33 recommendations from the fluoridation forum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41443/06]

On foot of a recommendation from the Forum on Fluoridation, the Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health (known as the Expert Body) was set up in 2004 with specific terms of reference which include overseeing the implementation of the Forum recommendations.

The Expert Body produced an Action Plan in 2005. This outlines a strategic framework to aid and direct the Expert Body in identifying and implementing the necessary measures proposed by the Forum's recommendations. It will also ensure that the systems employed are sound, transparent, and meet the highest standards of Quality Assurance and Accountability. There has been no delay in the implementation of the Forum recommendations.

Specifically, I will be bringing regulations before the Houses of the Oireachtas shortly to reduce the levels of fluoride in the water supply, in line with the Forum's recommendations on this matter.

Mental Health Services.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

57 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children the date for the completion of the next census of psychiatric hospitals; the number of patients of psychiatric hospitals that have been resident for 20 years or longer; the number of deaths in psychiatric hospitals in 2005; her Department’s policy towards long-term stays in psychiatric hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41460/06]

The Mental Health Commission has conducted an annual inpatient census since 2004. The census is reported in the Annual Report of the Mental Health Commission. The latest census was conducted on 8th November, 2006 and all returns are due by 8th December, 2006.

In the census carried out by the Mental Health Commission on 4th November 2005, there were 3,475 persons in approved centres. 476 persons were in hospital for 21 years or more. The 2005 Annual Report of the Commission contains further information on the census, including gender, age and legal status. The Health Research Board Report on Activities of Irish Psychiatric Units and Hospitals 2005 reports 229 deaths in psychiatric in-patient facilities during 2005.

The Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, "A Vision for Change" was launched on 24th January, 2006. This policy envisions an active, flexible and community-based mental health service where the need for hospital admission will be greatly reduced. The report recommends that steps be taken to bring about the closure of all psychiatric hospitals and to re-invest the resources released by these closures in the mental health service.

The Report emphasises that this process should take place on a phased basis with wards closing sequentially. The Health Service Executive has emphasised that mental hospitals can only close when the clinical needs of the remaining patients have been addressed in more appropriate settings such as additional community residences, day hospitals and day centres. There will also have to be a substantial increase in the number of community-based multidisciplinary Community Mental Health Teams, as recommended in "A Vision for Change".

Hospital Services.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

58 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of radiotherapy services in the north west of the country; her further views on earlier announcements of a network of radiotherapy services to be provided by 2011; the timeframes available for providing radiotherapy services to the north west; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41388/06]

The Government decided in July 2005 that the best option for improving geographic access for patients in the North West to radiation oncology services is to facilitate access to Belfast City Hospital and to progress consideration of a joint venture for the provision of oncology services in the medium term to patients in the North West from a satellite centre in the North West linked to Belfast.

Until recently, cancer patients in Donegal requiring radiation oncology treatment were referred to either St. Luke's Hospital Dublin or to University College Hospital Galway. I am pleased that a Service Level Agreement has now concluded for the referral of about 50 radiation oncology patients annually from Donegal to Belfast. It has also been agreed that the number will be increased if there is sufficient demand from patients in Donegal. Three assessment clinics will be held each month on an ongoing basis. The first referral clinic took place on 8 November.

As regards progressing the consideration of a satellite in the North West, the Deputy will appreciate that my first priority was to gain access for cancer patients in the North West to Belfast as early as possible. The issue of a satellite centre in the North West will be pursued with the authorities in Northern Ireland at both Departmental and Ministerial levels.

My Department is working closely with the HSE and the National Development Finance Agency to progress the National Radiation Oncology Plan announced by Government in July 2005. The Agency has assembled a team to progress the financial and procurement aspects of the Plan, to be provided mostly by PPP. The HSE has appointed a Project Manager and support team. The Clinical Output Specifications are being finalised and technical advisors will be appointed shortly to advise on the construction and other technical aspects of the project. Six new linear accelerators will be provided by traditional procurement in the Eastern Region in the short term, two in St. Luke's Hospital Dublin in late 2007 and two each in St. James's and Beaumont Hospitals by early 2009.

Michael Noonan

Question:

59 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of admissions to neurological services in each of the neurological units from 2002 to date in 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41435/06]

Information available to my Department and the Health Service Executive indicates that the number of patients discharged from neurological units for each of the years 2002 to 2006 was:

Year

Number

2002

4,077

2003

4,245

2004

4,531

2005

4,432

In the current year a total of 3,779 patients were discharged from neurological units between January and October. My Department will forward a more comprehensive table showing the number of patients discharged from the various neurological units directly to the Deputy.

The Government provided an additional €3m in 2006 to develop neuroscience services, including neurology services. This money is being used to fund the development of new neurology units in Waterford, Limerick and Sligo. In addition the HSE has provided funding for the appointment of an additional paediatric neurosurgeon at Beaumont Hospital. The recently published Estimates for 2007 include provision for a further €4m to continue developments in neurosciences.

Departmental Reports.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

60 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reports commissioned by her Department from which she expects primary care and hospital services to be guided in the future; the extent to which the ten-year plan, the Brennan report or the Hanly report are expected to form part or all of the strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41372/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

328 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of plans and reports commissioned or produced by her Department previously, such as the ten-year plan, the Brennan report and the Hanly report; if each, any or all are being implemented at the present time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41691/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 60 and 328 together.

Government policy is to develop health services in all regions of the country to provide safe, high-quality and accessible services that provide the best possible outcomes for patients. My Department has developed a broad range of strategy documents and associated policies to guide it in its work. The progress being made in pursuing these objectives is set out each year in my Department's Annual Report which is available in the Dáil Library and in the HSE's Annual Report which is available on their website.

The Health Reform Programme comprehends Quality and Fairness — The National Health Strategy, The Primary Care Strategy as well as the Prospectus, Brennan and Hanly reports. These reports are guiding the future of the health service in that they lay out the overall direction for the major changes which are now underway in the health services. They culminated in the introduction of the Health Act, 2004, which abolished the health boards and established the HSE in January, 2005 as a mechanism for unitary service delivery in the area of health and personal social services. The HSE together with my Department is implementing the recommendations of the Brennan Report on an ongoing basis in striving to achieve greater accountability, efficiency, consistency, quality and effectiveness in a national context.

The underlying vision guiding the delivery of primary care and hospital services is one which puts the patient or the service user at the centre of a high quality system which is fair, safe and which provides good value for the resources available. This approach will mean rebalancing service delivery so that those services that can be safely delivered locally are delivered locally and in the most appropriate setting with particular regard to the ongoing development of primary care infrastructure at local level as set out in The Primary Care Strategy. The Strategy is a road map for the future development of primary care services in Ireland over a period of some 10 years, both as the appropriate service for the delivery of the majority of people's health and social care needs, and to complement the services provided by acute hospitals.

More complex services that require specialist input must be concentrated at regional hospital settings, or in the case of highly specialised services such as organ transplantation, in national centres of excellence.

Hospital Services.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

61 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the opposition of many patients to the proposal to move cancer treatment facilities from St. Luke’s to St. James’s; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41444/06]

The Government and I are anxious to build on the expertise and ethos of St. Luke's. It is held in great affection by the Irish people. Many thousands of Irish patients and their families from every part of the country have experienced high quality cancer care at St. Luke's.

The decision to transfer St. Luke's Hospital to St. James's Hospital, Dublin was taken by the Government in the best interests of cancer patients. The decision was based on expert medical, scientific and management advice. It is designed to ensure that radiation oncology is integrated with all other aspects of cancer care, including surgery and medical oncology. It is in line with best international practice. This is the model that exists at Cork University Hospital and University College Hospital Galway and which is being developed at Beaumont and St. James's Hospitals, Dublin. The Board of St. Luke's Hospital and its Executive Management Team are fully committed to supporting this decision. A transfer on similar lines took place earlier this year in Northern Ireland when radiation oncology services transferred from a stand alone facility to Belfast City Hospital, which is a major academic teaching hospital.

The expertise and professional commitment of the staff at St. Luke's Hospital will continue to be an essential element in the provision of cancer care. Medical and scientific experts from the hospital are involved in developing the output specifications for the delivery of new radiation oncology services nationally. I have 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.

In recognition of the role for St. Luke's in the new facility at St. James', I have made a commitment to pursue discussions with the Boards of both Hospitals about its governance and a re-configuration of the Boards, with the twin goals of ensuring continuity of expertise and ethos in the care of cancer patients and the effective integration of multi-disciplinary patient care at the one site. I remain confident the transition will be managed with great sensitivity and skill by the two hospital Boards to achieve those objectives.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

62 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Health and Children the action she will take on foot of the recommendations of the Health Service Executive report into neurosurgical services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41416/06]

Dan Neville

Question:

144 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on statements made by a consultant neurosurgeon that neurosurgery services here were on the verge of collapse due to a shortage of consultants and a shortage of beds and crucial surgical equipment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41421/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 62 and 144 together.

The Health Service Executive recently published a Review of Neurosurgical Services in Ireland. The Report identifies a clear need for significant investment in, and organisational reform of, neurosurgical services. Neurosurgery is currently provided at the national centre in Beaumont Hospital and in Cork University Hospital. The Report recommends that the future development of safe, high quality neurosurgical services in Ireland would be best served by a two-pronged approach by increasing capacity in Dublin and Cork and improving access to neurosurgical units, including transport and telemedicine facilities for referring hospitals.

The HSE is committed to progressing the recommendations of the Report. It is undertaking a national neurosciences needs assessment. Neuroscience includes neurology, neurophysiology and neurosurgery. This assessment is guided by previous reviews of neurology and neurophysiology services and the recent report on neurosurgery. It aims to clearly identify the requirements for neuroscience services as a whole across the country.

An additional €3m was provided in 2006 to develop 3 new neurology units in Waterford, Limerick and Sligo through the appointment of 3 consultant neurology teams. In addition, the HSE provided funding for the appointment of an additional paediatric neurosurgeon at Beaumont Hospital this year. The recently published Estimates for the Health Service Executive provides a further €4m to continue these developments into 2007.

Mental Health Services.

Seán Crowe

Question:

63 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Health and Children the discussions she has had with the Health Service Executive regarding the report showing that almost 300 children and adolescents were admitted or detained in adult psychiatric hospitals in 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41455/06]

I accept that the placement of children and adolescents in adult mental health facilities is inappropriate. However, in situations where there is no available alternative, such admissions may be necessary.

At present, inpatient mental health services for 16 and 17 year olds are provided in adult psychiatric units. However, the HSE has put in place improved arrangements for the treatment of children in such units, pending the provision of additional dedicated child and adolescent beds. All children admitted to adult units are treated on a one-to-one basis by appropriately trained staff. Work is underway to identify two adult units in each of the four HSE regions which will deal with under-18s on an interim basis and staff of these units will receive additional training. Eight dedicated child and adolescent multidisciplinary teams will be provided for these units. These arrangements are interim ones pending the completion of four dedicated child and adolescent inpatient units in Cork, Galway, Dubin and Limerick.

My Department, the HSE and the Mental Health Commission will continue to work together to ensure that the highest standards of mental health services are provided to children and adolescents in the most appropriate setting. The Mental Health Commission has also issued a code of practice relating to the admission of children under the Mental Health Act 2001.

Child and adolescent mental health services will be a priority for investment next year. I expect that additional funding will be provided in 2007 to improve services in this area.

Child Care Services.

David Stanton

Question:

64 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on publishing all pre-school and crèche inspection reports on-line; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41438/06]

The Health Service Executive has statutory responsibility for the implementation of the 1996 and 1997 Child Care (Pre-School Services) Regulations, which give effect to the provisions of Part VII of the Child Care Act 1991. These provide for notification to, and inspection by, the Health Service Executive of pre-school services. The Regulations apply to pre-schools, playgroups, day nurseries, crèches, childminders looking after more than three pre-school children (other than their own such children) in the childminders own home and other similar services which cater for children under six years of age.

The notification and inspection service is managed by the pre-school inspection teams of the Health Service Executive who are appointed by the Executive as authorised persons for this purpose. These teams also provide an advisory service to help the relevant service providers achieve and maintain appropriate standards of care.

I understand that the HSE is developing a standardised Inspection Report and that the reports from inspections will be made available to the public on the HSE website from early 2007.

Health Insurance.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

65 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm that a report by the Health Insurance Authority states that BUPA would have had to pay €37 million in risk equalisation payments if the schemes had been in place in the 12 months to June 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41450/06]

I announced on 23 December, 2005 that the risk equalisation payment provisions of the scheme would be commenced with effect from 1 January 2006. Taking account of the phasing factor of 50% applicable to risk equalisation payments for the first 12 months, the amount BUPA Ireland would have to contribute in risk equalisation payments would be half of the amount quoted by the Deputy for the 12 months ending June 2006.

The purpose of a risk equalisation scheme is to neutralise differences in insurers claims costs that arise due to variations in the age and gender distributions of their members. In a community rated market without risk equalisation, insurers with more favourable risk profiles have a regulatory advantage. The current Risk Equalisation Scheme reduces the advantage of insurers with lower risk profiles.

Health Services.

Michael Ring

Question:

66 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is concerned that a member of the Health Service Executive appointed review group on orthodontics has called for an inquiry into the public orthodontics service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41428/06]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) established an Orthodontic Review Group in 2006. The terms of reference for the group are:

to review the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee Reports;

to examine the recommendations within the operational remit of the HSE and to establish their status;

to conduct an analysis of the HSE's existing orthodontic delivery structure and capacity.

Based on that analysis, to make recommendations in that regard;

the recommendations thus made to be costed and a time-frame for their implementation proposed.

I have been advised that the review group has concluded its meetings and is finalising its report and recommendations. The Report will be presented to the CEO of the HSE in the near future.I look forward to considering the report which I will be receiving shortly. Until I have received and considered the report I will not be in a position to comment on the matter raised in the question.

Primary Care Strategy.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

67 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of primary care centres established, as outlined in the primary care strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41404/06]

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

153 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of primary care teams that have been established; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41403/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 153 together.

The Primary Care Strategy is the roadmap for the future development of primary care services in Ireland over a period of some ten years, both as the appropriate service for the delivery of the majority of people's health and social care needs, and to complement the services provided by acute hospitals. At the heart of the Strategy is the aim of developing services in the community to give people direct access to integrated multi-disciplinary teams of general practitioners, nurses, health care assistants, home helps, occupational therapists and others.

The HSE received an additional €10m in funding in 2006 to enable the establishment of up to 100 Primary Care Teams; a further €10m is being provided in 2007 to enable the full year costs of these developments to be met. This will bring to €38m per annum the total ongoing funding provided by the Government to support the implementation of the strategy. This is in addition to the very substantial resources already in the funding base for a wide range of primary care services. The HSE is working to establish up to 100 Primary Care Teams in 2006 and it has indicated that it expects substantial progress in this regard to have been achieved by the end of the year.

The provision of the appropriate infrastructure for the effective functioning of the teams is also being considered by the HSE, having regard to a number of factors. These include the type and configuration of the services involved, the mixed public/private nature of our health system, the suitability of existing infrastructure and the capital requirements of the health services generally over the coming years.

Care of the Elderly.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

68 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has sought an explanation from the Health Service Executive regarding the circumstances in which a number of nursing homes were not considered suitable for contracted patients despite the fact that all of these homes had previously been assessed as suitable by a team from the HSE which was independent of the routine nursing home inspection system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41409/06]

The inspection of private nursing homes is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health (Nursing Homes) Act, 1990. The 1990 Act provides for the registration of private nursing homes and procedures for attaching conditions to the registration and for de-registering homes. The Nursing Homes (Care and Welfare) Regulations, 1993 set out the standards which private nursing homes owners must adhere to in the provision of nursing home services.

There are currently two nursing homes in the Dublin Mid Leinster Area where HSE admissions have been suspended. The HSE continues to work with these homes to resolve outstanding issues and the standard of care for current patients is under regular review. The position currently is that the most recent report of the registration and inspection service is reviewed prior to entering any arrangements with nursing home proprietors. Where issues remain outstanding no patients will be placed in contract beds in any such nursing home.

The HSE has informed me that they are not aware of any current case in the Dublin Mid Leinster Area where there is a conflict between the recommendations of the inspection team and any other inspection process.

Question No. 69 answered with QuestionNo. 54.

Hospital Services.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

70 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Health and Children when she expects the Health Service Executive national neurosciences needs assessment report to be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41415/06]

The Health Service Executive is committed to progressing the development of neuroscience services. Neuroscience includes neurology, neurophysiology and neurosurgery. A national neurosciences needs assessment is currently underway. This assessment is guided by the previous Comhairle na nOspideal report on neurology and neurophysiology and the recently published report on neurosurgery. It aims to clearly identify the requirements for neuroscience services as a whole across the country.

The HSE has informed my Department that an interim progress report is due to be submitted to the National Hospitals Office shortly and the final Report will be submitted early next year. The Government provided an additional €3m in 2006 to develop neuroscience services and the recently published Estimates for the Health Service Executive provides a further €4m to continue these developments into 2007.

The HSE is developing additional neurology services in Waterford, Limerick and Sligo through the appointment of additional consultant neurologist teams. In addition the HSE has approved the appointment of an additional consultant neurosurgeon with a special interest in paediatrics for Beaumont Hospital.

Departmental Inquiries.

Jack Wall

Question:

71 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether it is acceptable that almost eight years since an inquiry was established into alleged abuse (details supplied) people are still waiting for results; if she will guarantee the publication of this report; the timeframe for publication; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41469/06]

As the Deputy is aware I am on record in this House as to my concern at the length of time which has elapsed since the initial inquiry commenced. My officials have been and are in regular contact with the Health Service Executive seeking a report on the matter. I have today asked officials from my Department to write to the CEO of the HSE seeking to have this matter expedited as a matter of urgency.

Screening Programmes.

Pat Breen

Question:

72 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to introduce a screening programme for haemochromatosis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41398/06]

In March 2006, I established a Working Group to examine the nature and extent of haemochromatosis in Ireland and to advise on the actions necessary to address the problems caused by it. The Working Group presented its report to me in June 2006. It makes a series of recommendations relating to the management and treatment of haemochromatosis. The report has been circulated to the Health Service Executive and other relevant organisations for implementation.

A key recommendation of the Report is that funding should be prioritised to develop a screening programme to detect the prevalence of Hereditary Haemochromatosis in Ireland. Information obtained from this programme would provide helpful guidance to policy makers in structuring a countrywide programme for haemochromatosis service development.

My Department have is in discussions with the Health Service Executive regarding the implementation of the Report's recommendations and the establishment of a screening programme forms part of these discussions.

Food Safety.

Mary Upton

Question:

73 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the discussions she has had with the Food Safety Authority to address the ongoing deficiencies in relation to the labelling of beef at the catering level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41473/06]

The implementation of the Health (Country of Origin Of Beef) Regulations 2006 (SI 307 of 2006) is a matter for the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). My Department is in touch with officials of the FSAI on an ongoing basis and regular meetings are held to discuss a wide range of issues — including the enforcement of food legislation where this is necessary.

Hospital Services.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

74 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether an increased bed capacity is urgently required in Mayo General Hospital in view of the increasing numbers on trolleys in the accident and emergency department; her further views on whether the hospital has the capability to provide these essential additional beds and that her Department needs to sanction long-term financial investment to provide the necessary beds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41440/06]

The Health Service Executive has informed me that a ward at Mayo General Hospital which was being used for cardiac investigations is in the process of being refurbished as an admission lounge. This facility will provide 15 beds which will allow patients to be admitted to the Hospital from the A & E department in a timely manner, and be managed under the care of the appropriate consultant in an environment which preserves their dignity and privacy pending transfer to the relevant ward. This project is due to be completed shortly. I understand that the Hospital is in discussions with the HSE regarding the staffing and revenue resources required to commission the facility.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

75 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of inpatients and outpatients on waiting lists for non-emergency neurosurgical services from 2003 to date in 2006; the length of time these patients have been waiting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41420/06]

Responsibility for the collation and publication of waiting list information falls within the remit of the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). The NTPF maintains public hospital waiting lists and waiting times nationally on a database, the Patient Treatment Register. My Department has, therefore, asked the Chief Executive of the NTPF to reply to the Deputy directly in relation to the information requested.

Care of the Elderly.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

76 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied that all high dependency patients who have been, or are being, placed in nursing homes on foot of the policy of discharging patients that are no longer in need of acute care in hospital beds have been placed in nursing homes which are capable of meeting their needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41411/06]

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. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to respond to 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.

Health Service Staff.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

77 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the breakdown of the number of public health nurses per county; the number of vacancies for public health nurses per county; the locations of these vacancies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41385/06]

Almost 120,000 people work full-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 number of doctors, nurses and other healthcare 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 healthcare needs of the population into the future.

Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The 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.

Industrial Relations.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

78 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the discussions she has had with the Health Service Executive regarding the pay claim of the Irish Nurses Organisation and the Psychiatric Nurses Association; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41453/06]

The Irish Nurses Organisation (INO) and the Psychiatric Nurses Association (PNA) are pursuing a number of claims in respect of pay and conditions. I have had no direct discussions with the Health Service Executive in relation to these claims.

The claims were heard by the Labour Court on 20 June 2006 and a recommendation issued on 9 November 2006. The Court did not recommend concession of the major cost increasing claims. Instead the Court urged the unions to reconsider their position with regard to the Benchmarking so as to have their claims examined through that process. I would also see this as the way forward.

In relation to the claim for a shorter working week the Court noted that concession of this claim at this time would have profound consequences for both health care delivery and costs unless effective countervailing measures could be put in place. The Court did recommend that employers and unions explore the possibility of initiating an appropriate process aimed at achieving a major reorganisation of working arrangements within the health service generally.

Within the context of the Labour Court recommendation I recently suggested that meaningful discussions could be held between unions, the HSE and my Department in relation to greater flexibility, improved skill mix and work patterns. I am glad to say that the INO and PNA have indicated a willingness to enter such discussions and this matter will be progressed.

Health Service Staff.

Séamus Pattison

Question:

79 Mr. Pattison asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of the recruitment process of the 32 elder abuse officials or care workers following publication of the report into the deaths at Leas Cross; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41459/06]

The recruitment process referred to is a function of the Health Service Executive (HSE), which has informed my Department that the process to fill these posts is proceeding. The closing date for applications was 6th October, 2006 and the HSE intend to commence interviews next week.

Hospital Services.

Liam Twomey

Question:

80 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to provide full regional services in the south east; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41433/06]

This Government is committed to the development of acute hospital services in each individual hospital, network, and region. Our policy is to provide safe, high-quality services that achieve the best possible outcomes for patients. This will mean that those services that can be safely delivered locally are delivered locally and the more complex services that require specialist input are concentrated at regional centres, or in the case of highly specialised services, in national centres. This approach is consistent with international best practice for the optimum delivery of patient care.

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.

National Treatment Purchase Fund.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

81 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on concerns that the average cost of a patient treated through the National Treatment Purchase Fund can be €400 more expensive in the private sector; her further views on claims that the NTPF has become a subsidy to the private sector; if she will provide a comparison on the number and cost of patients treated to date in 2006 and in 2005 by the NTPF with the number and cost of patients in the public sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41457/06]

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

93 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to carry out a cost benefit analysis on the total 2006 spend by the National Treatment Purchase Fund, in view of the fact that the NTPF is paying substantially more for procedures carried out under its remit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41426/06]

Michael Ring

Question:

134 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied that the taxpayer is receiving value for money from the National Treatment Purchase Fund scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41427/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 81, 93 and 134 together.

I am satisfied that the taxpayer is receiving excellent value for money from the National Treatment Purchase Fund. I am not aware of evidence that the cost of procedures arranged by the Fund in the private sector is "substantially more" than similar procedures in public hospitals.

It is difficult to make a direct comparison between the costs of procedures carried out under the auspices of the NTPF in the private sector and those carried out in the public sector. The NTPF basically has a procedure-based pricing system. The factors that are taken into account in agreeing prices with private hospitals include the market rate for the treatment, the cost base of the private hospital, the supply and demand for particular treatments and other pricing benchmarks including Casemix and some information from private insurers.

The Casemix system in use in public hospitals groups a range of patients having the same condition, who may have differing lengths of stay, severity and cost, into one Diagnostic Related Grouping, which is then split by cost per hospital to make it as accurate as possible. As an example, a simple tonsillectomy costs less than a tonsillectomy complicated by infection; a cataract may be a day procedure for some people while an overnight stay may be required by others.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

82 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the tendering process for the co-location of private hospitals on public hospital grounds; her views on reports of a number of high profile medical operators that have pulled out of the tendering process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41458/06]

Arthur Morgan

Question:

130 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children if there is a target date for the negotiation and signing of detailed contracts for successful bidders for the development of private hospitals on public hospital sites under the co-location scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41456/06]

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

157 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children her view on the opinion that her co-location plan to build private hospitals on the grounds of public hospitals will create a difficulty for other hospitals in the same region in recruiting consultant staff and the possibility of a reduction in services as a result of this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41425/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 82, 130 and 157 together.

The Health Services Executive is currently undertaking a procurement exercise to select consortia to build and operate private hospitals on 10 public hospital sites utilising the competitive dialogue tendering process. Invitations to participate in dialogue issued to pre-qualified bidders in mid September 2006 with a deadline to submit outline proposals by 19th October 2006. The HSE has evaluated the outline proposals that it received and has recently completed the selection of short-listed bidders who will be invited to continue in the competitive dialogue phase. Some of the bidders withdrew from the procurement process for commercial reasons.

I was informed by the HSE yesterday that the co location initiative will not be proceeding on two public hospital sites at this time. The sites in question are Galway University Hospitals and Letterkenny General Hospital.

The key objective of the competitive dialogue phase is to explore different options for meeting the core requirements identified by the HSE in respect of each remaining site. The preferred bidders will then be invited to tender to build and operate private hospitals in accordance with the specifications determined by the HSE. The assessment of each proposal will involve a vigorous and comprehensive value for money assessment. The HSE envisages that the award of contracts will be made in the first quarter of 2007.

The HSE is working towards having consultants providing services as part of a team and hospitals operating as part of a network within a region. This is primarily aimed at improving patient care but it will also avoid the emergence of the type of problems envisaged by the Deputy.

Hospital Staff.

Enda Kenny

Question:

83 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department has carried out a review of the impact on private stand alone hospitals who can no longer employ public hospital consultants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41423/06]

I have no direct function in relation to the staffing of private acute hospitals. According to the latest report on Consultant Staffing published by the National Hospitals Office, the number of consultants holding Category II posts, which entitles them to work in private hospitals, stands at 610 which represents 31% of the number of consultants available nationally. I would point out that it is open to private hospitals to recruit consultants who do not have commitments in the public hospital system.

Health Services.

Dan Boyle

Question:

84 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Health and Children the intentions she has of expanding the teen parent support programme throughout the country. [37660/06]

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.

Screening Programmes.

Michael Noonan

Question:

85 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on population health screening programmes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41400/06]

Bernard Allen

Question:

107 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on primary and secondary screening for preventable diseases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41401/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 85 and 107 together.

Screening is a service provided to apparently healthy people so that some who may go on to develop the disease may be diagnosed and treated effectively. The aim is to reduce the number of people suffering and dying from a specified health condition. As a process, screening has risks and benefits and is not without cost. My Department has an obligation to minimise risk and maximise benefit as efficiently as possible.

The challenge for screening programmes is that there is a consistent and reliable approach to the criteria relating to the effectiveness and quality of screening programmes. Equally valid is the need to ensure that screening programmes are tailored to population health needs and that they deliver tangible health benefits.

Screening can be provided at the population level (comprehensive programmes that are population based and include recruitment, recall, follow-up and timely assessment of people with positive tests.) Examples include cancer screening (breast and cervical), newborn screening for congenital abnormalities e.g. Phenylketonuria (PKU), child health screening. Screening is also provided to prevent complications of disease especially related to chronic diseases. Examples include diabetic retinopathy screening, and the identification of risk factors for cardiovascular disease including stroke through primary care.

There are internationally recognised criteria for the provision and delivery of screening programmes e.g. those set by the World Health Organisation. My Department is actively considering the most appropriate ways to monitor new developments in screening and how they should be evaluated.

International Agreements.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

86 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason Ireland has yet to ratify the European Convention for the Protection of Vertebrate Animals used for Experimental and Other Scientific Purposes; and when same will be ratified. [41476/06]

The Convention in question is primarily designed to reduce both the number of experiments and the number of animals used for such purposes. Parties to the Convention are encouraged not to experiment on animals except where there is no alternative and to encourage research into alternative methods. Animals to be experimented on should be selected on the basis of clearly established quantitative criteria and must be well cared for and spared avoidable suffering whenever possible.

In Ireland, these outcomes are achieved in practice by the European Communities (Amendment to the Cruelty to Animals Act 1876) Regulations 2002 which give effect to Council Directive 86/609/EEC regarding the protection of animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes. However, ratification of the Convention would require primary legislation and, as there would be no additional protection of experimental animals, I could not justify allocating resources for this purpose; accordingly, there are no proposals to proceed with ratifying the Convention.

Departmental Reports.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

87 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm that the report submitted by the Health Service Executive to An Bord Altranais in conjunction with the O’Neill report contains specific allegations against named individuals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41414/06]

An Bord Altranais has a code of professional conduct for nurses and midwifes which provides that any circumstances which could place patients or clients in jeopardy or militate against safe standards of practice should be made known to the appropriate person or authorities. It would be inappropriate for me to comment further in advance of the Board's deliberation in this case.

Infectious Diseases.

Willie Penrose

Question:

88 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children the most up to date figures on MRSA and deaths attributed to MRSA; her views on the setting up of a national directorate for the inspection, prevention and control of MRSA and other hospital acquired infections such as C difficile; when the Health Service Executive will publish an action plan in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41463/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

146 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the action she has taken or proposes to take to address the issue of the ever increasing risk from MRSA in the various hospitals here; if incidents to date have related to hospitals only, public hospitals only, or health centres; the cost and effectiveness of the preventative measures she has taken to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41373/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

329 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients to date deemed to have contracted MRSA or similar infections while in public or private hospitals; the action taken to date or proposed to deal with the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41692/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 88, 146 and 329 together.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) collects data on MRSA bacteraemia (also known as bloodstream infection or "blood poisoning") as part of the European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (EARSS). EARSS collects data on the first episode of blood stream infection per patient per quarter. The Irish data for EARSS, which is published on a quarterly basis by the HPSC, showed that there were 445 cases in 2002, 480 cases in 2003, 553 cases in 2004, 586 cases in 2005 and 285 reported cases in the first half of 2006. It is difficult to identify the number of fatalities attributable to MRSA as many people also have significant co-morbidity factors.

Clostridium difficile is not a notifiable disease and as a result it is difficult to quantify the extent of infection in the health care system. However, Clostridium difficile infection was examined in The Third Prevalence Survey of Health Care Associated Infections (HCAIs) in acute hospitals in 2006. The survey found that thirty-six patients had Clostridium difficile representing 0.5% of patients studied. Clostridium difficile infection increases with age and is eight times more common in patients over 65 years compared to those under the age of 65 years. The emergence of more virulent strains of Clostridium difficile which is partly due to over use of antibiotics underlines the importance of strict antibiotic stewardship in our health care system.

This year, Ireland participated in the Hospital Infection Society's "Prevalence Survey of Health Care Associated Infections" (HCAIs) in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The survey, which included 45 Irish acute adult hospitals, including 8 private hospitals, provides accurate and comparable data on the prevalence of Health Care Associated Infections (including MRSA) and can also be compared with similar data being obtained in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Preliminary results of this study are now available. The overall prevalence of health-care associated infection in the UK and Ireland study (these figures exclude Scotland) is 7.9%. The England figure is 8.2%, Wales 6.3%, Northern Ireland 5.5% and the Republic of Ireland 4.9%. The prevalence of health-care associated infection was highest in regional/tertiary hospitals at 6% and lowest in specialist hospitals at 2%. There is no room for complacency and HSE must continue to work with hospitals to control HCAIs.

Community acquired MRSA infections are generally caused by strains of MRSA bacteria that differ to strains associated with hospitals. The Irish National MRSA Reference Library carried out a preliminary study in 2005 to look for evidence of such community acquired strains of MRSA in Ireland. They identified five patients with such strains, four of which appear to have acquired the infection outside Ireland.

Measures to control the emergence and spread of HCAIs are necessary because there are fewer options available for the treatment of resistant infections and because these strains spread amongst vulnerable at-risk patients. The prudent use of antibiotics underpins any approach to the control of antibiotic resistant bacteria, including MRSA. This, together with good professional practice and routine infection control precautions, such as hand hygiene, constitute the major measures in controlling and preventing healthcare-associated infection, including that caused by MRSA, both in hospital and in community health care units. While many HCAI are not preventable, we can make every effort to reduce the rates of infection and to treat them promptly when they occur.

A Strategy for the control of Antimicrobial Resistance in Ireland (SARI) was launched in 2001 and includes recommendations such as hospital hygiene practise, appropriate antibiotic prescribing, active surveillance for the detection of MRSA and corporate/ clinical governance structures in the area of infection control.

The base funding for MRSA and HCAI is €4.5m. The funds allocated to SARI since its launch are:

2001: €2,539,000

2002: €4,383,000

2003: €4,492,000

Funding for 2004 and 2005 has remained the same, with an increase in each year to allow for inflation.

The HSE has appointed Dr. Kevin Kelleher, Assistant National Director of Health Protection, as the lead person nationally, for MRSA in the HSE. He is supported by senior representatives of the NHO, PCCC and Risk Management as well as senior clinicians. The HSE are shortly to publish a three year Action Plan which will set targets for the control and management of HCAIs.

Care of the Elderly.

Phil Hogan

Question:

89 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children the discussions she has had with the Health Service Executive on the stated opinion of the HSE that an over reliance on the nursing home sector to meet all of the needs of highly dependent and very ill older people is misplaced and inappropriate; the policy initiatives she proposes to ensure that very ill older people are placed in appropriate facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41406/06]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

117 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the communications she has had with the private nursing home sector with a view to bringing about improvements in the short term in view of the public concern regarding standards in some nursing homes; her views on whether the conflict of interests prevents the Health Service Executive from being an effective independent arbiter in this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41410/06]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

119 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the current and ongoing conflict of interest within the Health Service Executive, which is contracting beds in nursing homes, has sought tenders from nursing homes to provide care for high dependency patients and which is also the regulator for nursing home standards, she will take immediate steps to ensure that the governance function in regard to inspections has sufficient autonomy, independence and competence; the steps she proposes to take on this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41407/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 89, 117 and 119 together.

The inspection of private nursing homes is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health (Nursing Homes) Act, 1990. The 1990 Act provides for the registration of private nursing homes and procedures for attaching conditions to the registration and for de-registering homes. The Nursing Homes (Care and Welfare) Regulations, 1993 set out the standards which private nursing homes owners must adhere to in the provision of nursing home services.

A Nursing Homes Inspection and Registration Working Group was established in July 2005 by the HSE and reported in July 2006. Among the recommendations of the report was the recruitment of dedicated inspection teams throughout the country, these teams to have staff with nursing, medical and mental health expertise, and other professionals available to them. The HSE is in the process of developing dedicated nursing home inspection teams and these have been developed in some areas. Standardised documentation will be used by all inspection teams throughout the HSE. An Integrated Checklist will be adopted by all Inspection Teams and completed at each inspection by team members. The HSE commenced publication of nursing home inspection reports on their website in September 2006.

Priority is being given to the appointment of dedicated multi-disciplinary inspection teams whose remit solely covers all aspects of nursing home inspections, registrations and investigations. A training programme is being developed and implemented for nursing home inspection teams which will address, in particular, report writing, elder abuse, legislation and training on appliances and clinical skills. All of the mandatory inspections of nursing homes, i.e. the six-monthly inspections, will be unannounced. Follow-up inspections may be announced or unannounced.

A Working Group was established by the Minister last year to produce draft standards for all long-term residential settings — public, private and voluntary. The Department is currently in discussion with interim Health Information and Quality Authority (iHIQA) in relation to a consultation process on these draft standards.

The Health Bill 2006 will establish the Health Information and Quality Authority, or HIQA, and will put the Social Services Inspectorate, or SSI, on a statutory basis within HIQA. The intention is that the SSI will be required to monitor residential services provided to older persons against standards adopted or set by HIQA. The Office of the Chief Inspector of Social Services will be established as an Office within HIQA. The Chief Inspector will have powers to cancel a registration or to add conditions to a registration. He or she will also be able to seek the urgent cancellation of a registration by application to the courts in situations where he or she considers the health and well-being of a person is at risk. The Health Bill will be published before the end of the year.

The Department and the HSE have progressed work on a number of initiatives as outlined above to ensure that all patients who require nursing home care are placed in appropriate settings that meet their needs. The Department will continue to work closely with the HSE to develop additional bed capacity, replace existing bed stock and to carry out necessary refurbishment and upgrading. In that context it is proposed to develop 50 Bed Units at a number of locations in Dublin and Cork and a number of other sites across the country.

Health Services.

Joe Costello

Question:

90 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on calls for an independent person to examine the reason thousands of children are waiting for orthodontic treatment or being denied treatment; the number of children and adults waiting for treatment; the number of orthodontists currently being trained; the progress to date on implementing the recommendations made in 2005 by the Joint Committee on Health and Children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41381/06]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) established an Orthodontic Review Group. The terms of reference for the group are:

to review the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee Reports;

to examine the recommendations within the operational remit of the HSE and to establish their status;

to conduct an analysis of the HSE's existing orthodontic delivery structure and capacity.

Based on that analysis, to make recommendations in that regard;

the recommendations thus made to be costed and a time-frame for their implementation proposed.

I have been advised that the Review Group has concluded its meetings and is finalising its report and recommendations. The report will be presented to the Chief Executive Officer of the HSE in the near future. I look forward to receiving and considering the Report.

Hospital Accommodation.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

91 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children the location and number of community nursing beds provided to date in 2006 and in 2005; the number of beds lost in the same period; the locations of these beds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41466/06]

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 co-ordinate this information and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Eamon Ryan

Question:

92 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether a tribunal of inquiry is needed into the public orthodontic service (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41449/06]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) established an Orthodontic Review Group. The terms of reference for the Group are:

to review the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee Reports;

to examine the recommendations within the operational remit of the HSE and to establish their status;

to conduct an analysis of the HSE's existing orthodontic delivery structure and capacity.

Based on that analysis, to make recommendations in that regard;

the recommendation thus made to be costed and a time-frame for their implementation proposed

I have been advised that the Review Group has concluded its meetings and is finalising its report and recommendations. The Report will be presented to the Chief Executive Officer of the HSE in the near future. I look forward to receiving and considering the Report.

Question No. 93 answered with QuestionNo. 81.

Food Safety.

Séamus Pattison

Question:

94 Mr. Pattison asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of officers dedicated to the inspection of catering outlets to check for compliance with labelling regulations for beef; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41471/06]

Seán Ryan

Question:

155 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied that there are sufficient inspectors to deal with the level of inspection required to monitor the beef labelling regulations at catering level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41475/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 94 and 155 together.

The implementation of the Health (Country of Origin of Beef) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 307 of 2006) is a matter for the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). There are over 44,000 food businesses in Ireland of which 29,000 are in the service sector — including restaurants, hotels and public houses. These are inspected on a routine basis by Environmental Health Officers of the Health Service Executive (HSE) operating under a service contract with the FSAI.

Approximately 400 Environmental Health Officers are involved in food control in the HSE. I am advised that the number of inspectors and level of inspection required to implement these regulations is sufficient.

Care of the Elderly.

Liam Twomey

Question:

95 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding that will be provided for care of the elderly in County Wexford; when funding will be provided specifically for phase two and three of St. John’s Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41432/06]

The Government's sustained high level of investment in healthcare has enabled the completion and commissioning of numerous new facilities in both the acute and the non-acute sectors. This year, the sum available for expenditure in health under the Health Service Executive's capital plan is €555 million.

The HSE has responsibility for the planning and management of capital projects in the health sector, including the development referred to in the Deputy's question. 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:

96 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans for the development of services at the County Hospital Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41174/06]

This Government is committed to the development of acute hospital services in each individual hospital, network, and region. Each hospital, including Roscommon, has a role to play in providing acute hospital services.

Our policy is to provide safe, high-quality services that achieve the best possible outcomes for patients. This will mean that those services that can be safely delivered locally are delivered locally and the more complex services that require specialist input are concentrated at regional centres, or in the case of highly specialised services in national centres. This approach is consistent with international best practice for the optimum delivery of patient care.

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 Waiting Lists.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

97 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients on waiting lists for admission to each of the neurological units from 2002 to date in 2006; the length of time these patients have been waiting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41419/06]

Responsibility for the collection and reporting of waiting lists and waiting times now falls within the remit of the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). My Department has, therefore, asked the Chief Executive of the NTPF to reply to the Deputy directly in relation to the information requested.

Screening Programmes.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

98 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to introduce a screening programme for hypertension, cholesterol and obesity as part of a population health screening programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41399/06]

Pat Breen

Question:

143 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to introduce a screening programme for diabetes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41397/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 143 together.

Screening is a service provided to apparently healthy people so that some who may go on to develop the disease may be diagnosed and treated effectively. The aim is to reduce the number of people suffering and dying from a specified health condition. As a process, screening has risks and benefits and is not without cost. My Department has an obligation to minimise risk and maximise benefit as efficiently as possible.

The challenge for screening programmes is that there is a consistent and reliable approach to the criteria relating to the effectiveness and quality of screening programmes. Equally valid is the need to ensure that screening programmes are tailored to population health needs and that they deliver tangible health benefits.

Screening can be provided at the population level (comprehensive programmes that are population based and include recruitment, recall, follow-up and timely assessment of people with positive tests.) Examples include cancer screening (breast and cervical), newborn screening for congenital abnormalities e.g. Phenylketonuria (PKU), child health screening. Screening is also provided to prevent complications of disease especially related to chronic diseases. Examples include diabetic retinopathy screening, and the identification of risk factors for cardiovascular disease including stroke through primary care.

There are internationally recognised criteria for the provision and delivery of screening programmes e.g. those set by the World Health Organisation. My Department is actively considering the most appropriate ways to monitor new developments in screening and how they should be evaluated.

Hospital Services.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

99 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to fast-track the development of neurology services in Beaumont Hospital and Cork University Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41418/06]

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.

Departmental Reports.

Enda Kenny

Question:

100 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children further to the fact that the Health Service Executive has stated that no judgment has been formed where there is a difference of opinion between the contents of Professor O’Neill’s report on the deaths in Leas Cross and the responses attached to his report, the steps proposed to be taken to identify these differences; the action that will be taken to establish the reason such differences have occurred; the real significance of same in respect of the debacle which occurred in that nursing home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41412/06]

I have expressed my gratitude to Professor O'Neill for his work on the Leas Cross Report and I welcome its publication. The Health Service Executive has confirmed that it fully accepts the recommendations made by Professor O'Neill and has already addressed many of these that apply to the HSE.

My Department and the HSE will work together to implement the recommendations contained therein. I believe this is the appropriate, continuing response to the Report. It is the best course of action to assure patients of higher quality standards and services. I understand that Professor O'Neill has agreed to participate in a group to oversee the implementation of the recommendations. I believe that this is the appropriate forum to consider the issues raised by the Deputy.

Services for older people are a priority for the Government. We are implementing significant changes to give the required assurance to older people about care standards. A thorough and robust system of inspections is vital. The Health Bill 2006, which is before Government and will be published imminently, will provide for the first time for an independent, statutory body to set standards and inspect all nursing home places, both public and private. This will also strengthen the registration and de-registration process. New standards for all long-term residential care facilities for older people have already been prepared.

In 2006, the total budget for services for older people is €1.2 billion, including an increase of €150 million this year alone. There will continue to be substantial funding increases for these services in 2007. We have already carried out considerable work to prepare policy to overhaul the financial support system for people in long term care.

Question No. 101 answered with QuestionNo. 54.

Accident and Emergency Services.

Joan Burton

Question:

102 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she will take following recent reports of an elderly woman being charged for private service after attending accident and emergency; if she will ensure that all hospitals are not charging private fees to patients attending accident and emergency in public hospitals; her Department’s position and the IMO’s position in relation to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41379/06]

Trevor Sargent

Question:

127 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm that her Department has sent a letter to the Health Service Executive asking it to stop the practice of doctors charging private fees to patients attending accident and emergency departments in public hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41451/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 102 and 127 together.

My Department was recently made aware of a case of an elderly woman who, following treatment in the accident and emergency department of a public hospital, received a bill in respect of private services from a Consultant who attended to her there. Patients attending A&E departments in public hospitals are deemed to be public patients and are not liable to pay Consultants' private fees. The fact that a patient may hold private health insurance does not alter this position. My Department has brought the case to the attention of the Health Service Executive and requested that all public hospitals be reminded that there is no statutory basis for charging private fees in A&E departments.

I am aware that the medical organisations have taken issue with the action taken by my Department. I wish to make it clear that I regard equitable access to A&E services as a core principle. The nature of A&E services demands that no distinction be made between public or private patients. The payment of private fees for duties undertaken in A&E departments would totally undermine this principle.

Departmental Reports.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

103 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the view expressed by a senior official of the Health Service Executive that what happened in Leas Cross was due to a systems failure; the action she proposes to take to establish the full facts of what happened in Leas Cross and the factors which contributed to this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41413/06]

Brendan Howlin

Question:

112 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children further to the publication of the report into deaths in Leas Cross, her views on the recommendations made in the report; the measures she will take to ensure implementation of the recommendations; the timeframe for implementation of same; the timeframe for an independent inspectorate for nursing homes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41391/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 103 and 112 together.

The inspection of private nursing homes is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health (Nursing Homes) Act, 1990. The 1990 Act provides for the registration of private nursing homes and procedures for attaching conditions to the registration and for de-registering homes. The Nursing Homes (Care and Welfare) Regulations, 1993 set out the standards which private nursing homes owners must adhere to in the provision of nursing home services.

