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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 31 Jan 2007

Vol. 630 No. 3

Written Answers.

The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 36, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 37 to 121, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 122 to 129, inclusive, answered orally.

Proposed Legislation.

Seán Crowe

Question:

130 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he plans to publish corporate manslaughter legislation in view of the high level of workplace deaths here and the fact that his Department felt it would be inappropriate to deal with the issue of corporate killing in the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2612/07]

The issue of corporate manslaughter was considered at the time of the drafting of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Bill, which ultimately became the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005. The Attorney General was of the opinion that there were much broader issues than safety, health and welfare at work which needed to be considered. Legislating in the relatively confined area of occupational safety and health would have omitted other sectors where such an offence could be committed. Therefore it was decided that it was not appropriate to deal with the issue of corporate killing in legislation which was providing for the law and regulation of occupational safety, health and welfare.

The Law Reform Commission issued a Report on Corporate Killing in October 2005 and it accepted the view of the Attorney General's Office that the scope of the 2005 Act was narrower than the proposed offence recommended in its Report.

Consideration of the Law Reform Commission's Report and recommendations are a matter for the Minister for Justice and Law Reform in the context of his main responsibilities for the criminal law system.

Pricing Regulations.

Dan Boyle

Question:

131 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the recent price war on alcohol over recent months; if there was consideration given to excluding alcohol products from the ban on below cost selling of grocery goods; and his views on whether the widespread availability of cheap alcohol will encourage further alcohol abuse. [2720/07]

The issue of alcohol and below cost selling was dealt with in my Department's November 2005 Report on the Groceries Order. The Groceries Order was not designed to tackle the issue of alcohol abuse and there is no evidence to suggest that it was capable of doing so. The Department's Report concluded that the Order was a highly inappropriate and disproportionate mechanism by which to seek to control alcohol consumption.

The question of alcohol abuse is an important issue but one which must be addressed within its correct context. It raises broad issues of societal behaviour. However, the type of measure imposed by the Groceries Order is not, and never was, an effective, appropriate or proportionate means of promoting responsible consumption of alcohol. It did not address the issue of below cost selling at all — its benchmark was the invoice price. It did not prevent suppliers from funding cheaper alcohol; it only imposed this restriction on retailers. Neither did it prevent discounters from selling cheap alcohol. Indeed, "price war" prices are probably higher than the prices charged by the discounters for cheaper alcohol products — the point being that low prices are available to those consumers who require them.

I fully support the policy objective of promoting responsible consumption of alcohol and tackling the issue of alcohol abuse. If any policy grounds for limiting price competition on alcohol exist, they exist in the context of health, cultural or law and order policies. A case for regulating price based alcohol promotions should be made to the relevant Minister or Department who would then need to find a statutory power to achieve this objective.

Intellectual Property Rights.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

132 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his position on software patents; the position the Government took on the proposed Computer Implemented Inventions Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2520/07]

Ireland has been party to the European Patent Convention since 1992 and our law reflects its Article 52 criteria on the patentability of inventions. The Convention makes it clear that computer programs "as such" cannot be patented but it is important to note that this does not extend to so-called ‘computer implemented inventions'. These may be patentable under certain conditions and many thousands of such patents have already been granted by the European Patent Office and the national patent offices within the EU.

However, the application of the case law and the administrative practice of Member States in this area is divergent. As a result, it is currently possible to patent a particular computer implemented invention in one Member State and not in another, with negative consequences for the efficient functioning of the Internal Market. For this reason, the Commission brought forward, in 2002, a proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the patentability of computer-implemented inventions, the aim of which was to rectify this situation and to make the conditions for patentability more transparent — to give innovators and enterprises the ability to compete effectively in the single market.

Ireland supported the proposal as offering increased certainty on intellectual property rights protection and as reinforcing the single EU internal market. While the measure had wide support from the European ICT industry, including many within the SME sector, it was opposed by non-proprietary software interests. Ultimately, the European Parliament rejected the proposed directive in July 2005. After this rejection, the European Commission indicated that it would not be bringing forward a further proposal in this area.