A Nursing Homes Inspection and Registration Working Group was established in July 2005 by the HSE and reported in July 2006. Among the recommendations of the report was the recruitment of dedicated inspection teams throughout the country, these teams to have staff with nursing, medical and mental health expertise, and other professionals available to them. The HSE is in the process of developing dedicated nursing home inspection teams and these have been developed in some areas. Standardised documentation will be used by all inspection teams throughout the HSE. An Integrated Checklist will be adopted by all Inspection Teams and completed at each inspection by team members. The HSE commenced publication of nursing home inspection reports on their website in September 2006.

Priority is being given to the appointment of dedicated multi-disciplinary inspection teams whose remit solely covers all aspects of nursing home inspections, registrations and investigations. A training programme is being developed and implemented for nursing home inspection teams which will address, in particular, report writing, elder abuse, legislation and training on appliances and clinical skills. All of the mandatory inspections of nursing homes, i.e. the six-monthly inspections, will be unannounced. Follow-up inspections may be announced or unannounced.

A Working Group was established by the Minister last year to produce draft standards for all long-term residential settings–public, private and voluntary. The Department is currently in discussion with interim Health Information and Quality Authority (iHIQA) in relation to a consultation process on these draft standards.

The Health Bill 2006 will establish the Health Information and Quality Authority, or HIQA, and will put the Social Services Inspectorate, or SSI, on a statutory basis within HIQA. The intention is that the SSI will be required to monitor residential services provided to older persons against standards adopted or set by HIQA. The Office of the Chief Inspector of Social Services will be established as an Office within HIQA. The Chief Inspector will have powers to cancel a registration or to add conditions to a registration. He or she will also be able to seek the urgent cancellation of a registration by application to the courts in situations where he or she considers the health and well-being of a person is at risk. The Health Bill will be published before the end of the year.

The Department and the HSE will continue its work to implement the recommendations in the Leas Cross Report.

Care of the Elderly.

Bernard Allen

Question:

104 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to develop community care units to provide specific care for the elderly with regard to convalescence, respite and high dependence long-term care beds on the grounds of public hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41402/06]

The Government's sustained high level of investment in healthcare has enabled the completion and commissioning of numerous new facilities in both the acute and the non-acute sectors. This year, the sum available for expenditure in health under the Health Service Executive's capital plan is €555 million.

The HSE has responsibility for the planning and management of capital projects in the health sector, including the development referred to in the Deputy's question. 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.

Primary Care Strategy.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

105 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to develop primary care teams in County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41434/06]

The Strategy, Primary Care: A New Direction, aims to develop services in the community to give people direct access to integrated multi-disciplinary teams of general practitioners, nurses, health care assistants, home helps, occupational therapists and others.

It has been estimated that up to 95% of people's health and social services needs can be properly met within a primary care setting and the establishment of new Primary Care Teams can contribute greatly to enhancing community based health services in these areas. The HSE received additional revenue funding of €16m in 2006 in order to support further implementation of the Strategy. This represents a significant increase over previous years and brings the total ongoing funding for this purpose to €28m per annum.

Of the €16m provided, €10m has been earmarked to establish up to 100 primary care teams, which will include some 300 additional frontline professionals. The funding is being targeted by the HSE to provide the potential for each Local Health Office (formerly Community Care Areas) to establish up to three primary care teams. The HSE is at present in the process of finalising arrangements for the establishment of Primary Care Teams in 2006. Further funding of €10m is also being provided in 2007 to enable the full year cost of these developments to be met.

As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for Primary Care services, it 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 this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Insurance.

Dan Neville

Question:

106 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children if her plans to move 1,000 private beds out of the public system will have the effect of increasing private health insurance premiums; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41422/06]

In July 2005, I announced an initiative designed to provide up to 1,000 additional beds for public patients. This will be achieved through the development of private hospitals on the sites of public hospitals, transferring private activity to those hospitals and freeing up beds currently reserved for private patients.

As the charges levied on private health insurers for treating private patients in public hospitals are subsidised, the transfer of 1,000 beds will impact on private health insurance costs as private hospitals will have to charge the full economic rate, including the need for a return on their capital investment. However, it is, in any case, Government policy that this subsidy be removed from public hospital beds.

Question No. 107 answered with QuestionNo. 85.

Suicide Incidence.

Ivor Callely

Question:

108 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health and Children the measures in place aimed at reducing the number of deaths by suicide; her Department’s policy and strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41363/06]

Ivor Callely

Question:

282 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress since the publication of the national task force report on suicide in 1998; the number of annual deaths arising from suicide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41336/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 108 and 282 together.

Since the publication of the Report of the National Task Force on Suicide in 1998 there has been a positive and committed response among both the statutory and voluntary sectors towards finding ways of tackling this tragic problem. The Chief Executive Officers of the former Health Boards established the Suicide Review Group and Resource officers were appointed in all health boards with specific responsibility for implementing the Task Force's recommendations.

In 2003, the ongoing concern about reported rates of suicidal behaviour underlined the need to develop a national strategy for action on suicide prevention, building on earlier efforts and learning from national and international experiences.

"Reach Out" a National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention, 2005-2014 was launched in September 2005. This strategy builds on the work of the National Task Force on Suicide and takes account of the efforts and initiatives developed by the former health boards in recent years. During the two years developing the strategy, wide ranging consultation took place throughout the country to draw on the experience, perspectives and ideas of the key stakeholders and interested parties. This consultation process, combined with continuous monitoring of evidence and best practice, allowed the project team to take both an evidence-based and pragmatic approach in prioritising actions to be undertaken by the various agencies and groups in order to effect real change over the next 5 to 10 years.

Reach Out recommends a combined public health and high risk approach. This approach to suicide prevention is also that advocated by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and is in keeping with the European Action Plan for Mental Health which was signed and endorsed on behalf of ministers of health of the 52 member states of the European Region of the World Health Organisation at the Ministerial Conference on Mental Health in Helsinki, Finland in January 2005.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) is taking a lead role in overseeing the implementation of Reach Out, in partnership with those statutory and voluntary organisations that have a key role to play in making the actions happen. In 2005, the HSE established the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) to oversee the implementation of the strategy.

According to the Central Statistics Office, the number of registered deaths by suicide for each year since 1998 is as shown in the table.

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

514

455

486

519

478

497

457

431

Note: The figures provided for 2004 and 2005 are by ‘year of registration' and are therefore provisional.

Hospital Services.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

109 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of acute neurosurgical beds in each neurosurgical unit here for each of the years from 1997 to date in 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41417/06]

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. 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 provided directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Damien English

Question:

110 Mr. English asked the Minister for Health and Children the alternatives to methadone treatment that exist for heroin misusers; the structures in place to allow them to become drug free; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37287/06]

The question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, 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.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

111 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the co-location of public and private hospitals represents good value for money; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41446/06]

John Gormley

Question:

241 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the co-location of public and private hospitals represents good value for money; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41669/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 111 and 241 together.

The cost of developing private hospitals on public sites must be seen in the context of delivering up to 1,000 acute hospital beds for public patients. It also has to be seen in the context of the significant benefits that the HSE expects to receive in return for the concessions granted to the private operators.

The Health Service Executive has informed my Department that in 2005 the 10 public hospitals selected as sites for co-located private hospitals charged health insurers for a total of €111 million. I was informed by the HSE yesterday that, as a result of the ongoing public procurement exercise, the co-location initiative will not be proceeding on two public hospital sites at this time. These sites in question are Galway University Hospitals and Letterkenny General Hospital. Leaving aside those two hospitals, the figure reduces to €88.6 million.

In addition it is estimated that tax forgone under the capital allowances scheme will be about €420 million over a 7 year cycle. This is less than half the capital cost of providing the same number of beds through direct exchequer capital funding.

A rigorous value for money assessment of each co-location proposal will be carried out by the HSE. This has been a requirement from the start. No project will proceed without the value for money to the State being demonstrated.

Question No. 112 answered with QuestionNo. 103.

Cancer Screening Programme.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

113 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the BreastCheck roll-out nationwide and particularly the roll-out for the north west; the budget spend on the roll-out by region with initial cost projections and the current cost projections; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41389/06]

Jerry Cowley

Question:

139 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans, in view of the fact that BreastCheck is realistically two years away for the women of Mayo and the west of Ireland, to offer an interim solution for this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41374/06]

Mary Upton

Question:

254 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of the prospect of comprehensive BreastCheck services being provided in the north-west region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41140/06]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

255 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will give a commitment to the Houses of the Oireachtas that the BreastCheck programme will be rolled out in Donegal in 2007 as promised. [41153/06]

Paul Connaughton

Question:

270 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children when it is proposed to have free breast cancer screening available for women in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41272/06]

Mary Upton

Question:

302 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children when BreastCheck screening will be available in Sligo and Leitrim. [41521/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 113, 139, 254, 255, 270 and 302 together.

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 2007 to meet the additional costs involved, bringing BreastCheck's revenue budget to €21.7 million in 2007. I have also made available an additional €26.7 million capital funding to BreastCheck for the construction of two new clinical units, five additional mobile units and the provision of state of the art digital equipment. I am pleased that screening will commence in the South and West in the Spring of next year.

As regards the roll out to specific regions and associated costs, my Department has requested the Director of the Programme to respond directly to the Deputies.

Medical Research.

Mary Upton

Question:

114 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the action she is taking to ensure that the housing and care of animals and invertebrates used in scientific procedures conforms with the highest evidence based animal welfare standards; the code of practice governing standards in this area here; and if she will provide this Deputy with a copy of same. [41472/06]

The use of live animals in scientific research and other experimental activity is strictly controlled in accordance with the Cruelty to Animals Act 1876, as amended by the European Communities (Amendment of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1876) Regulations 2002 and 2005. Under the Act, each licence applicant must satisfy the Authority that they have the appropriate education and training (including instruction in a relevant scientific discipline) for the task, are competent to perform the task in accordance with the conditions specified in the licence and have the appropriate competence to handle and take care of the experimental animals specified in the application.

Ireland supports the work of the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM). ECVAM was established by the European Commission to promote the scientific and regulatory acceptance of alternative methods which are of importance to the biosciences and which reduce, refine or replace the use of laboratory animals. Ireland is represented on its Scientific Committee.

I have forwarded copies of the European Communities (Amendment of Cruelty to Animals Act 1876) Regulations 2002 and the European Communities (Amendment of Cruelty to Animals Act 1876) Regulations 2005 on the use of animals for experimental and other scientific purposes to the Deputy as requested.

Mental Health Services.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

115 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in implementing the recommendations of the Government’s ten-year mental health policy, A Vision for Change; her views on claims that human rights are being fundamentally breached by the Government’s neglect of the mental health sector. [41465/06]

Jerry Cowley

Question:

267 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children the way her Department plans to ensure the implementation of the new National Policy Framework for Mental Health, A Vision for Change; the action that will be taken on its recommendations by all Government Departments whose role it mentions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41256/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 267 together.

I am committed to the full implementation of "A Vision for Change", the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy. The Government has accepted the Report as the basis for the future development of our mental health services. "A Vision for Change" provides a framework for action to develop a modern high quality mental health service over the next 7 to 10 years.

In March 2006, I appointed an independent monitoring group to monitor progress on the implementation of the recommendations of "A Vision for Change". The group will monitor and assess progress on the implementation of all the recommendations including those which fall under the responsibility of the HSE, government departments and other relevant agencies.

Implementation of the individual recommendations of "A Vision for Change" is a matter primarily for the HSE. The HSE recently established an implementation group to ensure that mental health services develop in a synchronised and consistent manner across the country and to guide and resource service managers and clinicians in making the recommendations in "A Vision for Change" a reality. Both of these groups will play an important role in ensuring that the recommendations are implemented in a co-ordinated and timely manner.

The Mental Health Act, 2001, which was fully implemented from 1st November 2006, significantly improves safeguards for mentally ill persons who are involuntarily admitted for psychiatric care and treatment and will bring Irish mental health law in this area into conformity with the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. It provides a modern framework within which people who require treatment or protection can be cared for and treated.

Mental Health Tribunals will conduct a review of each decision to detain a patient on an involuntary basis or to extend the duration of such detention. The review will be independent, automatic and must be completed within 21 days of the detention order being signed.

All involuntary patients detained in psychiatric hospitals under the provisions of the 1945 Act immediately before the 1 November 2006 will also have their cases reviewed by a Mental Health Tribunal. This review must take place before the expiration of their existing detention orders in the case of temporary patients and within 6 months of the 1 November 2006 in the case of persons of unsound mind.

The Inspector of Mental Health Services carries out inspections of all psychiatric hospitals and units, including private facilities, at least once a year. The Mental Health Commission has introduced rules governing the use of ECT and the use of seclusion and mechanical means of bodily restraint and has issued Codes of Practice relating to the use of physical restraint in approved centres.

Suicide Incidence.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

116 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the high incidence of suicide among the Traveller community; the measures and supports she will put in place to specifically target this group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41387/06]

I am aware of the report of the high incidence of suicide among the travelling community. I wish to assure the Deputy that the Government is fully committed to the implementation of suicide prevention initiatives and the further development of our mental health services in order to prevent and reduce further tragic loss of life.

The National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) was established by the Health Service Executive in 2005 to oversee the implementation of "Reach Out", the National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention. This Office is responsible for the implementation of the Strategy and provides support to groups and organisations for their work in the development of suicide prevention initiatives. In 2006, an additional €1.2m has been allocated to the Health Service Executive specifically for suicide prevention initiatives and research.

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.

Question No. 117 answered with QuestionNo. 89.

Hospital Services.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

118 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on reports of severe deficiencies in the provision of neurosurgical services here; the number on waiting lists to neurosurgical units; the locations of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41386/06]

The Health Services Executive recently published a Review of Neurosurgical Services in Ireland. It identifies a clear need for significant investment in and organisational reform of neurosurgical services.

Neurosurgery is currently provided at the national centre in Beaumont Hospital and in Cork University Hospital. The Report recommends that the future development of safe, high quality neurosurgical services in Ireland would be best served by a two-pronged approach:

1. Increased capacity in Dublin and Cork;

2. Improved access to neurosurgical units, including transport and telemedicine facilities for referring hospitals.

The HSE is committed to progressing the recommendations of the Report. It is undertaking a national neurosciences needs assessment. Neuroscience includes neurology, neurophysiology and neurosurgery. This assessment is guided by previous reviews of neurology and neurophysiology services and the recent report on neurosurgery. It aims to clearly identify the requirements for neuroscience services as a whole across the country.

An additional €3m was provided in 2006 to develop 3 new neurology units in Waterford, Limerick and Sligo through the appointment of 3 consultant neurology teams. In addition, the HSE provided funding for the appointment of an additional paediatric neurosurgeon at Beaumont Hospital this year. The recently published Estimates for the Health Service Executive provides a further €4m to continue these developments into 2007.

Responsibility for the collection and reporting of waiting lists and waiting times now falls within the remit of the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). My Department has, therefore, asked the Chief Executive of the NTPF to reply to the Deputy directly in relation to the information requested.

Question No. 119 answered with QuestionNo. 89.

National Cancer Strategy.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

120 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the lack of ring fenced funding for the recent cancer strategy; the progress that has taken place for the cancer strategy to date and the details of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41394/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

318 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied that provisions made in the context of the national plan and in the interim in respect of the treatment of cancer patients is adequate in terms of location, extent, ready access and expertise with particular reference to patient requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41681/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 318 together.

I am committed to investing significantly in the implementation of the National Cancer Control Strategy. The Estimates for 2007 include additional revenue funding of €20.5m for cancer control. This is an increase of 74% on the 2006 investment.

This funding includes €3.5m to support the initial implementation of the HSE National Cancer Control Programme. The HSE will establish four Managed Cancer Control Networks to deliver the Programme. Clinical leaders in oncology will be appointed to lead the delivery of quality multi-disciplinary care. The main priorities are the establishment of the leadership team to implement the Programme, including the National Cancer Control Director and key medical leaders at network level. The Programme will facilitate national standards for equity and access and will maximise ambulatory care.

I will shortly establish a National Cancer Screening Service to amalgamate BreastCheck and the Irish Cervical Screening Programme (ICSP) to deliver both programmes nationally. BreastCheck will commence national roll-out in Spring of next year. The ICSP will commence roll-out in late 2007, based on an affordable model. I have allocated additional funding of €8m and €5m to BreastCheck and the ICSP respectively to deliver on these commitments. The Service will also advise in relation to a colorectal cancer screening programme.

My Department is working closely with the Health Service Executive and the National Development Finance Agency to progress the delivery of the National Radiation Oncology Plan for which additional revenue funding of €3.25m has been allocated in 2007. This will support the appointment of additional Consultant Radiation Oncologists, Specialist Registrars and support staff. Six new linear accelerators will be provided in the Eastern Region in the short term, two in St. Luke's Hospital Dublin in late 2007 to provide much needed interim capacity pending roll-out of the national plan and two each in St. James's and Beaumont Hospitals by early 2009.

Ambulance Service.

Denis Naughten

Question:

121 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps being taken to introduce a comprehensive ambulance navigation system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41175/06]

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.

Question No. 122 answered with QuestionNo. 54.

Care of the Elderly.

Seán Ryan

Question:

123 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Health and Children her proposals for the development of regulations surrounding the use of restraints in nursing homes and care facilities here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41490/06]

In relation to the standard and quality of services and facilities in nursing homes the Nursing Homes (Care and Welfare) Regulations 1993, made under the Health (Nursing Homes) Act 1990, set out the standards which private nursing homes must adhere to. Article 19.1(h) of the Regulations state that "In every nursing home the following particulars shall be kept in a safe place in respect of each dependent person; a record of any occasion on which physical or chemical restraint is used, the nature of the restraint and its duration". In addition, a Working Group was established by the Department to develop standards for residential care settings, both public and private, for older people.

The Department is currently in discussion with the interim Health Information and Quality Authority in relation to a consultation process on the draft standards. These draft standards deal with best practice in relation to the use of restraints in all residential care settings for older people.

Hospital Services.

Joe Sherlock

Question:

124 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if capital funding required for upgrading of accommodation to enable additional facilities to be provided for a number of new consultants who will be attached to the hospital for the purpose of providing consultation service and outpatient services will be provided to Mallow General Hospital. [41181/06]

Joe Sherlock

Question:

140 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if funding is being provided in capital funding for a day procedures unit for Mallow General Hospital in 2007 as it is so urgently required. [41183/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 124 and 140 together.

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.

Mental Health Services.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

125 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on reports that children with intellectual disabilities are forced to wait up to three years for assessment and treatment; the waiting lists for children to access speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and psychiatry here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41393/06]

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

Hospital Services.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

126 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on reports that the accident and emergency task force will say in its final report that bed capacity is a problem in a number of hospitals; her further views on reports that there are ongoing issues that delay the discharge of patients from a number of hospitals; when the Health Service Executive’s report on bed capacity will be published; when the task force report on bed capacity will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41461/06]

My Department is advised by the Health Service Executive that the Task Force on Accident and Emergency Services is currently finalising its report, and that the approach to the implementation of its recommendations is under discussion. A number of short-term measures are to be prioritised for implementation as part of the HSE Winter Initiative.

The number of patients in acute hospitals whose discharge has been delayed has fallen significantly, reflecting the positive impact of the current initiative of discharging patients to private nursing homes, and the increase in the number of home care packages that have been made available. A number of initiatives are underway to address capacity issues in the long-stay care and community settings. The HSE has developed proposals in relation to additional private nursing home beds, as well as additional extended care beds in the public sector, including 350 beds in Community Nursing Units in the Dublin region where the difficulty in accessing extended care beds has been most acute.

A Steering Group has been established under the chairmanship of the National Director of the National Hospitals Office to review our acute hospital bed requirements up to the year 2020. The Group includes representatives of the Health Service Executive, my Department, the Department of Finance and the Economic and Social Research Institute. The Health Service Executive is about to appoint external consultants to carry out the review. The review will provide for an assessment of acute bed capacity requirements for Ireland to 2020 and will be published when it is completed.

Question No. 127 answered with QuestionNo. 102.

Health Repayment Scheme.

Liz McManus

Question:

128 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether it is acceptable that public representatives are unable to obtain information from her Department or from the Health Service Executive with regard to dates of repayments for applicants for the repayment of nursing homes fees; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the repayment scheme does not deal with e-mail or written queries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41378/06]

The Health (Repayment Scheme) Act, 2006 came into effect on 30 June 2006. The Health Service Executive (HSE) has responsibility for administering the scheme. Accordingly, all queries relating to the operation of the scheme are referred to the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive for investigation and direct reply.

The HSE has advised the Department that the Scheme Administrator has recently issued correspondence to all public representatives informing them that a facility has been put in place to make enquiries apart from the information phone line which is in place to assist the general public. As well as direct communication the Scheme Administrator is also working with bodies such as the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the HSE and Regional Health Forums to ensure public representatives are kept up to date about the scheme and its progress.

The HSE has also advised the Department that written queries received are dealt with by the Scheme Administrator and that there is no e-mail facility available. Queries can also be directed to the Health Repayment Scheme helpline 1890 886 886.

In relation to dates of repayments to applicants, the HSE has informed the Department that over 21,000 forms have been submitted to the scheme administrator applying for repayments and these applications are being processed at present. The timeframe for repayment is predicated primarily on whether the applicant is alive or whether the application is being made by the estate of a deceased person. Living people who were wrongly charged will be the first to receive payments under the scheme. It is estimated that there are now in the region of 15,000 people within this category.

Health Services.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

129 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will implement the recommendations of the report, Sexual Assault Treatment Services, A National Review, published in June 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41454/06]

Brendan Howlin

Question:

154 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there is no access to medical help for victims of rape in Dublin at weekends as there is no doctor available for on-call duty in the city’s sexual assault unit; her views on whether this is acceptable; the locations and hours of sexual assault units here; the steps she will take to address the gap in cover; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41390/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 129 and 154 together.

The Report Sexual Assault Treatment Services — A National Review was received by my Department in June this year and is currently being examined.

Question No. 130 answered with QuestionNo. 82.

Pharmacy Regulations.

Phil Hogan

Question:

131 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children when the pharmacy review group recommendations were published; if the Government accepts the recommendations; the steps she has taken to implement the recommendations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41405/06]

The Pharmacy Review Group was established by my predecessor in November 2001 to examine the pharmacy issues raised in the OECD report on regulatory reform in Ireland. The Group submitted its report on 31 January 2003. The report was published in February 2004 and is available on my Department's website, www.doh.ie, along with reports prepared for the Group by Indecon International Economic Consultants.

On foot of the recommendations of the Pharmacy Review Group, my Department commenced drafting new pharmacy legislation in two pharmacy Bills. I consider the first Bill a priority piece of legislation. It will deal with the governance of the Pharmaceutical Society, registration and fitness to practice issues. It will also remove the EU derogation for supervisory pharmacists (where only Irish-trained pharmacists can supervise pharmacies less than 3 years old). The general scheme and draft heads of the first Bill were approved by Government on 25th May 2006. Work on the drafting of the Bill is ongoing between my officials and the Parliamentary Counsel's Office. Subject to the Cabinet's approval, I hope to publish the Bill before the end of the year.

The second Bill will address the regulation of pharmacy and pharmacy services, including the definition of pharmacy services and of a community pharmacy, enhanced provisions for the inspection of pharmacies, and the provision for regulation of pharmacies for matters such as physical conditions, standards, record keeping and promotional activities. It is also proposed to deal with general provisions relating to community pharmacy contracts for services, as well as the remaining recommendations of the Pharmacy Review Group.

Questions Nos. 132 and 133 answered with Question No. 54.
Question No. 134 answered with QuestionNo. 81.

EU Directives.

Jack Wall

Question:

135 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if Ireland voted in favour of the proposed directive on processed cereal based foods and baby foods for infants and young children at the meeting of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health Nutrition Section meeting on 26 and 27 October 2006; and if she will explain Ireland’s position on this issue. [41474/06]

This proposal relates to the codification of Commission Directive 95/6/EC on processed cereal-based foods and baby foods for infants and young children and its eleven subsequent amendments. As the codification involves no change to current provisions, Ireland voted in favour of it at the meeting in question.

Nursing Home Inspections.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

136 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that only 13 counties are represented on the Health Service Executive website for nursing homes inspections reports; when the public can expect to see reports on nursing homes all over the country posted on this website; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41392/06]

The HSE has informed my Department that they commenced publishing nursing home inspection reports on their website in September 2006. The plan to publish nursing home inspection reports follows considerable consultation within the HSE and also with representatives of nursing homes organisations. It should be noted that the reports being published on the website will give a snapshot of the situation in a particular nursing home on the date of inspection. Information of a confidential nature will not be published.

As 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, the Executive is the appropriate body to respond in relation to the detailed information sought 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 Funding.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

137 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the disparity in funding increases in the eight Health Service Executive regions; if she will provide figures for funding per head of population; if she will explain the differences in the funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41477/06]

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.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

138 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason there will be no further examination of the question of vaccine trials involving babies and children in institutional settings in the 1960s and 1970s; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41470/06]

On Tuesday 28th of November I announced that I had decided that there would be no further examination of the question of Vaccine Trials involving babies and children in institutional settings in 1960/61, 1970 and 1973. The trials which involved both children in institutional settings and within the family home, were the subject of a report by the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Jim Kiely, which was laid before the Oireachtas in November 2000.

This decision follows a detailed examination of judgements in court cases heard in both the High and Supreme Court. As the House is aware, Justice Ó Caoimh in the High Court in June 2004 adjudged that the essential issue of the matter was not one suggestive of abuse as defined in the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse Act 2000. The Judge was satisfied that nothing disclosed in Dr Kiely's report suggests that the conduct of the trials was such that they could be said in any way to amount to abuse as defined by the 2000 Act. Justice Ó Caoimh was conscious that the term abuse is widely defined in the Act, but in his judgement it was clear that none of the issues raised in Dr Kiely's report were even suggestive of abuse as so defined in the conduct of the trials. Justice ó Caoimh adjudged that the Additional Functions Order which sought to allow the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse to inquire into the matter of Vaccine trials was ultra vires.

I understand that it is difficult for people to accept not knowing exactly what occurred when they were children in these institutions and that those who were participants in the trials may be disappointed at my decision but the difficulties encountered to date would undoubtedly arise again if this matter was to be investigated by another forum. These difficulties include the availability of persons with a necessary knowledge of events and the scarcity of documentary records of the trials.

It is important to note that there is no evidence available which suggests that any of the participants in the trials had experienced reactions to the vaccines other than those normally expected. There can be no doubt that the consent for the trials described in Dr Kiely's report were certainly not those that would be applied today. However in the era under consideration the levels of consent sought were very different.

Question No. 139 answered with QuestionNo. 113.
Question No. 140 answered with QuestionNo. 124.

Medicinal Products.

Willie Penrose

Question:

141 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the reported links of sudden deaths in children and an anti-influenza drug (details supplied); the measures in place to ensure the safety of persons who may have to use this drug; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41464/06]

The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) is responsible for the protection and promotion of public and animal health, through the evaluation and supervision of medicines for human and veterinary use. It co-ordinates the evaluation and supervision of medicinal products throughout the European Union and brings together the scientific resources of the 25 EU Member States in a network of 42 competent national authorities. A network of some 3,500 European experts underpins the scientific work of the EMEA and its committees.

Tamiflu is an antiviral drug approved in the European Union for the treatment of influenza in children between 1 and 13 years of age and for the prevention and treatment of influenza in adults and in adolescents over 13 years of age. Two cases of alleged suicide associated with the treatment of influenza (involving a 17 year old boy in February 2004 and a 14 year old boy in February 2005) were reported to the EMEA. In both cases the adolescents exhibited abnormal/disturbed behaviour prior to their deaths.

No causal relationship has been identified between the use of Tamiflu and psychiatric symptoms (such as hallucination and abnormal behaviour). All adverse reactions of Tamiflu are monitored and assessed by the Agency's scientific committee, the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) on a continuous basis. In addition, close monitoring of psychiatric disorders has been in place for Tamiflu since February 2003 at the request of the EMEA, following the safety information provided by the manufacturers November 2002.

The CHMP, at its meeting of 14-17 November 2005, decided to request the Marketing Authorisation Holder of Tamiflu to provide a cumulative safety review of all available data on serious psychiatric disorders, including all case reports with a fatal outcome where Tamiflu was involved. Further to the evaluation of the data submitted in November 2005, the CHMP concluded that close monitoring of psychiatric disorders should continue.

The Irish Medicines Board is the statutory body responsible for the regulation of human and veterinary medicines in Ireland. The Board works closely with both the EMEA and other European regulatory bodies on issues of safety concerning medicinal products. As with all medicinal products, the Board will continue to assess new information concerning Tamiflu and take appropriate action, where necessary.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

142 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide details on the finding that the loss of private bed revenue to hospitals would amount to €111million under her co-location plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41424/06]

The figure of €111 million is an estimate by Health Service Executive of the amount that the 10 public hospitals selected as sites for co-located private hospitals charged private health insurers in 2005. I was informed by the HSE yesterday that, as a result of the ongoing public procurement exercise, the colocation initiative will not be proceeding on two public hospital sites at this time. These sites in question are Galway University Hospitals and Letterkenny General Hospital. Leaving aside those two hospitals, the figure reduces to €88.6 million.

The loss of private insurance income to public hospitals arising from the colocation initiative must be seen in the context of the freeing up of 1,000 beds that are currently reserved for private patients. It also has to be seen in the context of the significant benefits that the HSE expects to receive in return for the concessions granted to the private operators.

Question No. 143 answered with QuestionNo. 98.
Question No. 144 answered with QuestionNo. 62.

Infectious Diseases.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

145 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on Ireland’s preparedness and supplies of Tamilfu and Relenza in view of a recent claim by scientists that the UK Government is failing in the fight to prevent a flu pandemic by stockpiling just one anti-viral drug, Tamiflu; if this is part of the recommendations; when the report from the influenza pandemic expert group will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41383/06]

The Influenza Pandemic Expert Group is finalising its report for publication later this month. I can confirm that our pandemic influenza preparedness strategy includes the stockpiling of supplies of Tamiflu and Relenza.

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 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.

Question No. 146 answered with QuestionNo. 88.

Mental Health Services.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

147 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on criticisms that a month after Part 2 of the Mental Health Act 2001 was brought into force there remain gaps in the provision which could cause significant difficulties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41467/06]

The full provisions of the Mental Health Act 2001 came into operation on 1 November 2006. The Mental Health Act 2001 significantly improves safeguards for persons who are involuntarily admitted for psychiatric care and treatment. The Act changes the procedure for involuntary admissions and provides for an automatic and independent review all involuntary detentions by a mental health tribunal. This brings Irish mental health legislation into line with the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. A review of the operation of the Act will be carried out in 2007 and any concerns will be examined in this context.

Medical Cards.

Joan Burton

Question:

148 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of general practitioner only cards that have been issued; the number of GP cards waiting to be issued; the breakdown of GP cards per Health Service Executive area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41380/06]

The most recent information provided by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to my Department shows that 48,761 GP visit cards have been issued as at 29th November, 2006. More detailed statistical data provided by the HSE to my Department and correct as of 1st November, 2006 contains county-by-county figures for the number of GP visit cards issued and this information is in the table.

My Department has requested the HSE to provide the Deputy with the current figures regarding the number of GP visit cards waiting to be issued and the breakdown of GP visit cards per HSE Area.

HSE — Shared Services

Primary Care Reimbursement Service

Position regarding medical cards as at 1st November 2006

Regions

Number of Family Units as at 1st November 2006

Number of Eligible Persons on Medical Cards as at 1st November 2006

Number of Eligible Persons on GP Visit Cards as at 1st November 2006

Number of Eligible Persons as at 1st November 2006 as of Population (2006 Census)

Number of Eligible Persons 1st October 2006 as of Population (2002 Census)

Population

%

%

Eastern Region

Dublin

198,621

288,636

4,502

24.71

24.40

1,186,159

Kildare

26,581

40,597

967

22.34

21.97

186,075

Wicklow

20,470

29,588

945

24.17

23.74

126,330

Total

245,672

358,821

6,414

24.37

24.04

1,498,564

Midland

Laois

12,233

17,980

942

28.24

28.00

67,012

Longford

8,988

12,988

577

39.48

39.29

34,361

Offaly

14,149

20,525

1,021

30.52

30.42

70,604

Westmeath

15,094

22,176

948

29.12

28.77

79,403

Total

50,464

73,669

3,488

30.69

30.47

251,380

Mid-Western

Clare

22,225

33,152

841

30.68

30.57

110,800

Limerick

37,219

53,537

1,216

29.78

29.55

183,863

Tipperary NR

14,515

20,909

575

32.56

32.16

65,988

Total

73,959

107,598

2,632

30.56

30.34

360,651

North Eastern

Cavan

13,573

20,580

971

33.69

32.84

63,961

Louth

24,449

37,710

1,635

35.48

34.65

110,894

Meath

21,866

32,086

1,733

20.80

20.25

162,621

Monaghan

11,140

16,352

766

30.67

30.63

55,816

Total

71,028

106,728

5,105

28.44

27.83

393,292

North Western

Donegal

43,078

70,940

2,832

50.20

49.75

146,956

Leitrim

7,797

11,681

457

42.09

41.62

28,837

Sligo

13,870

19,716

878

33.84

33.31

60,863

Total

64,745

102,337

4,167

45.00

44.53

236,656

South Eastern

Carlow

11,055

16,939

1,085

35.71

35.10

50,471

Kilkenny

14,831

20,952

1,096

25.23

25.00

87,394

Tipperary SR

21,013

29,696

1,468

37.52

37.02

83,052

Waterford

25,923

37,955

1,239

36.31

36.12

107,942

Wexford

28,045

42,766

1,743

33.82

33.62

131,615

Total

100,867

148,308

6,631

33.65

33.34

460,474

Southern

Cork

99,798

137,820

6,118

29.93

29.73

480,909

Kerry

30,539

42,325

1,752

31.57

31.67

139,616

Total

130,337

180,145

7,870

30.30

30.17

620,525

Western

Galway

47,542

68,739

2,950

31.03

30.83

231,035

Mayo

33,507

48,735

1,884

40.94

40.75

123,648

Roscommon

14,788

21,264

885

37.73

37.19

58,700

Total

95,837

138,738

5,719

34.95

34.70

413,383

Grand Total

832,909

1,216,344

42,026

29.71

29.41

4,234,925

The population figures for each area and nationally above are taken from the 2006 census.

HSE — National Shared Services, Primary Care Reimbursement Service, Exit 5, M50, North Road, Finglas, Dublin 11.

Health Services.

David Stanton

Question:

149 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress she has made in developing a national strategy on rehabilitation for stroke victims and people with severe injuries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41439/06]

I regard the continued development of rehabilitation services as an essential element of providing appropriate care to patients across a wide range of health services. In April 2003, Comhairle na nOspidéal submitted a report of a review of neurology and neurophysiology services.

It recommended a significant enhancement of services, including increases in consultant manpower. It also recognised that there are aspects of a number of other specialties and services, such as rehabilitation medicine, geriatric medicine and old age psychiatry, which are related to and overlap with neurology services. It recommended that a national multi-disciplinary review of rehabilitation services be undertaken to further inform the policy framework in relation to the development of neurology services.

Consistent with this recommendation, and in line with commitments in the National Health Strategy, a national action plan for rehabilitation services is currently being prepared by my Department in consultation with the HSE. The action plan will set out a programme to meet existing shortfalls in services and to integrate specialised facilities with locally based follow-up services. This will be informed by Comhairle Report and the work undertaken by the Neurological Alliance of Ireland. The intention is to have a comprehensive policy framework for the future development of neurology and neurophysiology services in this country.

Additional revenue funding has been made available in 2005 and 2006 and an additional €4m will be provided in 2007 to the HSE to support the development of neurology/neurophysiology services in a number of regions, having regard to agreed priorities. The continuing development of the services is a matter for the Health Service Executive, having regard to available funding and other competing service priorities.

Shane McEntee

Question:

150 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the fact that a member of the Health Service Executive review group on orthodontics claims that children in need of orthodontics are being damaged due to the lack of services available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41429/06]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) established an Orthodontic Review Group. The terms of reference for the group are:

to review the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee Reports;

to examine the recommendations within the operational remit of the HSE and to establish their status;

to conduct an analysis of the HSE's existing orthodontic delivery structure and capacity.

Based on that analysis, to make recommendations in that regard;

the recommendations thus made to be costed and a time-frame for their implementation proposed.

I have been advised that the Review Group has concluded its meetings and is finalising its report and recommendations. The report will be presented to the Chief Executive Officer of the HSE in the near future. I look forward to receiving and considering the Report.

I have not received any clinical evidence that children in need of orthodontic treatment have been damaged.

Health Service Staff.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

151 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure the Health Service Executive appoints an oncology liaison nurse at Cavan General Hospital, funding for which post has been available from the Irish Cancer Society since 2004 and which is in jeopardy due to the failure of the HSE to permit the appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41452/06]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

262 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure the Health Service Executive appoints an oncology liaison nurse at Cavan General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41212/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 151 and 262 together.

The Health Service Executive has advised my Department that in 2005 the Irish Cancer Society offered to part fund a post for an Oncology Liaison Nurse at Cavan General Hospital. It was not possible to fill the post at that time. However, my Department has been informed that the filling of the post is being actively pursued by the Health Service Executive.

My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to progress on the filling of this post.

Medicinal Products.

Joe Costello

Question:

152 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children if in view of the recent granting of a pan European licence to suboxone, a sister product of subutex, she will develop a protocol for its use along the lines of the methadone protocol; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41382/06]

I am aware that the drugs Suboxone and Subutex (active ingredient buprenorphine) is an alternative choice to methadone in the treatment of opiate dependent addicts.

The current position is that Subutex (buprenorphine only) can be prescribed to opiate users by addiction service consultants in specialist drug treatment clinics, where the prescription and dispensing of Subutex is tightly controlled.

I am informed that the combination drug Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone combined) has recently been granted an EU license via central procedure by the EMEA, and that preliminary studies have shown that the combination drug is as effective as Subutex (buprenorphine alone) in the management of opioid dependence and that it has less abuse potential.

My Department is considering the implications of the introduction of the combination drug Suboxone and its use as a possible treatment for opiate dependency. In that context, my officials will be meeting the license holders, Schering-Plough in the coming week to discuss the best approach on its probable Irish launch in early 2007.

Question No. 153 answered with QuestionNo. 67.
Question No. 154 answered with QuestionNo. 129.
Question No. 155 answered with QuestionNo. 94.

General Practitioner Services.

Richard Bruton

Question:

156 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason general practitioners received an additional €4 million, after the deduction of back pay, bringing total payments in 2005 for general practitioners to €414 million and in the same year administrative costs increased from €15.5 million to €17 million with regard to the national shared services primary care reimbursement service for 2005; the reason for the disproportionate costs to this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41395/06]

In 2006, total health funding is €13.147 billion, which represents an underlying increase of 12.04% over 2005. The vast bulk of this funding is provided under the vote of the Health Service Executive (HSE) which has statutory responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services. This continuing high level of investment by the Government provides the Executive with considerable capacity to address the healthcare needs of the population in the most effective manner.

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 these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Question No. 157 answered with QuestionNo. 82.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

158 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the breakdown of the number of public health doctors per county; the number of vacancies for public health doctors per county; the locations of these vacancies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41384/06]

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 healthcare 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 healthcare needs of the population into the future. The Deputy may wish to note that between end-1997 and June 2006 there has been an increase of nearly 39,000 Whole-Time Equivalent posts (+58%) in employment levels for the health services.

Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The 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.

Departmental Bodies.

David Stanton

Question:

159 Mr. Stanton asked the Taoiseach if an upper age limit applies regarding membership of State boards; if so, the reason for the age limit; his plans to remove same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41118/06]

On 18 December, 1973, the Government established 70 years of age as the normal upper age limit for persons to be appointed to Boards of State-sponsored bodies. The position regarding the age limit for such appointments remains unchanged and it would be matter for the Minister for Finance in the first instance to bring any proposals to change this to Government.

Consultancy Contracts.

Seán Ryan

Question:

160 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Taoiseach the amount of expenditure on consultancy by his Department in 2003, 2004 and 2005; the number of consultants engaged by his Department in those years; and the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by his Department in these years and for the future. [41728/06]

The amount of expenditure on consultancy in my Department in 2003, 2004 and 2005 was:

Year

Expenditure

No. of Consultants Engaged

2003

313,694

10

2004

435,861

20

2005

147,155

7

These consultancies in the main related to the modernisation of the Civil Service, both as it relates to my Department and across the Civil Service generally. These included for example Employee and Customer Surveys, Regulatory Reform initiatives etc.

Consultants were also engaged to deal with aspects of Ireland's Presidency of the EU in 2004, as well as to provide expertise and advice on matters relating to the successful implementation of Social Partnership Agreements.

Every effort is made by my Department to minimise expenditure on Consultancy Services. However, where it is necessary to engage consultants in order to avail of their particular expertise or experience, the procurement of consultancy services is subject to tendering procedures as laid down in Public Procurement Guidelines and, where applicable, EU procurement rules and guidelines.

The procurement of consultancy services in my Department is subject to Public Procurement Guidelines from the Department of Finance as set out in "Guidelines for Engagement of Consultants in the Civil Service — 1999". Procurement of outside expertise in the public relations field is also subject to Public Procurement Guidelines as set out in the 2004 Department of Finance publication "Public Procurement Guidelines — Competitive Process", which replaced the previous Department of Finance guidance entitled "Public Procurement — 1994 Edition (Green Book)". In addition, the procurement of these services is also subject to applicable EU Procurement rules and guidelines. There are also additional guidelines agreed by Government specifically for PR and communication type consultancies which are now incorporated into the Cabinet Handbook.

The application of these guidelines requires that appropriate competitive procurement procedures are carried out in order to select the best service available, taking account of a number of important criteria including cost, the ability to undertake the work required and other relevant criteria, which may vary from project to project. This is an objective process, which results in selection of a provider, which should provide good value for money.

Every effort is also made to reduce the cost of consultancy by providing, where possible, any administrative or other support from existing resources within the Department. It is also our policy that skills-transfer from consultants to Departmental staff takes place as an integral part of all consultancy engagements. The purpose of this is to increase the knowledge and expertise of Departmental staff and to reduce and, if possible, eliminate future dependance on consultants in the areas concerned.

There are a number of safeguards in place which give assurance that value for money is obtained. These include:

Competitive selection processes in accordance with the Guidelines for engagement of consultants, which ensure that the most economically advantageous proposal is selected;

Monitoring of the work of consultants on a regular basis throughout the engagement and the use of appropriate project management techniques to ensure that the work is proceeding according to schedule;

Placing of Department staff to work on project teams alongside consultants to benefit from skills transfer;

Payment of fees according to the achievement of pre-agreed milestones; and

Approval of expenditure on consultancy projects at the appropriate level depending on the scale and nature of each engagement.

I am satisfied that these guidelines and procedures are followed in my Department and are fully reflected in the Department's internal procedures including the training provided to relevant staff.

The use of consultants by my Department has decreased substantially over the period 2003 to 2005 and there is in fact a relatively small provision in the Estimate for my Department of €143,000 in 2006 and €145,000 in 2007. I consider that this relatively small provision made for consultancy services in my Department's Vote is necessary and appropriate for the effective discharge of its functions.

Coroners Service.

Dan Neville

Question:

161 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average time it takes to obtain results of a post mortem from time of death to report to families. [41109/06]

I can inform the Deputy that, insofar as the question of the receipt of post-mortem reports are concerned, it is not possible to provide an average timeframe. A number of factors can influence this in different cases including whether toxicological or other specialist reports are required as part of the post-mortem process.

Proposed Legislation.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

162 Mr. Cuffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department is currently drafting legislation or intends to draft legislation in the lifetime of the current Government to regulate the use of closed circuit television cameras on private dwellings in residential areas. [41111/06]

The Data Protection Acts 1998 and 2003 already apply to personal data recorded through the operation of CCTV systems or other monitoring equipment.

The Privacy Bill which was published on 4 July 2006 creates an offence to be known as the tort of invasion of privacy, for a person wilfully and without lawful authority to violate the privacy of another individual. Where material obtained from closed circuit television or other monitoring equipment may be used in an inappropriate manner, then the aggrieved person will have an accessible remedy in law.

The Privacy Bill contains a defence (in Section 5) in a privacy action for a defendant to prove that the act in respect of which a privacy action is being brought consisted of the installation or operation, in good faith, of a closed circuit television system or other surveillance system for a purpose authorised by law, or for the purpose of detecting or preventing the commission of an offence or the protection of persons or property.

Registration of Title.

John Perry

Question:

163 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when deeds to property will be issued for a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41112/06]

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 its 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.

Citizenship Applications.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

164 Mr. Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for naturalisation from a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; if a decision on this application will be expedited in view of the nature of the applicant’s work which requires them to travel freely within the EU and is hindered in doing so by virtue of the fact that they must repeatedly satisfy visa requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41141/06]

An application for naturalisation from the individual in question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department on 16 October 2006.

In the interests of fairness to all concerned, it is the practice of the Citizenship Division to process cases in chronological order based upon the date of receipt of the application. However, due to the circumstances outlined by the Deputy, I understand that a submission will shortly be made to my Office for decision on whether this case might be expedited.

While awaiting my decision, the applicant may apply for a Multiple Re-entry Visa which is designed to cater for persons in her position. I will inform the Deputy and the person in question once I have reached a decision on the application.

Asylum Applications.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

165 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41154/06]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Questions No. 1121 of Wednesday, 25 January, 2006 and No. 199 of Thursday 29 June, 2006, and the written replies to those Questions. The position is unchanged.