Export Levels.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

133 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action he is taking to ensure that exports here will increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2577/07]

The most recent full year trade figures published by the Central Statistics Office show that the value of Irish merchandise exports for 2005 increased by 5% compared to 2004 and this followed a 3% rise the previous year. This increase of 5% in 2005 continues the upward trend in the value of exports, which, with the exception of the global economic slowdown which occurred around 2002, has been a feature of our export performance since the early 1990s. I am heartened by this continuous improvement in exports, against a difficult background of ongoing low growth rates in the US and the major European economies, in recent years. Figures for the full year 2006 are not yet available but for the 11 months to November, total exports are showing an increase of almost 3% over the same period in 2005, so the solid growth of recent years is being maintained.

The Irish Government is strongly supportive of Irish exporting firms working to increase their level of exports on world markets. My Department, through its agency, Enterprise Ireland, is active both nationally at the developmental level and, through promotional activities carried out from a range of locations abroad, in assisting Irish indigenous companies to find new markets for their products and to increase their existing level of market share. Through its network of 33 international offices, Enterprise Ireland create and implement successful strategies for market entry, development and growth in overseas markets. The activities of this network include—

Arranging access to international buyers and increasing in-market trade promotion activities,

Increasing the number of overseas missions, raising the level of participation at trade shows and increasing the number and quality of incoming buyers.

Seeking to ensure increased international media coverage of the range of product and service providers in Ireland and the benefits of doing business here,

Continuing to increase the number of incubation centres in key overseas markets, thus providing a low cost market mechanism for clients with strong potential.

In this work, close coordination is maintained with other export promotion organizations, such as An Bord Bia, Bord Iascaigh Mhara and non-governmental bodies such as the Irish Exporters Association. Enterprise Ireland is also assisted by our Irish Embassies abroad, in facilitating the development of export markets for Irish exporting companies. In addition, both myself and my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Michéal Martin, T.D., have been active in leading trade missions in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland and we will continue to do so, to both existing long-established markets, to the new EU member states and also to Asia, with a view to increasing the share of exports by Irish companies worldwide. Last year, we led a total of 24 Trade Missions to various countries. Already this year, Minister Martin, accompanied the Taoiseach and other Government Ministers on the recent trade Mission to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. A total of 114 companies participated in that mission and it is estimated that contracts to the value of €65 million will result.

Enterprise Policy.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

134 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the changes to enterprise policy he will undertake in order for Ireland to meet its commitments under the Kyoto Protocol and EU Environment agreements relating to the emission of greenhouse gases; when these policy changes will take effect; the reason he has failed to adequately address the environmental impact of business and assist businesses in reducing their carbon outputs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2549/07]

Enterprise policy over the past number of years has been very successful in achieving a decoupling of growth in emissions from economic growth. The review of the National Climate Change Strategy which was published by my colleague, the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government last July, shows that emissions per unit of GDP in 2004 were 48% of what they were in 1990. In fact, while GDP grew by 155% between 1990 and 2004, emissions in the industry, commercial and services sector grew by only 13%. This achievement in curbing emissions growth in the industry sector is quite impressive when we take into account the fact that industrial production increased by 330% over the same period. Moreover, the growth in emissions in the industry, commercial and services sector, at 13%, is significantly lower than the national growth in emissions of 23% over the same period.

However, despite the success which has been achieved in curbing emissions in the enterprise sector, my Department is fully conscious of the need to continually engage in initiatives to ensure that the enterprise sector will be able to meet its Kyoto commitments. In this regard, my Department published a Sustainable Development Strategy in 2003, one of the four key goals of which was aimed at ensuring that appropriate mechanisms were established to assist the enterprise sector in meeting its obligations under the National Climate Change Strategy. It has transpired that the most important mechanism which has been developed in this regard is the EU Emissions Trading Scheme.