Garda Deployment.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

166 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of traffic corps personnel on road duty on a typical day on average in the Dublin area; and the number in the greater Dublin area. [41158/06]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

167 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the length of the typical day for a traffic corps garda; when the night shift commences; and the number of gardaí from the traffic corps normally on duty after peak times in the Dublin area and in the greater Dublin area. [41159/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 166 and 167 together.

Traffic Corps personnel deployments are designed to optimise service delivery and are intended to match as closely as possible operational demands in the areas of both traffic management and traffic law enforcement.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that peak traffic times in Dublin on weekdays are approximately 07.00 to 10.30 and 16.00 to 20.00, when the primary focus of Traffic Corps personnel is on traffic management.

It is the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel, including Traffic Corps personnel, in accordance with requirements. Such allocations are continually monitored and reviewed along with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, This ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and that the best possible service is provided to the public. I am informed that the strength of the Traffic Corps in the Dublin Metropolitan Region as of 15 November was 263 members.

The Assistant Commissioner in charge of Traffic has been tasked with implementing the recommendations contained in the Strategic Review of Traffic Policing which will see 1,200 personnel attached to the Traffic Corps by 2008. This increase of personnel is taking place on a phased basis as the strength of An Garda Síochána increases to 14,000.

Members of the Garda Síochána who are not members of the Traffic Corps have the responsibility, inter alia, to deal with traffic duties when breaches of road traffic law occur. Marked and unmarked patrol vehicles driven by these members are therefore also available for road traffic law enforcement on a daily basis.

Garda Operations.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

168 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a directive has issued from the Garda Commissioner to all Garda divisions advising that members of the force are obliged to carry out mandatory breath testing where such members of the force attend the scene of a motor accident; and if he will confirm the wording of said directive. [41192/06]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that a Headquarters Directive was issued to An Garda Síochána on 8 November 2006 outlining the provisions of section 12 of the Road Traffic Act 1994 (substituted by section 2 of the Road Traffic Act 2003), whereby a member of An Garda Síochána may request the provision of a preliminary breath specimen in a public place, and section 15 of the Road Traffic Act 1994, whereby a member may request a blood/urine specimen from a person in hospital where the member is of the opinion that the person has been involved in a collision.

I am also informed that the Directive stated that as a matter of policy the powers should be utilised unless the circumstances pertaining, such as the need to render medical assistance, require otherwise.

It is the policy of An Garda Síochána to make the fullest use of all legislative powers available in investigating the commission of offences, including road traffic offences.

Family Reunification.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

169 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the stage of an application for family reunification (details supplied); if the extenuating personal circumstances faced but the family in question will be taken into account when considering this application; if the processing time on the application will be reduced in view of the circumstances that have come to light; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41228/06]

I understand from the Immigration Division of my Department that a decision has been reached in relation to the application in question. The refugee will be informed of the details of the decision shortly.

Garda Deployment.

Mary Upton

Question:

170 Dr. Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of community gardaí and their ranks assigned to stations (details supplied) on 1 September 2006. [41241/06]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána increased to a record 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 number of Community Gardaí attached to Terenure, Kevin Street, Ballyfermot, Crumlin, Kilmainham and Sundrive Road Garda Stations as at 1 September, 2006 was as set out in a table:

Station

Inspector

Sergeant

Gardaí

Total

Terenure

1

5

6

Kevin Street

1

1

6

8

Ballyfermot

1

7

8

Crumlin

1

3

4

Kilmainham

1

6

7

Sundrive Road

1

5

6

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.

Visa Applications.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

171 Mr. Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for a holiday visa for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41252/06]

The application referred to by the Deputy was received in the Dublin Visa Office on 16th November, 2006. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the application in question was approved on 28th November, 2006.

Citizenship Applications.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

172 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41257/06]

An application for naturalisation from the individual in question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department on 6 December, 2004.

Applications received in the second half of 2004 are currently being processed and there are approximately 500 applications awaiting processing before that of the person in question. I would expect the file to be presented to me for decision by mid 2007.

I will inform the Deputy and the applicant once I have reached a decision on the application.

Road Traffic Offences.

John Curran

Question:

173 Mr. Curran asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prosecutions and convictions for breaches of the three ton restriction on Kennelsfort Road, Palmerstown from January 2004 to date in 2006; and the number of fines that have been issued and paid for this offence under the fixed penalty notice system. [41258/06]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that from January 2004 to date there have been 243 prosecutions initiated for breaches of the three tonne restriction on Kennelsfort Road, Palmerstown.

I am also informed that there are 77 convictions recorded for the same period. Since 3 April, 2006 this offence is captured by the Fixed Charge Processing System (FCPS). Forty two fixed charge penalty notices have been issued since that date of which 19 have been paid to date.

It will be appreciated that proceedings are not necessarily commenced and concluded in the same year.

Garda Vetting Services.

Joe Costello

Question:

174 Mr. Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the legislation underpinning the Garda central vetting unit and the vetting procedures; when it is proposed to begin and complete the vetting of child care staff; when it is proposed to begin and complete the vetting of teaching staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41323/06]

The vetting of persons by the Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) is statutorily supported according to the category of person to be vetted by, inter alia, the Civil Service Commissioners Act 1956, Employment Agency Act 1971, Child Care Act 1991 and Private Security Services Act 2004.

Moreover, legislative proposals are currently under preparation within my Department to statutorily underpin the vetting by the Garda Síochána of persons recruited to work with children and vulnerable adults. Proposals in this regard will be submitted to the Government in the normal manner.

In respect of the primary and post-primary education sectors, the GCVU has already expanded its vetting service in respect of all new teaching recruits as of the start of the school year this year.

In respect of the childcare sector, the GCVU is ready to commence expansion of its vetting service, on a phased basis, to all such service providers from early 2007, subject to agreement on appropriate liaison mechanisms for the sector, including the identification of a sectoral central point of contact to manage vetting applications and disclosures thereon.

Garda Deployment.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

175 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí involved in traffic duties on a daily basis on the road network here; the annual expenditure of An Garda Síochána on traffic management duties; the percentage of the Garda overall budget dedicated to traffic and road safety enforcement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41345/06]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána increased to a record 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 all members of An Garda Síochána have a duty and responsibility to enforce all aspects of road traffic legislation on a daily basis.

Between now and 2008, it is planned that the Traffic Corps will increase its numbers to a complement of 1,200. The new members will be assigned to areas identified to be in most need of additional resources to pursue enforcement strategies.

I should also say that an additional 163 Probationer Gardaí have been allocated to the Dublin Metropolitan Region since 17 November, 2006 with particular responsibility for the enforcement of Operation ‘Freeflow' which came into effect on Monday 27 November, 2006 and will continue until 7 January, 2007.

Garda Management state that Traffic Management and enforcement duties are carried out as part of normal operational policing duties and, as such, are not assigned a specific budget within the total Garda Vote. Therefore, it is not possible to quantify the cost of Garda duties dedicated to traffic and road safety enforcement. However, I am informed that funds provided are consistent with the objectives in the Annual Policing Plan which include Garda duties and initiatives in relation to road traffic matters.

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.

Garda Operations.

Tony Gregory

Question:

176 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of calls made to Clontarf Garda station, Dublin 3 during October and November 2006 regarding scramblers trespassing on the football pitches at Alfie Byrne Road, Dublin 3; the action the gardaí took in response to those calls; if any of the motorcyclists involved were apprehended or charged; if there is an issue preventing the gardaí from taking action; if their attention was drawn to the fact that the pitches were destroyed during the past week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41351/06]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there were two calls received by Clontarf Garda Station during October and November concerning scrambler motorcycles in the area referred to. These calls were attended to by Gardaí who located and took possession of two motorcycles for the purpose of establishing ownership of same. However, no reports of damage to the pitches referred to have been received by the Garda authorities. The pitches are patrolled by foot and bicycle units.

I understand the local authority has recently erected new railings which should act as a deterrent to the activity referred to by the Deputy.

Citizenship Applications.

Willie Penrose

Question:

177 Mr. Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of applicants who include an Irish citizen child and a non-national parent or parents who apply or have applied to stay in the State under administrative arrangements established in 2005 which became known as the IBC/05 scheme, consequent upon a recent decision of the High Court delivered on judicial review proceedings on 14 November 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41361/06]

Under the administrative arrangements announced by me on 15 January 2005, commonly referred to as the IBC/05 Scheme, applications for permission to remain in the State were received from non EU national parents of Irish citizen children who were born in the State prior to 1 January 2005.

In order to qualify for permission to remain in the State under the IBC/05 Scheme each applicant had to satisfy defined criteria. Some 17,917 applications were received of which a total of 16,984 applicants were granted permission to remain in the State. A further 933 applicants were refused under the IBC/05 Scheme. Each applicant who was refused under the revised arrangements was advised of the reasons for their refusal in writing.

The closing date for the receipt of applications was 31 March 2005. Applications received after this date were considered as "late applications" and were returned unprocessed to the applicants. A number of applicants who were refused under the IBC/05 Scheme challenged their refusal decision by way of Judicial Review proceedings. The judgments delivered in the High Court on 14 November 2006, as referred to by the Deputy, were test case proceedings taken in relation to the IBC/05 Scheme.

I am currently considering an appeal to the Supreme Court of the High Court judgements delivered on 14 November 2006. As the outcome of such an appeal is inextricably linked to the position of the applicants referred to in the Deputy's question, I am unable to comment further until those proceedings, if any, have been determined.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

178 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41367/06]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 138 of Wednesday, 8 November, 2006, and the written reply to that Question. The position is unchanged.

Garda Recruitment.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

179 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the procedure to be followed by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who is seeking employment as a garda or garda reserve in order that they can utilise their Romanian language and translation skills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41368/06]

Recruitment as a Garda trainee is governed by the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations, 1988 as amended. Recruitment as a Garda Reserve trainee is governed by the Garda Síochána (Reserve Members) Regulations, 2006.

The recruitment of Garda trainees and Garda Reserve trainees, is a matter for the Public Appointments Service (PAS) and the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána. The closing date for the recent Garda trainee competition was 19th September, 2006. Applications for Reserve members continue to be accepted by the PAS, both by internet and phone.

In addition, Regulation 14 of the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations, 1988, as amended, allows the Commissioner, without regard to the normal entry requirements, to appoint persons with special aptitudes, knowledge, skills or technical qualifications.

Road Traffic Accidents.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

180 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will furnish the information sought by way of Parliamentary Question No. 229 of 14 November 2006 and not provided in the response in relation to traffic accidents involving ministerial cars. [41370/06]

I refer the Deputy to my letter to him, dated 30th November, 2006 in this regard. The information sought is contained therein.

Residency Permits.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

181 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will confirm that a person (details supplied) in west Cork has permission to remain in the State following their marriage to a citizen of the EU and their formal application lodged on 4 April 2006. [41371/06]

The person concerned submitted an application for residence on the basis that he is the spouse of an EU citizen, having married the EU citizen in Ireland on the 25 January, 2006.

The application has been examined under the provisions of the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) Regulations 2006. These Regulations give effect in Irish Law to the European Directive on the rights of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States (Directive 2004/38/EC).

An examination of the documentation submitted shows the person who is subject to Irish entry visa requirements did not obtain the appropriate Irish entry visa prior to their arrival in the State. While he was issued with a UK entry visa this only entitled him to enter the territory of the United Kingdom. UK entry visas are not valid for entry to this State . It is therefore the case that the person entered the State illegally, and has remained illegally in the State for a number of years.

I understand that the Immigration Division of my Department has recently informed the person concerned that he does not qualify for residence on the basis sought. A further letter will be issued to him shortly outlining the various options open to him.

Jack Wall

Question:

182 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be entitled under his Department’s guidelines and records of the person to make an application for a long-term residency visa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41488/06]

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.

Road Traffic Offences.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

183 Mr. Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will clarify that local arrangements exist with gardaí covering Chapelizod whereby the school bus is permitted to pull up outside the main gates of a school (details supplied) as there is no alternative way to allow children to disembark safely on such a busy road; the reason, if such an arrangement is in place, parking tickets are being issued to the driver, which may have repercussions for the driver’s livelihood as well as the safety of school children coming from Palmerstown and Ballyfermot; if a clear notice will be given to all local gardaí and traffic gardaí to ensure that temporary dropping off is permitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41499/06]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the public road at the entrance of the school referred to by the Deputy is governed by a continuous white line in the centre and double yellow lines on both sides. It is the duty of An Garda Síochána to enforce parking regulations.

Proposed Legislation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

184 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received a submission from a person (details supplied) in County Cork on the Criminal Justice (Trafficking and Sexual Offences) Bill 2006; if he will give favourable consideration to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41517/06]

I have received a copy of the submission, dated 24 November 2006, referred to by the Deputy. Many of the suggestions made in the submission are either already in the draft Criminal Law (Trafficking in Persons and Sexual Offences) Bill 2006 or give direct effect to the criminal law aspects of several international instruments on trafficking. The general scheme of the 2006 Bill has been approved by Government and is at present being drafted in the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. I will give consideration to the recent submission and, if the need for any changes to the text are identified, I will seek Government approval for their inclusion in the draft Bill or other appropriate legislation.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

185 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the application for extended residency for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41522/06]

The person concerned arrived in Ireland on the 30 April, 2005 and was permitted to enter the State for a three month period. This permission was later extended by her local registration office up to the 07 February, 2006.

The person concerned lodged a residence application with the Immigration Division of my Department in December, 2005 on the basis that she was in a relationship with an EU citizen. The documentation submitted in support of the application indicates that the relationship was of a relatively short duration, and that the EU citizen was still married to another person at the time of the application and could not be deemed to be in a long term relationship with the person who is the subject of this application.

I understand that the documentation submitted will be re-examined and the my Department will be in touch shortly with the person concerned.

John Curran

Question:

186 Mr. Curran asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an application by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22 for permission for start a business here will be processed as quickly as possible. [41526/06]

The person in question currently has permission to remain in the State on the basis of a work permit until 8 September 2007. There is no record of an application having being received to-date from the person concerned for permission to engage in business in the State.

I am informed that correspondence recently issued from the Naturalisation and Immigration Service of my Department in response to a written enquiry regarding permission to remain in the State. The person in question was informed that, in order to engage in business in the State he must first obtain prior permission from my Department to do so. This permission may be sought by writing to the Business Permission Section, Immigration Operations, 4th Floor, Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2.

Crime Levels.

John Gormley

Question:

187 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the recent spate of vandalism and hooliganism in the Sandymount and Irishtown area; the measures he has taken and will take to combat same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41531/06]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is patrolled by uniformed and plain-clothes Gardaí from Irishtown Garda station, including the District Drugs Unit, Detective Unit, Mountain Bike Unit and the Community Policing Unit. I am further informed that in addition to regular mobile and foot patrols the area is patrolled by the Divisional Crime Task Force to ensure that a concentrated visible Garda presence is maintained.

I am further informed that the Gardaí are aware of a number of recent incidents of vandalism and anti-social behaviour that have occurred in the area and these are currently being investigated by the Garda authorities.

Current policing plans for the area concerned 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 is, and will continue to be, central to the delivery of a policing service to the area.

John Gormley

Question:

188 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the recent spate of attacks on women in the Ranelagh area; if a rape occurred; the measures he has taken and will take to combat same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41532/06]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there have been five recorded incidents of sexual assault in the area referred in the last two months. All of these incidents are under active investigation by the Garda authorities.

I am further informed that one of these alleged assaults has been categorised as a rape. A suspect was arrested in relation to this incident, and a file is being prepared for submission to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The Garda authorities are using their resources to prevent and combat such incidents. The area concerned is regularly patrolled by Garda uniform and plain-clothes beat and mobile patrols. These patrols are augmented by other Garda units including the Mountain Bike Unit, Drugs Unit, Community Policing Unit and the Divisional Crime Task Force.

Closed Circuit Television Systems.

John Perry

Question:

189 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress he has made on the revised documentation submitted with regard to the provision of closed circuit television in O’Connell Street, Sligo and adjoining streets which has been promised by two Government Departments; the amount of funding that has been ringfenced; when it will be rolled out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41543/06]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that Sligo is one of the 17 areas which form part of the Garda CCTV Programme, as follows (listed alphabetically): Athlone, Ballyfermot, Carlow, Castlebar, Clondalkin, Clonmel, Drogheda, Dungarvan, Ennis, Kilkenny, Kinsale, Mullingar, Portlaoise, Sligo, Tallaght, Tullamore and Waterford.

The Garda authorities are currently evaluating tenders for the installation of three Garda CCTV Systems in Ballyfermot, Clondalkin and Tullamore. These three towns were chosen as representative of the average size of a Garda Síochána CCTV system, containing a good cross-section of the type of urban area in which Garda CCTV is typically deployed. 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. Sligo will be considered together with the remainder of the Garda CCTV Programme.

The recently published Estimates for 2007 contain an increased provision of €7.5m for CCTV to meet a range of developments which will incur costs in 2007.

Visa Applications.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

190 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if visas will be granted to persons (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41566/06]

The applications referred to by the Deputy were received in the Dublin Visa Office on 27th November, 2006. A decision in respect of the applications in question will be made in the coming weeks.

Garda Operations.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

191 Mr. Sargent asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if An Garda Síochána has a policy on hospitality; if so, if that policy is available for public inspection; if he is satisfied that the policy is adequate; and if a record is maintained of gifts, invitations and hospitality received by An Garda Síochána. [41596/06]

The Garda Code covers all areas of Garda duties including guidance to all members of the Force on ethical and professional behaviour and discipline. All members of An Garda Síochána are issued with a personal copy of the Code, which is retained by the member for the duration of their service. The Garda Commissioner is of the view that it is necessary that confidentiality be maintained in respect of the Code in order to maintain the operational effectiveness of An Garda Síochána.

I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that a working group was established by the Commissioner to bring forward new proposals governing the behaviour of members of An Garda Síochána in relation to the acceptance of gifts, hospitality and sponsorship. It is envisaged that their report will be finalised in early 2007.

Prison Committals.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

192 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons committed to prison for non-payment of fines for each of the years 2003 to 2005 and to date in 2006. [41600/06]

A breakdown of the number of persons committed to prison for the non-payment of fines for each of the years 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 is set out in the table.

Year

Number of Persons

2003

1,800

2004

1,599

2005

1,798

2006 (up to 30.11.06)

1,509

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

193 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons committed to prison for the non-payment of debts for each of the years 2003 to 2005 and to date in 2006. [41601/06]

On 4 December 2006, there were 7 persons in custody for debt-related offences. This includes 6 persons in respect of whom the debt-related offence is the principal basis for their imprisonment.

A breakdown of the number of persons committed to prison for the non-payment of debts for each of the years 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 is set out in the table.

Year

Number of Persons

2003

213

2004

200

2005

223

2006 (up to 30.11.06)

198

Garda Investigations.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

194 Mr. Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in respect of the death of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly in February 2002, he has sought or received a copy of the report of the reinvestigation team; if so, the date of the request and the date on which it was received; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in response to a number of questions put to him by RTÉ radio, the Garda Commissioner stated that there were several failings in the investigation into the person’s death; if he has received an indication from the Commissioner as to the action, planned as a consequence of these failings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41602/06]

Brendan Howlin

Question:

195 Mr. Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in respect of the death of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly in February 2002, any serving or retired members of the Garda have been interviewed by the team reinvestigating the death; if so, if disciplinary action has been taken or is planned; if the Commissioner has established the way the contents of an unsigned statement taken by the gardaí from another person and presented to the jury at the inquest into the person’s death was subsequently denied in its entirety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41603/06]

Brendan Howlin

Question:

196 Mr. Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in respect of the death of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly in February 2002, the Garda Commissioner has established the members of the Garda who are alleged to have informed the State pathologist that the person was suicidal; the reason the gardaí did not take a witness statement from the person’s alleged assailant until six months after the disappearance; the reason having taken apparently contradictory witness statements from three men among the last to see the person alive, the gardaí did not re-interview the men in an attempt to reconcile these statements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41604/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 194 to 196, inclusive, together.

I am informed that at an inquest on 26 April, 2004 into the death of the person referred to by the Deputy, the jury brought in a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence that the cause of death was due to immersion in fresh water.

I am further informed by the Garda authorities that as a result of allegations made by the family of the person the Garda authorities examined the investigation file on the death of that person, as a result of which they decided that a Superintendent from outside the Garda District where the death took place should carry out a new investigation. This investigation is now completed and I received the findings of this investigation on 28 November, 2006. I am currently examining the findings of the report.

I understand that in the second investigation the Garda authorities did not find evidence to substantiate the allegations regarding the cause of death or the conduct of the original investigation. However, that second investigation did find that some aspects of the original investigation could have been carried out more professionally, but that these did not affect the outcome of the investigation.

In addition to the second Garda investigation, I further understand that the State Pathologist reviewed two medical opinions obtained by the family and also the post mortem findings. She did not find anything to cast doubt on the inquest's findings.

I am advised that arising from the findings of the second investigation the Assistant Garda Commissioner for the Eastern Region has been directed by the Garda Commissioner to address the issues highlighted in the report and to report on the action taken on them. In addition, he has been directed by the Garda Commissioner to have correspondence received from an RTE correspondent, including contents of a Radio interview conducted by that correspondent, examined to ascertain if the interview disclosed any new information which would warrant further investigation by the Garda authorities. I have asked for a report on the Assistant Commissioner's findings.

I also understand that the second Garda investigation file has been forwarded to the Law Officers and their directions are awaited. It would, therefore, be inappropriate for me to comment further at this stage.

Citizenship Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

197 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 228 of 17 October 2006, who the adoption society were and the actual information that suggests the parents had ceded parental responsibility; if so, the reason there is no evidence of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41605/06]

As I indicated in my replies to Parliamentary Questions No. 195 of 1 December 2004, No. 343 of 26 April 2005 and No. 228 of 17 October 2006 all of the Department's records on this matter were supplied to the individual concerned on foot of a request under the Freedom of Information Act.

Copies of a letter and an agreement were produced as evidence that the parents of the person in question had ceded parental control and responsibility to the adoption society and to his being placed in the care of the persons who sponsored his application for naturalisation. The records do not indicate the name of the adoption society.

Advice has recently been received from the Office of the Attorney General in this matter. This advice will form the basis of a response due to issue shortly to solicitors representing the person concerned.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

198 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41606/06]

An application for naturalisation from the individual in question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department on 13 January 2004.

I am advised that a decision on this application will be communicated to the person concerned in the coming days.

Consultancy Contracts.

Seán Ryan

Question:

199 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of expenditure on consultancy by his Department in 2003, 2004 and 2005; the number of consultants engaged by his Department in those years; and the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by his Department in these years and for the future. [41726/06]

The total spend by year in relation to expenditure on consultancy for my Department's Vote is as follows:

Year

Amount

€M

2003

2.6

2004

2.5

2005

1.8

A total of 126 different consultants were engaged over this period. Expenditure on consultancy has been reducing year on year over the period reflecting the increased emphasis and examination of the requirement for the engagement of consultants within the Department.

Garda Investigations.

Finian McGrath

Question:

200 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will establish an independent inquiry into the death of a person (details supplied). [41794/06]

I refer the Deputy to my response to Parliamentary Question No. 196 of 04 May 2006. The position remains unchanged.

Crime Levels.

David Stanton

Question:

201 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 216 of 28 November 2006, the reason recorded incidents of domestic violence in the past two years were not published in the Garda Síochána annual reports in 2004 and 2005, as they were in previous years; if his attention has been drawn to this and if he gave his consent to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41795/06]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that Garda management are satisfied that all criminal incidents reported to them are being recorded. Incidents are recorded on 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 is being 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.

I am further informed that until 2004 statistics published were generated from a stand alone paper based system. Since 2004 the statistics published are based on the number of breaches of court orders issued under domestic violence legislation as recorded on the PULSE system. The PULSE data is more comprehensive and provides a greater level of detail about detections, arrests, proceedings and a more complete view of breaches of domestic violence legislation than that provided by the previous system.

Prison Accommodation.

Enda Kenny

Question:

202 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in respect of works carried out at a location (details supplied), he will confirm that the building works consisted of the provision of a two storey building incorporating administration offices, visitors room and industrial workshop; if he will further confirm the name of the construction firm involved; if this building was provided in kit form and held in cold storage and was originally intended for use as accommodation for asylum seekers; when the decision was made to have this provided on location at the site concerned; the number of firms asked to tender for this work, the number of firms who submitted tenders; the successful tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41801/06]

Enda Kenny

Question:

203 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will confirm if works carried out at a location by a company (details supplied) took place in 2004 or 2005; the extent of works carried out; the extent of tender involved; the number of firms asked to tender; the number of firms which submitted tenders and to whom the successful tender was eventually rewarded; the basis that tender was awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41802/06]

Enda Kenny

Question:

204 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the works currently being carried out or proposed to be carried out at a location (details supplied); if a contract has been awarded to a firm for the purpose of these works; the number of firms asked to tender; the number of firms which submitted tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41803/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 202 to 204, inclusive, together.

In relation to the two storey building incorporating administration and visitors facilities at Loughan House the position is as follows. A number of modular accommodation units which were procured by the Office of Public Works in the context of the provision of asylum seeker accommodation and which were subsequently surplus to requirements were utilised to provide a new building incorporating visiting and administration facilities at Loughan House in 2004. This resulted in a significant saving in the overall cost of the project. The contract for the work involved was awarded to Glenbeigh Construction Ltd who submitted the most competitive quotation for a prison construction project on 22 March 2002 under the terms of a tender competition dated March 2002. The tender included a provision for draw-down facility as required by the Prison Service. A total of six companies were invited to submit tenders for the above project.

A subsequent competition which was advertised in the EU Journal on 2 July 2004 sought expressions of interest from firms to provide an additional accommodation block at Loughan House. The notice also stated that the Prison Service reserved the right to enter negotiations with the successful contractor in relation to other prison projects within a duration of three years from the initial contract. A total of nine submissions were received and following an assessment process a short-list of four contractors was selected for a formal tender competition. The lowest tender subsequently received was from Glenbeigh Construction. A contract was awarded under the tender in respect of a general refurbishment of the existing bedroom accommodation which is now complete. The construction of a new 60 place accommodation unit for offenders with self contained bathroom and shower facilities is also now underway by Glenbeigh Construction under the above tender. Other works being carried out at Loughan House under this tender include a new education and general purpose building, the replacement of the dilapidated fence surrounding the facility, and repairs to the roof of the main building.

Visa Applications.

John Perry

Question:

205 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 190 of 28 November 2006, if emergency temporary visas to come here will be issued to persons (details supplied) in view of the tragedy that has struck the family in County Sligo and that the family needs the support of each other during such extenuating circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41806/06]

The persons in question were initially refused permission to travel to Ireland for a wedding. In the new circumstances, in the wake of the Tragedy to which the Deputy refers, they are entitled to appeal this decision and any such appeal will be fully and sympathetically examined by my Department.

Departmental Bodies.

David Stanton

Question:

206 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an upper age limit applies regarding membership of State boards under his aegis; if so, the reason for the age limit; his plans to remove same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42084/06]

I can inform the Deputy that the only State Board under the aegis of my Department where an upper age limit applies is the Private Security Authority Appeal Board. The Private Security Services Act 2004 Schedule 2, Part 1, provides that a member of the Appeal Board of the Private Security Authority must vacate office on attaining the age of 70 years. There are no plans to remove this upper age limit at present.

Tax Code.

Richard Bruton

Question:

207 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if persons paying tax under PAYE receive relief in respect of the health levy, of standard pension contributions, and AVCs; and if similar concessions apply to the self employed. [41366/06]

Employee contributions to approved occupational pension schemes, including AVCs, are exempt from income tax, subject to certain limits, as are contributions made by self-employed individuals to retirement annuity contracts. Similar relief applies to contributions to personal retirement savings accounts (PRSAs). With effect from 1 January 2006, the maximum annual tax relieved contribution that an individual may make towards all of his or her pension funds is determined by the individual's age and the level of his or her remuneration, subject to an overall earnings cap which currently stands at €254,000. The age related percentage limits are as shown in the table.

Age

Limit as a % of relevant earnings

%

Under 30

15

30 to 39

20

40 to 49

25

50 to 54

30

55 to 59

35

60 or over

40

If the pension contribution (including an AVC contribution) exceeds these percentages, the excess contribution can be brought forward to a following tax year against relevant earnings for tax relief purposes (subject of course to the above annual percentages not being exceeded in any one tax year).

I understand that the position regarding PRSI refunds on pension contributions (which also cover the health contribution elements of PRSI), insofar as it relates to individuals paying tax through the PAYE system, was set out to you in a recent response to a question to my colleague the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Brennan. My understanding is that such refunds do not apply in the case of self-employed individuals paying tax under the self-assessment system.

John Gormley

Question:

208 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Finance the reason tax breaks for private hospitals represents good value for money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41669/06]

By using capital allowances for the construction of private hospitals, I believe that the hospitals will come on stream quicker than if they were being provided by the public sector. The Government is committed to exploring fully the scope for the private sector to provide additional capacity needed in the health system. The HSE will be able to take up a proportion of the additional beds at a discounted price to address their waiting lists - the legislation specifies that a qualifying hospital must undertake to make available 20% of its capacity for public patients at a discount of 10%. The effect of this measure will be to reduce the pressure on public hospital beds. Providing hospital facilities for those with private health insurance in private hospitals will enable more beds in public hospitals to be made available for public patients.

I should also point out that the scheme of capital allowances for the construction of private hospitals was reviewed by Indecon Economic Consultants as part of the overall review of property tax incentives in 2005. Indecon consulted widely in the course of their review, including consultations with the Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive. The report was published on 6 February and is available on my Department's website. Among the findings of the review, it is stated that: "While it is too early to provide detailed estimates of the impact of the scheme on the supply and on the costs of hospital beds, Indecon believes the scheme has the potential to address supply shortages in the sector and to reduce costs."

Denis Naughten

Question:

209 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 138 of 22 November 2006, his views on reducing the level of VAT paid on such products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41068/06]

The position is that the VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. Under the Sixth VAT Directive, Member States may only apply the reduced VAT rate to those goods and services which are listed under Annex H of the EU Sixth VAT Directive. While Annex H does include the supply of children's car seats, it does not include car safety equipment. The reduced rate cannot therefore be applied to such goods.

With the exception of child car seats the only rate of VAT that can apply to car safety equipment, under EU law, is the standard VAT rate which in Ireland is 21%.

National Development Plan.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

210 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Finance if he will address the injustice which exists within the Border Midland Western region; the way he will address the injustice to the BMW region in the last remaining weeks to make up for the deficit in the underspend under the current national development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41073/06]

I cannot accept the Deputy's contention that an injustice exists in the BMW region.

Under the National Development Plan/ Community Support Framework (NDP/CSF) 2000-2006, there has been substantial investment in infrastructure — such as roads, public transport, water and waste services — in health facilities, social housing, education, industry and rural development in Ireland. The most recent information available to my Department indicates that some €48 billion had been spent by the end of June 2006, with €13 billion spent in the BMW region. This represents a sizable investment in the region.

The House will be aware of the general state of play in relation to expenditure in the BMW region from previous debates and questions on this issue. The figures reported at the recent Monitoring Committee meetings indicate that some €11.1 billion or 82% of forecast Exchequer and EU expenditure had been incurred by the end of June 2006.

In view of the slow start up in some areas at the beginning of the programme and the relatively disappointing response in certain demand led schemes due mainly to the impact of the slowdown in economic activity in 2000-02, the outbreak of foot and mouth disease and a lower than anticipated take up of financial opportunities by the private sector, this can be considered to be a good implementation rate.

Based on the most recent information available to my Department, I anticipate that by the end of the programme period which under EU Rules, does not actually end at the end of 2006 but rather continues to 2008, the original forecasts for Exchequer and EU spending in the BMW region will largely be met.

Results over the 2000 to mid-2006 period show that, from a slow start up, there has been a steadily improving trend with over €5.8 billion invested in the BMW region under the key Economic and Social Infrastructure programme — of which €1.1 billion was invested in 2005 alone representing 105% of forecast expenditure for that year. Under that programme, almost €1.8 billion was invested in national roads, €2.1 billion on housing, over €850 million on water and waste services and €819 million on health facilities. Under the Employment and Human Resources programme, €4 billion has been invested in the BMW region to end June 2006. The other operational programmes show investment of €2.5 billion under the BMW regional programme, €837 million under the Productive Sector programme and €120 million under the Peace and Technical Assistance programmes.

The Government's commitment to the Region under the current NDP/CSF is delivering results. The ESRI carried out a mid-term evaluation of the NDP/CSF 2000-2006 which stated that the BMW region had all but closed the gap with the S&E region in respect of the rate of unemployment and employment growth. The ESRI in its recent ex-ante assessment of investment priorities for NDP 2007-2013 concludes: "The current NDP has greatly enhanced the economic and social infrastructure of the State with major benefits to economic development throughout all regions".

The Government's commitment to the BMW region does not cease when the current funding round draws to a close. Investment to achieve more balanced regional development is a key Government priority. An important objective of the next NDP (2007-2013) will be the promotion of balanced regional development in line with the National Spatial Strategy (the NSS). The details of the strategy for regional development will have to await publication of the Plan. I am confident that the level of ambition in the overall NDP 2007-2013 investment envelope combined with a commitment to utilise this investment to implement the NSS will lead to a better balance in economic development.

In addition, the BMW region will also receive an EU Structural Funds allocation of €458 million under the next round of funding for 2007-2013.

Tax Code.

Joan Burton

Question:

211 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance the estimate of the amount of excise duty that would need to be added to a litre of petrol if vehicle registration tax were removed; the equivalent income that would be derived for the Exchequer through additional excise duties on petrol and diesel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41075/06]

It is assumed that the information sought by the Deputy is the additional excise duty on a litre of petrol that would be required to produce the same yield as Vehicle Registration Tax in the event of that tax being abolished.

On the basis that the VRT yield for 2006 will be approximately €1,300 million, I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a yield of this amount from excise duty and additional VAT could be achieved by increasing the excise duty on a litre of unleaded petrol by 85 cent. This method assumes that the normal price elasticity factors will apply and consumption would fall as a result. However, if there were no change in purchasing patterns or consequent reduction in consumption the increase required would be 54 cent per litre.

In the scenario outlined in this reply there is no provision for a price increase in diesel and additional yield does not therefore arise.

Tax Yield.

Joan Burton

Question:

212 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance the revenue accruing to the Exchequer from excise duties on bio-fuels for each of the years from 2000 to date in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41076/06]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that there has been no significant Mineral Oil Tax yield from biofuels over the period. I introduced a full relief from Mineral Oil Tax in the Finance Act 2004 for biofuel produced or used in pilot projects. The Revenue Commissioners are not aware of any commercial biofuel operations that are not currently relieved from Mineral Oil Tax.

Also in Finance Act 2006 I provided for significant tax measures to promote biofuels in Ireland. The scheme of excise relief for biofuels will:

provide for excise relief on up to 163 million litres of biofuels per annum;

cost over €200m over 5 years;

when fully operational, result in CO2 savings of over 250,000 tonnes per annum;

meet a target of 2% transport fuel market penetration by biofuels by 2008;

help reduce our dependency on conventional fossil fuels, and

stimulate activity in the agricultural sector.

The scheme was publicly advertised in July by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. An assessment panel was established to review applications and make recommendations to my Department. The successful applicants to the scheme were recently announced by the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.

Pension Provisions.

Paul McGrath

Question:

213 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of investments per month since the SSIA scheme was operative in May 2006 in relation to the pension incentive introduced in the Finance Act 2006, for persons to reinvest part or all of their SSIA on maturity. [41090/06]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the number of investments per month in pension products using all or part of matured SSIA funds and availing of the new Pensions Incentive Tax Credit introduced in the Finance Act 2006, is as follows:

June 2006

78

July 2006

267

August 2006

575

September 2006

892

October 2006

1,293

The total number of investments in pension products using all or part of matured SSIA funds up to end October 2006 is 3,105.

Oireachtas Members’ Remuneration.

Joan Burton

Question:

214 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance the details of TDs and Minister’s salary structures; the percentage increase of the recent raise in salaries; the arrangements in relation to payments made to TDs that lose their seat; when this measure was introduced; the rate of increase in this payment since its introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41091/06]

The table shows the salary rates payable from 1 June 2006 and the salary rates applicable following implementation of the first phase of the agreement Towards 2016 i.e. 3% from 1 December 2006. Please note that the Minister and Minister for State receive the TD's basic salary in addition to their ministerial salary.

Post

1 June 2006 Sustaining Progress Final Phase — 2.5%

1 December 2006 Towards 2016 Phase 1 — 3%

TD — basic

90,770

93,493

—1st LSI

93,667

96,477

—2nd LSI

96,560

99,457

Taoiseach

167,960

172,999

TD

90,770

93,493

Total

258,730

266,492

Tánaiste

131,486

135,431

TD

90,770

93,493

Total

222,256

228,924

Minister

113,250

116,648

TD

90,770

93,493

Total

204,020

210,141

Minister of State

49,420

50,903

TD

90,770

93,493

Total

140,190

144,396

The following arrangements for TDs who lose their seat came into operation on 1 November 1992 for members of the New Pensions Scheme for members of the Oireachtas which was introduced at that time (termination payments are not payable to members of the Old Pensions Scheme.

Prior to receiving his or her pension entitlements, each former member who is a member of the New Pensions Scheme receives a Termination Lump Sum and a series of Termination Payments. To qualify for these he or she:

Must have at least six months continuous service as a Member of the Houses of the Oireachtas; and

Must not become a member of the following Oireachtas or immediately become an MEP or be appointed by the Government to a full-time position.

Where the above conditions are satisfied, a Termination Lump Sum is payable. This is equivalent to 2 months' salary, including salary allowances. In addition to a Termination Lump Sum, a maximum of 12 monthly Termination Payments are payable. The payments are based on the current rate of the relevant salary. A person must have at least 3 years continuous service to qualify for these. The number and rate of payments is conditional on the number of years' continuous service (see Table 1 below for details). Additional salary allowances are reckonable and a person may elect to move to pension at any time if it is more beneficial to do so. Termination payments are expressed as a percentage of current salary. Accordingly, they have increased in line with salary increases since their introduction.

Oireachtas Termination Payments

Service Years

Monthly payments

3

1 @ 75%

4

2 @ 75%

5

3 @ 75%

6

4 @ 75%

7

5 @ 75%

8

6 @ 75%

9

6 @ 75% + 1 @ 50%

10

6 @ 75% + 2 @ 50%

11

6 @ 75% + 3 @ 50%

12

6 @ 75% + 4 @ 50%

13

6 @ 75% + 5 @ 50%

14 +

6 @ 75% + 6 @ 50%

Disabled Drivers.

Michael Lowry

Question:

215 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Finance the criteria a person must meet in order to qualify for the disabled drivers fuel refund; his views on expanding the scheme to include long-term disabled drivers not at present eligible under the disabled drivers scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41108/06]

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 local Health Service Executive administrative 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.

Phil Hogan

Question:

216 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Finance when a tax refund will be awarded to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41117/06]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that, according to their records, this taxpayer is currently in employment and a certificate of tax credits and standard rate cut off point issued on 1 November 2006 in respect of this employment. Any refund due to the taxpayer because of unused credits on his behalf will be made by the employer. If the taxpayer is no longer in employment he should submit a claim for repayment by completing a form P50 and submitting this, together with his P45 issued by his last employer, to the Kilkenny Revenue District.

John McGuinness

Question:

217 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance his views on not taxing the State pension in cases where a person who is over 66 years continues to work and has no other employment related pension; if it is possible to quantify the number of people in this category and the loss of revenue to the State arising from such a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41128/06]

It is a general principle of taxation that, as far as possible, income from all sources should be subject to taxation. This includes the contributory and non-contributory pensions paid by the Department of Social and Family Affairs and there are no plans to change this position.

However, in the case of social welfare pension income, the extent to which taxation actually arises in a given case depends, of course, on the amount of other income that the social welfare recipient, or the recipient's spouse, has in the particular tax year. If there is no other income in addition to the social welfare payment, the existing exemption limits or tax credits can be expected to ensure that there is no tax to be paid on the social welfare income itself.

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that their income tax statistics do not generally distinguish between the amounts of tax that arise from pensions and from other sources. However, it is estimated that for 2003 — the latest year for which the necessary detailed information is available — the total tax liability on the combined social welfare pension and other income of some 41,200 income earners aged 65 years or over was of the order of €253 million.

Pension Provisions.

David Stanton

Question:

218 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Finance the estimated amount charged for the collection, management and investment, and other services including the provision of advice services connected therewith, of contributions including AVCs and PRSAs and existing invested funds by insurance fund providers and intermediaries and other agents in each of the most recent three years for which data is available or can be estimated; if estimated, the basis of such estimates; if there are other significant fees on pension contributions earned by the financial services sector not explicitly comprehended in the amounts in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41137/06]

The information requested by the Deputy is not available to my Department, as neither the Financial Regulator nor the Pensions Board collects such data.

The Deputy should note that the administration of pension schemes is primarily the responsibility of scheme trustees. Trustees are required to, at all times, act in the best interests of scheme members, with due regard being paid to the legislation governing the operation of pension schemes and the trust deeds and rules of individual schemes. In discharging their duties to members, trustees must ensure that they are achieving best value in terms of administration charges and other fees and commissions payable arising from the operation of pension schemes.

It should also be noted that the Financial Regulator published a Consultation Paper, Review of Remuneration Structures and Transparency, in January 2005 seeking views in relation to remuneration structures in the insurance market and also in relation to non-insurance investment products. This would include certain investment-type pension products. It sought views, on amongst other things, as to how the charging structures could be made simpler and clearer for the consumer and looked for suggestions as to what would be an appropriate measure of the impact of those charges and a means of comparing one product with another. The Financial Regulator's public response to the first phase of consultation was published on its website on 30 November setting out the questions that were posed as part of the review, the views received and the Regulator's response.

The Government is also committed to publishing a Green Paper on pensions as part of its commitments under Towards 2016. It is expected that this will be published by the end of March next year. Given the role which annuities play in delivering retirement incomes the Green Paper will include an examination of that market.

Departmental Properties.

Tony Gregory

Question:

219 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Finance the plans the Office of Public Works has for the Debtors Prison, Dublin 1. [41144/06]

The Office of Public Works has recently completed the legal arrangements for the return of the Debtor's Prison into unencumbered State ownership from Dublin City Council and the Green Street Trust. The Office is currently actively studying several options for the future use of the building and a decision is expected to be made in the new year.

Tax Code.

Tony Gregory

Question:

220 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 299 of 24 October 2006, if the results of the examination are available to him. [41145/06]

In his question of 24 October last, the Deputy raised the issue of the tax treatments of pensions of Irish nationals who are retired officials of the EU as compared with the pensions of Irish nationals who are retired officials of the United Nations.

I informed the Deputy that there are legislative provisions which relieve the salaries and pensions of Irish nationals from the charge to Irish income tax in respect of service to the EU. However, both the salaries and pensions of serving or retired EU officials are subject to EU tax and are not paid tax-free.

There are also legislative provisions which relieve the salaries and emoluments of officials of the United Nations and its specialised agencies from the charge to Irish income tax. These provisions do not apply to ex-officials or retired officials and, accordingly, UN pensions payable to Irish nationals are not relieved of the charge to income tax in Ireland.

I undertook to have my Department and the Revenue Commissioners examine this matter further. My Department has asked the Department of Foreign Affairs to request background information from the United Nations on these general issues. This request has been made and a response is awaited. I will provide the Deputy with a copy of any response received. It does appear, however, that pension payments to former officials of the United Nations are generally not relieved of the charge to national taxation by reason of any international agreement. This reflects the tax position under Irish legislation and, in line with the general principle of taxation that, as far as possible, income from all sources should be subject to taxation somewhere, I see no reason to change that position.

Simon Coveney

Question:

221 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Finance the number of appeals which have been lodged each year against the assessment for vehicle registration tax since 2003 to date in 2006 for new and used cars; the outcome of the appeal in each case by make, model, age, condition, original OMSP and original VRT and revised OMSP and revised VRT. [41240/06]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the number of appeals, in the case of vehicles where the VRT was assessed by reference to the Open Market Selling Price, which have been lodged and determined by the Revenue Commissioners in the period 1 January 2003 to 1 December 2006, is as set out in the table and comprises appeals in relation to VRT category A vehicles and VRT category B vehicles. Category A includes cars, minibuses seating up to 12 persons, and campers which do not meet the VRT motor caravan definition. Category B includes car-derived vans, light crew-cabs, and light motor caravans.

Appeal Year

Number of appeals Category A

Number of appeals Category B

Total number of appeals

2003

219

18

237

2004

198

19

217

2005

306

26

332

2006

293

17

310

I understand that the Revenue Commissioners will be writing directly to the Deputy to supply the remainder of the information requested as it amounts to some 25 pages.

Architectural Heritage.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

222 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Finance if he provide the necessary funding to bring to completion the reconstruction works that are being carried out at Doe Castle, County Donegal, including the re-roofing of the Great Hall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41263/06]

In relation to possible further conservation works at Doe Castle the position remains as set out in my reply to question 108 of 9 November 2005.

Tax Code.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

223 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Finance his proposals to introduce equity between the treatment for stamp duty purposes of first time buyers of new dwelling houses for personal occupation and those who buy sites of land in order to build dwelling houses for their personal occupation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41270/06]

The Deputy will be aware that I am delivering the Budget tomorrow. He will also be aware that it is not practice to comment on issues, such as this, prior to the Budget.

Michael Ring

Question:

224 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance if he will introduce appropriate tax arrangements in order to ensure that the maximum amount of funds are available to persons affected by the compulsory buy out of drift net fishermen which will result in the closure of their industry. [41284/06]

It would be premature to make any comment on this matter as the details of the proposed scheme have not yet been finalised.

Bernard Allen

Question:

225 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Finance if he will introduce a compensation scheme for charities who work in developing countries and who could do much more with fundraised moneys if they did not have to pay VAT on items and services. [41305/06]

I should explain that the VAT regime and rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. Under the Sixth VAT Directive charities and non-profit groups engaged in non-commercial activity are exempt. This means they do not charge VAT on the services they provide and cannot recover VAT incurred on goods and services that they purchase. Essentially only VAT registered businesses which charge VAT are able to recover VAT.

Ministerial Orders have been used in the past in a limited way to provide refunds of VAT on certain aids and appliances for the disabled and on medical equipment donated voluntarily to hospitals; equipment and buildings used by water rescue organisations; and, humanitarian goods for export. These orders are focused and are designed to target specific circumstances. However, under EU law, it is no longer possible to introduce new schemes within the VAT Act 1972 to relieve charities from the obligation to pay VAT on goods and services that they purchase.

Furthermore, under EU law, it is not possible to remove or reduce the VAT rate for a particular customer, in this case charities, as the rate of VAT that applies to a particular good or service is determined by the nature of the good or service, and not by the category of customer. It would, therefore, not be possible to remove or reduce the VAT paid by charities.

In summary, EU law precludes removing or refunding the VAT which charities are required to pay under the taxation system. This view is also held by the European Commission, who have stated that while charities cannot be refunded through the VAT system, there is nothing to prevent national Governments paying charities a subsidy to compensate them for the irrecoverable VAT which they have incurred, provided that State Aid rules are observed. Given that Exchequer funding is made available to very many charitable organisations this is in effect already happening.

I should say that the tax code currently provides exemption for charities from Income Tax, Corporation Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Deposit Interest Retention Tax, Capital Acquisitions Tax, Stamp Duty, Probate Tax and Dividend Withholding Tax. Moreover, charities also benefit significantly from the uniform scheme of tax relief for donations, which was introduced in the Finance Act 2001 and which, for the first time, allowed tax relief on personal donations to domestic charities and other approved bodies. The relief is based on the taxpayer's marginal rate which for an individual donor could be as high as 42%. In the case of donations from the PAYE sector the relief is given directly to the charities.

Garda Stations.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

226 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Finance the reason 14 mature trees were removed from the surrounds of Irishtown Garda station during the period 20 to 25 November 2006; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this is a conservation area and as such material changes should not be made without the due processes being followed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41319/06]

The removal of the trees was carried out following technical advice that the trees were adversely affecting the structural stability of the boundary wall. As part of the redevelopment of the site currently underway new trees will be planted.

Architectural Heritage.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

227 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works will surface dress the area in front of Carrigafoyle Castle, Ballylongford, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41350/06]

The area in front of Carrigafoyle Castle is not in the care of the Office of Public Works and therefore the question of the OPW resurfacing it does not arise. The Office of Public Works is, however, prepared in the context of the presentation of the Castle to make an equitable contribution to the costs on completion of the resurfacing by Kerry County Council.

Tax Code.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

228 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he will make a statement on the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [41352/06]

The question of refunds of tax is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners. I have been advised by Revenue that the person in question applied for an unemployment repayment on 22 November 2006. This was dealt with on 27 November 2006 and a cheque will issue to the person in question shortly.

Pension Provisions.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

229 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance his proposals in regard to entitlement to the Civil Service retirement pension being extended to women who had to retire from the Civil Service due to the compulsory marriage ban (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41376/06]

Prior to 1 June 1973, no superannuation benefits were payable to civil servants, male or female, on cessation of service prior to age 60 other than in cases of retirement on grounds of ill-health or death in service. Prior to 1974, female officers were required to resign on marriage and received marriage gratuities.

Following the abolition of the marriage bar, any officer appointed prior to early 1974 now has the option of resigning within two years of marriage or remaining in employment. Officers who resign may preserve their pension entitlements until minimum pension age, normally 60, or receive a marriage gratuity in lieu of any pension entitlements.

I do not have any plans to extend civil service pension benefits to former officers who received marriage gratuities. However, any officer who has received a marriage gratuity, including those who resigned prior to 1974, who is subsequently reappointed to the civil service or any other area of the public service may, on refund of the gratuity with appropriate interest, have all service given prior to that resignation aggregated with subsequent service for pension purposes.

Tax Code.

John Gormley

Question:

230 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Finance the reason singers do not qualify for artistic tax relief here; if he will change this rule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41501/06]

Income earned by artists, writers, composers and sculptors from the sale of their work is exempt from tax in Ireland in certain circumstances. The exemption is only available to individuals who are resident here for tax purposes.

Section 195 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, formerly section 2 of the 1969 Finance Act, allows the Revenue Commissioners to make a determination, under guidelines drawn up by the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, and the Arts Council, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, that certain artistic works are original and creative, and generally recognised as having cultural or artistic merit. Earnings derived from such works are exempt from income tax.

Under the terms of Section 195, the Revenue Commissioners can make determinations in respect of artistic works in the following categories:

1 — a book or other writing

2 — a play

3 — a musical composition

4 — a painting or other like picture, and

5 — a sculpture.

Singing is not a specified category within section 195 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 and therefore, the artists exemption is not currently available to singers. In fact, performances of any kind, such as dancing or acting, do not qualify for the exemption.

I have no plans to amend the Artists Exemption to allow singers to qualify for tax relief. There are already very significant supports in place for arts industries through the tax and public expenditure systems. When the Artists Exemption was introduced in 1969 it was intended as a secondary measure to providing direct funding to the arts to help ensure sustained employment for artists. The review of the scheme carried out last year by my Department in conjunction with the Revenue Commissioners concluded that this should remain the case and I have accepted this recommendation.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

231 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if the new charges being applied by the Health Service Executive of between €90 and €120 per week in respect of persons with physical or intellectual disabilities residing in residential care are tax deductible as a necessary medical expense; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41503/06]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the charges being applied by the Health Service Executive under the Health (Charges for In-Patient Services) Regulation 2005 are health expenses within the meaning of Section 469 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 and may be included in a claim for relief under the section.

National Pensions Reserve Fund.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

232 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to Irish public investment, made through the National Pension Reserve Fund, in companies complicit with ongoing genocide in Darfur; the action he has been taken to modify or remove that investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41534/06]

Under the National Pensions Reserve Fund Act 2000, the National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission controls and is responsible for the investment of the National Pensions Reserve Fund. It has discretionary authority to determine the Fund's investment strategy in accordance with the Fund's statutory investment policy of securing the optimal total financial return provided the level of risk to the moneys held or invested is acceptable to the Commission.

The Commission is a founder signatory to the Principles for Responsible Investment launched by the UN Secretary General in New York on 27 April last. The aim of the Principles is to integrate consideration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues into investment decision-making and ownership practices. They stem from a growing view among investment professionals that ESG issues can affect the performance of investment portfolios. Investors fulfilling their fiduciary (or equivalent) duty therefore need to give appropriate consideration to these issues, but to date have lacked an appropriate framework for doing so.

In announcing its decision to sign the Principles, the NPRF Commission said the launch of the Principles is the beginning of a process which will see the Fund taking account of environmental, social and governance factors in its investment strategies and becoming a more engaged shareholder in the companies in which it invests. It said it would be taking specific measures to implement the Principles. Actions it is planning to take over the first 12 months include:

development and implementation of a comprehensive proxy voting policy;

development of an engagement capacity with investee companies on ESG issues; and

refinement of its investment manager selection process to include specific consideration of ESG issues.

The Commission stressed that incorporation of environmental, social and governance issues into the NPRF's investment and operating framework is a long-term project and it would be taking further implementing actions as its capacity in the area develops.

On my own behalf, I would like to add that I welcome the launch of the Principles. I believe they represent a significant step towards ensuring that investors take into consideration the environmental, social and corporate governance aspects of the businesses in which they invest and I am pleased that the National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission is a signatory to them.

Flood Relief.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

233 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 235 of 28 November 2006, the estimated cost of the Tramore Road element of the proposed Waterford city flood relief and details of the anticipated benefits resulting from the works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41574/06]

A flood relief scheme, the John's River (Waterford City) Drainage Scheme, which aims to prevent or substantially reduce localised flooding in the John's River and the Lisduggan Stream catchment, was publicly exhibited in Waterford in March / April 2002. A report entitled John's River (Waterford City) Flood Relief Scheme – Potential for Phasing of Works was commissioned by OPW in 2003 and completed in 2004. This report investigated the viability of carrying out the flood relief works on a phased basis.

The report recommended that the proposed works, as exhibited, could be carried out in five phases. The fifth phase, incorporating works on the Tramore Road, provided for approximately 3 km of new road construction and associated road works and the re-alignment of several short sections of the John's River. The estimated overall cost of this phase was €7million. The benefit area would be the section of Tramore Road where the works would be undertaken. However, there are no properties in this area and the only benefit accruing would be in relation to avoidance of costs associated with traffic disruption. The phasing report concluded that the Tramore Road phase of the works had a negative benefit to cost ratio of 0.05 and was therefore not deemed to be economically viable. As it is a requirement of the Department of Finance that all flood relief works be economically viable, the decision was taken to omit this phase of works from the scheme and to proceed only with the remaining four phases. Also, the Report of the Flood Policy Review Group, which was approved by Government in September 2004, proposes that all future expenditure must be consistent with the Review's recommendations. The proposed works on the Tramore Road do not currently meet this requirement.

Consultancy Contracts.

Seán Ryan

Question:

234 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Finance the amount of expenditure on consultancy by his Department in 2003, 2004 and 2005; the number of consultants engaged by his Department in those years; and the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by his Department in these years and for the future. [41723/06]

In the years 2003 to 2005 my Department entered into contracts for consultancy services with 77 consultants. In the same period my Department spent some €6.57m from its vote on those consultancy services. A significant proportion of this was related to ICT system and software development.

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department issues comprehensive guidelines concerning the engagement of consultants. In the period to which the Deputy refers, the guidelines entitled Engaging Consultants: Guidelines for the Civil Service were in effect. My Department complied with those guidelines.

The guidelines cover a range of topics relevant to the decision to commission external support or assistance. They stress that value-for-money considerations must be paramount when deciding whether or not to engage consultants, that projects should be strictly necessary and that consultants should only be engaged where specialised knowledge is not available internally, or in the wider civil service, or where independent advice is deemed essential, and that as far as possible skills are transferred to the civil servants involved. My Department is distributing revised guidelines on the engagement of consultants to all Departments and Offices.

In addition, the recent establishment of a Central Expenditure Evaluation Unit will provide my Department with internal expertise on programme evaluation and project appraisal. This initiative will allow it to reduce its reliance on consultants for such functions. The Department's Training and Development Strategy (training and post-entry education) supports this by facilitating the participation of staff in the Master of Economic Science in Policy Analysis Programme at the Institute of Public Administration.

Departmental Bodies.

David Stanton

Question:

235 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Finance if an upper age limit applies regarding membership of State boards under his aegis; if so, the reason for the age limit; his plans to remove same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42081/06]

Government approved guidelines are in place in relation to appointments to boards of commercial State-sponsored bodies. These guidelines cover competence of appointees, gender balance etc. While an age limit of 70 years as the normal upper age limit for persons to be appointed to boards of State-sponsored bodies was established many years ago, my understanding is that an upper age limit is not generally applied to the appointment of members of State Boards, including to Boards under the aegis of my Department.

Child Care Services.

Seán Ardagh

Question:

236 Mr. Ardagh asked the Minister for Health and Children if a school (details supplied) in Dublin 10 can obtain funding for the preschool overheads in order that no charge will be imposed on the disadvantaged parents of the area and to give equality with the early start schools operating in the greater Ballyfermot area. [41299/06]

As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the Equal Opportunities Childcare Investment 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. Capital grant assistance is available to both community based/not for profit organisations and private sector child care providers to build, renovate, or equip child care services where a proposal meets with the programme objectives. In areas of significant disadvantage staffing grants are available to community based groups providing child care services which meet the needs of disadvantaged parents. To benefit from staffing funding, groups must pay particular attention to supporting disadvantaged families and to the implementation of a fee policy tailored to the differing economic circumstances of their client group, thereby ensuring that child care places are targeted at those most in need.

I understand from enquiries I have made that the Group in question was provisionally approved €100,000 over 16 months in staffing grant assistance under the EOCP in August of this year. This funding is approved subject to the Group concluding a satisfactory contractual agreement by the end of 2006 with Pobal, which is engaged to administer the grants on behalf of the Office of the Minister for Children. I also understand that, to date, the Group has not submitted any further formal requests for funding under the EOCP or the NCIP.

Seán Ardagh

Question:

237 Mr. Ardagh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide €10,000 to finance the start costs for the provision of tables, chairs, knives, forks and other accoutrements for the canteen in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 10. [41308/06]

Seán Ardagh

Question:

273 Mr. Ardagh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide a report on a national lottery and Health Service Executive application for funds for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 10 to staff the toddler and baby care units with child care staff. [41306/06]

Seán Ardagh

Question:

274 Mr. Ardagh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite the provision by the Health Service Executive of a supervisor for the care unit in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 10. [41307/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 237, 273 and 274 together.

In 2006, total health funding is €13.147 billion, which represents an underlying increase of 12.04% over 2005. The vast bulk of this funding is provided under the vote of the Health Service Executive which has statutory responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services. This continuing high level of investment by the Government provides the Executive with considerable capacity to address the healthcare needs of the population in the most effective manner.

Funding for all health services has been provided as part of the Executive's overall vote for health and personal social services in 2006. The allocation of resources in the case raised by the Deputy 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.

Special Educational Needs.

Richard Bruton

Question:

238 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if in respect of children who attend special schools in the Dublin area, she will confirm that where such children have an existing speech and language facility provided through various service providers, that that service is then lost to such children when they attend special schools, as her Department states that these schools have access to speech and language training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41344/06]

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.

David Stanton

Question:

239 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children if community welfare officers are supplied with mobile phones to help them carry out their work; if not, her plans, to supply same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41487/06]

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 healthcare 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 healthcare needs of the population into the future.

Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The 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.

Departmental Funding.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

240 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason there has been no increase in funding for the regional planning committee against violence against women over the past four years; if it is intended to increase funding for these groups in view of the continuing problem of violence against women; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41498/06]

The Deputy's question relates to the funding, 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.

Question No. 241 answered with QuestionNo. 111.

Nursing Home Charges.

Michael Ring

Question:

242 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if an application for the refund of nursing home charges has been received which was submitted by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; when it will be processed; the position of this application; and when this person can expect to receive the refund. [41079/06]

The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and 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 to the Deputy.

Hospital Services.

John Perry

Question:

243 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 them called for treatment in Sligo General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41084/06]

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 this case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Parliamentary Questions.

Michael Ring

Question:

244 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason no response issued from the Health Service Executive to a parliamentary question placed several weeks ago (details supplied). [41092/06]

I understand from the Health Service Executive that a reply will issue to the Deputy in the next few days.

General Practitioner Co-operatives.

Michael Ring

Question:

245 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of vehicles currently being used by a service in the west (details supplied) giving details on a county basis; the number of vehicles purchased new in the past 12 months for this service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41093/06]

Michael Ring

Question:

246 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff recruited in the past twelve months, giving details for each county in relation to a service (details supplied) in the west; and the number of staff currently employed in this service by category on a county basis. [41094/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 245 and 246 together.

Out of hours co-operatives allow general practitioners to put in place arrangements to provide services to their patients, while their surgeries are closed in the evenings, on weekends and bank holidays. The development of GP co-operatives is in line with the overall health service policy of strengthening primary care services and ensuring that to the greatest extent possible, people's care needs are met in the primary care setting.

Out of hours co-operatives are now in place in all Health Service Executive (HSE) areas, providing coverage in all or in part of all counties. Between 2000 and 2005 approximately €105 million was allocated to the HSE for out of hours GP co-operatives and in 2006 almost €34 million is available to the Executive for these services.

As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for this service, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular issues in the questions raised by the Deputy . My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Medical Aids and Appliances.

Finian McGrath

Question:

247 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 who had applied for assistance with a new special bike as they need this as a priority; and if she will urgently take action regarding this request. [41097/06]

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

Hospital Services.

John McGuinness

Question:

248 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite the provision of a bed at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41129/06]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services has been assigned to the Health Service Executive. 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 this case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

John McGuinness

Question:

249 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will increase the level of home care and home help hours in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will expedite a response in the case. [41130/06]

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.

Medical Cards.

John McGuinness

Question:

250 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a medical card will be approved in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will expedite a response. [41131/06]

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.

John McGuinness

Question:

251 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite an application for a medical card for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [41132/06]

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.

Voluntary Sector Funding.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

252 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the Osteoporosis Society has not been allocated funding for 2006; if she will make a statement on the fact that due to the lack of funding the society is facing closure; and if she will immediately address the situation. [41138/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

260 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if and when service level agreement funding for 2006 to 2007 will be confirmed or arranged for the Osteoporosis Society, Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41191/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 252 and 260 together.

The Irish Osteoporosis Society (IOS) received funding from the Health Service Executive (HSE) 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 22 September 2006. Representatives from the Population Health Directorate, HSE met with the Irish Osteoporosis Society on 28 November to discuss funding. It was clarified at the meeting that future funding for osteoporosis will be provided in the context of the estimates process.

Hospital Services.

Mary Upton

Question:

253 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of the prospect of radiotherapy facilities being provided in the north west region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41139/06]

The Government decided in July 2005 that the best option for improving geographic access for patients in the North West to radiation oncology services is to facilitate access to Belfast City Hospital and progress consideration of a joint venture for the provision of oncology services in the medium term to patients in the North West from a satellite centre in the North West linked to Belfast. Until recently, cancer patients in Donegal requiring radiation oncology treatment were referred to either St. Luke's Hospital Dublin or to University College Hospital Galway. I am pleased that a Service Level Agreement has now concluded for the referral of about 50 radiation oncology patients annually from Donegal to Belfast.

It has also been agreed that the number will be increased if there is sufficient demand from patients in Donegal. Three assessment clinics will be held each month on an ongoing basis. The first referral clinic took place on 8 November. As regards progressing the consideration of a satellite in the North West, the Deputy will appreciate that my first priority was to gain access for cancer patients in the North West to Belfast as early as possible. The issue of a satellite centre in the North West will be pursued with the authorities in Northern Ireland at both Departmental and Ministerial levels.

Questions Nos. 254 and 255 answered with Question No. 113.

Pat Breen

Question:

256 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans there are to establish a neurosurgical national centre of excellence at University College Hospital Galway to complement the existing centres in Cork and Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41164/06]

The Health Services Executive recently published a Review of Neurosurgical Services in Ireland. It identifies a clear need for significant investment in and organisational reform of neurosurgical services. Neurosurgery is currently provided at the national centre in Beaumont Hospital and in Cork University Hospital. The Report recommends that the future development of safe, high quality neurosurgical services in Ireland would be best served by a two-pronged approach: 1. Increased capacity in Dublin and Cork; 2. Improved access to neurosurgical units, including transport and telemedicine facilities for referring hospitals.

The HSE is committed to progressing the recommendations of the Report. It is undertaking a national neurosciences needs assessment. Neuroscience includes neurology, neurophysiology and neurosurgery. This assessment is guided by previous reviews of neurology and neurophysiology services and the recent report on neurosurgery. It aims to clearly identify the requirements for neuroscience services as a whole across the country. An additional €3m was provided in 2006 to develop 3 new neurology units in Waterford, Limerick and Sligo through the appointment of 3 consultant neurology teams. In addition, the HSE provided funding for the appointment of an additional paediatric neurosurgeon at Beaumont Hospital this year.

The recently published Estimates for the Health Service Executive provides a further €4m to continue these developments into 2007. Lengthy consideration was given to the case for a neurosurgical unit in Galway. The conclusion was that a neurosurgical unit in Galway would not be viable and that the needs of the entire population would be best served by increasing capacity in Dublin and Cork and improving access to services. The HSE is convinced that the implementation of the recommendations of the report represents the best way forward in terms of building a high quality neurosurgical service that will meet the needs of the entire population.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

257 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason post-mortems are no longer carried out at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda; the number of post-mortems that have been transferred out of the hospital in each of the past three years, including figures available for 2006; the cost per transfer; if it is planned to carry out post-mortems again at the hospital; and if so, when. [41165/06]

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.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

258 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if all patients have been relocated from unit 3 of James Connolly Memorial Hospital to an alternative facility within the hospital complex as promised; if patients are being provided with the appropriate level of occupational therapy in the interim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41173/06]

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.

Pat Breen

Question:

259 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated with a bed in the Rehabilitation Centre in Dún Laoghaire; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41176/06]

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.

Question No. 260 answered with QuestionNo. 252.

Health Services.

Michael Ring

Question:

261 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the Health Service Executive will not give extra home help which had been agreed previously to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [41199/06]

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.

Question No. 262 answered with QuestionNo. 151.

Richard Bruton

Question:

263 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will request that the Health Service Executive reconsider the catchment area imposed for access to the physiotherapy service of Beaumont Hospital. [41216/06]

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.

Smoking Ban.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

264 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people who have been convicted for smoking in company cars and vehicles since the smoking ban came into effect; the number of inspectors employed in order to carry out such prosecutions; and the amount of fines paid for such breaches. [41239/06]

The responsibility for initiating prosecutions in such cases lies with the Health and Safety Authority (HSA). Accordingly, officials of my Department have asked the HSA to reply directly to the Deputy in this matter.

Health Insurance.

Michael Lowry

Question:

265 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the outcome of a recent High Court case regarding risk equalisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41254/06]

Michael Lowry

Question:

266 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Health and Children the measures she has planned in the event of a retraction in the level of competition in the health insurance market; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41255/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 265 and 266 together.

Private Health Insurance is an integral part of the Irish health care system covering over half of the population. It has, for nearly 50 years, played a major role in the financing of our health services. There is considerable support for community rating as a fundamental principle of the health insurance market in Ireland. This principle, together with lifetime cover and open enrolment, guarantees an equitable non-discriminatory regulatory framework for voluntary private health insurance, and compares favourably with private health insurance systems found elsewhere.

This Government is intent on supporting genuine competition and development in the private health insurance market. However, in the first instance consideration has to be given to the stability of the community rated health insurance system, and the safeguards provided to protect it, such as risk equalisation. The ultimate beneficiary of risk equalisation is the insured population, particularly the elderly and the ill, who would otherwise be vulnerable to the effects of risk selection, and would find the cost of private health insurance unaffordable at the point in their lives when it was needed most. A market without the balancing measure of risk equalisation to address the effect of mandatory community rating exposes insurers with higher risk members to spiralling claims and ultimately threatens their viability while opening the possibility of super-normal profits being made by other insurers, at the expense of consumers and the insured community as a whole.

Risk equalisation will not over-compensate any insurance undertaking for the share of the total community of sick and elderly it serves, and is neither disproportionate, a cause for any distortion of competition in the market place, nor does it constitute State Aid. Risk Equalisation is about compensating for differential risk profiles. It is not about transferring profits. It is about ensuring that competition takes place on an equitable basis.

The Competition Authority and the Health Insurance Authority are examining the health insurance market and are to bring forward recommendations on how greater competition could be encouraged in this market. Their joint report is expected early in 2007. It is the Government's view that the regulatory framework for private health insurance, including the provision for risk equalisation, is appropriate. This position has been endorsed by the High Court. While the Government accepts that the framework influences the market environment, it does so for a good reason, namely, the protection of the consumer and in the interests of the common good.

Question No. 267 answered with QuestionNo. 115.

Health Services.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

268 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 260 of 4 October 2006, if she will consider an orthodontic reassessment for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41259/06]

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.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

269 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children if expressions of interest have been received arising from the proposed health campus building at Tuam, County Galway; the closing date for such expressions of interest; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41271/06]

The Government's sustained high level of investment in health care has enabled the completion and commissioning of numerous new facilities in both the acute and the non-acute sectors. This year, the sum available for expenditure in health under the Health Service Executive's capital plan is €555 million. The HSE has responsibility for the planning and management of capital projects in the health sector, including the development referred to in the Deputy's question. 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.

Question No. 270 answered with QuestionNo. 113.

Hospital Services.

Denis Naughten

Question:

271 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the timeframe for the transfer of oncology services out of St. Luke’s Hospital, Rathgar; her plans for the hospital site once this takes place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41273/06]

The Government and I are anxious to build on the expertise and ethos of St. Luke's. It is held in great affection by the Irish people. Many thousands of Irish patients and their families from every part of the country have experienced high quality cancer care at St. Luke's.

The decision to transfer St. Luke's Hospital to St. James's Hospital, Dublin was taken by the Government in the best interests of cancer patients. The decision was based on expert medical, scientific and management advice. It is designed to ensure that radiation oncology is integrated with all other aspects of cancer care, including surgery and medical oncology. It is in line with best international practice. This is the model that exists at Cork University Hospital and University College Hospital Galway and which is being developed at Beaumont and St. James's Hospitals, Dublin.

The Board of St. Luke's Hospital and its Executive Management Team are fully committed to supporting this decision. A transfer on similar lines took place earlier this year in Northern Ireland when radiation oncology services transferred from a stand alone facility to Belfast City Hospital, which is a major academic teaching hospital. In recognition of the role for St. Luke's in the new facility at St. James's, I have made a commitment to pursue discussions with the Boards of both Hospitals about its governance and a re-configuration of the Boards, with the twin goals of ensuring continuity of expertise and ethos in the care of cancer patients and the effective integration of multidisciplinary patient care at the one site. I remain confident the transition will be managed with great sensitivity and skill by the two hospital Boards to achieve those objectives.

Health Services.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

272 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if assistance will be granted to persons (details supplied) in County Louth in view of their tragic circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41285/06]

As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for health 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.

Questions Nos. 273 and 274 answered with Question No. 237.

Health Promotion.

Pat Carey

Question:

275 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the measures introduced by her Department to promote cycling as a healthy form of exercise; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41312/06]

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

Hospital Services.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

276 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of money provided in 2006 for the treatment of public patients in the new radiotherapy unit at the Mid-West Regional Hospital; the amount that has been paid to the Mid-West Hospitals Trust in recoupment of money already paid by it for public patients; the amount set aside for 2007 to pay for public patients in the radiotherapy unit in Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41320/06]

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 reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the matters raised.

Health Services.

Pat Carey

Question:

277 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress being made in implementing the Government’s policy on obesity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41321/06]

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.

Accident and Emergency Services.

Paudge Connolly

Question:

278 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Health and Children the hospitals where it is proposed to remove seven day 24 hour accident and emergency services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41322/06]

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. The Executive is currently undertaking a number of reviews of acute hospital service configuration. The overall objective is to ensure the optimum configuration of acute hospital services across the country, with a view to developing acute health care which minimises risk to patients and is in line with national policy and best international practice.

The Deputy is aware that, in the North East, acute services are being developed in line with the recommendations in the Teamwork Report. In line with the report, services across the region are to be reconfigured to centralise the expertise required for the optimum care of critically ill and trauma patients. The Deputy has been briefed by the Executive on the future service configuration planned for Monaghan General Hospital, where it is planned to provide nurse-led treatment services on a 12 hour/seven day basis under the supervision of A & E consultants. The HSE will be working to ensure that changes to the existing service are introduced in a phased, planned and structured way. In the meantime, there will be no diminution in local services until suitable alternative arrangements have been put in place. I am not aware of any plan by the Executive to remove 24/7 A & E services in other regions.

The policy of the Government is to ensure the provision of safe, high-quality services that achieve the best possible outcomes for patients. Patient safety and quality must be paramount and must be the key drivers in configuring acute hospital services, including accident and emergency services. This will mean that those services that can be safely delivered locally are delivered locally and that more complex services that require specialist input are concentrated at regional centres, or, in the case of highly specialised services, in national centres of excellence. This approach is consistent with international best practice for the optimum delivery of patient care.

Care of the Elderly.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

279 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of long-stay elder care beds purchased in the private sector in each of the Health Service Executive areas to date in 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41330/06]

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 any such information to 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.

Mental Health Services.

Ivor Callely

Question:

280 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health and Children the percentage of the total allocated health budget that is allocated to mental health services; the percentage allocation for the years 1980, 1981, 1982, 1990, 1991, 1992, 2000, 2001 and 2002; and the allocation for the development of autistic services. [41333/06]

The information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the table.

When examining mental health expenditure as a proportion of total health spending, it is important to note that the scope of services provided under the overall health heading has widened considerably. Services in a range of areas such as child care, older persons and intellectual disability have been substantially expanded since 1980 and have led to an increase in total health spending. As a result, it is not very informative to compare mental health spending as a proportion of total health expenditure over a number of years. In fact, the Government has trebled mental health expenditure in the period 1997 to 2006, from €326m to €835m.

Non-capital expenditure on mental health as a percentage of total health expenditure

Year

Total health expenditure

Mental health expenditure

Mental health expenditure % of total health

€m

€m

1980

668

73

10.9

1981

858

106

12.3

1982

999

120

12.0

1990

1,576

169

10.7

1991

1,752

183

10.5

1992

1,956

197

10.1

2000

5,610

434

7.7

2001

7,006

497

7.1

2002

8,167

564

6.9

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 in relation to autistic services. 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.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Ivor Callely

Question:

281 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health and Children her Departments policy and strategy regarding the provision of support services to children with an intellectual disability; the services that are provided by health agencies; the services where there are long waiting lists to avail of a service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41335/06]

As the Deputy may be aware additional funding of €12.5m was provided to the Health Service Executive, in the 2006 Budget, to enhance the level and range of multi-disciplinary support services to adults and children with an intellectual, physical and sensory disability and those with autism, with a priority in 2006 on enhancing the assessment and support services for children with disabilities The Health Service Executive have also indicated to my Department that their priority in 2006 has been to increase the multi-disciplinary support services for children with developmental delay.

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.

Question No. 282 answered with QuestionNo. 108.

Suicide Incidence.

Ivor Callely

Question:

283 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health and Children the allocation for suicide prevention; the breakdown of the allocation of such funds; the additional services that have been put in place to assist in early identification of suicidal behaviour and to provide support and treatment; the additional services to be put in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41337/06]

In the region of €835 million will be spent on mental health services in 2006. This includes an additional €26.2 million allocated for the further development of our mental health services, €1.2 million of which was allocated specifically for suicide prevention initiatives.

In 2005 the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) was established by the Health Service Executive to oversee the implementation of "Reach Out", the National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention 2005-2014. This Office is responsible for the implementation of the Strategy and provides support to groups and organisations for their work in the development of 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. 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.

Pat Breen

Question:

284 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide funding to extend hours in a day care centre (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41338/06]

An additional €150 million was allocated in this year's Budget for improving services to older people. This funding is enabling significant expansion of community based services including day care/respite services.

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.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

285 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the minority report of a member of the orthodontic review group and on the non-implementation of the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Health and Children regarding orthodontics; the action she will take to ensure that children who need orthodontic treatment receive it within a reasonable timeframe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41339/06]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) established an Orthodontic Review Group. The terms of reference for the Group are to review the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee Reports; to examine the recommendations within the operational remit of the HSE and to establish their status; to conduct an analysis of the HSE's existing orthodontic delivery structure and capacity. Based on that analysis, to make recommendations in that regard; the recommendation thus made to be costed and a time-frame for their implementation proposed.

I have been advised that the Review Group has concluded its meetings and is finalising its report and recommendations. The Report will be presented to the Chief Executive Officer of the HSE in the near future. I look forward to receiving and considering the Report.

I have not received a minority report from a member of the Review Group as referred to in the question.

Nursing Home Subventions.

John McGuinness

Question:

286 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if further to Parliamentary Question No. 304 of 10 October 2006, she will request the Health Service Executive to issue a comprehensive response and ensure that increased subvention is granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41485/06]

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.

Michael Ring

Question:

287 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason information (details supplied) which was requested was not given and still has not issued; when this information was sought by others; and the person who made the application for it from that sector. [41494/06]

I have made inquiries of the Health Service Executive (HSE) regarding the issues raised in the Deputy's question. The Executive has indicated that a reply issued to the Deputy in respect of Question number 663 (28630/06) on 18th October, 2006 and that replies issued in respect of Questions numbers 661 (28628/06) and 662 (28629/06) on 4th December, 2006.

As the remaining information being sought by the Deputy comes within the operational responsibility of the HSE, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular issues raised. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Service Charges.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

288 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Health and Children the changes made to the medical card system for persons with a physical and intellectual disability living in community residences where a nurse is employed allowing medical card recipients to be charged for their care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41495/06]

There were no changes made to the medical card system for persons with a physical and intellectual disability in long stay care which includes community residences where nurses are employed.

The management and delivery of health and personal social services are the responsibility of the HSE under the Health Act 2004. It is a matter for the HSE, based on its own legal advice and taking into account the individual circumstances as well as the service being provided, to make a decision on any charges levied.

I take it the question refers to charges for persons with a physical and intellectual disability in long stay care which includes community residences where nurses are employed.

The Health (Charges for In-Patient Services) Regulations 2005 in keeping with Section 53 of the Health Act, 1970, as amended, have provided for two different classes of persons on whom charges can be levied. Class 1 refers to people in receipt of in-patient services on premises where nursing care is provided on a 24 hour basis on those premises. In this case, a weekly charge can be levied of €120 or the weekly income of that person less €35, whichever is the lesser. Class 2 refers to people in receipt of in-patient services on premises where nursing care is not provided on a 24 hour basis on those premises. In this situation, a weekly charge can be levied of €90, or the weekly income of that person less €55 or 60% of the weekly income of that person, whichever is the lesser.

These regulations provide for the maximum charge to be levied on a person in either class. The HSE has the power to reduce or waive a charge on the grounds of "undue hardship". Under Section 1 (b) of the Health (Amendment) Act, 2005, the HSE can examine a person's overall financial situation in view of the person's reasonable expenditure in relation to themselves or their dependants, if any.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

289 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Health and Children the advice she was provided with by the expert group formed following the enactment of the Health Act 2005 in relation to charging fees to persons with physical and intellectual disabilities living in community residences; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41496/06]

The Expert Group referred to in the question is a HSE Group which produced the Long Stay Charges National Guidelines. The HSE implement the charges in accordance with these guidelines.

The management and delivery of health and personal social services are the responsibility of the HSE under the Health Act 2004. It is a matter for the HSE, based on its own legal advice and taking into account the individual circumstances as well as the service being provided, to make a decision on any charges levied.

The Health (Charges for In-Patient Services) Regulations 2005 in keeping with Section 53 of the Health Act, 1970, as amended, have provided for two different classes of persons on whom charges can be levied. Class 1 refers to people in receipt of in-patient services on premises where nursing care is provided on a 24 hour basis on those premises. In this case, a weekly charge can be levied of €120 or the weekly income of that person less €35, whichever is the lesser. Class 2 refers to people in receipt of in-patient services on premises where nursing care is not provided on a 24 hour basis on those premises. In this situation, a weekly charge can be levied of €90, or the weekly income of that person less €55 or 60% of the weekly income of that person, whichever is the lesser.

These regulations provide for the maximum charge to be levied on either class of person. The HSE has the power to reduce or waive a charge on the grounds of "undue hardship". Under Section 1 (b) of the Health (Amendment) Act, 2005, the HSE can examine a person's overall financial situation in view of the person's reasonable expenditure in relation to themselves or their dependants, if any.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

290 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Health and Children if the annual allocation to community residences will be reduced as a consequence of charges collected from persons with a physical or intellectual disability who will be levied with charges by the Health Service Executive; if the cost of administration will be provided for by the HSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41497/06]

As the Deputy may be aware, the Health (Charges for In-Patient Services) Regulations 2005 in keeping with Section 53 of the Health Act, 1970, as amended, have provided for two different classes of persons on whom charges can be levied. This includes people with disabilities in long-stay and other institutions.

Class 1 refers to people in receipt of in-patient services on premises where nursing care is provided on a 24 hour basis on those premises. In this case, a weekly charge can be levied of €120 or the weekly income of that person less €35, whichever is the lesser.

Class 2 refers to people in receipt of in-patient services on premises where nursing care is not provided on a 24 hour basis on those premises. In this situation, a weekly charge can be levied of €90, or the weekly income of that person less €55 or 60% of the weekly income of that person, whichever is the lesser.

These regulations provide for the maximum charge to be levied on either class of person. The HSE has the power to reduce or waive a charge on the grounds of "undue hardship". Under Section 1 (b) of the Health (Amendment) Act 2005, the HSE can examine a person's overall financial situation in view of the person's reasonable expenditure in relation to themselves or their dependants, if any.

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

Hospital Services.

Joe Costello

Question:

291 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 who had been diagnosed by their general practitioner with pneumonia and sent to the accident and emergency of the Mater Hospital, was not admitted on four separate occasions and on the fifth occasion had to be taken immediately into the intensive care unit as their organs were collapsing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41504/06]

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.

Nursing Home Charges.

Richard Bruton

Question:

292 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the schedules for repaying the illegal nursing home charges are not being met; and if she has received the same flow of complaints from people who are getting repeat requests for information already submitted which this Deputy is receiving. [41507/06]

The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and 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 to the Deputy.

Health Service Allowances.

Richard Bruton

Question:

293 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will review the conditions under which mobility allowance is granted in order that it would cover conditions such as agoraphobia where persons with this condition have a clear need and would benefit from opportunities for mobility. [41508/06]

The mobility allowance is a monthly payment administered by the Health Service Executive, which provides financial support to severely disabled people who are unable to walk or use public transport and is intended to enable them to benefit from a change in surroundings, for example, by financing the occasional taxi journey.

To be eligible to receive the mobility allowance applicants must satisfy the following conditions: Be over 16 years and under 66 years. However, an allowance, once granted, will be continued after the age of 66 as long as the other criteria for eligibility are met; Be living at home or maintained by a health board in any long-term institution; Be unable to walk, even with the use of artificial limbs or other suitable aids, or must be in such a condition of health that the exertion required to walk would be dangerous; Inability to walk has to be likely to persist for at least one year; Moving of the applicant must not have been forbidden for medical reasons; Be in a condition to benefit from a change in surroundings.

It is a matter for the Senior Area Medical Officer in the relevant Health Service Executive area to decide whether the medical criteria are satisfied in each case. My Department currently has no plans to review these qualifying criteria.

Food Safety.

Denis Naughten

Question:

294 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the discussions she has with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland on its 2004 report into breaches of food labelling laws; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41184/06]

The report that the Deputy is referring to is the "Report of the Food Safety of Authority of Ireland Audit to determine compliance with Labelling and Traceability Requirements". This was an internal report prepared by following a small scale audit undertaken by the Food Safety Authority (FSAI) in 2004, which drew attention to some deficiencies in traceability and labelling regimes.

The enforcement of food labelling legislation is included in the service contracts between the official agencies and the FSAI. The official agencies include the Health Service Executive, the Department of Agriculture and Food, the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs and the local authorities.

In discussions with my Department, the FSAI has confirmed that the official agencies were provided with a report on the premises under their supervision which were visited as part of the audit. Follow up action, by way of additional visits and inspections were undertaken, and I have been assured that the matters which required attention have now been rectified.

Denis Naughten

Question:

295 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she is taking to ensure that country of origin labelling is clear and transparent to the public; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40467/06]

The general EU food labelling regulations covering all food sold in Ireland require that information be given clearly, accurately and in a language understood by the consumer. Among these requirements is origin marking in cases where failure to provide such information would be likely to mislead the consumer to a material degree.

My Department is in touch with officials of the Department of Agriculture and Food and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) on an ongoing basis and regular meetings are held to discuss a wide range of issues — including labelling. Guidance is currently being prepared by the FSAI for enforcement officers and for the industry on these regulations and this will be published shortly.

Denis Naughten

Question:

296 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the discussions she has had with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland on the enforcement of the food labelling laws; and ifshe will make a statement on the matter. [40497/06]

Officials in my Department liaise with officials of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) on an ongoing basis and regular meetings are held to discuss a wide range of issues. Any issues which arise in relation to the enforcement of food legislation, including breaches of labelling legislation are discussed, where necessary.

Voluntary Sector Funding.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

297 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the number of calls to the Women’s Aid helpline that went unanswered in 2005; her plans to provide additional funding to Women’s Aid to enable the organisation to provide adequate staffing; when such funding will be made available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36333/06]

The Deputy's question relates to the funding, 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.

David Stanton

Question:

298 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the locations where the teen support programme is in operation; the number of participants in the programme; her plans to extend same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37640/06]

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 theDeputy.

David Stanton

Question:

299 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has received a request from the Health Service Executive for a new day care centre and medical centre in Youghal, County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41518/06]

The Government's sustained high level of investment in healthcare has enabled the completion and commissioning of numerous new facilities in both the acute and the non-acute sectors. This year, the sum available for expenditure in health under the Health Service Executive's capital plan is €555 million.

The HSE has responsibility for the planning and management of capital projects in the health sector, including the development referred to in the Deputy's question. 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.

David Stanton

Question:

300 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of money she has made available for the rest of 2006 for enhanced nursing home subventions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41519/06]

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.

Infectious Diseases.

Mary Upton

Question:

301 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the scientific basis used to underpin the decision not to stockpile face masks for use by members of the general public in the event of an outbreak of avian flu related human influenza in view of the fact that droplet and aerosol transmission are the most effective ways of spreading influenza and only face masks are capable of preventing such transmissions. [41520/06]

The Influenza Pandemic Expert Group is finalising advice on non-pharmaceutical public health interventions, with reference to recommendations from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

Influenza is spread mainly by droplet transmission, but can also be spread by direct and indirect contact. Airborne, or fine droplet, transmission can also occur. The Expert Group considers that the two most important public health messages to convey are the importance of respiratory etiquette and hand washing in the prevention of infection. Campaigns to promote these messages are being developed as part of pandemic planning.

The Expert Group has found that there is very little evidence on the effect of the use of face masks in public in preventing influenza transmission. The WHO has recommended that mask use by the public should be based on risk, including frequency of exposure and closeness of contact with potentially infectious persons. The ECDC has issued interim recommendations on personal public health measures for reducing transmission of human influenza. With regard to mask use in public, it has adopted the same position as the WHO. The ECDC cannot recommend general mask wearing during an influenza pandemic: however it notes that there is little or no evidence against people wearing simple masks if they wish to do so and do so properly.

Question No. 302 answered with QuestionNo. 113.

Health Services.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

303 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason there is such a variation in charges for smear tests throughout the country; the reason some people have had to wait up to eight months for results of smear tests; the location where the tests are analysed; and the number of staff employed doing such work. [41554/06]

The Deputy's questions relate to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the matter raised.

Hospital Services.

Pat Breen

Question:

304 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the estimated number of fatalities from head injuries that have occurred in each of Counties Clare, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Roscommon and Donegal as a result of prolonged delays in accessing neurosurgical services in either Dublin or Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41555/06]

The information requested by the Deputy is not available in my Department. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to check whether the information is available and, if so, to provide it directly to the Deputy.

The Health Service Executive recently published a Review of Neurosurgical Services in Ireland. The Report states that information in relation to neurosurgical inpatient and daycase discharges in 2004 indicate that inpatient access to neurosurgical service is almost uniform from all areas of the country, except the South and South East where access is slightly higher. It also indicates that problems in accessing neurosurgical care are more closely impacted by availability of beds and other resources rather than geographical distance from a unit.

The Report recommends that the future development of safe, high quality neurosurgical services would be best served by a two-pronged approach of increasing capacity in Dublin and Cork and improving access to neurosurgical units, including transport and telemedicine facilities for referring hospitals.

Vaccination Programme.

Joe Higgins

Question:

305 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will introduce a vaccination against pneumococcal meningitis onto the childhood immunisation schedule as a matter of urgency. [41563/06]

Ireland's recommended immunisation programme is based on the guidelines of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. Vaccines are continually evolving and guidelines change given the nature of these developments.

The Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland currently recommend vaccination against pneumococcal disease only for persons who are at increased risk of the disease and its complications, particularly for those with: asplenia or severe dysfunction of the spleen, including surgical splenectomy; chronic renal disease or nephrotic syndrome; chronic heart, lung or liver disease illness including cirrhosis; diabetes mellitus; sickle cell disease; Immunodeficiency or immunosuppression due to disease or treatment, including HIV infection at all stages; patients with CSF leaks, either congenital or complicating skull fracture or neurosurgery; or persons aged 65 years or older.

The inclusion of the pneumococcal vaccine in the Primary Childhood Immunisation Programme is being considered by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee as part of its review of the immunisation guidelines. No decision has yet been reached. My Department and the Health Service Executive will be guided by the expert advice from the NIAC in this regard.

Mental Health Services.

Dan Neville

Question:

306 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the national working group on mental health guidelines for the management of depression and anxiety disorders in primary care. [41564/06]

The National Working Group on Primary Care and Mental Health was established earlier this year by the Health Service Executive. The HSE has been working in close partnership with the Irish College of General Practitioners and other relevant agencies. Accordingly, my Department has asked the Parliamentary Affairs Office of the Executive to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Dan Neville

Question:

307 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the information team for introducing the recommendations of the report A Vision for Change and the number of times and dates that this team has met. [41565/06]

I take it that the question refers to the Implementation Group established by the Health Service Executive to ensure that mental health services develop in a synchronised and consistent manner across the country. The aim of this group is to guide and resource service managers and clinicians in making the recommendations in "A Vision for Change" a reality.

As the operational responsibility for this group is a matter for the Health Service Executive, my Department has asked the Parliamentary Affairs Office of the Executive to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

308 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health and Children if, having regard to the fact that many general medical practitioners are now providing warfarin clinics for the convenience of their patients, who would otherwise have to visit a hospital to have their medication levels monitored, it is the policy of her Department or the Health Service Executive to remunerate GPs for this valuable service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41571/06]

Where blood tests are indicated as necessary as part of recognised treatment of an ongoing medical condition of a patient, they should be provided free of charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. The monitoring and appropriate care of patients receiving anti-coagulation therapy with Warfarin comes within the scope of competence of general practice.