The EU Emissions Trading Scheme is now regarded as one of the key measures in Ireland's strategy to meet its Kyoto target. It is also regarded as a flagship policy at EU level to combat the threat of climate change. The Scheme has been operating on a three year pilot basis since 2005. The second phase of the Scheme will cover the Kyoto commitment period of 2008-2012. It operates on a "cap and trade" basis, whereby emission caps are set for each of the installations covered by the Scheme. If an installation exceeds its cap, it must buy allowances. Similarly, if an installation manages to reduce its emissions to a level below its cap, it can sell allowances. The Scheme thus provides a strong financial incentive for firms to reduce their emissions by investing in more efficient technology or changing their processes.

The Emissions Trading Scheme applies to more than 100 installations in the Energy and Industry sectors in Ireland, encompassing the most significant emitters of CO2. Its importance as a mechanism for reducing emissions in the industry sector arises from the fact that 100% of process emissions and approximately 80% of combustion related emissions from manufacturing industry come within its scope. The level of CO2 that each installation is permitted to emit is set out in a National Allocation Plan which must be approved by the European Commission. As already stated, if any installation exceeds that cap, that installation will have to buy allowances. Consequently, a very effective mechanism is now in place to ensure that the industry and energy sectors of the economy will make a very significant contribution towards meeting Ireland's Kyoto commitment.

Apart from the Emissions Trading arrangements, Enterprise Ireland offers a set of dedicated supports to companies aimed at increasing awareness of, and promoting, eco efficiency in their operations.

Job Losses.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

135 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of redundancies in 2006; if he has specific plans to address this problem during the first half of 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2524/07]

23,684 actual redundancies were notified to my Department in 2006.

Over the last number of years there has been a significant churn in employment. Some traditional low-cost industries throughout the country are under pressure and are closing. Other sectors, especially the services sector, are providing significant new employment opportunities. Since 1997, over half a million new jobs were created in Ireland and the number in employment now exceeds 2 million. The unemployment rate is 4.5%, which is the second lowest in the EU, and is considered to be virtually full employment.

In the last 12 months alone, almost 26,000 new permanent full time jobs were created in firms supported by the enterprise development agencies. Despite increasing global competitive pressures, the latest Quarterly National Household Survey (Quarter 3 2006) from the CSO also shows an increase of 83,500 in employment compared to the corresponding period in 2005. Furthermore, this increase is spread across all sectors of the economy.

While the changing nature of our economy has seen some losses, in contrast, the new jobs created in the enterprise development agencies' client companies in the last number of years are heavily concentrated in high value-added, knowledge-based companies that offer greater security in the face of intense international competition. Irish manufacturers engaged in specialised, sophisticated, high technology and value-added activities, and/or operating in non-commoditised markets (e.g. the medical technologies and pharmaceuticals sectors) can continue to compete successfully on international markets going forward. These sectors require specialised skilled staff, specialised technologies, flexible operations, and other factors that are not readily available in many low cost economies, such as modern Intellectual Property (IP) protection laws, a business friendly regulatory environment, etc.

One of my Department's main tasks is to ensure that Ireland remains an attractive place to do business, and to support the development of economic competencies higher up the value chain. In that regard, we continue to work to maintain and enhance our framework competitive conditions, including our general taxation package which incentivises both the wealth creating business community and those in, and preparing to enter the labour force. We are also working to promote new areas of competitive advantage, such as by developing our R&D base through the Strategy for Science Technology and Innovation.

The enterprise agencies also aim to support sustainable, high value added enterprise in Ireland through the provision of mentoring and developmental supports, the enhancement of management capabilities and critical workforce skills in client companies, support for the creation and implementation of strategies for market entry, development and growth, and strong supports for innovation and for research and development. Furthermore, we are continuing to pursue policies to promote lifelong learning and up-skilling to improve labour market flexibility and, where necessary, ensure that appropriate training supports are provided for workers in sectors that are no longer competitive, and who may need to find alternative employment.

Departmental Schemes.

John McGuinness

Question:

136 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on ICTU’s comments on the BES schemes; if his Department has had contact from the Commission regarding same; if he is confident the extensions will go ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2562/07]

The BES and SCS are central tax incentive schemes to Ireland's overall strategy for the small business sector. I established The Small Business Forum in 2005 to specifically look at the environment in which small business operate. As part of their review the Forum considered whether the strategies being followed to support and develop the spirit of entrepreneurship in Ireland were effective and appropriate, and in this regard made particular recommendations on improving the BES and SCS schemes.