Under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission, the Health Service Executive and my Department are at present engaged, with the general practitioner representative body, the Irish Medical Organisation, in a review of the contractual arrangements for the provision by GPs of primary care services. The new contractual framework to be agreed must provide for the provision of high-quality, person-centred services and for a greater proportion of people's healthcare needs to be met in the primary care setting. The appropriate arrangements in relation to the matter raised by the Deputy will be considered in the course of this review.

Hospital Services.

John Perry

Question:

309 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will intervene with Cappagh Hospital on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo and have them called for a hip operation as their condition has deteriorated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41577/06]

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 this case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

HIV Infection.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

310 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Health and Children the number and rate of HIV infection here, with a county break down of the incidence of HIV infection and an explanation of the role of the National Disease Surveillance Centre in this matter. [41597/06]

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.

Hospital Accommodation.

Liz McManus

Question:

311 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans the Health Service Executive has to make up the shortfall of 500 beds in view of the decision not to convert the Balsekin Reception Centre, Meakstown into a community nursing unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41598/06]

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

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

312 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to installation of services in the home of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41610/06]

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.

Jack Wall

Question:

313 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the guidelines set down for the position of the school based occupational therapist by the Health Service Executive in County Kildare; the way the backlog of requests for appointments will be dealt with; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there are 60 children on a waiting list since 2001 for this service; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that small rural schools with students seeking this service will not have such a service in the foreseeable future; her views on whether in such circumstances a scheme such as the National Treatment Purchase Fund will overcome the present backlog; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41636/06]

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.

Jack Wall

Question:

314 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that due to its stated position of lack of funding the Health Service Executive cannot provide a proper occupational therapy service to facilitate treatment for children needing such a service in the primary schools of County Kildare; her plans to ensure such funding is made available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41637/06]

Jack Wall

Question:

316 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that due to its stated position of lack of funding the Health Service Executive is not in a position to overcome the backlog of treatment for children seeking an occupational therapist service in the primary schools of County Kildare by funding the children’s treatment in the private sector; her plans to overcome the problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41639/06]

Jack Wall

Question:

317 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the means that the Health Service Executive can use to overcome its stated position that due to lack of funding it cannot provide the much needed occupational therapy service to children in primary schools in County Kildare to overcome the backlog of over 60 children seeking the service and that due to the said position it cannot grant aid or provide funding to parents who due to their financial position cannot seek aid and obtain such services in the private sector. [41640/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 314, 316 and 317 together.

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

Hospital Services.

Jack Wall

Question:

315 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the reasons a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has had their operating procedure cancelled on three occasions; when will they receive an appointment for this procedure; if this procedure can be placed on a waiting list to ensure the earliest appointment for the applicant in view of their three disappointments already; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41638/06]

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.

Questions Nos. 316 and 317 answered with Question No. 314.
Question No. 318 answered with QuestionNo. 120.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

319 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when she expects the clean air theatre at Naas General Hospital to be put to use; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41682/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

324 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has carried out an evaluation of the future bed requirements at Naas Hospital in view of the ongoing population increases and the apparent shortage of beds throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41687/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 319 and 324 together.

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 issues 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.

Accident and Emergency Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

320 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the average number of patients waiting daily on hospital trolleys; the plans she has put in place to address the issue; the extent to which she expects the problem to be resolved throughout the winter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41683/06]

The Health Service Executive activity reports indicate that the average number of patients awaiting admission during November 2006 was 125. The average for the equivalent period last year was 185. Information on daily activity levels in A & E departments is available on the HSE website.

Tackling the problems in A & E departments is the Government's top priority in health. Our objectives are to reduce the numbers waiting for admission, the time spent waiting for admission, and the turnaround time for those who can be treated in A & E and do not require admission.

A & E services have improved around the country. The HSE activity reports over recent months indicate a significant reduction in the average number of patients in A & E departments awaiting admission compared with the equivalent period in 2005. Waiting times for patients have also been reduced. The percentage of people waiting longer than 24 hours for admission has decreased from 13% in May to 6% in October. I wish to move to a position where no patient will wait longer than six hours to be admitted after a clinical decision to admit has been made.

To ensure that the improvements that have been achieved in recent months are sustained, particularly during the winter months, the HSE has introduced a broad-based Winter Initiative. Its purpose is to ensure that the services required to address the particular demands of the winter season are in place and operating optimally. It encompasses not just hospital services but also primary and community care services.

The actions and initiatives being taken by the HSE are designed to deliver the sustained improvement in A & E services that patients and their families deserve.

Health Service Staff.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

321 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff vacancies to be filled throughout the Health Service Executive eastern region; when it is expected that these posts will be filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41684/06]

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.

Health Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

322 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients receiving treatment for tuberculosis at present; the location at which the treatment is being received; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41685/06]

The information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Health Service 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.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

323 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the full scale and extent of services and beds occupied or available at Peamount Hospital, Newcastle, County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41686/06]

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.

Question No. 324 answered with QuestionNo. 319.

Medical Staff.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

325 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of doctors, nurses, surgeons and physicians who qualified here in each of the past eight years to date; the number who have come here from abroad in the same period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41688/06]

With regard to the number of doctors, surgeons and physicians who have qualified in Ireland, my colleague the Minister for Education and Science has provided me with the most up-to-date full year figures of numbers of persons who have qualified with a medical degree:

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

519

517

509

546

552

568

608

635

The Medical Council has provided me with the following numbers of doctors registered in Ireland from abroad:

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

EU

56

80

117

105

130

107

170

239

Non EU

109

52

128

331

573

442

423

649

Total

165

132

245

436

703

549

593

888

An Bord Altranais has provided me with the following numbers, available from 2000, of nurses from Ireland and abroad who have registered with the Board:

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005*

2006

Ireland

935

1,466

1,219

1,333

1,459

155

1,228

EU

1,355

1,235

1,045

846

634

774

684

Non EU

635

2,290

1,720

737

1,033

2,143

2446

*The decrease in the number of nurses registering in 2005 is due to the introduction of the four year Nursing Degree Programme in 2002. The Nursing Diploma Programme was a three year programme with the final 2001 intake graduating in 2004. The 155 nurses registered in 2005 were repeat students from the nursing diploma programme. The increase in overseas nurses was a result of a recruitment drive undertaken in 2005 to ensure there was an adequate number of nurses during this transition period.

Hospital Accommodation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

326 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which adequate hospital beds are available throughout the winter 2006 in view of the likelihood of winter illness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41689/06]

In 2001, the year of the publication of Health Strategy, the average number of in-patient beds and day places available for treatment of patients in the 53 public acute hospitals was 12,145. At the end of 2005, this figure had increased by 1204 to a total of 13,349, involving an additional 724 in-patient beds and 480 day places. The HSE has introduced a broad-based Winter Initiative. Its purpose is to ensure that the services required to address the particular demands of the winter season are in place and operating optimally. It encompasses not just hospital services but also primary and community care services. The actions and initiatives being taken by the HSE are designed to deliver the sustained improvement in hospital services that patients and their families deserve.

The Initiative focuses on a range of measures, including the following: Preventative measures; Public Communications; Operational readiness (capacity, staffing, etc); Out of hours arrangements; NHO/PCCC arrangements (Ambulance/ Primary Care/A&E links, Discharge Initiatives, Continuing Care and Home Supports); Planned escalation procedures to enable responsiveness to increased demand beyond normal operating levels; and continuation of the development of necessary infrastructure particularly for continuing care.

Eight teams, comprising local health office and hospital managers, have been put in place around the country. These teams are responsible for ensuring that the Initiative's priorities are implemented at local level, as well as devising and implementing local solutions to address specific local winter demands.Each of the eight teams has provided an initial status report on the priority tasks and actions set out under the three main elements of the Initiative: Promotion and Prevention, Hospital Avoidance, and Capacity. A publicity campaign is underway focussing on the Flu/Pneumo-vaccine campaign among the elderly, and the importance of staying safe and warm during the winter period.

Health Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

327 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has in mind an enhanced role for the health centres to play in the delivery of the health services here with particular reference to wider availability, in conjunction with hospital accident and emergency with a view to eliminating waiting time and improving the level and quality of service to patients or potential patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41690/06]

The Strategy, Primary Care: A New Direction, aims to develop services in the community to give people direct access to integrated multi-disciplinary teams of general practitioners, nurses, health care assistants, home helps, occupational therapists and others.

It has been estimated that up to 95% of people's health and social services needs can be properly met within a primary care setting and the establishment of new Primary Care Teams can contribute greatly to enhancing community based health services in these areas. The provision of additional community based services can provide significant benefits to both individual patients and to the overall health system by allowing hospitals to concentrate on those who need more complex interventions, and by reducing the number of people who are required to attend Accident and Emergency facilities.

The HSE received an additional €10m in funding in 2006 to enable the establishment of up to 100 Primary Care Teams which will include some 300 additional frontline professionals. The funding is being targeted by the HSE to provide the potential for each Local Health Office (formerly Community Care Areas) to establish up to three primary care teams; a further €10m is being provided in 2007 to enable the full year costs of these developments to be met. This will bring to €38m per annum the total ongoing funding provided by the Government to support the implementation of the strategy. This is in addition to the very substantial resources already in the funding base for a wide range of primary care services.

Question No. 328 answered with QuestionNo. 60.
Question No. 329 answered with QuestionNo. 88.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

330 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if a reorganisation of orthodontic services for children will be considered to enable treatment to be administered through the private sector on foot of a specific allocation similar to the National Treatment Purchase Fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41693/06]

The Deputy's question relates to the funding, 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.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

331 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which children deemed to require orthodontic treatment have been re-categorised in the past five years, thereby removing large numbers from the waiting list without treatment; the way such children have received treatment, if at all; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41694/06]

The Deputy's question relates to the funding, 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.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

332 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children her proposals to ensure that adequate orthodontists are available to deal with the requirements of children on orthodontic waiting lists; if she will examine the extent to which such waiting lists are progressing, if at all; her plans to reorganise orthodontic services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41695/06]

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

Hospital Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

333 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the nature, level and source of the expert advice referred to in Parliamentary Question No. 324 of 7 November 2006, with reference to the proposed closure of St. Luke’s Hospital, Rathgar, Dublin 6; if this advice was sought or came unsolicited; if she had received reports or proposals regarding the use or alternative use of the hospital and its site prior to the Government’s decision to close; if a feasibility study was undertaken or findings therefrom published or presented; if her attention has been drawn to the widespread unease, unrest and dismay of patients who have attended there at the prospect of the loss of the expert care and attention provided at St. Luke’s in a warm caring and personal environment; if she has received expressions of concern from patients who are anxious that the proposed relocation of the services will result in greater stress for patients and will not provide increased or improved services; if she will review the decision to close the hospital in view of these issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41696/06]

The Government's policy on radiation oncology is based on the Report on ‘The Development of Radiation Oncology Services in Ireland' which was published in 2003. It was prepared by a multi-disciplinary group of experts in radiation oncology, medical oncology, public health and palliative care. It included experts from St. Luke's Hospital and representatives of bodies such as the Irish College of General Practitioners, the Irish Cancer Society and Aid Cancer Treatment. It has had significant endorsement from such bodies as the National Cancer Forum, US National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society.

The Government and I are anxious to build on the expertise and ethos of St. Luke's. It is held in great affection by the Irish people. Many thousands of Irish patients and their families from every part of the country have experienced high quality cancer care at St. Luke's. The decision to transfer St. Luke's Hospital to St. James's Hospital, Dublin was taken by the Government in the best interests of cancer patients. The decision was based on expert medical, scientific and management advice. It is designed to ensure that radiation oncology is integrated with all other aspects of cancer care, including surgery and medical oncology. It is in line with best international practice.

This is the model that exists at Cork University Hospital and University College Hospital Galway and which is being developed at Beaumont and St. James's Hospitals, Dublin. The Board of St. Luke's Hospital and its Executive Management Team are fully committed to supporting this decision. A transfer on similar lines took place earlier this year in Northern Ireland when radiation oncology services transferred from a stand alone facility to Belfast City Hospital, which is a major academic teaching hospital.

In recognition of the role for St. Luke's in the new facility at St. James', I have made a commitment to pursue discussions with the Boards of both Hospitals about its governance and a re-configuration of the Boards, with the twin goals of ensuring continuity of expertise and ethos in the care of cancer patients and the effective integration of multi-disciplinary patient care at the one site. I remain confident the transition will be managed with great sensitivity and skill by the two hospital Boards to achieve those objectives. As regards the future use of the site and facilities at St. Luke's, my objective is to ensure that these resources are utilised in the best interests of the health services. I will discuss this issue in due course with the Health Service Executive and the Hospital Board.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

334 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Health and Children the services available to people who suffer permanent brain injury resulting from accidents. [41699/06]

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.

Consultancy Contracts.

Seán Ryan

Question:

335 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of expenditure on consultancy by her Department in 2003, 2004 and 2005; the number of consultants engaged by her Department in those years; and the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by her Department in these years and for the future. [41725/06]

The information requested by the Deputy in relation to expenditure on consultancy by my Department in 2003, 2004 and 2005 and the number of consultants engaged is being collated and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

In relation to the second part of the Deputy's question the procedure in place to engage consultants requires that a senior official of my Department must sign off on any proposal to engage outside consultants. These proposals consist of the details of the project, the nature of the assistance required, the rationale for engaging outside assistance and the anticipated cost. These requests must be submitted as early as possible in the project cycle and prior to tender or seeking proposals. This is in line with guidelines issued by the Department of Finance. Every proposal to engage outside assistance must also be submitted for individual sanction by myself as Minister.

Hospital Staff.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

336 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is considering staff retention measures specifically aimed at nurses in view of the high drop out rate in recent years of recently qualified nurses; if consideration has been given by her Department to the causes of the high drop out rates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41793/06]

I am not aware that there is a high drop out rate among recently qualified nurses. The first cohort of students from the new four year degree programme graduated and registered as nurses earlier this year. I understand that the overwhelming majority of these newly qualified nurses have taken up employment in the public health service.

The Government has been conscious of the need to recruit and retain nurses and midwives in the public health service and a number of initiatives have been introduced. The pay and conditions of nurses and midwives have dramatically improved over the last nine years. The basic pay of staff nurse has increased by over 74% since 1997. The pay of Clinical Nurse Manager 3 has increased by 113% in the same period. The promotional structure within nursing, including the introduction of a clinical career pathway, has been substantially improved on foot of the recommendations of the Commission on Nursing and the 1999 Nurses' Pay settlement. Over 38% of nurses are now in grades above staff nurse level.

The Government has invested heavily in nurse education — thirteen new purpose built schools of nursing have been provided and undergraduate training places have been increased by 94% since 1998. A comprehensive range of financial supports have been introduced to support qualified nurses in pursuing part-time degrees and specialist courses. My predecessor introduced a scheme of flexible working arrangements for nurses and midwives in February 2001. Under the scheme, individual nurses and midwives may apply to work between 8 and 39 hours per week on a permanent, part-time basis thus helping to retain nurses in the workforce whose preference is to work less than the standard week. The Health Service Executive has established a Nursing and Midwifery Recruitment and Retention Project Office to coordinate national initiatives to ensure there is an adequate supply of nurses and midwives.

The Government has been successful in attracting an additional 10,200 nurses and midwives into the health service over the last nine years. I am confident that the extensive range of measures I have outlined will continue to prove effective in addressing the nursing workforce needs of the health services.

Departmental Bodies.

David Stanton

Question:

337 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children if an upper age limit applies regarding membership of State boards under her aegis; if so, the reason for the age limit; her plans to remove same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42083/06]

In 1973 the Government established 70 years of age as the normal upper age limit for persons to be appointed to the boards of all state sponsored bodies. I have no plans for proposing any changes to that decision in respect of state boards under my aegis.

Fisheries Protection.

Martin Ferris

Question:

338 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason Irish Naval and fishery officials were not informed of an apparent arrangement with Spanish and French vessels being granted permission to fish with undersized mesh on the pretext that they were engaging in scientific experiments. [41085/06]

Martin Ferris

Question:

339 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the person on whose authority permission was given to Spanish and French vessels to gill net in Irish waters with undersized mesh. [41086/06]

Martin Ferris

Question:

342 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason no charges were preferred against a Spanish vessel (details supplied) which was detained on 30 September 2006. [41089/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 338, 339 and 342 together.

Council Regulation (EC) No. 850/98 lays down technical conservation measures for the protection of juvenile marine organisms. However, Article 43 of this Regulation provides for a derogation from these measures (mesh size and other technical stipulations) for the purpose of scientific research. The cases referred to by the Deputy relate to scientific research being carried out with gill-nets with mesh sizes under 120mm which are currently banned. The article stipulates that any such research must be carried out under the supervision of the Member State whose vessel is involved, and with advance notification to the European Commission and to the coastal state, in this case Ireland. However, under current rules the express permission of the coastal state to carry out this research is not required.

I do not accept the need for research involving the use of undersized mesh, and particularly not where the species in question is the subject of protection as part of a recovery plan. I have written to Commissioner Borg requesting an amendment to the EU Regulations so that the express approval of the coastal Member State would be necessary for research projects in their Exclusive Fisheries Zone. Commissioner Borg has advised that the Commission is currently examining ways to improve the rules in this area. While not excluding an amendment to the TAC and Quota Regulation the Commission is currently working towards holding discussions with Member States in the New Year. I consider this to be a matter of importance and accordingly I am continuing to press very strongly for amendments to be agreed at the forthcoming Fisheries Council.

In July/August this year I became aware that French vessels were proposing to carry out experiments (using undersized mesh) in the hake and monkfish fisheries off the west coast. I immediately instructed officials to raise the matter with the European Commission and the French authorities, with the result that the French authorities instructed their vessels to withdraw the element of their research programme involving undersized meshes.

In September the Department received notification from the Spanish Ministry advising of their intention to carry out similar research in the hake fishery. At my request, officials of the Department again expressed our very strong opposition to the proposal and asked the Commission to intervene to stop such fishing which is completely contrary to the EU plans for conservation and recovery of the stocks. The Commission has written to the Spanish authorities seeking a justification for the research programmes. Officials from the Department have also met with the Spanish authorities in relation to the matter. One such vessel was indeed arrested while discussions were ongoing with the Commission and the Spanish authorities, but was subsequently released on the basis that it was part of the research programme.

The Irish control authorities will continue to monitor the activities of any vessels carrying out research in Ireland's waters to ensure that the regulatory requirements are met.

Martin Ferris

Question:

340 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the use of undersized gill mesh nets constitutes an offence. [41087/06]

Martin Ferris

Question:

341 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason foreign fishing vessels caught with undersized gill mesh nets in Irish waters are not being prosecuted. [41088/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 340 and 341 together.

Council Regulation (EC) No. 850 of 1998 as amended lays down technical conservation measures for the protection of juvenile organisms. This Regulation stipulates the minimum mesh size for gillnets in various fisheries and offences for breaches of this Regulation are set down in Irish law by means of Statutory Instrument No. 171 of 2006.

The Irish control authorities constantly monitor the activities of any vessels in Ireland's waters to ensure that all regulatory requirements, including those relating to minimum mesh sizes are met. Where a vessel is detected as using undersized gillnets prosecution is taken through the normal channels.

Question No. 342 answered with QuestionNo. 338.

Departmental Staff.

Martin Ferris

Question:

343 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the principal officers assigned to each division in his Department. [41100/06]

The information sought is set out in the table.

Mary Austin

Gas Corporate, Peat and Oil Supply

Patricia Cronin

Communications Regulatory Affairs & Postal Division

Michael Daly

Corporate Finance & Planning

Martin Finucane

Renewable/Sustainable Energy

David Glynn

Electricity & Gas Regulation

David Hanley

Human Resources

Pascal Hayes

Sea Fisheries Administration

Josephine Kelly

Seafood Policy & Development

Liam Kidd

Information Systems

Denis Maher

Corporate Services

Úna Nic Giolla Choille

Energy Planning & Coordination

Kevin O’Brien

Broadcasting Policy Division

Éanna Ó Conghaile

Electricity Corporate & North/South Energy

St. John O’Connor

Marine Environment

Ciarán Ó hObáin

Petroleum Affairs Division

John Quinlan

Coastal Zone Management

Pat Ryan

Exploration & Mining Division

Frank Sheridan

Inland Fisheries, Marine Leisure/Research & Tourism

Ken Spratt

Communications Development

Raphael Kelly

Energy Efficiency Division

Communications Masts.

Pat Breen

Question:

344 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when the interdepartmental committee on the health effects of electromagnetic fields is expected to report on the potential health effects of mobile phone masts; if, in the context of that report, the recommendation of the Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in May 2005 that planning guidelines and planning exemptions be examined in order that no masts giving off radiation would be permitted near such places as health centres, schools, playgrounds and pitches will be taken into consideration; if the research carried out by the Organisation for Applied Scientific Research in the Netherlands in September 2003 which found that phone masts for 3G mobile phones caused headaches and nausea will be taken into consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41163/06]

The Expert Group on Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields, established by the Inter-Departmental Committee to provide science-based advice, will shortly finalise their report. This report will provide a review of the most up to date international expert consensus of the totality of the scientific evidence available. The Inter-Departmental Committee will then complete their consideration of the Expert Group's report and will provide advice to Government on the appropriate action to be taken on foot of the recommendations contained in the report of the Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, published in June 2005.

Fisheries Protection.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

345 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will make a statement on the arrest of a boat (details supplied) which was detained in Killybegs from 18 to 23 November 2006 and released without charge; and the way a non-crew member could be detained falsely with the vessel. [41206/06]

In the course of a routine inspection by Sea Fishery Officers of the fishing vessel at Killybegs on the 18th of November a number of apparent infringements of the fisheries regulations were detected. An individual was identified by the inspecting officers as acting as the Master of the fishing vessel, having just taken over this duty to relieve another individual. The person identified as the acting Master of the fishing vessel during the inspection process had also made a substantial number of entries to the EU fishing logbook of this fishing vessel in the recent past. This person is now at sea with the fishing vessel.

Following the initial inspection the Office of the Attorney General was advised that a number of apparent fisheries infringements had been detected. Following this an application was made to the court for a 48-hour detention order to investigate further the alleged fishery infringements. This order was duly granted by the Judge and the fishing vessel and its Master were lawfully detained at Killybegs for a period of 48-hours. The detention order was subsequently extended by 36-hours to facilitate the continued investigation of the alleged infringements and of the catch of the fishing vessel. The inspecting officers then prepared and presented statements to the Office of the Attorney General for consideration. The fishing vessel and its Master were released without charges being made at this time. I do not wish to comment further as this case remains under consideration.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

346 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of fishing vessels inspected in Killybegs between 18 and 23 November 2006; and the registered nationality of these vessels. [41207/06]

The following is a list of vessels that were inspected in Killybegs between 18th and 23rd of November 2006.

Date

Vessel

Nationality

8/11/2006

Capall Óir

Irish

18/11/2006

Norte

UK

19/11/2006

Ayr Dawn

UK

19/11/2006

Agorreta

French

19/11/2006

Jeseus De Belen

Spanish

21/11/2006

Mark Amay

Irish

22/11/2006

Vigilant

Irish

23/11/2006

Eilean Cróine

Irish

23/11/2006

Western Chieftain

Irish

23/11/2006

Sparkling Star

Irish

23/11/2006

Atlantic Challenge

Irish

23/11/2006

Lovon

Irish

Alternative Energy Projects.

Denis Naughten

Question:

347 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny was recently excluded from the second round of the excise derogation for biofuels scheme which is operated by his Department; the criteria used to determine successful applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41221/06]

Denis Naughten

Question:

348 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be granted a meeting with officials from his Department as requested; when this meeting will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41222/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 347 and 348 together.

The Biofuels Mineral Oil Tax Relief Scheme II was launched on 25 July 2006, with a closing date of 28 August 2006. The scheme was rolled out on a similar basis to the 2005 pilot scheme in that it was a competitive call for proposals comprising an open and transparent process in which the scoring mechanism was published as part of the application form and accompanying documentation. Following the launch of the scheme, an assessment panel was formed, comprising officials from my Department, Sustainable Energy Ireland and Enterprise Ireland. The scheme was the subject of a State Aids application which has been approved by the Commission. Under State Aids Rules the process must be open and fair and subject to single market rules.

There were 102 applications received under the Scheme. The range and quality of applications was exceptionally high and the panel was faced with difficult decisions across all four categories of biofuels. While the application in question was of very high quality, it did not score as highly as the successful applicants in the category. I understand that my officials met with the individual in question on Thursday 30 November 2006.

Denis Naughten

Question:

349 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will provide a list of the company names and addresses of the companies which were successful under the second round of the excise derogation for biofuels scheme operated by his Department; if all these companies will supply domestic produced biofuels; if not, the number which will import biofuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41223/06]

Denis Naughten

Question:

350 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the importation of biofuels; if it is Government policy that domestic production be prioritised in relation to the provision of State assistance for the production of biofuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41224/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 349 and 350 together.

The information which the Deputy requested is provided in the table. This information is also posted on my Department's website.

Category

Company

Bioethanol

Cooley-Clearpower 162 Clontarf Road, Dublin 3

Bioethanol

Maxol Ltd 3 Custom House Plaza, IFSC, Dublin 1

Bioethanol

One Fifty One Ltd 151 Thomas Street, Dublin 8

Bioethnol

Topaz Energy Ltd Topaz House, Beechill Office Campus, Clonskeagh, Dublin 4

EN590

Conoco Phillips Whitegate Refinery Ltd Whitegate, Midleton, Co Cork

EN590

Biodiesel Production Ireland/Topaz Energy Limited Beech Hill Office Park, Clonskeagh, Dublin 4

EN590

Green Biofuels Ireland Ltd Blackstoops, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford

EN590

Irish Food Processors Ltd 14 Castle Street, Ardee, Co Louth

Pure Plant Oil

Biogreen Energy Products Ltd The Leap, Adamstown, Co Wexford

Pure Plant Oil

Eilish Oils Ltd Kilmurry, Newtownmountkennedy, Co Wicklow

Pure Plant Oil

Goldstar Oils Ltd Oldcourt, Inistioge, Co Kilkenny

Captive Fleets

Emo Oil Ltd Clonminam Industrial Estate, Portlaoise, Co Laois

Captive Fleets

EcoOla Innovation in Business Centre, Galway Mayo Institute of Technology, Dublin Road, Galway

Captive Fleets

Eco Fuels Ltd Crohane, Fossa, Killarney, Co Kerry

Captive Fleets

Bord na Móna plc Main Street, Newbridge, Co Kildare

The majority of the companies allocated relief have indicated that they intend to produce biofuels domestically. A number have indicated a combination of domestically produced and imported biofuels. In most of these cases applicants intend to import biofuels until they have established production facilities or supply chains in Ireland. The scheme was the subject of a State Aids application which has been approved by the Commission. Under State Aids rules preference cannot be given to any applicants within the competition by virtue of the origin of biofuels or biofuel feedstocks proposed.

Electricity Generation.

Joan Burton

Question:

351 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the estimated annual sum, in relation to the renewable energy feed in tariff programme, that will be paid to contracting suppliers from the PSO levy over the first year of the scheme; the percentage of their total costs this payment is estimated to represent on average; the estimated number of additional megawatt hours that will be provided under the programme over the first year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41244/06]

On 29th September I announced the first tranche of support under the Renewable Energy Feed In Tariff (REFIT) programme to over fifty new renewable powered electricity generating plants. The combined capacity of these projects is over 600 megawatts (MW), with wind-power accounting for most of the new support. The amount of megawatt hours that will be produced by these and other successful projects will depend on the build rate and, in the case of wind and hydro projects, weather conditions.

REFIT allows project developers to negotiate long term fixed price contracts in the wholesale electricity market. On the back of these contracts investors will release the necessary capital. Project costs vary on a case by case basis. Developers negotiate their financing and expenditure in the liberalised market. These are purely commercial matters for the developers involved.

The Public Service Obligation (PSO) is calculated annually by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). I have no function in relation to the Public Service Obligation.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Joan Burton

Question:

352 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the annual cost of the house of tomorrow grant scheme, delivered through Sustainable Energy Ireland on an annual basis from the date the scheme started; the number of units of housing built under the scheme for each year for which figures are supplied; the smallest, the average and the largest individual payment made in each year under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41245/06]

Sustainable Energy Ireland's House of Tomorrow Programme stimulates the widespread uptake of more sustainable energy planning, design, specification and construction practices in both the new home building and the home improvement markets. The House of Tomorrow Programme funds demonstration projects to create a nationwide network of accessible, replicable model examples of more sustainable energy practices in Irish housing.

House of Tomorrow Programme Progress Summary

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

No. of Projects Approved

0

8

10

28

35

50

Commitments

0

€972,347

€1,094,902

€4,405,223

€6,996,939

€11,910,875

Payments

0

€497,470

€418,862

*€787,217

€2,629,181

€3,194,352

No. of Units

0

156

193

1321

1408

1776

Smallest Grant Payment

0

€7,500

€5,000

€1,250

€3,350

€2,400

Average Grant Payment

0

€62,183

€46,540

€39,361

€49,607

€58,079

Largest Grant Payment

0

€254,000

€250,000

€150,000

€200,000

€200,000

In all cases commitments entered into in any one calendar year may be (and are often likely to be) discharged over that year and/or subsequent years.

Joan Burton

Question:

353 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the annual cost of the warmer homes scheme delivered through Sustainable Energy Ireland on an annual basis from the date the scheme started; the number of units of housing adapted under the scheme for each year for which figures are supplied; the smallest, the average and the largest individual payment made in each year under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41246/06]

Fuel poverty has a major impact on people's lives in terms of affordable comfort, health and the quality of the home and is experienced in private and social housing alike, both urban and rural. Sustainable Energy Ireland's Low-Income Housing Programme (LIH) targets those homes that experience fuel poverty.

Low-income householders are unable to afford the capital investment measures that would improve the energy quality of their homes. SEI's LIH Programme was set up to help establish and implement a national plan of action to address this problem systematically. Core delivery is through its Warmer Homes Scheme aimed at improving the energy efficiency and comfort conditions of affected homes.

Warmer Homes Scheme Progress Summary

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

No. of Projects Approved (Community based organisations)*

1

1

7

3

10

7

Commitments

€207,729

€218,116

€3,268,378

€735,706

€2,052,966

€1,558,055

Payments

€207,729

€218,116

*€555,268

*€725,239

*€951,443

€1,373,020

No. of Units

1,500

1,600

1,768

1,947

1,813

2,000**

Smallest Grant Payment

€35,918.51

€37,725

€5,000

€2,057

€2,497

€441

Average Grant Payment

€41,545

€12,263

€32,672

€26,017

€20,683

€32,691

Largest Grant Payment

€50,060.69

€61,318

€59,643

€127,000

€58,702

€109,040

In all cases commitments entered into in any one calendar year may be (and are often likely to be) discharged over that year and/or subsequent years.

Joan Burton

Question:

354 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the annual cost of the bioheat boiler deployment programme, delivered through Sustainable Energy Ireland on an annual basis from the date the scheme started; the number of boilers fitted under the scheme for each year for which figures are supplied; the smallest, the average and the largest individual payment made in each year under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41247/06]

On 7 June 2006 I launched the Bioheat Programme which is a grant aid scheme of up to €22m for commercial renewable heat technologies. The scheme allows companies and small businesses to obtain grants for the installation of wood chip and wood pellet boilers in large buildings and commercial premises. Grant aid of up to 30% of overall costs is being made available depending on the overall size of the project. The scheme is being rolled out over a five year period and will potentially support the conversion to renewable energy in up to 600 installations depending on overall project sizes.

Since the scheme was launched there has been a commitment made to provide funding to 17 projects and payments will commence shortly.

Joan Burton

Question:

355 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the annual cost of the combined heat and power deployment programme delivered through Sustainable Energy Ireland on an annual basis from the date the scheme started; the number of CHP systems installed under the scheme for each year for which figures are supplied; the smallest, the average and the largest individual payment made in each year under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41248/06]

On 3 August 2006 I launched an €11m grants package for Combined Heat and Power (CHP) to encourage industry and commercial users to generate their own electricity and heat. CHP units simultaneously generate heat and electricity in a single process on site. By combining these processes CHP saves around 25% of the energy that would have been required to produce electricity in a conventional power station and heat in separate heat-only boilers. The scheme is providing grant support to assist the deployment of small-scale fossil fired CHP (up to 1MWe) and biomass CHP systems.

Since the scheme was launched offers of funding have been made to three projects and payments will commence shortly.

Joan Burton

Question:

356 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the annual cost of the public and commercial sector scheme, delivered through Sustainable Energy Ireland, on an annual basis from the date the scheme started; the number of public bodies assisted through the scheme for each year for which figures are provided; the smallest, the average and the largest individual payment made in each year under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41249/06]

The Sustainable Energy Ireland Public Sector Programme promotes energy efficient design, technologies and services in new and retrofit public sector projects. Under this programme, the energy performance of public sector buildings is enhanced through improved design, investment and management.

The programme supports projects that act as examples of good practice. It recognises the diversity of buildings and the potential for improvement, and it has the capacity to influence other sectors of the economy. The programme has three funding elements:

The Design Study Support Scheme provides support for professional expertise to examine the technical and economic feasibility of design and technology solutions

The Model Solutions Investment Support Scheme supports energy management and technology solutions in existing buildings and new build specifications

The Energy Management Bureau supports outsourced energy management services to manage energy usage and to identify and implement energy-related projects

SEI Public Sector Programme Progress Summary

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

No. of Projects Approved

20

67

63

1

0

0

Commitments

€623,561

€4,501,787

€6,931,524

€43,900

€0

€0

Payments

€0

€2,064,124

€3,618,228

€1,666,725

€1,648,617

€1,146,949

Smallest Grant Payment

€0

€1,000

€1,466

€1,000

€1,463

€4,000

Average Grant Payment

€0

€43,002

€40,202

€27,323

€68,692

€71,684

Largest Grant Payment

€0

€350,000

€265,550

€259,937

€304,235

€230,591

In all cases commitments entered into in any one calendar year may be (and are often likely to be) discharged over that year and/or subsequent years.

Joan Burton

Question:

357 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the annual cost of the renewable energy research development and demonstration programme for each year from the dare the scheme started to date in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41250/06]

The goal of Sustainable Energy Ireland's Renewable Energy Research, Development and Demonstration (RERDD) Programme is to accelerate the deployment rate of renewable energy technology in the Irish market.

This is achieved by providing support for product R&D, market demonstration activity and studies to investigate market barriers. This programme provides support for technologies to harness wind and ocean energy, an example being wind turbine component manufacturing. Through support for technology demonstrators, such as in the area of liquid biofuels, information is gained regarding their cost and potential to contribute to Ireland's strategic energy goals.

The programme also supports public-good studies that provide assistance to renewable energy sectors in Ireland. Research in this area covers topics such as resource, economic and technical market studies.

RERD&D Programme Progress Summary

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

No. of Projects Approved

0

14

34

16

26

22

Commitments

€0

€1,159,922

€2,750,581

€570,811

€1,185,840

€1,692,841

Payments

€0

€15,000

€503,883

€1,458,627.45

€1,432,815.36

€757,606

Smallest Grant Payment

€0

€3,750

€3,750

€694

€1,428

€2,300

Average Grant Payment

€0

€4,250

€20,839

€26,047

€22,743

€21,995

Largest Grant Payment

€0

€7,500

€76,484

€500,000

€200,000

€135,000

In all cases commitments entered into in any one calendar year may be (and are often likely to be) discharged over that year and/or subsequent years.

Fisheries Protection.

Michael Ring

Question:

358 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will review the hardship fund offer for drift net licence holders in view of the effect the closure of their industry will have on them. [41281/06]

Michael Ring

Question:

359 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will increase the hardship fund offer for drift net licence holders in view of the fact that the recent catch history figures are distorted due to the quota system that was in place; if he will ensure that the fund has no tax implications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41282/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 358 and 359 together.

The Government's primary motivation is the 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.

The status of salmon stocks in Ireland and elsewhere is well documented and it is evident that these have declined in the years since an historic high in the mid-seventies. Reflecting these trends, conservation measures have been introduced progressively over the past decade. However, the 2006 report of the Standing Scientific Committee confirms that despite recent reduced exploitation, many stocks are still falling well below their conservation limit.

As the Deputy is aware I appointed an Independent Group to examine the implications of alignment with the scientific advice for the commercial salmon fishing sector in 2007 and beyond. As part of their remit the group made recommendations to address any financial hardship that may be experienced by the sector. The approach they adopted to determining the hardship payments is robust and convincing.

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 (2001 to 2005). The Government accepted the recommendation of the Independent Group and has determined that the level of payment should be based on the average net income per salmon in the commercial fishery for the past five years (2001 to 2005). This income calculation was based, by the group, 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. I believe this is a fair and reasonable allocation and does not need to be modified.

I have no function in tax matters, as it is the Revenue Commissioners who decide whether an income is taxable. The Independent Group recommended that the compensation be paid in one tranche to assist people to move to a new business as quickly as possible, particularly those who had been deriving a large income from drift netting. The Government agreed from the beginning that if people want to spread the receipt of the payment over a two or three-year period, they can do so. This would obviously have tax implications for them.

Natural Gas Grid.

Michael Ring

Question:

360 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason a town (details supplied) in County Mayo has been excluded from connection to the gas grid. [41313/06]

Michael Ring

Question:

361 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the location from where the CER obtained the projected population figures for a town (detail supplied) in County Mayo. [41314/06]

Michael Ring

Question:

362 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason certain towns were grouped together in relation to the report released by the CER (details supplied). [41315/06]

The position is that, since 2002, the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is a statutory independent body, has been charged with all aspects of the assessment and licensing of prospective operators who wish to develop and/or operate a gas distribution system within the State under the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act 2002.

Earlier this year the CER directed Bord Gáis (BGÉ) to implement a new Gas Connections Policy, which determines the economic viability of connecting towns to the gas network. In order for any town to be connected to the gas network, certain economic criteria need to be satisfied as a prerequisite. This is to ensure that, over a certain period, the costs of connecting the town to the network are recouped through the consumption of gas and the associated tariffs. The new policy allows for the appraisal of a new town either on its own or as part of a regional group of towns.

Having regard to this new policy, BGÉ carried out a comprehensive review of towns being considered for connection to the national gas network. The review is being conducted in two phases, and phase 1, which covers the towns in the proximity of the Mayo-Galway Pipeline (including Ballinrobe) has already been completed. I am advised that the connection of Ballinrobe to the network was determined not to be currently economically viable.

As regards the methodology employed by BGÉ in the review, including source material for population figures and the grouping of particular towns together, I can advise the House that BGÉ has a dedicated e-mail address, newtowns@bge.ie, for the purpose of dealing with any such queries.

Post Office Network.

Billy Timmins

Question:

363 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of post offices here on 1 July 1997 and on 1 November 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41360/06]

The closure of individual post offices is a matter for the board and management of the company. According to An Post the table contains the information requested in respect of post offices on 1 July 1997 and 1 November 2006.

Date

Company-staffed Branch Offices

Contractor-operated offices

Postal Agents

1st July 1997

97

1,818

NIL

1st Nov 2006

84

1,294

169

Fisheries Protection.

Enda Kenny

Question:

364 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the basis and criteria used by the expert group on drift net fishing in assessing the value of a salmon at €23; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41479/06]

I understand that the Independent Group based their recommendations in relation to the hardship fund on verifiable catch date and calculations of net income for salmon, both averaged over five years from 2001 to 2005 and with the addition of six times the current licence fee for the type of licence. I also understand that they were assisted in these calculations by experts from BIM.

The new policy for the management of wild salmon is motivated by the need to conserve the species. I would also comment that there is no legal obligation on the State to provide compensation in the circumstances.

Telecommunications Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

365 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the profile of the broadband roll-out across the counties of Cavan and Monaghan; the plans for its further roll-out; the impediments that exist to its universal roll-out across these Border counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41524/06]

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

There are a number of platforms for delivery of broadband, my Department operates a dedicated website, www.broadband.gov.ie where potential broadband customers can ascertain the availability of services in their area.

However, it has been clear for some time that the sector has failed to invest at the level necessary to keep pace with the demand for broadband. My Department's regional broadband programme is addressing the infrastructure deficit by building high-speed open access broadband networks, in association with the local and regional authorities, in the major towns and cities. These Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) will allow the private sector to offer world-class broadband services at competitive costs. The networks offer towns opportunities to attract inward investment in advanced technology and knowledge based enterprises.

Twenty-seven MANs have been completed under the first phase and are currently being managed by ENet, the Management Services Entity. The second phase extends the programme to over 90 towns with a population of 1,500 and above that do not have a satisfactory broadband offering from the private sector.

The Department also offered funding assistance for smaller towns and rural communities through the Group Broadband Scheme. The scheme is technology-neutral, allowing the community to select the most suitable broadband delivery platform for the area. To date, over 160 projects have been approved for funding under this Programme. The most recent phase of the group broadband scheme, which provides grant aid for the installation of broadband in rural areas, has closed. However, the nature of the scheme is currently being reviewed in the context of options being considered for the achievement of nationwide broadband.

The following projects were approved under the Department's Group Broadband Scheme to advance broadband roll-out for the counties of Cavan and Monaghan.

County Cavan

Project Area

Service Provider

Technology

Gowna, Aghnacliff, Cloonagh, Gorteen, Bruse Hill

Digiweb

Fixed Wireless

Ballyjamesduff & Kilnaleck

Net 1

Fixed Wireless

Butlersbridge, Ballyhaise, Belturbert & Ballyconnell

Net 1

Fixed Wireless

County Monaghan

Project Area

Service Provider

Technology

Ballybay

Ildana

Satellite

Carickmacross (Rural), Donaghmoyne, Lisdoonan, Broomfield, Inniskeen

Hi-Tec

Fixed Wireless

Corcaghan & Ardaghy

Net 1

Fixed Wireless

Lough Egish and Tullynamalra

Net 1

Fixed Wireless

Under the Metropolitan Areas Networks (MANs) the following towns and cities have received broadband infrastructure: Cootehill, Baileborough, Clones, Castleblayney.

Despite private and public investment in broadband infrastructure there are still some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband connectivity. Options to address these gaps in broadband coverage are currently being considered by a Steering Group comprising officials from my Department and representatives from ComReg.

I expect to finalise proposals shortly.

Fisheries Protection.

John Perry

Question:

366 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of salmon rod licences the North Western Regional Fisheries board issued for the 2006 season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41546/06]

The Central Fisheries Board publication "Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Statistics 2005" contains the latest available information. According to this report the North Western Regional Fisheries Board sold 7,967 rod licences in 2005. The corresponding figure for 2006 is not yet available.

John Perry

Question:

367 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of licences to be issued in the North Western Regional Fisheries Board area river Moy catchment in view of river closures in other areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41547/06]

The North Western Regional Fisheries Board is responsible for management of the state owned Moy Fishery which includes draft netting rights on the tidal waters of the River Moy as well as the rod fishery at Ballina. The Board has advised me that in accordance with the Moy Development Plan, 1992, draft netting on the River Moy ceased with effect from 1994. Since then, the rod fishery has been developed to a very high level and it now attracts anglers from all over the world each year. The question of the commercial harvesting of any surplus in the Moy catchment in 2007 and future years is a matter for the Board in the first instance.

Harbours and Piers.

Pat Breen

Question:

368 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if funding will be provided for the extension of Doonbeg pier in County Clare; when he expects this project to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41582/06]

Doonbeg Pier is owned by Clare County Council and responsibility for its repair and maintenance rests with the local authority in the first instance.

Grant aid of €22,500 has been provided to Clare County Council in 2006 towards the cost of site investigations and design of the proposed pier extension and dredging at Doonbeg Pier at a total cost of €30,000. Last year the Department, on behalf of the County Council, undertook a study to evaluate options for the development of Doonbeg Pier. The report is now complete. The estimated cost of the development is in the region of €1.3 million.

This proposal comes under the Fishery Harbour Development Programme and funding under this measure is provided on a 75% grant aid with a 25% contribution from the Local Authority. The question of providing funding for the proposed development of Doonbeg Pier will be considered in the context of the amount of Exchequer funding available for works at fishery harbours generally and overall national priorities.

Consultancy Contracts.

Seán Ryan

Question:

369 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the amount of expenditure on consultancy by his Department in 2003, 2004 and 2005; the number of consultants engaged by his Department in those years; and the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by his Department in these years and for the future. [41717/06]

My Department is particularly mindful of the value for money imperative and the need to develop and deploy in-house skills as far as possible to minimise the requirement for consultancies.

The Department seeks to avail of skills and experiences of other Departments or other parts of the public sector where appropriate. It is my Department's policy to engage consultants only in the following circumstances.

1. Where specialised knowledge or expertise, not available in the Department or in the wider civil or public service, is required for a temporary period;

2. Where a need for objectivity and/or independence is deemed essential;

3. Where a consultancy study is required by an external body e.g. the EU;

4. Where a specialist study/project must be completed within a very short time scale;

5. Where the specialised knowledge or expertise may be available within the Department, but an in-house solution would involve a prohibitive opportunity cost and/or would be impractical e.g. if staff would need to be diverted from other essential duties.

The details of expenditure on consultancies as sought by the Deputy are contained in the table.

Year

No. of Contracts

Total Cost

€m

2005

78

7.300

2004

56

4.640

2003

40

2.750

Departmental Bodies.

David Stanton

Question:

370 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if an upper age limit applies regarding membership of State boards under his aegis; if so, the reason for the age limit; his plans to remove same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42075/06]

In the time available, it has not been possible to identify the information requested for the 27 State Boards under the aegis of my Department.

In the interests of providing the Deputy with a fully accurate response, my Department is investigating the matter and I will revert to the Deputy when I am in a position to issue a final reply.

Foreign Conflicts.

John Gormley

Question:

371 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress that has been made on securing the release of a person (details supplied) currently being held by FARC guerrillas in Colombia; if the Government has made representation on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41535/06]

My Department monitors the situation in Colombia through our Embassy in Mexico City, which is also accredited to Colombia, as well as in cooperation with our EU partners with resident diplomatic missions in that country.

As the Deputy will be aware from my replies to previous questions on this subject, Ms Ingrid Betancourt — a candidate in the 2002 Colombian presidential election — was kidnapped by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, FARC, on 23 February 2002.

During the Irish Presidency of the European Union in 2004, the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) underlined the European Union's view of the importance of a rapid release of all remaining hostages and kidnapped persons in Colombia. In addition, Ireland participated at the international meeting, organized by the Government of Colombia, in support of the peace process in Colombia which took place in Cartagena in February 2005. The Cartagena Declaration, which issued at the conclusion of this meeting, called for the immediate freeing of all those kidnapped. Likewise, at the 61st session of the Commission on Human Rights in April 2005, the Chairperson's statement on Colombia, in the negotiation of which Ireland actively contributed, also urged the immediate and unconditional release of all kidnapped persons in Colombia.

The Minister of State with responsibility for European Affairs, Mr Noel Treacy T.D., met with Juan Carlos Lecompte, the husband of Ingrid Betancourt, on 28 June 2005, during his visit to Ireland. Minister Treacy assured Mr. Lecompte that the Government shares his concern about the plight of his wife and the many others who are held hostage in Colombia.

Ireland, together with our EU partners, strongly condemns the practice of hostage-taking and kidnapping and we call upon all illegal armed groups in Colombia to release all hostages immediately and unconditionally. We continue to support the Government of Colombia in its search for a negotiated solution to the internal armed conflict, including through direct engagement with those illegal armed groups who may be prepared to negotiate a peace agreement. We will continue to work with our EU partners to promote an end to the plight of Ingrid Betancourt and the other kidnap victims in Colombia.

Human Rights Issues.

Finian McGrath

Question:

372 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will clarify his position on the 147 stopovers by CIA operated aircraft at Irish airports and the reason Ireland is not complying with its legal obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights by failing to set up a random inspection regime to ensure rendition was not taking place. [41536/06]

I would refer the Deputy to the statement I made at the European Parliament on 30 November 2006, which is available on my Department's website, in which I dealt in detail with the issues raised by the Deputy. In that statement, I made clear that I would have the most serious questions about the methodology used by the Rapporteur of the relevant European Parliament Committee in establishing such a figure of allegedly suspicious flights. During the exchange of views which followed my statement, it was clear that some members of the Committee would also share these doubts about the figure arrived at by the Rapporteur.

In relation to the Deputy's reference to the Government's legal obligations, I have engaged in detailed correspondence with the Irish Human Rights Commission on this subject. In this correspondence, I outlined the Government's position in respect of the scope of its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights, having regard to the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights on the matter. The Government is satisfied that it is fully in compliance with its obligations under international law in regard to this matter. Moreover, the Garda Síochána has the powers necessary to search any aircraft in relation to which there is a suspicion of illegal activity.

I made clear to the IHRC in my most recent letter, dated 25 July, that my Department is very open to continuing dialogue with it. Following on from my appearance at the Temporary Committee, I have arranged for my correspondence with the IHRC to be passed to the Committee for its information.

Finian McGrath

Question:

373 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position Ireland is taking regarding the US authorities harbouring terrorists who were involved in bombings, murders and assassination attempts against Cuban citizens. [41537/06]

In the absence of more detailed information, I have no views to offer on the matter.

Finian McGrath

Question:

374 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to CIA and US attempts to kill the President of Cuba; and to outline Ireland’s position on this matter. [41538/06]

While I am aware that it has been alleged that there were plots to assassinate President Castro in the early years of his tenure of office, I have no further information on the matters to which the Deputy refers.

Consultancy Contracts.

Seán Ryan

Question:

375 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of expenditure on consultancy by his Department in 2003, 2004 and 2005; the number of consultants engaged by his Department in those years; and the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by his Department in these years and for the future. [41724/06]

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table in respect of the two Votes for which this Department is responsible — Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs) and Vote 29 (International Cooperation).

Vote 28

Year

Number of consultants

Amount

€m

2003

11

0.72

2004

24

0.47

2005

17

0.57

Vote 29

Year

Number of consultants

Amount

€m

2003

87

2.6

2004

116

2.76

2005

75

2.6

The vast majority of the expenditure on consultancies under Vote 28 during the period 2003-2005 relates to the upgrading of the Department's information technology infrastructure and to the development of an Automated Passport System (APS). The upgrading of the Department's information technology infrastructure covered a broad range of technologies that required specialised expertise in a number of areas.

Under Vote 29, the consultancies undertaken by the Department's Development Cooperation Division cover a wide range of sectors including HIV/AIDS, health, education, governance and rural development. A high proportion of them concern the monitoring, review and evaluation of development programmes and projects commissioned at HQ.

I am very conscious of the need to achieve value for money on consultancy expenditure. The Department commissions consultancies only where specialised knowledge and/or skills are not available within the Department and, particularly in the case of Irish Aid (Ireland's official development assistance programme), where an independent evaluation of programmes and projects is required. Given the overall scale of the Irish Aid Programme, this level of monitoring, review and evaluation is both prudent and proportionate.

Departmental Bodies.

David Stanton

Question:

376 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if an upper age limit applies regarding membership of State boards under his aegis; if so, the reason for the age limit; his plans to remove same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42082/06]

There is no upper age limit applied in regard to membership of the board of any public body under the aegis of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Sports Funding.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

377 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the funding available to a sporting organisation to facilitate with the purchase of land to expand training facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41133/06]

The sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, is the primary means of providing Government funding for sports facilities. Projects submitting an application to the programme must be directly related to the provision of sport and recreational sport facilities and be of a capital nature, which, for the purpose of the programme, is defined as:

expenditure on the improvement or construction of an asset and includes any costs directly incurred in this process; and

purchase of permanently based sports equipment, i.e. it is securely housed, and will remain in use for 5 years or more.

The sports capital programme, however, does not assist in the purchase of sites or premises.

Section 847a of the Taxes Consolidation Act provides for a scheme for tax relief for relevant donations to approved sports bodies towards the funding of sports capital projects. Approved sports status can be awarded by my Department for suitable capital projects, allowing for tax relief to be claimed by a club on donations towards the project that exceed the minimum qualifying threshold of €250 per annum. This scheme does allow for donations to be raised towards the cost of the purchase of land to be used by the approved sports body in the provision of sporting or recreation facilities. Full details of the tax relief scheme are available on my Department's website at www.dast.gov.ie.

Sports Capital Programme.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

378 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has received an application for funding through the national lottery from a club (details supplied) in County Kildare; if he will favourably consider same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41142/06]

The sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national levels. Applications for funding under the 2007 programme were invited through advertisements in the press on 15 and 16 October last. The closing date for receipt of applications was Friday 24 November. An application in the name of the organisation in question was received prior to the deadline. The club in question is located in County Meath.

All of the applications under the 2007 programme will be evaluated against the programme's detailed assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. While it is open to golf clubs to apply for funding under the programme in respect of the development of facilities, funding for private golf clubs would not generally be regarded as a priority under the programme and no private golf club has benefited under the programme since 2003. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the 2007 programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.

Sport and Recreational Development.

Pat Carey

Question:

379 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the measures introduced by his Department to promote cycling as a healthy form of exercise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41311/06]

The Irish Sports Council (ISC) was set up as a statutory body in July 1999 with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards. The Sports Council provides funding to recognised National Governing Bodies (NGBs), including Cycling Ireland. NGBs are dealt with as autonomous organisations and grants are allocated under agreed funding conditions and with specific priorities in mind. Since 1999, Cycling Ireland has received over €3.5 million in funding from the Irish Sports Council, with grants of €614,400 in 2006.

Since 1998, the sport of cycling has also received €919,705 in funding for 31 projects under the national lottery-funded Sports Capital Programme administered by my Department. In 2006, under this programme, the allocation of €316,600 included €80,000 to the Cycling Ireland Mountain Bike Commission and €111,600 to Cycling Ireland for the provision of high-performance sports equipment for elite athletes.

Cycling Ireland recently published its Strategic Development Plan, which outlines its goals for the period 2005-2009 for cycling as to:

grow significantly in membership, resources and influence

become a high profile lifetime leisure activity in Ireland

reach and sustain new levels of international competitive success

be an effective organisation catering for all aspects of cycling.

The organisation now has a Leisure and Tourism Commission, which deals with the promotion of cycling as a healthy activity, and it has supported a range of leisure initiatives in recent years including various charity cycle events. A Women's Commission has also been established to encourage more females into the sport, particularly in relation to disciplines such as mountain biking. Cycling Ireland is working with the Irish Sports Council in developing a National Trails Strategy to encourage people to utilise our natural resources for undertaking active pursuits, such as mountain biking, in their leisure time.

Sports Funding.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

380 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has received a submission from Special Olympics Ireland to provide multi-annual funding to help it finance its activities in preparation for the World Games and its ongoing activities in view of the work and encouragement they have given to people with handicaps and their families; his views on whether this is a unique opportunity for the Government to support the current and planned work of the Special Olympics Ireland group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41348/06]

I am happy to place on record the high regard in which both I and my Government colleagues hold Special Olympics Ireland. The programmes, which are implemented by the organisation for people with intellectual disabilities, have a profound positive impact on families and communities. Since 1999, Special Olympics Ireland has received core funding of €4 million from the Irish Sports Council towards the costs of its activities, including almost €600,000 this year. Special Olympics Ireland recently made a submission to the Government on the development and funding of the Special Olympics Programme over the next three years. Subsequently, they met with officials of my Department to elaborate on their submission, which is being given the fullest consideration in consultation with other Government Departments.

Consultancy Contracts.

Seán Ryan

Question:

381 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount of expenditure on consultancy by his Department in 2003, 2004 and 2005; the number of consultants engaged by his Department in those years; and the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by his Department in these years and for the future. [41716/06]

My Department incurred the following expenditure on consultancy over the years in question.

Year

2003

759,119

2004

2,165,932

2005

406,103

A total of 52 consultants were employed over this period. My Department observes the Department of Finance Guidelines for Engagement of Consultants in the Civil Service. Every effort is made to ensure that consultants are only employed in circumstances where specialised knowledge or expertise, which is not available in the Department or elsewhere in the public service, is required for a temporary period or a specialist study/project must be completed within a very short time scale.

Departmental Bodies.

David Stanton

Question:

382 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if an upper age limit applies regarding membership of State boards under his aegis; if so, the reason for the age limit; his plans to remove same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42074/06]

All appointments made by me to State boards under the aegis of my Department are made on the basis of the relevant competencies, knowledge and experience each appointee can bring to the Board and are made in line with Government guidelines in relation to such appointments.

Job Creation.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

383 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether the lack of infrastructure in the BMW region is the main reason for the shortfall in meeting the commitment to jobs in the BMW area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41072/06]

The most recent Quarterly National Household Survey published by the Central Statistic's Office on 30 November, 2006, shows that for the third quarter of 2006, there were 533,500 people in employment in the Border, Midland and Western region. The corresponding figures in 2004 and 2005 were 489,800 and 512,700 respectively. This substantial growth in employment over that last two years is very encouraging. Furthermore, in the year to the third quarter of 2006, employment grew by 4.1% in the BMW region which is almost on a par with the 4.2% increase in the Southern and Eastern region in the same period.

The issue of job creation by companies supported by the Enterprise Development agencies is a day-to-day matter for the relevant agencies and the County Enterprise Boards, and is not a matter with which I am directly involved. However, I am aware that for the year to end December, 2005, which is the latest available data, there was a net gain of 1,055 jobs in IDA Ireland client companies in the BMW region. In 2005, employment in Enterprise Ireland clients in the BMW region also increased. Overall employment growth during 2005 by Enterprise Ireland clients was 1,897.

There are thirteen County Enterprise Boards operating in the BMW region. The job creation performance in respect of CEB-sponsored business projects is on target and is expected to exceed target by the end of 2006. I am satisfied that the on-going efforts of the Industrial Development agencies under the aegis of my Department, together with the Government's ongoing commitment to regional development, will continue to bring sustainable jobs and investment opportunities to the BMW region.

Community Employment Schemes.

Michael Ring

Question:

384 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to ensure that 1,600 FÁS community employment places are mainstream State funded particularly for the jobs of personal assistants for people with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41074/06]

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

To this end and in order to support the delivery of essential services, the ring fencing and prioritisation of places for health related services, including assistance for persons with disabilities, child care and Drugs Task Force clients was introduced over the period 2002/2003. As a result service provision levels by CE participants within these sectors was, and continues to be, maintained at a constant level. The total number of places spread across the 3 ring-fenced sectors, namely drugs, child care and health, is approximately 6,000, which represents 27% of current places.

In November 2004, following a review of FÁS Employment Schemes (Community Employment, Job Initiative and Social Economy Programmes), it was announced that Community Employment places supporting the delivery of health services will continue to be ring-fenced. However, in line with Government policy, there are currently no plans to mainstream these Community Employment places.

Company Closures.

Liz McManus

Question:

385 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, in view of the statement by the Taoiseach that Greencore should honour the ruling on payments to the employees, he will honour the ruling on redundancy payments to IFI workers in view of the fact that the Government closed the company and were 51% shareholders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41513/06]

Following the decision by the Board of IFI to put the company into liquidation, ICI and the State, the shareholders in IFI, while there was no legal obligation to do so, established a special fund with almost €24.5 million to provide ex-gratia severance payments to the former employees of IFI. Payments from the fund were made were in accordance with the basis for distribution determined by the trustee of the fund, which was endorsed by a ballot open to all employees. These payments were in addition to statutory redundancy entitlements which were also paid.

In addition, the liquidator has admitted, as unsecured creditors in the liquidation, claims from the employees of the company to have entitlements in respect of the voluntary severance terms traditionally paid by the company. However, the dividend payable to the workers concerned, if any, can only be determined when all the assets of the company have been realized and all liabilities established. It must be emphasised, of course, that the amount, if anything, to be paid in due course in respect of such claims is a matter solely for determination by the liquidator.

Employment Rights.

Finian McGrath

Question:

386 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there are sensible employment opportunities available for deaf people; and if he will outline these as a matter of priority. [41099/06]

Advances in communication technology are continuing to transform the lives of deaf people and have opened up employment opportunities that were once considered unattainable. Consequently, there are very few employment opportunities for which deaf job applicants would be unsuited. For example, webcams allow for sign language and/or lip reading communication at a distance. For persons with partial hearing speaker phones, amplifier phones and a variety of loop systems help to significantly over communication difficulties.

In addition, FÁS also provides a range of schemes and grants to assist disabled people and/or employers interested in hiring a disabled person. These are as follows:

Job Interview Interpreter Grant — This grant is intended for job seekers with a significant hearing or speech impairment who are attending job interviews. The job seeker can apply for funding to have an interpreter attend the interview with them. A grant of €106.68 for a three hour period is normally paid by FÁS, together with travel costs for the interpreter.

Workplace Equipment Adaptation Grant — This grant is available to employers in the private sector who need to adapt equipment or the workplace to accommodate a disabled employee. The maximum FÁS grant is €6,350, which covers minor building modifications such as ramps or accessible toilets; alarm systems, assistive equipment for computers, amplifiers for telephones, etc.

Supported Employment Programme — The Supported Employment Programme provides supports to disabled people, who traditionally have had difficulty getting into paid employment. The programme is carried out by sponsor organisations on behalf of FÁS. The sponsor organisations employ job coaches who provide a range of supports tailored to the individual needs of the job seeker with a disability that may include:

helping the job seeker to identify his/her skills and interests;

assisting the job seeker to find a suitable job;

analysing the tasks involved in the job and using this to plan the supports to be provided;

providing on-the-job training and support when the person commences in employment;

providing on-going support to employee and employer for an agreed time period.

Since January 2005, the current FÁS Supported Employment Sponsor on the North side of Dublin is: Work 4 You Ltd, Unit 1-3 Ballymun Enterprise Centre, Ballymun Industrial Estate, Dublin 11.

FÁS Wage Subsidy Scheme (WSS) — The FÁS Wage Subsidy Scheme provides financial incentives to employers, outside the public sector, to employ disabled people who work more than 20 hours per week up to a maximum of 39 hours. A person availing of the Wage Subsidy Scheme is subject to the same conditions of employment as other employees, including PRSI contributions, annual leave, tax deductions, and the employer pays the going rate for the job, as per any other employee. Employees hired under this Scheme may also qualify for the Department of Social and Family Affairs Back to Work Allowance. The subsidies are structured under three separate strands and employers can benefit under one or all, simultaneously. Further details of these, and other supports, may be obtained through the FÁS website (www.fas.ie) under ‘Disability’.

Community Employment Programme — The Community Employment programme is operated by FÁS to provide work experience and training for disadvantaged persons, and is available to those with a disability. Participation rates for people with disabilities on the programme have been increased under the Sectoral Plan for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment under the Disability Act, 2005.

Deaf people seeking to enter the open labour market are advised initially to call into their local FÁS office to avail of an interview with an Employment Services Officer who will advise on the range of employment options and FÁS supports that are in place to assist disabled people obtain employment.

Decentralisation Programme.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

387 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the process of decentralisation in FÁS; if recent reports of the site identified for the new headquarters of FÁS being sold to another party are correct; the number of civil or public servants who have been transferred out of Dublin to date; the number that have indicated a wish to transfer; the number of specialist staff who have indicated a wish to transfer out of Dublin; the number of specialist staff required to transfer out of Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41106/06]

Under the Government's decentralisation programme, FÁS is due to transfer its head office including some 383 posts to Birr, County Offaly. There is no sub-category for specialist posts. To date, a total of 102 FÁS staff have expressed an interest in relocating to Birr, broken down as follows:

26 FÁS staff have volunteered to move (outside of CAF)

6 FÁS staff have signed up through the CAF

34 New Entrants have signed contracts containing a relocation clause

35 Promoted staff have signed contracts with the relocation clause; it should be noted that contracts for staff on promotion are due to be the subject of a Labour Court hearing.

FÁS had entered into an agreement to purchase part of a larger site within a larger site in Birr subject to certain conditions relating to access. Due to circumstances outside the control of FÁS these conditions were not fulfilled. The vendor recently withdrew the offer to sell directly to FÁS. FÁS is, however, actively negotiating to acquire the FÁS site on the same terms from the anticipated new owner of the larger site. FÁS has already leased office space in Birr for occupation before the new building is built. There are already two staff based there and the intention is that FÁS will have transferred a further 10 there by January next, and plan to locate up to 50 in total there by the end of 2007.

Work Permits.

Tom Hayes

Question:

388 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there will be a review of a decision on an application for a work permit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [41172/06]

The Work Permits Section of my Department has indicated to me that, given the particular circumstances in this case, they are prepared to look favourably on this application and an officer of the work permits section will be in touch with the employer shortly in relation to this matter.

Employment Rights.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

389 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the safeguard measures in place in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41365/06]

The Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977 to 2005 protect employees from being unfairly dismissed by laying down criteria by which dismissals are judged to be unfair and by providing an adjudication system and redress for an employee whose dismissal is found to be unfair. A claim for redress under the Acts may be submitted initially to either of the adjudicative bodies specified in the Acts i.e. a Rights Commissioner or the Employment Appeals Tribunal within 6 months of the date of dismissal (this can be extended to 12 months in exceptional circumstances).

Redress may take the form of either financial compensation, re-instatement or re-engagement, whichever the relevant adjudicative body considers appropriate having regard to all the circumstances. To qualify to take a case under the Unfair Dismissals Acts, an employee is normally required to have at least one year's continuous service with the employer at the date of the dismissal. Section 14(4) (as amended) of the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 provides that where an employee is dismissed, the employer shall, if requested, provide particulars in writing of the principal grounds for dismissal to the employee within 14 days of the request. If the reason for dismissal was related to any of the nine grounds of discrimination which include age and disability (including a range of health-related circumstances), the employee may wish to consider making a complaint to the Equality Tribunal under the Employment Equality Acts 1998 and 2004. These Acts are administered by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform through the Equality Authority. However it is important to note that redress is not available under more than one of the above-mentioned pieces of legislation. Finally, if an employee decides to sue an employer for "wrongful dismissal" or "breach of contract", it is possible that the employer could, for example, cite "frustration of contract", particularly after a long and protracted period of absence due to illness, as a defence for terminating the contract of employment.

Work Permits.

John Perry

Question:

390 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will ensure that a work permit application for a person (details supplied) is processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41551/06]

The Work Permits Section of my Department has informed me that the work permit has issued recently in this case.

Charitable Organisations.

Jack Wall

Question:

391 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reasons a company (details supplied) has to supply audited accounts to the Companies Office in view of the fact that the company has charitable status and is a community based group whose constitution states that it is a non-profit making organisation and the workings of the group are solely to do with improvements of facilities in the area of the community; his views on this matter and changes in legislation to assist such groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41635/06]

Many charitable and voluntary organisations find the company code structure a suitable means in which to organise their activities. The favoured type of company structure formed is usually guarantee companies without a share capital and with limited liability. In return for the privilege provided by society in allowing such companies to organise themselves with limited liability, company law sets out a series of rules and procedures that must be complied with. These include the submission of an annual return to be accompanied by a full set of audited accounts to the Registrar of Companies.

My Department, through the Company Law Review Group, is currently working on the General Scheme of a Bill to restructure, consolidate, simplify and modernise company law in Ireland, including the law as it applies to guarantee companies. It is anticipated that the draft General Scheme of the Bill will be presented to me shortly and, subject to the approval of the Government, I expect to pass the Bill to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for formal legal drafting early next year.

Consultancy Contracts.

Seán Ryan

Question:

392 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of expenditure on consultancy by his Department in 2003, 2004 and 2005; the number of consultants engaged by his Department in those years; and the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by his Department in these years and for the future. [41721/06]

The table supplies the information requested by the Deputy in relation to the amount of expenditure by my Department on consultancy in 2003, 2004 and 2005 and the number of consultants engaged by the Department in those years. My Department operates to detailed guidelines when commissioning outside expertise from our consultancy or research budgets. In that regard, my Department interprets Consultancy as relating mainly to the provision of advice and Research as relating to the compilation of information or data.

The guidelines state, inter alia, that "the requirements for external consultancies and/or research projects should arise only where appropriate skills, knowledge or expertise are not available within the Department, where a particular need arises that cannot be addressed within the resources available, and/or where expertise available in other Government Departments and Offices, e.g. obtaining legal advice from the Chief State Solicitors Office in preference to engaging external consultants, cannot be used". Furthermore, in order to maximise the effectiveness of the consultancy and research budgets, all proposals for funding must present a strong business case to my Department's Management Board for consideration and approval.

In evaluating each business case my Department examines: whether the project is designed to tackle a problem of sufficient importance to the Department relative to the costs, both in terms of financial and staff resources involved; and whether the business case has been properly identified, prepared and is convincing, and the links to the Department's Strategy Statement. The Guidelines also set out the specific information required in each application for funding which includes an evaluation of possibilities other than engaging external consultants to carry out the project.

Oisín Quinn

Legal Services

605

Brian Murray

Legal Services

2,165

Cyril O’Neill

Legal Services

9,091

Eugene Tormey

Legal Services

916

Vincent O’Reilly

Legal Services

393

Malachy F Boohig

Legal Services

302

Paul Gallagher

Legal Services

3,509

Edward JP Hanlon

Legal Services

605

Thomas McLoughlin

Legal Services

450

Seamus F Hughes

Legal Services

500

Maguire McNeice

Legal Services

1,002

John Hennessy BL (Legal Advice)

Various investigations under Section 19 of the Companies Act, 1990

60,016

Quinn & Hampson Attorneys at Law (Legal assistance)

Investigation under S.19 of the Companies Act, 1990

21,708

Departmental Bodies.

David Stanton

Question:

393 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if an upper age limit applies regarding membership of State boards under his aegis; if so, the reason for the age limit; his plans to remove same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42079/06]

There is no upper age limit applied to membership of State Boards under the aegis of my Department.

Employment Support Services.

Tony Gregory

Question:

394 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason the information office facility is no longer available in the Labour Exchange, Navan Road, Dublin 7. [41146/06]

While the dedicated information desk in this office is temporarily closed a full information service is available at the office. Callers to the local office can receive information forms and leaflets from the reception area. If further information is required, customers are advised to go to the claim acceptance area where the staff deal with all information queries, during office opening hours, from Monday to Friday each week. Feedback from the public and from public representatives generally in relation to the information service at this office has been very positive. It is planned to re-open the dedicated information desk shortly.

Social Welfare Benefits.

John McGuinness

Question:

395 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if rent allowance or other assistance will be granted in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [41186/06]

The supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme, which is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare Division of the Health Service Executive, provides for the payment of rent supplement to eligible people whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs. Supplementary welfare allowance is not normally payable to people who are engaged in full-time employment. For these purposes, employment for 30 hours or more per week is regarded as full-time. The Executive has advised that, following a notification that the person concerned commenced full-time employment, it contacted him and requested details of the employment. This information has not been provided and accordingly the payment of rent supplement has been suspended.

According to my Department's records family income supplement which is a weekly tax-free payment for families, including one-parent families at work on low pay has recently been awarded to the person concerned. A weekly payment of €149 will issue shortly together with any outstanding arrears.

Social Insurance.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

396 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount of revenue which was raised in 2005 by way of the 2% health contribution within PRSI. [41202/06]

The amount of revenue raised in 2005 by way of the 2% health contribution was €1,131m. This includes the sum of €139m collected under Schedule D Income Tax (self-employed) remitted directly by the Revenue Commissioners to the Health Service Executive.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Michael Ring

Question:

397 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and awarded family income supplement. [41213/06]

Family Income Supplement (FIS) is designed to provide income support for employees on low earnings with children and thereby preserve the incentive to remain in employment in circumstances where the employee might only be marginally better off than if s/he were claiming other Social Welfare payments. My Department received an application for Family Income Supplement from the person concerned on 19th Oct 2006. Her application was referred to a Social Welfare Inspector for investigation. These investigations are now being concluded and any decision regarding the claim will be made with effect from the date of application. The decision will be communicated to the person concerned within the next two weeks.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

398 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of outstanding applications for the carer’s allowance; the reason it is taking 12 weeks to process such applications; the action he will take to provide for the speedier processing of such applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41235/06]

Entitlement to carer's allowance is based on an applicant satisfying medical, means and residency conditions. In determining entitlement to the allowance there are, in certain cases, unavoidable time lags involved in making the necessary investigations and enquiries. Delays can also arise if persons applying for the allowance are not in a position to supply all the necessary information in support of their claim.

Many applicants for carer's allowance are already in receipt of another social welfare payment while their claim is being processed. Such payments will normally continue until entitlement to their carer's allowance is determined. There are currently 2,178 pending cases awaiting a decision, of which 67.5% were received within the last eight weeks. The average time for deciding an application for carer's allowance is currently just under 10 weeks. The majority of claims currently on hands will be processed within ten weeks. 8,860 new claims were processed to a final decision up to week ending 24 November 2006. The volume of claims finalised so far this year represents an 11% increase on the total for 2005 and a 19% increase on the total for 2004. There are 27,333 carer's allowances in payment, compared to 25,000 at the end of 2005 and 23,000 at the end of 2004.

The resources available to my Department must be deployed to ensure good customer service, to prevent fraud and abuse of the schemes and to achieve value for money. My Department is engaged in an ongoing process to ensure that available resources are prioritised to the greatest extent possible on front line service delivery and to ensure that the best possible standard of response is provided across the range of schemes and services. The position will continue to be kept under review to ensure that the best possible level of customer service and customer response continues to be provided.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

399 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason there has been a delay in the processing of a claim for unemployment benefit for a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41238/06]

The person concerned applied for Jobseekers Benefit on 25 January 2006. Although the person concerned was living in Ireland, he had been travelling to the UK to work prior to the termination of his employment in December 2005. Delays arose because there was no record of contributions having been paid on his behalf in Ireland or the UK for the relevant years. Following confirmation from the UK authorities that they had no record for the years in question, enquiries were made in relation to PRSI contributions in this country. There were difficulties, however, in tracing the relevant contributions and in relevant conformation was received only recently. The matter has now been resolved and payment of arrears due will issue to the person concerned this week. He has been advised accordingly.

It is regretted that there was an unusually long delay in establishing entitlements in this case. The person was advised that he could apply for jobseekers' allowance pending a decision on his jobseekers' benefit claim but he declined to apply.

Social Welfare Code.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

400 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason for the anomaly in sick benefit payment to persons who are residing in the Republic but work in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41310/06]

The social security rights of people living and working in the EU are governed by EU Regulations 1408/71 and 574/72. The Regulations co-ordinate social security systems and are designed to ensure that people are not disadvantaged by moving within the EU to take up work. This is achieved primarily by setting out rules as to which State's social security a person will pay insurance contributions towards, when, for example, s/he moves from one Member State to another to take up work or where s/he lives in one State and works in another. In addition, the Regulations set out rules as to which State will pay benefit in the event of the usual contingencies arising, sickness, unemployment, old-age etc.

The general rule is that a person is insured in the State in which s/he works. Equally, the state of employment has, in general, responsibility for paying benefits when, for example, a person becomes unemployed or ill. The Regulations also provide that when entitlement to benefit is being examined, account must be taken of insurance paid in any other Member State where the person worked. In the case of pensions, different rules apply and, in general, a person will get a pension from each State in which s/he worked in proportion to the periods of insurance completed in each Member State. The rules are binding and a person cannot elect to be attached to a particular social security scheme or claim benefits from a State of their choice.

As a general rule, a person is entitled to sickness benefits from the country where s/he is insured and in accordance with the rules of that country's legislation. In the case of a person who is working in Northern Ireland and living in the Republic, the Regulations provide that the person is subject to UK legislation i.e. s/he must pay social insurance contributions to the UK. In the event of sickness the Regulations also provide that sickness benefit is payable by the UK but if, for example, the person has insufficient contributions paid in the UK to meet the contribution conditions there, any PRSI contributions paid in Ireland can be added to the UK record.

Pension Provisions.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

401 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the proposals he has in regard to entitlement to social welfare non-contributory old age pension being extended to women who had to retire from the Civil Service due to the compulsory marriage ban and who cannot qualify for a non-contributory pension due to their spouses income (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41523/06]

The social welfare system comprises two types of payment, social insurance based schemes, which require those eligible to reach a certain standard in terms of the social insurance contributions paid or credited on their record, and non-contributory payments designed for those without the necessary social insurance record for contributory schemes who can satisfy a means test.

In general, the social insurance class paid by those affected by the marriage bar was a modified rate which now gives coverage for widow(er)'s and guardian's payments and occupational injury benefit, bereavement grant and carer's benefit only. This class of insurance reflected their occupational pension position and general contract of service at that time. Accordingly, even if they had continued in employment, contributions paid at this class would not have entitled them to a contributory pension under the social welfare system.

With regard to non-contributory pensions, the new enhanced standard State pension (non-contributory) for those over 66 years, which I introduced at the end of September, features significant improvements in the means test which will allow some who are currently outside the social welfare pensions system to qualify for a payment. In assessing eligibility for a non-contributory pension the means of the household is assessed and this ensures resources are directed to those who are most in need. My Department has no record of an application for non-contributory pension from the person concerned but if she wishes to have her eligibility for state pension (non-contributory) assessed, Social Welfare Services Office in Sligo will be able to advise her further.

With regard to pensions generally, the Government is committed to producing a Green Paper on pensions as part of the new social partnership agreement Towards 2016 with a view to developing a framework for future pensions policy. This will deal with pensions in general but it will include outstanding issues relating to social welfare pensions, including those who remain outside the system. The Green Paper will be published within months. A consultation process will then take place and the Government will subsequently publish a framework for future pensions policy.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Michael Ring

Question:

402 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is being refused family income supplement in view of their need for this. [41585/06]

Family income supplement (FIS) is designed to provide cash support for employees on low earnings with families. This preserves the incentive to remain in employment in circumstances where the employee might only be marginally better off than if he or she were unemployed and claiming other social welfare payments.

FIS is not payable to self-employed people. As the person concerned is self-employed, she does not qualify for FIS. However, self employed persons on low income can, subject to fulfilling the means and other conditions, qualify for job seekers' allowance. Any extension of FIS to categories of persons not covered by the scheme at present would have to be considered in a budgetary context.

Consultancy Contracts.

Seán Ryan

Question:

403 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount of expenditure on consultancy by his Department in 2003, 2004 and 2005; the number of consultants engaged by his Department in those years; and the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by his Department in these years and for the future. [41727/06]

My Department requires a range of skills and expertise to deliver quality services and this is met through a combination of input from the staff of the Department and the engagement of consultants. Broadly expertise is sought under three main headings: Support with a number of strategic multi-annual programmes aimed at enhancing the delivery of the Department's services e.g. the Service Delivery Modernisation Programme; Technical consultancies relating to the ongoing development of information technology systems; Consultancy assistance in other areas (for example, policy development).

The table outlines the expenditure on consultancy and the number of projects where consultants were used in the years 2003 to 2005.

Year

Amount of Expenditure on Consultancy

No. of projects where consultants were used

2003

1,975,000

32

2004

2,822,000

43

2005

3,894,000

50

My Department is undertaking a major programme of business, organizational and technological change to enable it to modernise the services which it provides to its 1 million customers. It is also engaged in a series of policy reviews in areas. This involves the use of consultants to provide expertise, where it is not sufficiently available within the Department, to support the development and implementation of new and modern technologies in certain instances and research in others.

Given the fast pace of change in society today and in technological development I do not believe that it would be feasible or indeed sensible for my Department to attempt to meet all the areas of skills and expertise necessary for the future from within the organization. The employment of consultants in a planned way to support the needs of the Department will continue in the future so as to ensure the delivery of a comprehensive and efficient service to customers.

Departmental Bodies.

David Stanton

Question:

404 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if an upper age limit applies regarding membership of State boards under his aegis; if so, the reason for the age limit; his plans to remove same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42085/06]

The five statutory agencies operating under the aegis of my Department are the Pensions Board, the Combat Poverty Agency, Comhairle, the Family Support Agency and the Social Welfare Tribunal. No upper age limit applies regarding membership of the boards of any of the agencies under the aegis of my Department.

Road Network.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

405 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport the guidelines given to local authorities in relation to the takeover of non-county roads, and if there are proposals to update these guidelines. [41151/06]

Section 11 of the Roads Act 1993 sets out in some detail the procedure to be followed by a Road Authority when a road is to be declared a public road. I have no proposals to update this legislation.

Parking Regulations.

Pat Carey

Question:

406 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Transport the legislation that exists to enable residents to exercise their right to enter and leave their own driveway without having to incur the hazard of dangerously parked vehicles on either side of the driveway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41317/06]

Section 55 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 provides that a person shall not park a vehicle in a public place if, when so parked, the vehicle would be likely to cause danger to another persons using that place. This offence of parking a vehicle in a dangerous position is regarded as being a serious road traffic and where a Garda is of the opinion that a person is committing or has committed such offence he or she may arrest the person without warrant.

A further indication of the serious nature of this offence is that it is scheduled as a penalty point offence with no opportunity permitted to pay a fixed charge in lieu of being prosecuted in Court. In addition, five penalty points apply on conviction of the offence in Court since 3 April 2006.

Road Network.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

407 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Transport if he will confirm an underspend €500 million for roads in the Border Midland Western region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41072/06]

The National Development Plan investment programme for national roads is being implemented as part of the Economic and Social Infrastructure Operational Programme 2000 to 2006 (ESIOP). The total investment originally envisaged in national roads in the case of the BMW region for the seven years of the ESIOP was €2,479.362 million. The most recent forecast for the final outturn figure for national roads investment in the region for the period 2000 – 2006 is €2012.531 million, which is €534.96 million less than the amount originally envisaged.

At the start of the ESIOP, a relatively small number of major road projects in the BMW region had progressed through the planning, design and public procurement processes. The NRA provided grant assistance towards the acceleration of this work. As a result there was an intensification of planning and design activity on major road projects, resulting in a sharp upturn in the number of projects arriving at the construction stage, and a corresponding increase in the level of spending on national roads in the region since the beginning of 2004.

Construction work on a number of the projects will continue into the period after 2006. There is no question of an "underspend" or a loss of funding in respect of national roads in the BMW region. The position is that, at an early point after 2006 the total level of investment which had originally been envisaged for the seven year period from the start of 2000 to the end of 2006 will be reached and surpassed.

The major pick-up in road building activity in the BMW region has been acknowledged at the ESIOP Monitoring Committee.

Richard Bruton

Question:

408 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the cost of the projects listed in his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 136 of 16 November 2006; and the cost of the projects completed in 2002 and 2003 with their locations and the kilometres of road in each case. [41120/06]

The costs of the projects listed in the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 136 of 16 November 2006 are listed in Table 1. The costs of the projects completed in 2002 and 2003, together with their locations, length and costs are set out in Table 2. All of this information has been sourced directly from the National Roads Authority who have overall responsibility for the planning design and implementation of the national roads programme under the Roads Act 1993.

Table 1

Route

Scheme

Outturn

€ million

2004

M7

Monasterevin Bypass

132.840

N8

Cashel Bypass

48.607

N11

Wyattville Interchange

45.000

N26

Ballina/Bohola Bypass

21.462

2005

M1

Dundalk Bypass

24.043

M4

Kilcock/Enfield/Kinnegad

231.488

N4

McNeads Bridge/Kinnegad

27.000

N4

Loughrea Bypass

21.700

N4

Sligo Inner Relief Road

74.276

N21

Ballcarthy Tralee

13.195

N22

Gortalea to Farrenfore

19.543

2006

N2

Ashbourne Bypass

182.000

N7

Naas Road Upgrade

229.280

N8

Fermoy/Rathcormac Bypass

133.100

N15

Ballyshannon/Bundoran Bypass

79.540

N21

Castleisland/Abbeyfeale

34.052

N25

Kinsale Road Interchange

48.130

N30

Enniscorthy/Clonroche

18.540

N55

Cavan Bypass

16.450

N8/73

Mitchelstown Bypass

25.140

Table 2

Route

Scheme

Kms

Road Type

Outturn

€ million

2002

N4

Enfield Relief Route

2.6

SC

13.253

N9

Grannagh to Waterford

0.5

DC

31.925

N15

Bunduff/Downes River

5.5

SC

2.476

N17

Knock/Claremorris (Phase 1+2)

16

SC

69.476

N18

Newmarket-on-Fergus Bypass

5.7

DC

48.683

N22

Bealagrellagh/Gortalea

3.5

WS

8.707

N24

Piltown/Fiddown

9.3

SC

35.083

N25

Carnaross

7.8

SC

26.796

2003

M1

Drogheda Bypass

22

M

262.393

M1

Lissenhall to Balbriggan

10

M

72.000

M1

Cloghran to Lissenhall

6.5

M

158.294

M7

Kildare Bypass

13

M

160.790

N8

Watergrasshill Bypass

10

DC

124.994

N11

Glen-of-the-Downs

5.5

DC

97.115

N18/19

Hurlers Cross

9.4

DC

104.264

N25

Youghal Bypass

6.2

SC

47.970

N71

Skibbereen Relief Road

1.2

SC

11.500

SC = Single Carriageway.

DC = Dual Carriageway.

M = Motorway.

WS = Wide Single Carriageway.

Rail Network.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

409 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport when he anticipates work will begin on the Kildare rail line project; the disruption that will be encountered by commuters during the works; if his attention has been drawn to contingency plans that will be put in place by Irish Rail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41157/06]

I understand that Iarnród Éireann has commenced enabling works and is proceeding with detailed design and procurement on this project with a view to commencing the main works early next year. I have been advised by the Company that there will be no disruption to commuter services during the works.

Public Transport.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

410 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the amount of money allocated by his Department for the development of park and ride facilities by local authorities in 2004, 2005 and to date in 2006; the amount drawn down by local authorities for this purpose in each of the years mentioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41205/06]

The development of park and ride facilities is a matter for local authorities and as an incentive my Department also provides capital funding for such purposes. In the Greater Dublin Area, €1.2 million was allocated in 2004 for local authorities in respect of interchanges/park and ride, and €1.2 million was allocated in 2005. The amount paid out by my Department in 2004 was €0.8 million, and €0.289 million was paid in 2005. In 2006, I have made €5 million in capital available. Although there have been expressions of interest, I have not received any proposals in relation to this funding.

In the case of regional cities, the funding allocated is in respect of bus priority and park and ride measures. In 2004, my Department allocated €8.5 million for bus priority and park and ride measures in the regional cities. Of this funding, €2.4 million was drawn down in relation to park and ride. An original allocation of €8 million by my Department in 2005 was increased to €10.8 million, due to accelerated work on Green Routes in Cork. Of this funding, €1.5 million was drawn down in relation to park and ride. In 2006, a total of €12 million has been made available for these measures in the regional cities. To date, €425,000 has been drawn down in respect of park and ride facilities.

Park and Ride Facilities.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

411 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the eight sites and number at each site where the 3,700 park and ride facilities promised under the National Development Plan 2000 to 2006 were to be provided; the number provided to date in the case of each site; the projected cost; the amount spent to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41218/06]

Róisín Shortall

Question:

412 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the sites and number at each site where the 2,700 park and ride facilities promised under the 1994 to 1999 national development plan were to be provided; the number that were provided and the final cost in the case of each site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41219/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 411 and 412 together.

The information requested by the Deputy has been provided by the DTO and is contained in the attached tables. In the case of park and ride developments provided as part of Luas and rail works, the cost is included in the overall cost of the developments. In other cases, park and ride facilities have been funded through the Dublin Transportation Office Traffic Management Grants Scheme (DTO-TMG), and the relevant figures are set out in the tables. I should also add that my Department is in regular contact with local authorities about the availability of funds for the development of traffic management grant measures, including park and ride facilities.

1994-1999 Funding Programme

Programme

1994-1999

Spaces intended

Spaces Delivered

DTO TMG Funding

Greystones

150

462

842,602

Kildare

200

166

262,659

Newbridge

200

133

259,931

Sallins

100

100

179,540

Hazelhatch

60

60

80,326

Coolmine

200

187

178,733

Maynooth

100

93

259,361

Louisa Bridge

100

Nil

Nil

Booterstown

150

Nil

Nil

Salthill

100

59

83,976

Sandycove

75

Nil

Nil

Shankill

250

Nil

Nil

Portmarnock

150

165

198,980

Laytown

250

Nil

19,900

Quarryvale

400

Nil

Nil

Skerries

50

Uncertain*

Nil

Donabate

160

63

Nil

Rush/Lusk

40

Uncertain*

Nil

Glenageary

21

Nil

Nil

Total

2756

1,488

2,366,008

*Additional spaces were delivered but the precise number is uncertain due to lack of available information on the number of pre-existing places.

**A passenger drop-off facility only was provided at this location.

2000-2006 funding programme:

Programme

2000-2006

Stated programme 2000-2006

Delivered under 2000-2006 funding

Greystones

350

Nil

Bray

70

Uncertain*

Balally

500

423

Sandyford & Stillorgan

500

420

Ashtown

800

Nil

Coolock Lane

500

Nil

Red Cow

500

750

Tallaght

500

450

*Additional spaces were delivered but the precise number is uncertain due to lack of available information on the number of pre-existing places.

Mary Upton

Question:

413 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Transport if he will elucidate the nature of the extensive bus service he referred to in Parliamentary Question No. 429 of 14 November 2006, in particular, a comparison of the number of buses that operate daily and the frequencies between Terenure and the city centre with the number of buses operated daily and the frequencies between Terenure and the city centre five years ago and ten yeas ago. [41220/06]

The provision and operation of bus services in the Dublin area is an operational matter for Dublin Bus and not one in which I have any role.

Road Traffic Offences.

John Curran

Question:

414 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Transport his views on a change to the relevant legislation whereby the offence of breaching a three ton restricted area would in addition to a fine also incur penalty points for the driver in view of the fact that the present fine system makes no distinction between a person committing this offence for the first time and a repeat offender. [41261/06]

The policy in relation to the range of offences, scheduled in the Road Traffic Acts, to which the penalty points system can be applied is that the focus in relation to all such offences is on safety.

At present a road authority may apply a road traffic regulation to prohibit access to a road or area to large vehicles where the unladen weight of such vehicle exceeds the weight specified on the regulatory road traffic sign provided at the entrance to that road. However an exemption is permitted in respect of a large vehicle that has no option but to go past the regulatory sign to access premises located on that road. This exemption therefore legally permits large vehicles to be driven on that road in those specified circumstances. Therefore the fact that such a vehicle is driven on the road cannot, of itself, be regarded as a road safety issue and accordingly it is not appropriate to schedule that offence to come within the ambit of the penalty point system.

Since 3 April 2006 the illegal breach of the weight restriction regulation was brought within the remit of the fixed charge system. A driver of a vehicle who does not comply with the regulation is liable to be issued with a fixed charge notice by a Garda and then has the option to pay a fixed charge of €60 within 28 days or that amount increased by 50% within the following 28 days. If the person opts not to pay the fixed charge then he or she will be prosecuted in court.

The monetary penalty provisions contained in the Road Traffic Act 2002 provide for a higher monetary penalty for a repeat offender. If a person is convicted in court of breaching the weight limit restriction then he or she is liable on a first offence to a fine of up to €800, for a second or subsequent such offence is liable to a fine not exceeding €1,500 and if the offence is a third or subsequent such offence committed within 12 months he or she is liable to a fine not exceeding €1,500 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or both. The level of fine that is imposed by the court in any instance is at the discretion of the court.

Furthermore the Road Traffic Act 2006 provides that the fine of €800 referred to above be increased to €1,000 and that the fine amounts of €1,500 be increased to €2,000 in each case. I propose to commence the relevant provision shortly to provide for the increased level of fines.