The report of the Small Business Forum, "Small Business is Big Business", found that over 97 per cent of businesses operating in Ireland today are classified as small, employing almost 800,000 people. Given this context, the Forum raised a number of issues that need to be addressed if the small business sector is to realise its full potential and continue as a key driver of the Irish economy that will be demanded in the years ahead.

As the Deputy will be aware, my colleague, the Minister for Finance, Mr. Cowen, T.D., in his Budget 2007 statement announced that both the Business Expansion Scheme (BES) and Seed Capital Scheme (SCS) were being renewed from 1 January 2007 for a seven year period to 31 December 2013, subject to the approval of the European Commission. I strongly supported this decision, as there is a strong business case for extension of both the BES and SCS. Businesses particularly small and start-up companies often experience difficulty in accessing early stage development capital and the BES and SCS help to bridge the financial difficulties experienced by new entrepreneurs.

As indicated by the Minister for Finance in his Budget Statement, the Business Expansion Scheme and the associated Seed Capital Scheme are approved State Aids and their continuation and the changes proposed will require the approval of the European Commission in line with the "Community Guidelines on State Aid to Promote Risk Capital Investments in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises". I understand that the EU Commission have written to the Irish authorities, seeking more information regarding the status of the schemes and the expected formal notification date of the scheme to the Commission. The Department of Finance together with an official from my Department have already engaged with the Commission on this matter and it is expected that the formal application for approval will be made shortly. It is not certain when the European Commission will make its decision.

As the Deputy will be aware the renewal of the Schemes is also subject to the approval of the Oireachtas in the Finance Act. It is expected that the Finance Bill will be published at the beginning of February. Assuming a favourable decision by the European Commission, the relevant sections of the Finance Bill will, when enacted, be commenced by Ministerial Order.

I can assure the Deputy that the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment is working very closely with the Department of Finance to secure the approval for the schemes as a matter of priority. We appreciate the importance of both schemes to encourage entrepreneurs and private investors to invest in new start-up business and micro enterprises, and we are doing everything necessary to finalise matters with the European Commission as quickly as possible.

Departmental Agencies.

Michael Noonan

Question:

137 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his view on the performance of Enterprise Ireland in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2599/07]

At the end of 2006, Enterprise Ireland reported a second solid year of progress on the implementation of the organisation's current three year strategy "Transforming Irish Industry 2005-2007". The goal of the overall strategy is to maximise export sales through the utilisation of applied research, technology and innovation while ensuring economic development is achieved in a regionally balanced fashion. A number of key targets are used to monitor progress towards these objectives. Enterprise Ireland reported an excellent performance in 2006, with all strategic targets met or exceeded by EI client companies, for example:

€1 Billion in New Export Sales forecast

550+ Companies Engaged in Meaningful (€100K+) and 40+ in Significant (€2M+) Research and Development in 2006

150 Productivity Improvement Fund Investments

Net gain in Employment of 1,200.

Preliminary indications are that Irish companies have gained strong positions in international markets that will result in the achievement of €1 Billion in new export sales by year-end, when final data for 2006 is confirmed. Total employment in Enterprise Ireland supported companies is 141,000 representing a net gain of 1,200 in 2006. EI continuously pursues new opportunities for client companies in international markets. As a result of deepening relationships with major global corporations, 5 such companies invested €9.5 Million in venture capital in Enterprise Ireland client companies in 2006.

75 companies with high export growth potential were established in the year. 89 key reference sales were secured for start-up clients and 79 of these were in first time export markets. In addition, significant new first time export sales contracts with a value of €125 Million were won by client companies with Enterprise Ireland assistance.

Client companies in the Scaling Portfolio are actively pursuing rapid global growth strategies to achieve agreed scale thresholds of €10 Million, €15 Million and €20 Million. In 2006 Enterprise Ireland supported 8 major investments by scaling companies.