Parking Regulations.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

415 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has commenced the drafting of the regulations required under the Transport Acts and related legislation to allow local authorities to permit partial footpath parking in areas where, due to the narrowness of the street, full on-street vehicular parking causes congestion and prevents the easy flow of traffic, particularly in residential areas where, due to the small size and depth or absence of front gardens, the provision of full off-street parking is not possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41278/06]

Under the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 it is prohibited to park a mechanically propelled vehicle on any part of a footpath. Since 3 April 2006 this illegal parking offence was brought within the ambit of the fixed charge system and, on issue of a fixed charge notice, a person may pay €40 within a 28 day period or that amount increased by 50% within the next 28 day period in lieu of being prosecuted in court.

Dublin City Council are seeking an amendment to the 1997 regulations to permit partial parking on public footpaths and contend that parking of this nature is permitted in other jurisdictions but no country has been identified in this regard. My Department has no information in relation to the circumstances or conditions in other jurisdictions where partial parking on footpaths may be permitted. The paramount matter to be considered before vehicles are permitted to park partially on a public footpath is the safety of pedestrians.

It is not just a case of amending the parking regulations and that vehicles then proceed to park on footpaths. It must first be ascertained what circumstances and conditions apply where this measure is deployed in other countries .i.e. whether such parking is only permitted where the footpath is of a certain minimum width, where the footpath pavement has first been constructed to a certain weight bearing standard, whether is it a requirement that the footpath be dished and kerbs removed to facilitate the driving of vehicles up onto a footpath and that such parking is not permitted where access points, manhole covers etc for utilities are located.

It is not proposed to make any amendment to the current law until all of the safety implications are assessed and in this regard Dublin City Council are being requested to identify the countries abroad where such measures are said to be in place and to submit fuller details in relation to the proposal.

Road Network.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

416 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the value of the total road network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41279/06]

I should point out that my remit covers only the network of National roads. This amounts to some 5% of the total network of roads in the State. With the exception of a small number of Toll roads, the national road network is outside of the commercial arena and it would be misleading to ascribe a commercial monetary value to it. In the lifetime of this Government approximately €9.4 billion has been invested in the national roads network. Under Transport 21 a further €15 billion of national road investment is planned.

Cycle Facilities.

Pat Carey

Question:

417 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Transport the measures in place in his Department to promote greater use of cycling as a mode of transport; the incentives in place to encourage the construction of more cycleways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41327/06]

Cycling is an important part of the Government's commitment under Transport 21 to increase modal share of public transport through infrastructure and service improvements and to encourage a transfer of trips from the private car to more sustainable modes of transport.

While the actual provision of cycle ways and cycle parking is, in the first instance, a matter for the relevant local authorities, my Department provides funding to the local authorities for the development of such facilities. Approximately €30m has been provided by my Department to the Dublin Transportation Office for the provision of specific cycling facilities in the Greater Dublin Area since 1994. €1m was provided in 2005 and €2.2m in 2006. The investment of bus priority funding and cycling-only spending has resulted in some 300 kms of cycle facilities being provided, as well as cycle parking facilities throughout the GDA.

The Dublin Transportation Office has recently adopted a Cycle Policy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) over the coming years. The policy proposes to enhance the cycling environment in the GDA and promote safe cycling by a variety of means, including creating a continuous cycle-friendly environment on cycle routes and training and education measures. My Department will assist the roll out of this plan through the provision of funding.

Outside of Dublin, the framework for the promotion of cycling in the regional cities is set out in the relevant local land use and transportation strategy or in the relevant Development Plan or Local Area Plan. Cork City Council has developed a cycle network strategy. The strategy is currently being delivered as part of the development of a network of "Green Routes" in Cork. In Galway, the City Development Plan includes proposals for improving facilities for cyclists which is now being rolled out, as is also the case in respect of Limerick. Waterford City Development Plan includes proposals for improving facilities for cyclists and an implementation plan is now being prepared by the local authority.

Rail Network.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

418 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport when he expects the feasibility study on a rail link to Shannon Airport to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41332/06]

I understand from Iarnród Éireann that a draft feasibility report will be available by year end to be considered by the project steering group at its next meeting in mid January.

Joe Higgins

Question:

419 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if and when he will re-open the disused Mullingar to Athlone rail line. [41572/06]

The reopening of the Mullingar to Athlone rail line does not form part of the Transport 21 investment plan. A report prepared on behalf of the Midland Railway Action Group in relation to the re-opening of the Athlone to Mullingar railway line is currently being considered by my Department in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann. When my Department's assessment is complete I will respond fully to the report submitted by the Group.

Driving Tests.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

420 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the funding provided in the Estimates 2007 for the updating of information technology equipment for driving test applications and the updating of IT equipment in test centres. [41591/06]

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority has responsibility for the delivery of the driving test. While funding is being provided for the operation of the Road Safety Authority in the 2007 estimates, it is a matter for the RSA to allocate funds for the development of its ICT systems.

Legislative Programme.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

421 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the sections and subsections of the Road Traffic Act, 2006 which have not been commenced. [41593/06]

I commenced fifteen sections of the Road Traffic Act 2006 last July. Sections 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 18 and section 16, except for subsection (2)(c), of the Road Traffic Act 2006 have not yet been commenced but I am expecting to commence some further sections of the Act very shortly.

Consultancy Contracts.

Seán Ryan

Question:

422 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Transport the amount of expenditure on consultancy by his Department in 2003, 2004 and 2005; the number of consultants engaged by his Department in those years; and the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by his Department in these years and for the future. [41729/06]

The amount of expenditure on consultancy by my Department in the previous three years, and the number of consultants used is set out in the table. Expenditure on consultancy and reliance on consultants varies from year to year depending to the nature and volume of the Department's workload.

Year

Number of Consultants

Expenditure on Consultants

2003

17

4,637,000

2004

20

2,544,000

2005

23

1,160,000

Public Transport.

Seán Crowe

Question:

423 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the breakdown of State subvention for CIÉ as a percentage per year since 1997 to date in 2006. [41804/06]

The subvention paid to CIE in respect of each of its operating companies, from 1997 to date in 2006, has been allocated as follows:

Schedule of Exchequer Subvention to CIÉ: 1997 to 2006

Year

Iarnród Éireann

Bus Éireann

Bus Átha Cliath

Total

€000

€000

€000

€000

1997

117,451

6,984

8,888

133,322

1998

117,457

7,111

11,294

135,862

1999

119,292

7,377

16,816

143,485

2000

133,236

15,757

41,189

190,183

2001

143,823

24,157

54,316

222,296

2002

155,483

21,766

56,063

233,312

2003

168,257

22,856

53,867

244,980

2004

171,421

23,998

61,810

257,229

2005

179,991

25,199

64,900

270,090

2006*

167,011

23,258

61,456

251,725

*To date.

Seán Crowe

Question:

424 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the breakdown of fare increases by CIÉ per year since 1997 to date in 2006. [41805/06]

The following increases in CIÉ fares have been made with ministerial approval since 1997:

Year

Increase

1997

Nil

1998

Nil

1999

Nil

2000

increase averaging 5.5%

2002

increase averaging 9%

2004

increase averaging 3.2%

2005

increase of 3.5% in fares revenue yield

2006

increase of 3.8% in fares revenue yield

State Airports.

Seán Crowe

Question:

425 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if, in view of the recent approval of funding for Knock Airport, he has considered the recent British and Irish Government study on the all island economy which proposes an integrated strategy for airport development on the island; if his Department has had discussions with interested parties on the need to ensure a long-term development strategy for rural airports on an island basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37067/06]

The study mentioned by the Deputy refers to an all island approach to regional airport development. The study goes on to cite the example of the City of Derry Airport whose natural hinterland includes areas in Donegal and where the two Governments have agreed to provide joint funding of more than €15 million towards the cost of a runway development project.

I will be announcing 65 million Euro exchequer assistance under Transport 21 for regional airports including Knock Airport within the jurisdiction. Decision on grant aid will take account of a realistic assessment of sustainable development, having regard to each airport's natural hinterland. I can confirm that the Government will continue to support the Derry to Dublin air service under the current essential air services programme.

Departmental Bodies.

David Stanton

Question:

426 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Transport if an upper age limit applies regarding membership of State boards under his aegis; if so, the reason for the age limit; his plans to remove same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42086/06]

The provisions governing the appointment of members of the Board of State Bodies under my aegis are generally set out in the legislation establishing each body. These provisions make no reference to the age of prospective candidates and no upper age limit applies regarding membership of these boards.

Housing Grants.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

427 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if under the Údarás na Gaeltachta, Strategic Development Plan 2005 to 2010, and under the heading of Lesser Developed Areas on page 6 he agrees that service providers included the local shop; if such business in the rural Gaeltacht should be or will be entitled to the usual Gaeltacht grants for home improvements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41135/06]

I understand from Údarás na Gaeltachta that, while its Strategic Development Plan 2005-2010 recognises the need for a network of small industries and service providers, grant assistance is not available to local shops. Given the proliferation of retail businesses over the years without recourse to grant assistance, and in the context also of the possible implications for State aid which could attach to the provision of such assistance, I am satisfied that Údarás has taken an appropriate line in this matter.

Under the Housing (Gaeltacht) Acts, assistance is available to qualified applicants in a Gaeltacht area for building new houses and improving existing houses. A shopkeeper may qualify for a housing grant if his/her place of residence is attached to his/her place of business but any such grant will be confined strictly to the place of residence. Further information regarding the Gaeltacht housing scheme can be found on my Department's website www.pobail.ie.

Departmental Programmes.

Seán Ardagh

Question:

428 Mr. Ardagh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if a school (details supplied) in Dublin 10 can obtain funding for two cooks, a part-time chef and a porter for the canteen in the school under the RAPID programme or another programme in his Department. [41296/06]

Funding for staff in schools in RAPID areas is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Education and Science.

Community Development.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

429 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason for a 49% reduction in his Department’s Estimate 2007 for improved co-ordination of local and community services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41340/06]

Arising from the joint ministerial initiative on the review of local and community development structures, the Government agreed a series of measures in January 2004 designed to improve arrangements under which community and local development initiatives are delivered and improve cohesion and focus across various measures. In this context, in line with a recommendation in the NDP/CSF evaluation report on county and city developments boards (CDBs) to support a strengthened social inclusion co-ordination function, funding for improved co-ordination of local and community development services was provided in the Vote of my Department over three years (2004, 2005 and 2006).

During 2004, a total of €3,248,600 was allocated to CDBs and Údarás na Gaeltachta in respect of proposals aimed at improving linkages and sharing resources by local agencies. In 2005, some €4,836,927 was allocated in respect of proposals for the improved alignment of local and community development agencies and the establishment of unified structures in provincial areas. This allocation included €1,463,400 for actions to promote volunteering at the local level. So far in 2006, €4,270,962 has been allocated for alignment actions and €300,600 for the promotion of volunteering at the local level.

At this stage, 24 of the local authority areas and na Gaeltachtaí have fully agreed the structures which will cover their areas from January 2007 and therefore the requirements arising in 2007 in relation to cohesion will be much reduced. While I am confident that agreement on local, rural and community development structures will have been reached in all outstanding areas by the end of 2006, owing to the impending end of the financial year, it is unlikely that it will be possible to allocate funding for implementation costs to all those areas in the current year. The provision of €2,200,000 in the Estimates for 2007 will be primarily focused on addressing requirements for such areas and also to meet any further contingencies identified by the local development agencies in relation to implementing plans for improved cohesion.

Provision for the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme will increase by 15% or just over €7m next year in the context of the expansion of this programme nationwide from January 2007. An additional €5m is being provided in 2007 to further support volunteering. Finally, the resources for rural development will increase almost threefold over the lifetime of the next rural development programme which covers the period 2007 to 2013. The improvements that I have outlined represent a significant improvement on the current level of resources available for local, community and rural development services.

Consultancy Contracts.

Seán Ryan

Question:

430 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of expenditure on consultancy by his Department in 2003, 2004 and 2005; the number of consultants engaged by his Department in those years; and the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by his Department in these years and for the future. [41718/06]

My Department has made available on its website details regarding consultancies (excepting those of minor value, i.e., less than €5,000 excluding VAT), relating to the period since the Department's establishment in June 2002 up to the end of October 2006. The relevant link, which will take the Deputy directly to these details, including the information for the three years sought by him, in relation to expenditure paid by my Department is

www.pobail.ie/en/CorporateSupportServices/ Finance/Consultancies. For the Deputy's convenience, I have arranged for a copy of the material in question to be sent directly to him at his Oireachtas e-mail address. My Department keeps under close review the need for consultants in order to control expenditure and ensure value for money. Rigorous adherence to this approach will continue into the future.

Departmental Bodies.

David Stanton

Question:

431 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if an upper age limit applies regarding membership of State boards under his aegis; if so, the reason for the age limit; his plans to remove same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42076/06]

There is no upper age limit in respect of membership of State boards under the aegis of my Department.

Grant Payments.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

432 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when payment will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry under the 2005 single payment scheme, as they qualify under category B and B(i). [41121/06]

The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the 2005 Single Payment Scheme National Reserve under Category B. Category B caters for farmers who made an investment in production capacity in a farming sector for which a direct payment under Livestock Premia and/or Arable Aid schemes would have been payable during the reference period 2000-2002. Investments can include purchase or long term lease of land, purchase of suckler and/or ewe quota or other investments. The person named applied under Category B(i) in relation to investment in land and B(ii) in relation to the purchase of suckler quota and has been deemed successful under both measures.

The Regulations governing the Single Payment Scheme provide that checks must be made to ensure that an allocation from the National Reserve, to an applicant who has already benefited under other measures associated with the Single Payment Scheme, does not result in double benefit. An applicant may only benefit from the measure that is most beneficial. The person named has already benefited from another measure (Force Majeure during the reference period) and an allocation from the Reserve would result in double benefit. Therefore, the force majeure has been rescinded in favour of an allocation from the Reserve which is more beneficial. A formal letter of decision together with relevant payment due will issue shortly to the person named.

Afforestation Programme.

Tom Hayes

Question:

433 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if there have been developments in obtaining an increase in payment for people leasing for forestry purposes. [41168/06]

The recent Partnership Agreement includes a 15% increase in Forestry Premiums. This increase will be introduced following formal approval from the European Commission. Forestry premiums are payable on both owned and leased land.

Farm Retirement Scheme.

David Stanton

Question:

434 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 1217 of 27 September 2006 regarding issues pertaining to retired farmers, if she has finished examining the issues raised as mentioned in her reply; if she has reached a conclusions on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41188/06]

As indicated in my reply to the earlier question referred to, a group representing retired farmers lodged a petition with the European Parliament Committee on Petitions in May 2003, alleging that Ireland had not implemented correctly the Council Regulations governing the 1994 and 2000 Schemes of Early Retirement from Farming. The Committee requested information from the European Commission. In reply, the Commission made it clear that in its considered opinion there was no question of any infringement having been committed by Ireland in the implementation of the Schemes. The Chairman of the European Parliament Committee on Petitions raised these issues with me again in a letter dated 5 September 2006, while acknowledging the view that the Commission had taken.

A reply to the Chairman of the Petitions Committee is being prepared. Most of the issues raised in his letter were also dealt with in the Report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food. Certain of the Joint Committee's recommendations are precluded by the EU Regulations under which the current Scheme and its predecessor are operated. I saw merit in other aspects of the Committee's report; and some recommendations have been either fully or partially implemented and others will be considered in the context of the proposal for a new Early Retirement Scheme, which has been included in the draft Development Plan for the period 2007-2013. Following clarification from the European Commission, I have also recently announced increases in the rate of pension under both Schemes. These increases, which are financed entirely from the National Exchequer, will cost some €33 million extra over the remaining period of the two Schemes, and some 5,000 retired farmers will benefit from them.

Departmental Reports.

Mary Upton

Question:

435 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will provide this Deputy with copies of Ireland’s reports to the EU on the administration of the meeting standards part of the 2003 Common Agricultural Policy reform which helps small producers conform with EU directives; when these reports were submitted to the EU; and if she will make a statement on the take-up of this measure here. [41189/06]

The position is that the Council Regulation governing the Single Payment Scheme provides that, by 1 January 2007, Member States shall set up a system of advising farmers on land and farm management to be known as "the farm advisory system". The system is to be operated by one or more designated authorities or by private bodies. The advisory activity must cover at least the Statutory Management Requirements (SMRs) and Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition associated with cross-compliance. The regulation also provides that farmers may participate in the system on a voluntary basis but that Member States shall give priority to farmers who receive more than €15,000 of direct payments (Single Payment) each year.

It is intended that the existing Teagasc advisory service together with the service provided by existing private REPS planners will constitute the Farm Advisory System in Ireland from 1 January 2007. This arrangement has been confirmed to the European Commission.

Departmental Transport.

Michael Ring

Question:

436 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the cost to her Department for the use or hire of helicopters for each of the past three years; and the breakdown of the yearly amount paid for this service. [41200/06]

My Department has not incurred any costs for use or hire of helicopters over the last three years.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Denis Naughten

Question:

437 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she is satisfied that companies that supply biofuel which has been imported are receiving State assistance; her views on whether such State assistance must be prioritised for domestic producers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41225/06]

I presume the Deputy is referring to the recent announcement by the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources awarding excise relief to 16 projects under the new Excise Relief Scheme. Responsibility for this scheme rests with the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. However, I am aware that the scheme was subject to a state aid application and the state aid guidelines precluded granting preference to domestic producers and/or feedstocks.

I am confident that farmers will respond positively to the demand for feedstock arising from these new projects and this will encourage the development of an energy crop growing sector in Ireland.

Grant Payments.

Michael Lowry

Question:

438 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason compensation payments have been withheld from a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when payment will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41253/06]

The person named submitted an application for Single Farm Payment/ Disadvantaged Areas Scheme on 3 May 2006. An amount of €3,699 issued in respect of the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme on 22 September. His Single Payment Advance payment of €15,769.86 was paid on 16 October and the balancing payment of €15,769.87 issued on 1 December 2006.

Animal Identification Scheme.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

439 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a herd number (details supplied) can be transferred from one person to another; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41264/06]

The person concerned was recorded as Herd Keeper under herd number mentioned on 24 November 2006. My Department has been in contact with this person and is awaiting legal documentation from her in relation to the ownership of the land. When the required documentation is received, the Department should be in a position to transfer the herd number.

Grant Payments.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

440 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason an area based payment has not been granted to persons (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41265/06]

The persons named submitted an application for Single Farm Payment/ Disadvantaged Areas Scheme on 25 April 2006. The processing of this application has now been finalised by my Department. Payment will issue shortly.

Denis Naughten

Question:

441 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to difficulties in relation to the payment of disadvantaged area payments for maize farmers; when this payment was due; when it will be granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41266/06]

My Department has made payments amounting to €247 million under the 2006 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme to 99,024 farmers, which amounts to over 97% of eligible applicants. Remaining farmers will receive their payments when their applications are fully processed.

An issue arose in connection with the inclusion of ineligible arable crops declared as forage in the applications of some farmers. This problem has now been resolved and payment will issue to the applicants in question early next week.

David Stanton

Question:

442 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the single farm payment will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41280/06]

An official of my Department will make direct contact with the person named to deal with an issue that has arisen in connection with the establishment of his Single Payment Scheme entitlements. His application will be processed when this issue has been resolved.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

443 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a single payment will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry for 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41349/06]

An application for the Transfer of Entitlements to the person named under the Single Payment Scheme was submitted on the 3rd of May 2006.

This application has now been fully processed and payment in respect of 59.09 transferred entitlements will issue shortly.

Willie Penrose

Question:

444 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the situation which pertains where a farmer who is the designated holder of single farm entitlements and wishes to retire and transfer the land upon which the entitlements derive to their son; if she will confirm that such entitlements will automatically rest on their son; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41359/06]

The position is that Single Payment entitlements are not attached to land but are the property of the farmer who was farming during the reference period 2000-2002, who was in receipt of direct payments under one or more of the Livestock Premium and/or Arable Aid schemes and who claimed the entitlements by submitting a Single Payment application form in 2005.

Entitlements may be sold with or without land but can only be sold without land once 80% have been used in one calendar year. On the other hand entitlements may only be leased to another farmer if accompanied by an equivalent number of hectares of eligible land. Entitlements may also of course be transferred with or without land by gift or through inheritance.

In order to transfer entitlements by way of sale, lease, gift, or inheritance, a transfer of entitlements application form must be completed and submitted to my Department. The application form to be completed by farmers engaged in transferring entitlements for the 2007 Single Payment Scheme year is available on my Department's website www.agriculture.gov.ie.

David Stanton

Question:

445 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will arrange for entitlements to be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41478/06]

The person named applied to transfer in Single Payment entitlements under the Private Contract Clause measure (sale). This application was successful and the entitlements in question were transferred to the applicant. Full payment issued to the person named in respect of 2005.

An application under the 2006 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 26 April 2006. Following validation certain issues were highlighted which initially delayed payment. These matters have now been satisfactorily resolved and it is expected that payment will shortly issue to the person named.

David Stanton

Question:

446 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when she expects a disadvantage payment for a person (details supplied) in County Cork to be made; the reason for the delay in payment of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41491/06]

The person named submitted an application for Single Farm Payment/ Disadvantaged Areas Scheme on 10 May 2006. The processing of this application has now been finalised by my Department. Payment will issue shortly.

Farming Statistics.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

447 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of full-time farmers in County Clare for 2005, 2004 and 2003; the number of part-time farmers in County Clare for the same period; the number of milk quotas sold by Clare farmers since 2000; and where these quotas were sold to. [41595/06]

The exact information requested by the Deputy is not available. In relation to farm numbers, the Farm Structure Survey provides regional estimates and the table shows the numbers of farmers who had and had not another occupation for the Mid-West region in June 2000, 2003 and 2005 (the latest year currently available).

Number of farms in the Mid-West region — June 2000, 2003 and 2005

Year

Farmwork is sole occupation of farm owner

Farmwork is not sole occupation of the farm owner

Total

20001

9,500

7,200

16,700

20032

9,400

6,600

16,100

2005

8,700

6,900

15,600

1June 2000 Census of Agriculture figure.

1Subject to revision.

The Mid-West region comprises counties Clare, Tipperary N.R., Limerick County and Limerick County Borough.

Figures at county level are available from the 2000 Census of Agriculture. There were 6,700 farms in County Clare in June 2000; on 3,600 of these farms, farm work was the owner's sole occupation.

While my Department receives figures annually from milk purchasers on the number of producers selling milk quotas into the restructuring scheme in each co-op area, these figures are not recorded on a county-by-county-basis. Nor is there a direct relationship between quota sellers and buyers, as all quota sold goes into a common ‘pool' which is then divided between applicants wishing to purchase quota in that co-op area.

Consultancy Contracts.

Seán Ryan

Question:

448 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the amount of expenditure on consultancy by her Department in 2003, 2004 and 2005; the number of consultants engaged by her Department in those years; and the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by her Department in these years and for the future. [41715/06]

My Department follows the Department of Finance guidelines in relation to the engagement of consultants. Our policy remains to deploy in-house resources wherever possible with the objective of minimising any requirement for consultancies.

Details of the expenditure by my Department for the years 2003-2005 on consultancy are as follows:

Year

2003

2004

2005

Expenditure

616,985.72

684,741.82

243,083.94

Number of Contracts

22

26

17

Departmental Bodies.

David Stanton

Question:

449 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if an upper age limit applies regarding membership of State boards under her aegis; if so, the reason for the age limit; her plans to remove same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42073/06]

There is nothing in the legislation governing the State Bodies under the aegis of my Department which imposes an upper age limit on appointments to Boards.

Special Educational Needs.

Finian McGrath

Question:

450 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will ensure that all services and resources for children with disabilities are located as much as possible near their homes; and if she will use common sense when putting in services. [41096/06]

I share the Deputy's views that children with special educational needs should be educated in an inclusive environment with children who do not have such needs unless the nature or degree of those needs is such that to do so would be inconsistent with the best interests of the individual child or those with whom the child is to be educated.

The Deputy may be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through the local special educational needs organisers (SENO), is responsible for processing applications from schools for special needs supports. These supports include resource teaching hours for pupils with low-incidence special needs, based on applications in respect of individual pupils. You may also be aware that a specific function of the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local SENOs, is to identify appropriate educational placements for all children with special educational needs. Therefore all necessary supports are provided where the need arises.

It is open to parents to contact the SENO regarding any special educational needs that a pupil may have. Contact with the relevant SENO can be made by contacting the NCSE, Mill Street, Trim, Co. Meath, telephone number (046) 948 6400 or by accessing the NCSE website at www.ncse.ie.

Programmes for Government.

Seán Crowe

Question:

451 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the commitments relating to education and science in relation to the An Agreed Programme for Government between Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats as set out in 2002 that have failed to be delivered on; and if and when outstanding proposals will be acted upon. [41101/06]

As the Deputy will be aware, extraordinary progress has been made right across the whole spectrum of education in recent years, with the extra investment provided by this Government to support the implementation of our Programme for Government commitments and enable progress on emerging areas of need. The budget for my Department has increased substantially in recent years and the recent Estimates provide €8.4 billion for education in 2007.

We have hired 4,000 extra primary teachers since 2002, with approximately 1,200 of these posts created in the last school year. These extra teaching posts have been used to reduce class sizes, to tackle educational disadvantage and to provide additional support for children with special needs. An additional 800 primary teachers are included in my Department's Estimates for 2007.

The average class size at primary level is now 24, while there is one teacher for every 17 children, including resource teachers etc. At post-primary level, there is now one teacher for every 13 children.

Under the largest school building programme in the history of the State we are spending nearly €500 million on school buildings in 2006, 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.

We have also intensified work to tackle disadvantage at all levels in recent years. A comprehensive Action Plan for tackling educational disadvantage was launched in May 2005 under which extra resources have been provided to our most disadvantaged schools over the past year, while even more additional supports will be rolled out. In 2007, nearly €730 million will be spent tackling educational disadvantage at all levels — this represents an increase of €95 million on the 2006 provision.

The Deputy will be aware that the Programme for Government places a high priority on improving special needs education. I am proud to say that the improvements made in this area in recent years have been dramatic, with the enactment of the EPSEN Act and a substantial increase in staffing supports for children with special needs.

There are now almost 8,200 Special Needs Assistants in our primary and second level schools. The amount of funding allocated for SNAs in 2007 is over €240 million. There are also more than 7,000 resource and learning support teachers. In 2007, €820 million will be spent on educational provision for those with special needs and disabilities.

There has also been a major focus in recent years on science education and improving schools' ICT facilities. We have updated the Science programmes in our schools and provided specific investment to improve facilities for teaching the science and technology subjects. A new science curriculum has been introduced at primary level, supported by a grant in December 2004 of €1000 per school plus €10 per pupil. Revised syllabi in Junior Certificate Science and Leaving Certificate Physics, Chemistry and Biology have also been introduced.

In November 2005, capital investment of €40 million was announced to upgrade technology rooms in over 500 second-level schools and support the introduction of a new leaving cert course ‘Technology' and the replacement of the technical drawing course with a new ‘Design and Communications' course.

In relation to ICT, the priority in recent years has been networking and bringing broadband to all schools. I intend to build on this by publishing a new ICT strategy in 2007 that will address the broad range of needs — from hardware and software to maintenance and teacher training etc.

As well as improving the facilities in our schools and ensuring increasing staffing levels, we have also placed a high priority on improving support for second chance education. The number of PLC places has increased, while initiatives to attract people back to education have been prioritised. Adult education has received particular attention, as have programmes to improve adult literacy.

We have also focused on increasing access to third level education. The number of students has increased significantly, to over 140,000. In 2004, 55% of 17-19 year olds entered third level, up from 44% in 1998.

We introduced a Top Up Grant for students who need the most support, which will benefit more than 11,000 students this year. The maximum amount of grant support available this year (including top-up) is €5,970.

Overall provision for third level education in the 2007 Estimates amounts to €1.9 billion. Budget 2006 outlined a 5 year programme of investment in third level building projects of €900 million over 2006-2010. This will see major projects progressed in every university and institute of technology.

In line with our commitments in the Programme for Government, we have provided for a massive increase in funding for third level research activities in recent years. Since the launch of the programme for research in third-level institutions (PRTLI), awards totalling €605 million have been made. A further €640 million is being invested under SFI. The Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation published earlier this year sets out a multi-billion plan for the coming years.

As the Deputy will see, huge progress has been made across a wide range of areas. It would be impossible to address all of the work done in one answer. However, if the Deputy has a query about a particular aspect of the Programme for Government, I would happy to answer it.

Schools Building Projects.

Michael Lowry

Question:

452 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science if a building project for a school (details supplied) in County Offaly will be progressed in 2006; if an application for funding has been received; when assessment will be complete; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41102/06]

An application has been received in my Department from the school referred to by the Deputy under the Small Schools Scheme 2007. My Department is currently assessing all applications received from schools for funding under this programme.

The list of successful applicants will be published as soon as possible.

Teaching Qualifications.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

453 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science the basis on which a person (details supplied) in County Wexford has been informed by her Department that their higher diploma in education is not recognised and that they must undertake SCG in order to teach here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41103/06]

Teachers trained outside the jurisdiction of the State, whose qualifications have been assessed and accepted by my Department, but who do not possess an appropriate Irish language qualification, are granted a five year period of provisional recognition to teach in mainstream classes in national schools. During this period these teachers are expected to obtain their Irish language qualification, Scrúdú le hAghaidh Cáilíochta sa Ghaeilge (SCG), in order to become fully recognised as mainstream class teachers, learning support teachers, and home/school/community/liaison teachers. They must also provide certification that they have resided in the Gaeltacht while attending an approved three-week course or its aggregated equivalent.

Teachers who had acquired a university degree in Irish were required to sit the SCG in common with other teachers but they had exemption from Paper II. Under the new arrangement, candidates, who have Irish as a major subject at primary degree level, including the person referred to by the Deputy, will be required to take the practical test, which incorporates three elements — to teach an Irish lesson, to take the theory test and to compile a portfolio of materials as a resource for the teaching of Irish — which will form a part of the SCG for all candidates from 1st September, 2006 onwards.

Schools Recognition.

Joan Burton

Question:

454 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the findings of the advisory committee to the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities who recently issued their second opinion on Ireland which included among other statements a strong recommendation to the authorities here to widen schooling options and stated that further steps are needed to accommodate the growing diversity of Irish schools; the steps being taken by her to address the issues raised in this statement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41104/06]

The criteria and procedures for the recognition of new primary schools were revised in 2002 based on the recommendations of a report of the Commission on School Accommodation, on which the Education Partners were represented.

Applications for the recognition of new primary schools are assessed by an independent advisory board (the New Schools Advisory Committee) on the basis of the facts provided by the patron body in support of the case for the new school and the likely demand for places. Schools are granted provisional recognition and permanent recognition follows when long term viability has been established on actual enrolments over a period.

Under this process all patron bodies are treated on an equal footing regardless of whether they are denominational, inter-denominational or multi-denominational. The Committee's annual programme of work culminates in a report with recommendations on the granting of recognition to an application. I am happy to support all new schools where it has been clearly demonstrated in accordance with the criteria that a demand exists.

School Staffing.

Joan Burton

Question:

455 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the way she proposes to address the urgent need for additional resources for foreign language teachers, in particular if she will be making specific allocations in this regard to schools in west Dublin who are under pressure in relation to the number of newcomer children and the shortage of language facilities; if she will be deploying additional resources to the schools (details supplied) in Dublin 15. [41105/06]

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 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 referred to by the Deputy — 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 Placement.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

456 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will ensure that sufficient Gaelcolaiste places are made available in Dublin for those leaving gaelscoileanna for the next four years, such as a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41115/06]

Seán Crowe

Question:

459 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the concerns of parents whose children are currently attending a school (details supplied) in Dublin 6W and who are attempting to secure their children’s future in an Irish speaking secondary school in view of the that fact that the nearest one is over an hour’s commute away for most of the parents; and if she will make a statement on dealing with this shortage of places for school children in this area. [41136/06]

Seán Ardagh

Question:

489 Mr. Ardagh asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide a gaelcholáiste in the Dublin 12 area to cater for the growing number of children already attending gaelscoileanna in the area (details supplied). [41375/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 456, 459 and 489 together.

School enrolment is a matter for Board of Managements. The parent in question should, therefore, apply for enrolment, in the normal way, to the Gaelcholáistí in the area. Section 29 of the Education Act 1998, provides parents with an appeal process where a Board of Management of a school or a person acting on behalf of the Board refuses enrolment to a student. Where a school refuses to enrol a pupil, the school is obliged to inform parents of their right under Section 29 of Education Act 1998 to appeal that decision to the Secretary General of my Department. Only where an appeal under Section 29 is upheld can the Secretary General of my Department direct a school to enrol a pupil.

The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The NEWB can be contacted at National Educational Welfare Board, National Headquarters, 16-22 Green Street, Dublin 7 or by telephone at 01-8738700.

In addition, I can confirm to the Deputy that the Department is in receipt of an application to establish an additional Gaelcholáiste in the South Dublin area. This application is currently under consideration and a decision will be communicated to the proposer as soon as possible.

Coláistí Oideachais.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

457 D’fhiafraigh Mr. O’Shea den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta cén plean atá aici coláiste oideachais neamhspleách a chur ar bun le múinteoirí a oiliúint chun teagasc i scoileanna Gaeltachta agus lán-Ghaeilge (sonraí tugtha); agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [41116/06]

Níl sé i gceist agam Coláiste Oideachais Neamhspleách a chur ar bun le múinteoirí a oiliúint chun teagasc i scoileanna Gaeltachta agus lán-Ghaeilge. É sin ráite, is é mo rún daingean a chinntiú go bhfuil an Ghaeilge chuí á múineadh i ngach clár ag na Coláistí Oiliúna chun freastail ar riachtanais na múinteoirí ag obair i ngach scoil, scoileanna Gaeltachta agus Gaelscoileanna san áireamh.

Glacann gach mac léinn B.Oid. agus iarchéime páirt i modúil i dTeagasc na Gaeilge, cúrsa modheolaíochta ar mhúineadh na Gaeilge, i ngach bliain dá gcúrsa. Bíonn deis ag mic léinn i gColáiste Phádraig, Droim Conrach agus i gColáiste Mhuire gan Smál, Luimneach an Ghaeilge a ghlacadh mar ábhar acadúil agus na mic léinn nach ndéanann amhlaidh bíonn orthu cúrsa a ghlacadh i nGaeilge Ghairmiúil. Glacann mic léinn a leithéid céanna de chúrsa i gColáiste Marino, i gColáiste Froebel agus i gColáiste Eaglais na hÉireann. Tugtar tacaíocht bhreise do mhic léinn ar mian leo a gcuid cleachtadh múinteoireachta a dhéanamh i scoileanna Gaeltachta agus i nGaelscoileanna. Chomh maith leis sin, tá sé riachtanach do gach ábhar múinteoir freastal ar chúrsa trí seachtaine i gColáiste Gaeilge aitheanta sa Ghaeltacht. Tig le Coláistí Oideachais suas le 10% de na hionaid ar an gclár B.Oid. a chur in áirithe do mhic léinn ó cheantair atá aitheanta go hoifigiúil mar cheantair Ghaeltachta.

Leanann mo Roinnse uirthi ag tabhairt tacaíochta d'oidí i gcur i bhfeidhm an churaclaim Ghaeilge le cabhair na gCuiditheoirí Gaeilge a bhíonn ag feidhmiú ag an leibhéal áitiúil agus ag an leibhéal réigiúnach. Is trí chuairteanna ar na scoileanna a thugann siad an tacaíocht i dtosach agus leanann siad den tacaíocht sin thar thréimhse roinnt seachtainí trí úsáid a bhaint as an nguthán, as ríomhphost agus as na háiseanna idirlín mar chuid den tseirbhís.

Aibreán seo caite d'fhógair mé go raibh cuiditheoirí sa bhreis á fhostú (á earcú) chun dul i mbun oibre le múinteoirí ionas go mbeadh feabhas ar cháilíocht theagaisc na Gaeilge sna bunscoileanna.

Tá fhios agam fé na riachtanais fé leith a bhaineann le scoileanna Gaeltachta agus Gaelscoileanna agus geallaimse dhuit a Theachta Dála gurb é mo rún daingean go bhfreastalófaí ar na riachtanais sin.

Disadvantaged Status.

Seán Ardagh

Question:

458 Mr. Ardagh asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will re-examine and re-instate the disadvantaged status of a school (details supplied). [41126/06]

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 in line with their level of disadvantage. I can also assure the Deputy that the school to which he refers will benefit from the lower local contribution rate for capital works.

With regard to ACCESS programmes, the aim under DEIS is to strengthen progression and access to higher education for those from disadvantaged communities through cooperation between third-level institutions and schools serving the communities concerned. The National Office for Equity of Access to Higher Education has published an action plan for the period 2005-2007 (Achieving Equity of Access to Higher Education in Ireland). The areas for action identified by the plan include the development of a national framework of equity of access policies, initiatives to widen access by under-represented learners and the provision of supports for higher education institutions in pursuing a practical agenda for achieving equity of access as a core part of institutional strategy. The work carried out in these areas will complement the new approach being adopted under the DEIS initiative and my Department and the National Office will work together in this regard.

Under DEIS, I recently announced the provision of 80 new posts to add to the 370 posts already in place in order to extend Home School Community Liaison services to any of the DEIS schools that do not currently have the service.

In addition, all schools, including the school to which the Deputy refers, which currently have HSCL service but are not included in DEIS, will continue to receive HSCL services after 2006/2007. HSCL services will continue to be provided to some 650 schools (282 second level and 370 primary schools).

However, following a full review of HSCL clustering arrangements by the Department in the coming year, levels of service may be varied in some schools to reflect their levels of disadvantage and size and to facilitate local HSCL co-ordinators working with families of disadvantaged children across both primary and second level.

Question No. 459 answered with QuestionNo. 456.

School Relocation.

Tony Gregory

Question:

460 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has received a proposal for the relocation of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 3 to a more central site within the East Wall area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41143/06]

To date, the Department in not in receipt of a proposal for the relocation of the school referred to by the Deputy. However, the School Planning Section of the Department has sent an application form for Major Capital Works to the school in question for completion.

School Transport.

Tom Hayes

Question:

461 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary who has requested an extension of the school bus service in their area. [41169/06]

Bus Éireann have examined the service referred to by the Deputy, in the details supplied, and found that it is within school transport guidelines. The parents should liaise with Bus Éireann regarding the possibility of providing a payable extension to this service.

School Accommodation.

Pat Breen

Question:

462 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 436 of 5 July 2006, if a visit has been carried out by her Department to a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41170/06]

The long term accommodation needs of the school referred to by the Deputy has been determined and notified to the school authority. Officials from the School Planning Section have recently been in contact with the school authority to agree on a suitable a date for a technical visit which is to take place in the coming days.

School Transport.

Máire Hoctor

Question:

463 Ms Hoctor asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the arrangements for transport to school for a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41190/06]

My Department allocates funding to schools for the employment of escorts on school transport services. These escorts are specifically engaged to cater for children with special educational needs whose care requirements are such as to necessitate continuous support.

As the school in question is not currently employing escorts, my Department is working towards the provision of a suitable school transport service for the pupil referred to by the Deputy, in the details supplied.

Youth Services.

Joe Higgins

Question:

464 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will meet a group (details supplied). [41193/06]

Joe Higgins

Question:

465 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will make funding available to a group (details supplied). [41194/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 464 and 465 together.

I am happy to arrange for officials of the Youth Affairs Section of my Department to meet with representatives of the group to discuss the matter.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

466 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in primary schools here in the 1996 to 1997 school year and in the 2006 to 2007 school year; the number of special needs teachers in primary schools here in the 1996 to 1997 school year and in the 2006 to 2007 school year; the number of special needs assistants in primary schools here in the 1996 to 1997 school year and in the 2006 to 2007 school year; the average primary school class size in the 1996 to 1997 school year and in the 2006 to 2007 school year; the pupil/teacher ratio in primary schools in the 1996 to 1997 school year and in the 2006 to 2007 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41195/06]

The average class size at primary level in 1996/97 was 27, while there was one teacher for every 22 children, including support teachers. Details of the average class size and the pupil teacher ratio for the current school year are not yet available. However, in 2005/06 the average primary class size was 24, while there was one teacher for every 17 children, including support teachers.

In 1996/97 there were 21,035 primary teachers. By September 2006, the number of primary teachers had risen considerably to 27,823. In 1998, there were approximately 300 special needs assistants in primary schools. This compares to a figure of 6,775 in the current year.

As the Deputy will see, there are nearly 7,000 more primary teachers now than there were in 1997 and both average class size and the pupil teacher ratio have been significantly reduced. 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.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

467 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in secondary schools here in the 1996 to 1997 school year and in the 2006 to 2007 school year; the number of special needs teachers in secondary schools here in the 1996 to 1997 school year and in the 2006 to 2007 school year; the number of special needs assistants in secondary schools here in the 1996 to 1997 school year and in the 2006 to 2007 school year; the average secondary school class size in the 1996 to 1997 school year and in the 2006 to 2007 school year; the pupil/teacher ratio in secondary schools in the 1996 to 1997 school year and in the 2006 to 2007 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41196/06]

Significant improvements have been made in the staffing of our second level schools in recent years. In the 1996/97 school year, there were approximately 23,200 whole-time equivalent teaching posts allocated to second level schools. For 2006/07, the corresponding figure is 25,424 whole-time equivalent posts.

This increase in staffing has dramatically improved the pupil teacher ratio at post primary level in recent years. The pupil teacher ratio has fallen from 16:1 in the 1996/97 school year to 13.2:1 in the 2005/06 school year. The PTR for 2006/07 is not yet available.

In relation to class size at post primary, data on average class size is not available within my Department. Teacher allocations to second level 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 Certificate courses and Leaving Certificate 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.

The rules for allocating teaching posts provide that where a school management authority is unable to meet essential curricular commitments, my Department will consider applications for additional short term support. An independent Appeals Committee is available to school authorities who wish to appeal the adequacy of their teacher allocation. In relation to providing for children with special educational needs, figures for 1996/97 are not readily available, however, there are currently 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.

In line with Government policy, my Department will continue to provide further reductions in the pupil teacher ratio within available resources and subject to spending priorities within the education sector. Priority will be given to pupils with special needs and those from disadvantaged areas.

Schools Building Projects.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

468 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the future plans for a school (details supplied) in County Wexford and the status for the co-educational school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41226/06]

As the Deputy may be aware the school to which he refers is included in the list of projects that were recently announced to commence architectural planning for a new 16 classroom school. It is intended that this school will be built using either the standardised design model or the design and build process, which have been successfully introduced by the Department in recent years.

This is an initial step towards facilitating the amalgamation of the three primary schools in New Ross parish to form a junior and senior school. In order to cater for future needs, two 16 classroom schools are being planned. Strict non-competitive enrolment policies will be put in place and this will be a condition of capital investment.

Special Educational Needs.

Marian Harkin

Question:

469 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Education and Science the responsibility her Department has for the ongoing educational needs of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41227/06]

An appeal was made to the Secretary General of my Department under Section 29 of the Education Act, 1998, against the decision of the Board of Management of a school in Co. Donegal to permanently exclude the person in question. The case went to full hearing before an independent appeals committee but the appeal was not upheld.

My Department has no authority to compel a school to re-admit a pupil, except in the case of an appeal under Section 29 of the Education Act, 1998, against an exclusion where the appeal is upheld.

The National Educational Welfare Board is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The Welfare Board has indicated that it will treat children for whom an appeal under Section 29 has been unsuccessful as priority cases in offering such assistance. The Educational Welfare Officer for the Donegal area has been in contact with the family regarding education and possible school placements for the person.

Home tuition has been sanctioned by my Department since the commencement of the appeals process and will continue until a suitable school place has been secured.

My Department has forwarded details of the health concerns referred to by the Deputy to the Health Service Executive for their attention.

Health and Safety Issues.

Shane McEntee

Question:

470 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for Education and Science the person who has responsibility for traffic management safety outside schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41230/06]

In general, individual school authorities are responsible, in the first instance, for ensuring the safety and welfare of children and others in their care, including traffic management measures within the vested area of the school site. My Department is prepared to consider applications from school authorities for grant-aid towards improving safety arrangements, including car parking, at individual schools.

Issues relating to traffic safety outside of school grounds are the responsibility of the relevant Local Authority. In the circumstances grant-aid is not available for works outside the vested area of the school.

Higher Education Grants.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

471 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science if an application for a maintenance grant will be reviewed for a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41251/06]

The Maintenance Grant Scheme for Students attending Post Leaving Certificate courses is administered by the Vocational Education Committees on behalf of my Department.

Under the terms of the Maintenance Grants Scheme for Post Leaving Certificate Courses 2006, grants are available to eligible candidates who are entering approved PLC courses for the first time in the 2006/2007 academic year. Candidates are ineligible if they already hold a FETAC Level 5 qualification (formerly known as a FETAC (NCVA) Level 2 qualification) a FETAC Level 6 qualification (formerly known as a FETAC (NCVA) Level 3 qualification) or a third level qualification at Level 6 or higher. However, notwithstanding this condition candidates who already hold a qualification no higher than FETAC Level 5 (formerly known as a FETAC (NCVA) Level 2) and are now pursuing a course that offers progression may be deemed eligible for grant aid.

My Department understands that the candidate, referred to by the Deputy, already holds a FETAC Level 5 qualification from a Business Studies course she previously pursued at Drogheda Institute of Further Education. As outlined above, the candidate is ineligible for grant assistance in respect of her PLC course Veterinary Assistant that she is pursuing in the current academic year which is at FETAC Level 5.

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

Site Acquisitions.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

472 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the proposed new national school for Cahergal, Tuam, County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41267/06]

Following a detailed assessment of the school's long term accommodation needs, a decision was taken to provide a new six classroom school. In order to facilitate this development, the Office of Public Works, which acts on behalf of my Department in relation to site acquisition, is at an advanced stage of the acquisition of land adjacent to the existing site.

When the site acquisition process is finalised, the school building project will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2006-2010.

Grant Payments.

Liam Twomey

Question:

473 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Education and Science if funding will be available for a school (details supplied) in County Wexford under the devolved grant scheme for smaller schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41268/06]

The school to which the Deputy refers has submitted an application for funding under the Small Schools Scheme 2007. All applications received under this scheme are currently being assessed in the Department and I will publish the list of successful applicants as soon as the assessment process is complete.

School Staffing.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

474 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will review a decision made by her Department in relation to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9; if she will ensure that the request in question is granted without further delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41283/06]

The staffing arrangements, including grading levels, for schools in the Comprehensive & Community (C&C) school sector are governed by a collective agreement involving the C&C school managerial authorities, representative trade unions and my Department. The grading of the caretaking post in the school referred to by the Deputy is in accordance with this agreement. Representations in this case have been made by the trade union concerned and my Department intends to meet shortly with them in the matter.

Physical Education Facilities.

Seán Ardagh

Question:

475 Mr. Ardagh asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will include a school (details supplied) in Dublin 10 in the recent physical education grant of €2000 that went to all established primary schools. [41297/06]

Seán Ardagh

Question:

476 Mr. Ardagh asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will appoint a special liaison departmental person to ensure that a school (details supplied) in Dublin 10 has current facilities, at least on a par with other primary schools in the greater Ballyfermot area. [41298/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 475, 476 together.

Last month I announced a special €6.5m package for primary schools to renew PE equipment. Under the package, schools received €2,000 towards the cost of replacing and upgrading PE equipment in their school. This grant issued together with the annual minor works grant which I have increased by 44%. This funding package is being made as part of this Government's continued commitment to modernise facilities in schools throughout the country. It remains a priority for me to ensure that all schools are resourced and facilities are improved where necessary.

Schools may also use their general capitation funding to support the implementation of curricula including Physical Education. The primary school capitation grant has been increased substantially in recent years. Since 1997 the standard rate of capitation grant has been increased from €57.14 per pupil to €163.58 with effect from 1st January, 2007. This represents an increase of over 186% in the standard rate of capitation grant since 1997.

A start-up grant of €6,348.69 was also paid to the school last August. This grant is to enable new schools to purchase equipment, furniture, teaching and administrative materials and to cover insurance and other costs attendant with the operation of a new school.

I have asked the Department to investigate the position with regard to the grants in question and revert to the school referred to by the Deputies as soon as possible.

Grant Payments.

Seán Ardagh

Question:

477 Mr. Ardagh asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in Dublin 10 can obtain a special grant of €10,000 for a much needed voice and data system. [41300/06]

An official from my Department has made contact with the school referred to by the Deputy. Confirmation was received that the school has an intercom system linking the principal with the various classrooms in the building. This is standard provision in all new school buildings.

Seán Ardagh

Question:

478 Mr. Ardagh asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in Dublin 10 can obtain a part-time secretary as there are significant administrative demands due to the newness and complexity of this innovative project. [41301/06]

Seán Ardagh

Question:

480 Mr. Ardagh asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in Dublin 10 can retrospectively draw down curriculum grants for the past seven years since 1999 to buy resources necessary to implement the new curriculum. [41303/06]

Seán Ardagh

Question:

481 Mr. Ardagh asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in Dublin 10 can obtain increased ex gratia ancillary grant and capitation funds as they currently together do not pay for the insurance premium on such a large building in such an area. [41304/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 478, 480 and 481 together.

My Department provides funding to primary 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.

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 schools and would fall to be met from the capitation funding which schools receive from my Department.

The primary school capitation grant has been increased substantially in recent years. Since 1997 the standard rate of capitation grant has been increased from €57.14 per pupil to €163.58 with effect from 1st January, 2007.

This represents an increase of over 186% in the standard rate of capitation grant since 1997.

My Department also provides funding towards the cost of secretarial and caretaking services in primary schools under two separate schemes. One scheme is the 1978/79 scheme for the employment of full-time secretaries and caretakers in primary schools, under which my Department meets the full cost of salary. This scheme is being phased out as posts become vacant and no new posts are being created. This scheme has been superseded by a more extensive grant scheme now referred to as the Ancillary Services grant.

The Ancillary Services grant scheme does not provide for the linking of the grants to any particular pay scale and is flexible by nature, giving Boards of Management discretion as to the manner in which secretarial and caretaking services are provided.

The standard rate of grant per pupil under the scheme was increased from €102 in 2002 to €139 in 2006. From 1st January next this will be increased by a further €6.50 per pupil bringing the overall ancillary grant per pupil at primary level to €145.50.

In the case of both the capitation grant and the ancillary services grant, a minimum grant equivalent to that for 60 pupils is paid to schools with enrolments of less than 60. This level of grant is payable in respect of the school referred to by the Deputy.

A start-up grant of €6,348.69 was paid to the school in August. In addition, an advance payment of portion of the ancillary services grant has been paid to the school. The balance of that grant and the full capitation grant will be paid in 2007.

There is no provision for the retrospective payment of once-off grants of the type referred to by the Deputy to new schools.

Seán Ardagh

Question:

479 Mr. Ardagh asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in Dublin 10 can retrospectively draw down the information technology grants afforded to primary schools, that is IT 2000, Blueprint for the future of ICT in Education and the Networking Grant. [41302/06]

I have asked my officials to examine the position of this school and I will advise the Deputy as to the outcome of the examination once complete.

Questions Nos. 480 and 481 answered with Question No. 478.

Departmental Properties.

Joe Costello

Question:

482 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has discussed the future use of the Fishery Building, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, with the Office of Public Works as promised (details supplied); her views on making it available to the local Glasnevin Educate Together multi-denominational school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41316/06]

As previously outlined, the Department is currently discussing the issue of the future use of the property in question with the Office of Public Works to determine if it has any potential for development as education infrastructure.

Schools Recognition.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

483 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has made a decision on the recognition of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; if not, when she expects to make it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41328/06]

My Department is of the view 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.

An application received from the group referred to by the Deputy to participate in the pilot scheme, which has facilitated the establishment of a number of ABA-specific units nationwide, is under consideration by officials in my Department.

Schools Building Projects.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

484 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount her Department has spent on prefabs for schools to date in 2006; the amount spent in 2003, 2004 and 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41329/06]

Between January 2003 and the end of October 2006, a total of €47.57m was expended by my Department on the purchase of prefab accommodation for primary and second level schools across the country. The annualised details are set out in the attached table. The expenditure was for the supply and installation of prefabricated buildings including associated site works, and other costs such as compliance with planning permission conditions, professional fees, and connections for water, electricity and sewage.

The spend on temporary accommodation represents a very small fraction of the overall yearly spend on school buildings. The current focus within my Department is to empower schools to resolve their accommodation needs, wherever possible, by way of permanent accommodation. In order to reduce the amount of temporary accommodation at primary level a new devolved initiative was launched in 2003. The purpose of this initiative is to allow schools to undertake a permanent solution to their classroom accommodation needs and to achieve the best value for money. Since the introduction of the devolved initiative, over 200 schools have been allocated funding under this scheme.

Higher Education Grants.

Joe Higgins

Question:

485 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will change the regulations governing higher education grants in order that students granted permission to remain in the State on the basis of having an Irish born sibling may be eligible for grant assistance. [41334/06]

Under the terms of the Higher Education Grants scheme grant assistance is awarded to students who meet the prescribed conditions of funding including those which relate to nationality, residency, means and previous academic attainment.

The Nationality requirement as set out in Clause 4.5 of the Higher Education Grant Scheme 2006 states,

Candidates must: hold E.U. Nationality; or have Official Refugee Status; or have been granted Humanitarian Leave to Remain in the State; or have permission to remain in the State by virtue of marriage to an Irish national residing in the State or be the child of such person, not having EU nationality; or have permission to remain in the State by virtue of marriage to a national of another EU Member State who is residing in the State and who is or has been employed, or self-employed, in the State, or be the child of such a person, not having EU nationality; or be nationals of a member country of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.

A non-EU national who has been granted permission to remain in the State on the basis of an Irish born sibling does not comply with the above conditions and is ineligible for grant assistance under the nationality requirements of the Scheme.

Any extension to the scope of the maintenance grants schemes can be considered only in the light of available resources and in the context of competing demands within the education sector.

Special Educational Needs.

Richard Bruton

Question:

486 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if all special schools in the Dublin area have access to a full time or part time speech and language teacher; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41342/06]

Richard Bruton

Question:

487 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of the special schools in the Dublin area that have been granted a part time or full time speech and language teacher by the Health Service Executive, that have been unable to fill such a post due to difficulties in recruitment; her views on allowing such schools to employ speech and language teachers directly through her Department as against the current system which is organised by the HSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41343/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 486 and 487 together.

I am assuming that the Deputy is referring to speech and language therapists rather than teachers.

My Department does not have details of the levels of therapy supports available to special schools as this is a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE) which is funded for this purpose. I have no plans to employ speech and language therapists through my Department.

There are currently 59 special classes for children with specific speech and language disorder operating in primary schools nationwide. In the greater Dublin area there are 8 special classes for children with this disorder. The pupil teacher ratio for each class is 7:1 and the children in the class have access to a speech and language therapist who is funded by the HSE.

Psychological Service.

David Stanton

Question:

488 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will request the National Educational Psychological Service to arrange an educational psychological assessment for a child (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41346/06]

All primary and post primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA), full details of which are available on my Departments' 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 school of the pupil to which the Deputy refers has access to the SCPA and the prioritisation of urgent cases for assessment is a matter for the School Principal in the first instance. Should school authorities have specific difficulties in this regard I would suggest that they should contact the local NEPs Regional Director, contact details for whom are also available on my Departments website.

Question No. 489 answered with QuestionNo. 456.

Bullying in Schools.

Enda Kenny

Question:

490 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the rights available to second level school principals in dealing with students who in a small minority of cases are aggressive, intimidating or threatening to teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41480/06]

Enda Kenny

Question:

492 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the rights of teachers at second level schools where incidents of aggressive, threatening or intimidating behaviour take place towards them albeit in a small minority of cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41482/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 490 and 492 together.

My Department has issued guidelines to the Management Authorities of second level schools on meeting their obligations under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act to ensure the safety and health of their employees.

As in other workplaces, staff in second level schools may be victims of violent or intimidating behaviour. During the course of their work, school staff may be at risk in the form of verbal abuse, threats, assaults or other forms of intimidation. This behaviour may come from pupils, parents, guardians, other staff members or visitors.

While it may not be possible to prevent all such incidents, effective school policies concerning a range of issues can have a positive effect in reducing the risk of such incidents occurring and to minimise their consequences. The close interaction of the school management with staff and parents in developing effective school policies on school discipline, bullying and health and safety contributes to a positive school environment where mutual respect, co-operation and natural justice are accepted features of the school community by all.

School Management Authorities are responsible for ensuring that a fair and efficient code of behaviour, encompassing rules, sanctions and procedures, is drawn up and applied in the school. The Code should be developed by the Principal and the staff in consultation with parents and approved by the School Management Authority. Parents should be circularised regarding the Code when it is finalised.

This Code should have as its aim the maintenance of desirable standards of behaviour, particularly in fostering understanding and co-operation between teachers, pupils and parents in helping schools to adapt to the needs of its students while establishing the basis for responsible actions by its students and observing the principles of natural justice. Any sanction imposed on a pupil should be in accordance with the Code of Discipline. Procedures for suspending pupils should be clearly set out in the school's Code of Discipline and should be adhered to. Aggressive, threatening or violent behaviour towards a teacher is regarded as serious or gross misbehaviour and may warrant suspension.

The National Educational Welfare Board is currently working on revised Guidelines for Developing School Codes of Behaviour. This work is nearing completion and I expect that the revised Guidelines will be available in the new year.

The Health and Safety Authority has also issued a Code of Practice on the Prevention of Workplace Bullying. It defines workplace bullying as repeated inappropriate behaviour, direct or indirect, whether verbal, physical or otherwise, conducted by one or more persons against another or others, at the place of work and/or in the course of employment, which could reasonably be regarded as undermining the individual's right to dignity at work. An isolated incident of the behaviour described in this definition may be an affront to dignity at work but as a once off incident is not considered to be bullying.

As a supportive resource, teachers can now access an Employee Assistance Service (EAS) specifically tailored to meet their particular needs. The EAS now available to teachers throughout the country is designed to support the health and well-being of teachers which will in turn positively affect work quality and performance. The service will incorporate confidential counselling on issues such as health, relationships, addictions, bereavement, stress, conflict, critical incident and trauma.

Services include, single session or short term structured telephone counselling, face-to-face short term confidential counselling as well as critical incident debriefing. These services are intended to assist individual teachers and school communities to increase psychological resilience, improve communication, develop positive work relationships and enhance well-being

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 as follows: the development of a Draft National Framework for Behaviour Improvement; the development of models of good practice for systems in schools which assist with and impact on classroom and whole school behaviour; ongoing training for the NBSS team; and 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.

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 €8 million to support the work of the NBSS, in helping schools promote positive student behaviour at second level.

School Enrolments.

Enda Kenny

Question:

491 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the enrolment policy of schools under her Department’s responsibility; if her attention has been drawn to the enrolment situations where families of Christian faith are being denied enrolment to Catholic primary schools in any area here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41481/06]

Enrolment in individual schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of those schools and the Department does not seek to intervene in decisions made by schools in such matters. The Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.

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

The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child.

Question No. 492 answered with QuestionNo. 490.

Schools Refurbishment.

Dan Neville

Question:

493 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application for funding under the summer works scheme for development of a playground in a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; and when schools will be informed of final decisions by her Department. [41483/06]

An application has been received in my Department from the school referred to by the Deputy under the Summer Works Scheme 2007. My Department is currently assessing all applications received from schools for funding under this programme.

The list of successful applicants will be published as soon as possible.

Special Educational Needs.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

494 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children with special needs who are currently receiving State funded education outside the State; the number of children receiving such education who are on the autistic spectrum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41525/06]

My Department's records indicate that there are seven children receiving a contribution from my Department towards their education outside the State. Six of these children are on the autistic spectrum.

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; 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; and 12 stand-alone facilities providing an Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) specific methodology on a pilot basis. Approval has also been given for the establishment of a further two such facilities.

Schools Building Projects.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

495 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of an application from a school (details supplied) in County Wexford for funding under the devolved grant scheme for smaller schools; if she will ensure that the substantial extension of premises required to accommodate this school’s greatly increased enrolment will be built before September 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41533/06]

The school to which the Deputy refers has submitted an application for funding under the Small Schools Scheme 2007. All applications received under this scheme are currently being assessed in the Department and I will publish the list of successful applicants as soon as the assessment process is complete.

Psychological Service.

John Perry

Question:

496 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will authorise an educational psychological assessment for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41541/06]

All primary and post primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA), full details of which are available on my Department's website. Schools that do not currently have NEPS psychologists assigned to them may avail of the SCPA, whereby the school can have an assessment carried out by a member of the panel of private psychologists approved by NEPS, and NEPS will pay the psychologist the fees for this assessment directly.

The school of the pupil to which the Deputy refers has access to the SCPA and the prioritisation of urgent cases for assessment is a matter for the School Principal in the first instance. Should school authorities have specific difficulties in this regard I would suggest that they should contact the local NEPs Regional Director, contact details for whom are also available on my Department's website.

Computerisation Programme.

Michael Ring

Question:

497 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if funding will be provided to re-equip the information technology facilities in a school (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the great work it has achieved with Internet based collaborative projects, its use of multimedia and its web site. [41561/06]

As the Deputy will be aware, the two major investment priorities under the ICT in Schools Programme over the past two years have been the provision of grant aid to schools to develop their computer networks and the establishment of the Schools Broadband Network and the provision of broadband access to schools. In this context, the school concerned received a networking grant of €2,200 in December 2004 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.

School Discipline.

Paul McGrath

Question:

498 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary school and second level pupils who have been suspended from their respective schools for each of the years 2002 to 2005 and to date in 2006. [41575/06]

Paul McGrath

Question:

499 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the average number of days that students attending primary school and second level school have been suspended for in each of the years 2002 to 2006. [41576/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 498 and 499 together.

The Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 established the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) as the single national body with responsibility for school attendance. The Act provides a comprehensive framework promoting regular school attendance and tackling the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving. The general functions of the Board are to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education.

In January 2005, the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) issued guidelines to the management authorities of all primary and post primary schools on reporting student absences,suspensions and expulsions. These guidelines advise that a school must report to the NEWB where a decision has been taken to expel a student.

Schools are also required to periodically report to the NEWB on student absences. Suspension is one of seven possible categories of absence which are reported on.

As regards the specific data requested by the Deputy on the matter of suspensions, I have requested the NEWB to provide this information to me and I will reply directly to the Deputy when the data is to hand.

School Enrolments.

Seán Crowe

Question:

500 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the ongoing development in the centre of Tallaght with thousands of new apartments constructed and in view of difficulties being experienced elsewhere, she is satisfied that there are sufficient school places for children in the area. [41594/06]

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.

Schools Building Projects.

Jack Wall

Question:

501 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science when the design team will be in a position to advise her that the project of a new school (details supplied) in County Kildare has been advanced to the point that the project can be offered to tender; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41633/06]

The building project for the School referred to by the Deputy was one of the sixty two projects that I announced to start the architectural planning process in January of this year. The brief for the 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 my Department's Offices in Tullamore, the Design Team were instructed to proceed to stage 3 (detailed design with costings) of my Department's Design Team Procedures.

The stage 3 documentation is now awaited and when this is received in my Department, my Officials will, if necessary, arrange a meeting with the School Authorities and their Design Team in order to evaluate the documentation. Once the stage 3 is approved, the new School building project will proceed, in accordance with the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2006-2010, to advanced design and subsequently to tender and construction.

Jack Wall

Question:

502 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application for a new school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if there has been unforeseen delays in regard to the preparatory documentation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41634/06]

The building project for the School referred to by the Deputy was one of the sixty two projects that I announced to start the architectural planning process in January of this year. The brief for the 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 my Department's Offices in Tullamore, the Design Team were instructed to proceed to stage 3 (detailed design with costings) of my Department's Design Team Procedures.

The stage 3 documentation is now awaited and when this received in my Department, my Officials will if necessary, arrange a meeting with the School Authorities and their Design Team in order to evaluate the documentation. Once the stage 3 is approved, the new School building project will proceed, in accordance with the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2006-2010, to advanced design and subsequently to tender and construction.

Consultancy Contracts.

Seán Ryan

Question:

503 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of expenditure on consultancy by her Department in 2003, 2004 and 2005; the number of consultants engaged by her Department in those years; and the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by her Department in these years and for the future. [41720/06]

The following is the information requested by the Deputy:

Year

Expenditure

No. of Consultancy Firms

2003

843,666.50

27

2004

981,469.52

32

2005

1,219,841.89

35

Consultants have only been, and are being, engaged by my Department for projects where a need for such services has been clearly established on a value for money basis.

Schools Building Projects.

Michael Ring

Question:

504 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science when a planning application will be submitted for a school (details supplied) in County Mayo. [41791/06]

The necessary documentation is being finalised at present and it is envisaged that the planning application for the project referred to by the Deputy will be lodged before the end of the year.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

505 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science if, when the pupil-teacher ratio of a school is calculated, remedial and resource teachers are included in the calculation through which the figure is arrived at; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41792/06]

Significant improvements have been made in the pupil teacher ratio (PTR) at both primary and post primary level in recent years. At primary level the ratio has fallen from 22.2:1 in the 1996/97 school year to 17:1 in the 2005/06 school year and at post primary the ratio has fallen from 16:1 in the 1996/97 school year to 13.2:1 in the 2005/06 school year. When calculating the PTR, all teaching posts in the system are taken into consideration.

School Management.

Enda Kenny

Question:

506 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in respect of the governance of primary schools, she is satisfied with the system of voluntary boards of management; if, in situations where the board of management is the employer of primary teachers and her Department represents the paymaster of teachers with the result that no system of conclusive decisions and decision-making is available in respect of difficulties with teachers, personnel problems and other matters, she is satisfied with this situation; if she has considered a transfer of responsibilities from the current system to a more workable system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41800/06]

The difference between the role and responsibility of a Board as employer and the Minister for Education and Science flows from the history of education in Ireland and the Constitution. The relationship of the State and schools derives from provisions in our Constitution. The State has a Constitutional obligation under Article 42.4 to provide for free primary education. As Minister, my constitutional obligation is to provide for primary education and not to provide it. As Minister I make arrangements for the availability of primary education, through the payment of teacher salaries and provision of funding.

In accordance with the Education Act, schools are managed by the Patron and the Patron is responsible for the direct governance of a school. The Patron nominates a Board of a Management to manage a school on its behalf. My Department has not now and never had direct responsibility for the day to day operation of a school. This position was recognised by the Supreme Court in Crowley v Ireland.

In addition, Section 24 (1) of the Education Act 1998 provides that the Board of Management "may appoint such and so many persons as teachers and other staff of a school as the board from time to time thinks necessary for the performance of its powers and functions under this Act". Section 24(3) of the Act also states that "A board shall appoint teachers and other staff, who are to be paid from monies provided by the Oireachtas, and may suspend or dismiss such teachers and staff, in accordance with procedures agreed from time to time between the Minister, the patron, recognised school management organisations and any recognised trade union and staff association representing teachers or other staff as appropriate".

The Board has the responsibility to ensure that the school operates efficiently and effectively and also has responsibilities in relation to the actions of its employees in the context of the regulations outlined above. Therefore, the Board as manager of the school must manage the staff in the school and intervene when it considers necessary to resolve matters relating to the actions of its employees. The Board of Management is the employer and has similar powers to any other employer. My Department is not the employer and does not have an employer/employee relationship with the teachers in a school. My Department cannot perform functions which are proper to the Board in relation to the management of the teaching staff of the school, including decisions in respect of difficulties or personnel problems with teachers.

There are no plans to change the position in this regard.

Departmental Bodies.

David Stanton

Question:

507 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if an upper age limit applies regarding membership of State boards under her aegis; if so, the reason for the age limit; her plans to remove same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42078/06]

The information requested by the Deputy is being compiled in my Department and will be sent to him as soon as possible.

Consultancy Contracts.

Seán Ryan

Question:

508 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Defence the amount of expenditure on consultancy by his Department in 2003, 2004 and 2005; the number of consultants engaged by his Department in those years; and the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by his Department in these years and for the future. [41719/06]

The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the table.

Year

Name

Purpose

Cost

Status

2003

Dr. Eileen Doyle

Chairperson, Monitoring Group to give effect to recommendations of the Report concerning harassment, bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment in the Defence Forces

97,400

Completed

2003

Mr Colm Dunne

Expenditure Review on “Maintenance of Aircraft in the Air Corps”

3,220

Completed

2003

Mr. Martin McCoy

Assist in the Department’s preparations to seek ISO 9000 accreditation

10,150

Completed

2003

Mr Dominic McCanny

To conduct an investigation into allegations of bullying

86,029

Completed

2003

Deloitte & Touche

Assist with specification and selection of Management Information Framework System

26,740

Completed

2003

Brady Shipman Martin

Preparation of integrated action plan for former Murphy Barracks in Ballincollig.

2,126

Completed

2003

Brian Meehan & Associates Ltd

Appeal on behalf of Minister in relation to Aeronautical development planning to Casement Aerodrome.

5,4445

Completed

2003

Sir Frederick Snow and Partners

Review of policy in relation to Casement Aerodrome.

854

Completed

2004

Sir Frederick Snow and Partners

Review of policy in relation to Casement Aerodrome.

8246

Completed

2004

Dr. Eileen Doyle

Chairperson, Monitoring Group to give effect to recommendations of the Report concerning harassment, bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment in the Defence Forces

43,859

Completed

2004

Goldsmith Fitzgerald Partnership

Climate survey analysis in relation to the performance management and development system, PMDS

1,800

Completed

2004

Sweeney Communications

Public relations service

9,788

Completed

2005

Dr Charles O’Malley

Medical Adviser for Civil Defence

6,400 Set Fee per annum

On going (Term of 3 years from May 2005)

2005

Sir Frederick Snow and Partners

Review of policy in relation to Casement Aerodrome.

874

Completed

It should also be noted that the Department has never included the under-mentioned projects as "Consultancies": payment of €2.59m to date to Oracle EMEA Ltd. in respect of implementation services for installation of new financial and management information systems for the Department and the Defence Forces (on going). The full value of the contract is €2.7m.

There is an ongoing capital building programme in my Department designed to modernise the living, training, operational and accommodation facilities available to the Defence Forces, both Permanent and Reserve. There has been an unprecedented level of spending on the programme to date with over €200 million spent between 1999 and 2005. This year will see a further €21.8 million invested in the programme.

As a result of this significant increase in the building programme Consultants with appropriate expertise are engaged by the Department as necessary to provide technical services in connection with building, engineering and equipment projects etc. and in connection with psychometric testing for Army, Naval Service and Air Corps cadetships and trainee technicians.

It should be noted that (as per Comptroller and Auditor General, Report on Value for Money "Consultancies in the Civil Service" 1998) such design and engineering consultancies for capital projects are better examined in association with the construction projects to which they relate.

Departmental Bodies.

David Stanton

Question:

509 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Defence if an upper age limit applies regarding membership of State boards under his aegis; if so, the reason for the age limit; his plans to remove same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42077/06]

There is no upper age limit applied to members of State Boards which come under the aegis of my Department.

Environmental Policy.

Michael Ring

Question:

510 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in relation to the grazing stocking rate for an area (details supplied) he will provide a copy of what was proposed by the EU for this area to bring the Irish farmers in line; the proposals from Europe in relation the destocking of sheep from the hills; and if he will provide a copy of what was agreed between his Department and the EU. [41210/06]

Continued overgrazing by livestock in some areas has given rise to environmental problems, particularly loss of vegetation and soil erosion in commonages. In this regard, damage to the habitat of the Red Grouse in the Owenduff/Nephin Beg Complex Special Protection Area in County Mayo, has been the subject of a continuing infringement case, under the Birds Directive, taken against Ireland by the EU Commission in the European Court of Justice. The Commission has called on Ireland to implement measures and demonstrate improvements in this area and in other commonages.

It is for the appropriate Irish authorities, to devise and implement measures sufficient to restore this habitat and to satisfy EU Commission or European Court of Justice requirements in that regard. My Department, in co-operation with the Department of Agriculture and Food and the European Commission, has been working to resolve the issue of appropriate commonage management, which is made complex by the multiple shareholdings involved.

The two Departments have put in place a number of measures which are directed at meeting EU requirements fully. These measures include: full rather than partial destocking under the Commonage Framework Plans; a requirement for participation in REPS or the NPWS farm plans by farmers in the area; guidelines to farm planners on appropriate carrying capacities for commonages; and most significantly, a special closed period for all sheep farming on the Owenduff Nephin Beg commonage for 5 months of the year (November to December and mid February to mid May). Farmers are being paid compensation for additional costs arising from removal of sheep for this closed period.

In addition, my Department is increasing the monitoring of the condition of commonages and privately owned lands in designated areas and where appropriate will take the necessary enforcement measures to secure compliance under the requirements of the Directive.

Local Government Acts.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

511 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there is a requirement on local authorities to present minutes to the council of the corporate policy committee for adoption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41147/06]

There is no obligation under the Local Government Act 2001 which requires the minutes of the Corporate Policy Group, CPG, to be circulated to the elected council for adoption. The adoption of the minutes of CPG meetings is a matter for the Committee itself. However, I understand that it is the practice in a number of local authorities for the minutes of such meetings to be circulated to the council for information.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

512 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to the Gweedore sewerage scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41148/06]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

513 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the de-bundling of the Gweedore sewerage scheme and the Letterkenny sewerage scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41149/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 512 and 513 together.

The Gweedore and Letterkenny Sewerage Schemes have been approved for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007. When Donegal County Council simultaneously advertised for expressions of interest from contractors for both schemes in July 2005, my Department requested the Council to consider combining the procurement of both projects with a view to securing a more competitive tender process and to submit revised tender documents facilitating such an approach to the Department for approval. The revised tender documents are awaited.

In the meantime, my Department has written to the Council requesting a timetable for implementation of both schemes in light of developments since July 2005.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

514 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when approval will be given for pipe replacement for the Rosses regional network under the water conservation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41150/06]

My Department has allocated funding of €25 million for water conservation measures in County Donegal under the Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007.

In response to an interim report from Donegal County Council summarising the water conservation measures already undertaken in the county, my Department requested information on 16 October last in relation to the Council's future proposals, including, inter alia, a detailed work programme. On receipt of the Council's response consideration will be given to the approval of funding for further works.

Environmental Policy.

Mary Upton

Question:

515 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he will take regarding the concerns of residents that inappropriate trees (details supplied) should be banned from being planted in suburban gardens due to their propensity to take over gardens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41152/06]

Current Irish legislation does not provide for restrictions on the height of hedges. I have however asked my Department to prepare some preliminary proposals for dealing with this matter and I will consider the matter further then.

Noise Pollution.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

516 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there is redress for residents experiencing noise values resulting from motorway provision which are in excess of predicted levels and of the British standard. [41160/06]

The Minister for Transport has responsibility for policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme, and implementation of individual projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority in conjunction with the relevant local authority. In this regard, I understand that the National Roads Authority published Guidelines for the Treatment of Noise and Vibration in National Road Schemes in 2004.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

517 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there is imminent legislation which would require remedial action in circumstances where traffic noise levels exceed a given EU accepted standard; and if such legislation is contemplated either at national or EU level. [41161/06]

I have recently made the Environmental Noise Regulations 2006, which give effect to EU Directive 2002/49/EC relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise. Environmental noise is defined in the Regulations as unwanted or harmful outdoor sound created by human activities, including noise emitted by means of transport, road traffic, rail traffic, air traffic, and from sites of industrial activity.

The Regulations require the preparation of strategic noise maps for areas and infrastructure falling within defined criteria, e.g. large agglomerations, and major roads, railways and airports. Based on the results of the mapping process, the Regulations require the preparation of noise action plans for each area concerned, with a view to preventing and reducing environmental noise, where necessary.

My Department is not aware of any further or imminent EU legislation in relation to traffic noise levels.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Pat Breen

Question:

518 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the Labasheeda and Carrigaholt sewerage schemes in County Clare will be fast tracked in view of the fact that Cooraclare, which had been bundled with those schemes, has been given to go-ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41162/06]

I recently approved Clare County Council's proposals to advance the works for Cooraclare independently of the other two locations included in the Carrigaholt/Labasheeda/Cooraclare Sewerage Scheme which was scheduled to commence construction in 2007 in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007.

My Department is awaiting submission of an Economic Review and revised Water Services Pricing Policy Report from Clare County Council for Carrigaholt and Labasheeda.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

519 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department will provide copies of all the records it holds regarding the Castleconnor group water scheme in west Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41171/06]

I refer to the replies to Question No. 257 of 2 November 2006, and to Question No. 575 of 21 November 2006, in which I indicated that my Department has received no recent correspondence or representations in relation to this scheme.

The only records in my Department relate to payment of grants for the construction of the scheme in the early 1990s prior to the devolution of responsibility for the Rural Water Programme to the local authorities.

Building Regulations.

Finian McGrath

Question:

520 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if Part M of the 1988 building regulations make it compulsory for all restaurants to have toilets accessible for wheelchair users; and the action disabled people can take on this matter. [41198/06]

Part M (Access for People with Disabilities) of the Building Regulations applies to all new buildings, and extensions to or material alterations of existing buildings, to which the public have access and the construction of which commenced on or after 1 June 1992. Part M requires that if sanitary conveniences are provided in a new building as defined, adequate provision shall be made for people with disabilities. Technical Guidance Document M (TGD-M) provides guidance on how to comply with this requirement. Compliance with the Building Regulations in this matter would be primarily the responsibility of the owner or occupier of a building.

Responsibility for enforcement of the Building Regulations is vested in the 37 local building control authorities. Complaints of non-compliance with Part M should be brought to the attention of the authority in whose functional area the relevant building is located. A list of the contact details for each Building Control Officer is available from my Department and can be viewed/downloaded on the Department's website at: www.environ.ie.

Departmental Transport.

Michael Ring

Question:

521 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount spent by his Department and by the national parks and wildlife service in hiring helicopters in each of the past three years; and the breakdown of the yearly amount paid for this service. [41201/06]

The cost of helicopter hire organised directly by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department for the past three years is set out below:

Year

2004

27,188.70

2005

21,072.15

2006

5,553.90

Helicopter hire connected with the recent development of the Diamond Hill Walkway in Connemara National Park was arranged by the contractor concerned and the cost of helicopters was a matter between the contractor and the helicopter sub-contractor. Similarly, certain survey work undertaken in both 2004 and 2005 for the mapping of Special Areas of Conservation involved the assistance of a helicopter, to be arranged by the contractor concerned within the overall price tendered for the contract.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

522 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the phasing report submitted by Donegal County Council in relation to the Killybegs sewerage scheme will be approved and work allowed to commence on the scheme. [41208/06]

The Killybegs Sewerage Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007. I approved Donegal County Council's Preliminary Report for the scheme last month, subject to a number of conditions. The Council may now proceed with the preparation of tender documents.

Departmental Transport.

Michael Ring

Question:

523 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount spent by the national parks and wildlife service for the purchase of vehicles (details supplied) in each of the past three years; the number of vehicles purchased; and the number of rangers employed in that time frame, on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41211/06]

One crew-cab vehicle of the make referred to in the question was purchased by the National Parks and Wildlife Service in December 2005 at a cost of €43,550. A further crew-cab of the same make is currently on order at a cost of €43,000.

The numbers of conservation rangers employed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service in the past 3 years are as follows:

31 December 2004 — 70 conservation rangers

31 December 2005 — 75 conservation rangers

5 December 2006 — 77 conservation rangers.

In addition, 2 conservation rangers are currently employed on short-term contracts.

Smoking Ban.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

524 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he plans to introduce legislation to ensure proper safety and control of designated smoking areas of public buildings, including pubs; if he will designate an agency to police this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41214/06]

The safety and control of designated smoking areas of public buildings is a matter in the first instance for the owners of such premises and a number of legislative codes apply. I have no plans to introduce legislation or designate an agency of the type suggested in the Question.

The Fire Services Act 1981 as amended by the Licensing of Indoor Events Act 2003 and Ease of Escape Regulations made under that Act provide a comprehensive statutory basis for the operation of fire safety in buildings and structures, whether temporary or permanent. The Fire Services Act 1981 applies to buildings used for any purpose involving access to the building by members of the public. Section 18(2) of the Act places a duty of care on persons, having control of a building to which the Act applies, to take all reasonable measures to prevent the outbreak of fire and to ensure as far as possible the safety of those using the premises in the event of fire.

The Act also places a duty on every person on the premises to conduct himself/herself in such a way as to ensure any person on the premises is not exposed to danger from fire. Enforcement of the provisions of the Fire Services Act 1981 is carried out by fire authorities. One of the benefits of the smoking ban has been the reduction of fire risk in premises such as pubs and clubs.

The measures outlined above relate to fire authority powers to deal with issues of fire safety and overcrowding in buildings including pubs and clubs, and are in addition to the powers of the Garda Síochána and other public bodies under other legislative codes.

Departmental Correspondence.

Michael Ring

Question:

525 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason a full and detailed reply was not issued in relation to a query that was raised with him. [41215/06]

A substantive reply to the Deputy's correspondence has issued.

Radon Gas Levels.

Marian Harkin

Question:

526 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on putting in place a radon grants scheme in view of the high concentration of radon here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41217/06]

During the period 1992 to 1999, the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) carried out a nationwide survey of radon gas in domestic dwellings. The survey involved the measurement of radon in some 11,000 houses nationwide. Based on the results of this survey, the RPII estimated that some 91,000 houses nationally, equivalent to about 7% of the national housing stock, have radon concentration levels in excess of 200 Becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m3). This is the National Reference Level adopted by Government in respect of houses, and is the level above which it is recommended that radon remediation works should be considered.

The RPII's website —www.rpii.ie — contains a comprehensive map which shows the location of High Radon Areas throughout the country, i.e., areas where 10% or more of the houses are estimated to have radon levels in excess of the National reference Level. County radon maps and survey results can be viewed also on that web-site by clicking on the county by name. Of the approximately 30,000 houses tested to date by the RPII for radon, some 200, or about 1%, had radon concentrations in excess of 800 Bq/m3, a level considered by RPII as extremely high. Such householders are strongly urged by the RPII to undertake immediate radon remediation measures on their house.

The Government, largely through the RPII, has for many years now committed significant resources to assessing the extent of the radon problem throughout the country and to highlighting public awareness of radon and the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to high radon concentrations. In this connection, I would refer to the reply to Question No. 607 of 1 November 2006 in which I outlined the numerous initiatives undertaken by RPII and my Department. Householders, particularly those in high radon areas, have been strongly encouraged to have their homes tested for radon and to undertake radon remediation works where necessary.

On the issue of grant assistance, and as stated in my reply to previous questions, increasing the awareness of the public is considered to be a more effective approach than the provision of State financial assistance schemes to householders for radon testing of their homes or for radon remediation works. Such schemes of assistance are not operated by the majority of EU Member States. It would be difficult for a demand led scheme of domestic radon grants to ensure appropriate and cost effective targeting of remedial action. Furthermore, such a scheme could require very significant public expenditure and administrative resources.

As is clear from the above, considerable resources are being expended by Government on promoting public awareness of radon. Government efforts and resources, together with the RPII, will continue to focus on highlighting public awareness of radon and on improving information to householders and employers so as to enable and encourage them to address monitoring or remedial requirements effectively and economically.

Waste Management.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

527 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the cost of providing a home composting unit to all houses here. [41262/06]

The information sought is not available in my Department. The National Strategy on Biodegradable Waste, published in April 2006, is aimed at the progressive diversion of biodegradable municipal waste from landfill by 2016 to 35% of the amount of biodegradable municipal waste generated in the baseline year of 1995. This will be achieved through a combination of measures — separated biodegradable waste can be composted at home or delivered to local recycling centres while separate collection of organic waste will be required in all suitable urban and rural areas as part of an integrated collection system.

While the cost of providing a compost bin is a matter in the first instance for the householder, the use of such a bin can reduce a household's overall waste management bill and I understand that compost bins are generally available at reduced prices from local authorities.

Turbary Rights.

Pat Breen

Question:

528 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of a cessation of turf-cutting scheme application form for persons (details supplied) in County Clare; if the contract has been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41269/06]

This site in Tullagher Lough and Bog is currently being surveyed and upon receipt of the surveyor's report a letter of offer to purchase the lands will issue to the vendors.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Beverley Flynn

Question:

529 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will give approval for the extension of water from the Carramore treatment works to Glevamoy. [41289/06]

The Extension of the Erris Regional Water Supply Scheme to Glenamoy is approved for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007. Mayo County Council's Water Services Pricing Policy Report and design drawings and specifications for the scheme, which is to be constructed by the Council by direct labour, are under examination in my Department and are being dealt with as quickly as possible.

Beverley Flynn

Question:

530 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will approve the preliminary report for Belmullet sewerage scheme as it is with his Department since 2004. [41292/06]

Beverley Flynn

Question:

532 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will give the go ahead for Foxford sewerage scheme as the preliminary report is with his Department since 2004 awaiting approval. [41294/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 530 and 532 together.

The Belmullet and Foxford Sewerage Schemes are approved for funding under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 and are being advanced as a joint Design/Build/Operate project. My Department's examination of Mayo County Council's Preliminary Reports for the schemes is being finalised in light of additional information while was sought from the Council.

Beverley Flynn

Question:

531 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will approve the contract documents for Ballina town water. [41293/06]

The Ballina Regional Water Supply (Storage and Mains) Scheme is approved for funding under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007. Mayo County Council's Contract Documents for the scheme are being examined in my Department and are being dealt with as quickly as possible.

Question No. 532 answered with QuestionNo. 530.

Planning Issues.

Joe Costello

Question:

533 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make provision for the establishment of small playschools on the same basis as small bed and breakfasts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41318/06]

I assume that the Questions refers to article 10(4) of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 which sets out an exemption for development consisting of the use of not more than 4 bedrooms in a house, where each bedroom is used for the accommodation of not more than 4 persons, as overnight guest accommodation.

Article 10(5) of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 already sets out exemptions for the use of a house for the purpose of child-minding. For the purposes of the Planning Acts child-minding is defined as the activity of minding no more than 6 children, including the children, if any, of the person minding, in the house of that person, for profit or gain.

In addition, planning authorities currently require the provision of at least one child care facility for each 75 dwellings in a new housing area, in accordance with the Child care Guidelines for Planning Authorities published in April 2001. Under the Planning and Development Act 2000 planning authorities have extensive powers to provide or facilitate the provision of child care facilities in their functional area, through appropriate strategic planning through the development plan, the setting of appropriate conditions on planning permissions and the use of development contributions to pay for the capital cost of community facilities. I am satisfied that these powers, used proactively, will facilitate an adequate supply of child care places through the planning process. Accordingly, it is not proposed to amend the Act or Regulations in this respect.

Local Authority Housing.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

534 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will reduce from 18 months to 12 months the time that persons who have been deemed to be homeless must wait to qualify for the RAS scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41353/06]

Housing Regulations.

Michael Ring

Question:

535 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide this Deputy with a copy of a set of regulations (details supplied). [41484/06]

I have arranged for a copy of the Housing (Sale of Housing) Regulations 1995 to be forwarded to the Deputy.

Environmental Policy.

Richard Bruton

Question:

536 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to develop the legal framework and the administrative structures to enhance the protection of animals outside of the commercial agricultural sphere; if he has conducted an audit of the adequacy of existing services to deal with problems in this area; and if he has identified the principal gaps in service which need to be developed. [41506/06]

My Department has responsibilities under the Wildlife Acts and the Habitats Regulations, relating to the conservation of populations of certain wild animals. Staff of my Department are deployed in administering licences under, and enforcing this legislation, and notices and prosecutions are regularly initiated.

The Wildlife Acts and the Habitats Regulations have also been amended in light of emerging needs, and this process will continue. Animal health and legal protection of animals from cruelty are the responsibility of the Department of Agriculture and Food, and appropriate resources are deployed by that Department for inspections and prosecutions under the relevant legislative codes. There is good cooperation between my Department and the Department of Agriculture and Food in relation to issues arising from our respective responsibilities in these areas.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Pat Breen

Question:

537 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress that has been made in assessing the preliminary report from Clare County Council on the proposed Kilrush and Kilkee sewerage schemes; the funding that has been earmarked for these projects; the proposed construction timetable of these schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41512/06]

The Kilkee and Kilrush Sewerage Schemes are being advanced under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 as a joint project to start construction in 2007 at an overall estimated cost of €12.19m. Clare County Council's Preliminary Report for the schemes is being examined in my Department and is being dealt with as quickly as possible.

Local Authority Housing.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

538 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the second phase of the remedial works scheme for Mullaghmatt housing will take place; his views on whether there is a need to include an external works scheme on the private houses and boundary walls if this scheme is to meet its full potential; his views on whether this scheme deals with families who found themselves in a very difficult situation north of the Border at a time when the Northern Ireland troubles were at their worst and could clearly be designated for restoration under any cross-Border funding being provided to back up the St. Andrews Agreement; his further views on whether the immediate Border counties deserve a balanced support from funding that is made available from the Government to back up what is already promised from the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41553/06]

My Department has not received detailed proposals from Monaghan Town Council in respect of the next phase of the remedial works scheme for Mullaghmatt. The timing of further phases of remedial works to remaining houses in the estate is a matter for the local authority.

Housing Management Companies.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

539 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he knows the number of housing estates, as distinct from apartment developments, for which a condition of planning permission was imposed by the relevant local authority to establish a management company for maintenance of the common areas and services; if so, the number in each local authority area; if not, if he will seek such information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41583/06]

My Department does not collect the detailed data referred to in the Question.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

540 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a request has been received from a group (details supplied) in County Kildare for funding; if he will give favourable consideration to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41608/06]

I assume that the Question refers to assistance from my Department under the Voluntary and Co-operative Housing Capital Funding Schemes. My Department's involvement with the schemes relates primarily to the provision of funds for individual projects. The administration of the schemes, and the certification that particular projects comply with the terms of the schemes, are the responsibility of the local authority.

In relation to the case referred to in the Question, no application for funding has yet been received by my Department from Kildare County Council who are responsible for the administration of these schemes in their area.

Consultancy Contracts.

Seán Ryan

Question:

541 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of expenditure on consultancy by his Department in 2003, 2004 and 2005; the number of consultants engaged by his Department in those years; and the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by his Department in these years and for the future. [41722/06]

I refer to the replies to Question No. 164 of 4 October 2006 and Question No. 785 of 6 July 2006.

My Department has regard to the appropriate Department of Finance guidelines on engaging consultants. Proposals for use of consultancy services by my Department are set out in Divisional business plans, which are reviewed and endorsed by my Department's management team at the beginning of each year. The resulting programme of proposed consultancy expenditure is approved by me, and I am consulted on significant new consultancy proposals on a continuing basis.

The information requested in relation to the amount spent on consultancies, which has been reducing considerably, and the number of consultancies carried out for the years concerned is set out in the table.

2003

2004

2005

Actual expenditure on consultancy

€17,190,665

€3,141,139

€2,387,589

Number of consultancies

60

54

75

Departmental Bodies.

David Stanton

Question:

542 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if an upper age limit applies regarding membership of State boards under his aegis; if so, the reason for the age limit; his plans to remove same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42080/06]

An upper age limit of 65 years applies for any member of the Board of an agency under the aegis of my Department who is an employee of the agency and whose employment commenced before 1 April 2004. This arises because such an employee does not come within the scope of the definition of new entrant as set out in Section 2(1) of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004; Section 2(3) of that Act contains a general provision that a person who is a new entrant to the public service shall not be obliged to retire on age grounds.

No age limit applies in relation to members of boards of agencies under my Department's aegis who are not employees of the agency concerned.

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