There is sustained evidence that research and development and innovation are now firmly on the enterprise agenda. During 2006, 550+ companies invested €100,000 or more on R&D projects and a further 40+ in excess of €2 Million. During 2006 Enterprise Ireland initiated the R&D Advocates programme through which experienced senior business R&D practitioners encourage companies to engage in practical research and development for the first time.

EI will coordinate Ireland's participation in the €50 Billion 7th EU Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7), launched in 2006. FP7 will provide opportunities for Irish researchers in industry, higher education, voluntary organisations and other areas to tap into European research networks and funding.

Total EI funding approvals to client companies for research and development, expansions, management development, training and productivity improvement projects in 2006 amounted to in excess of €120 Million. This represents an increase of almost €40 Million over last year and is a clear indication that EI clients have a real commitment to grow their international business. The investment pipeline for 2007 remains strong.

150 companies are engaged in significant productivity improvement projects and are investing €80 Million with support from Enterprise Ireland. These projects represent a first step on the route to developing an innovation strategy and culture within the recipient companies with the ultimate goal of competing successfully in international markets.

Employment Rights.

Martin Ferris

Question:

138 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures taken by his Department to encourage workers to join trade unions. [2617/07]

Article 40.6.iii of the Constitution of Ireland guarantees the right of citizens ‘to form associations and unions'. The Irish Courts have found that the explicit right to associate contained in the Constitution is matched by an implied corollary right to disassociate. Accordingly, it is a matter for an individual to decide whether or not to join a trade union.

Trade unions are a vital part of Irish life. Through the national partnership process, they have played a dynamic role in paving the way for national prosperity, in modernising our economy, in accommodating change and in creating a healthy climate for industrial relations. Through their participation on boards of many of our State bodies, they have contributed significantly, both in representing and vindicating the rights of their members, and also in helping to shape our strong performance and rapid development.

The State is supportive of the trade union movement and its role in society, but does not provide specific supports or encouragement regarding trade union membership or recruitment. Responsibility for encouraging workers to join trade unions lies with the trade union movement itself.

An annual grant is paid to assist the Irish Congress of Trade Unions in meeting the cost of providing its Education, Training and Advisory Services (ETAS), which provides training for union officials and activists in affiliated unions. The allocation for 2007 is €1.887m.

The trade union movement also benefits from the Trade Union Support Scheme (TUSS) administered by FÁS. In 2006, the funding provided was €1.227m.

The Department also provides funds to Trade Unions to assist in the costs incurred by unions in the course of amalgamations. The allocation for 2007 allocation is €147,000.

EU Directives.

Liz McManus

Question:

139 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the implementation to date of the Posted Workers Directive, 96/71/EC; the number of complaints made under the auspices of this Directive; the number of investigations undertaken by his Department or its agents or agencies into suspected breaches of this Directive; the number of prosecutions undertaken in regard to posted workers for each year from 2002 to date in 2007; the number of these prosecutions that were successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2552/07]

Directive 96/71/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 1996 concerning the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services defines a posted worker as " a worker who, for a limited period, carries out his work in the territory of a Member State other than the State in which he normally works." The Directive guarantees workers posted to a Member State from another Member State the terms and conditions of the host State.

Directive 96/71/EC was transposed into Irish law by section 20 of the Protection of Employees (Part-Time Work) Act 2001, which provides that all employee protection legislation on the statute book in the State applies to posted workers in exactly the same way as it applies to Irish workers.

Ireland's comprehensive body of employment rights legislation, which protects employees against arbitrary behaviour by employers, applies, therefore, to all workers employed on an employer-employee basis in Ireland. The Protection of Employee's (Part-Time) Work Act, 2001 also provides that all employee protection legislation applies to a person, irrespective of his or her nationality or place of residence, who has entered into a contract of employment that provides for his or her being employed in the State or who works in the State under a contract of employment. Thus a person, irrespective of nationality or place of residence, who works in the State under a contract of employment, has the same rights under Irish employment rights legislation as Irish employees.

Labour Inspectors pursue allegations of worker mistreatment and when evidence of non-compliance with the relevant employment rights legislation is found, the Inspectorate seeks redress for the individuals concerned and, if appropriate, a prosecution is initiated. Employers are required to maintain records in respect of such employees and these records, together with other substantiating evidence, for example, a statement from an employee, provide the essentials of a basis for legal proceedings. Failure to maintain adequate records by an employer is an offence.

No distinction is made in terms of worker nationality or place of residence insofar as the enforcement of employment rights legislation is concerned. In the circumstances information on posted workers in terms of the number of complaints made under the auspices of this Directive, the number of investigations undertaken and the number of prosecutions undertaken is not readily available. However, almost 16,000 inspections/ visits were undertaken by the Labour Inspectorate in 2006 to determine compliance with employment rights legislation. During the year, the Inspectorate also recovered arrears of pay amounting to almost €1.4 million and initiated legal proceedings against 24 employers in respect of breaches of employment rights legislation. Prosecutions brought before the Courts in 2006 resulted in the imposition by the Courts of fines against 8 employers amounting to a total of €33,351.

It should be noted also, that in many cases, Employment Rights Legislation has provisions whereby workers who believe that they have been denied their entitlements, or otherwise unfairly treated, can, as an alternative to dealing with the Labour Inspectorate, take the matter before a Commissioner in the Rights Commissioner Service of the Labour Relations Commission.

I urge anyone who has evidence of the mistreatment of posted or other workers to furnish all the relevant details and any related materials to the Inspectorate with a view to pursuing the matter.

Work Permits.

Joe Costello

Question:

140 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of work permits issued to Romanian and Bulgarian citizens to date in 2007; if his Department has noted any increase in applications from these countries since their accession to the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2539/07]

The number of permits issued to Romanian and Bulgarian citizens in 2007, to date, is 17.

My Department has not detected any increase in the trend in Work Permit applications from these Member States since they joined the EU on 1st January 2007.

Question No. 141 answered with QuestionNo. 128.

Industrial Relations.

Willie Penrose

Question:

142 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of registered employment agreements currently in place; the industries and regions to which these apply; if he is satisfied that REAs provide a satisfactory framework for the regulation of working standards and conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2531/07]

The registration of Employment Agreements and the maintenance of the Register of such agreements is a matter for the Labour Court and one in which I have no direct function. Currently I understand that there are 45 Employment Agreements registered with the Labour Court. Information in relation to REAs, and on those which have been registered or varied in recent years, is available on the Labour Court website at www.labourcourt.ie and in the Annual Reports of the Labour Court. Copies of the Annual Reports are available in the Oireachtas Library and on the Court's website.

Ireland's system of industrial relations is based on a voluntary approach with terms and conditions of employment being determined in the main by a process of voluntary collective bargaining between the parties. A feature of voluntarism is that collective agreements are generally not enforceable in law. However, Employment Agreements (provided for in the Industrial Relations Acts, 1946 to 2004) are agreements on pay and conditions of employment negotiated by the two sides in an industry or enterprise. Employment Agreements may be presented to the Labour Court for registration. Where the Labour Court is satisfied that the agreement presented satisfies the statutory requirements, it will register the agreement. The effect of this is to make the provisions of the agreement legally enforceable in respect of every worker of the class, type or group to which it is expressed to apply and to his or her employer, even if such worker or employer is not a party to the agreement.

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

I am satisfied that our system of Registered Employment Agreements provides a strong framework for the regulation and enforcement of collective agreements between employers and workers on a wide range of terms and conditions of employment.

Pricing Regulations.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

143 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress to date on the public consultation on the EU price display regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2528/07]

Directive 98/6/EC on the requirement to indicate product prices was transposed into Irish law in Statutory Instrument No. 639 of 2002 and came into force on 1st March 2003. The Directive obliges retailers to display the selling price and the unit price (the price per kilo or litre) for products.

I decided to review the EU price display legislation as it is legislation which impacts on the consumer every time they decide to purchase a product.

On 20th October 2006 I arranged for advertisements to be placed in the national newspapers inviting comments on the Regulations. A Consultation document outlining the issues which people could comment on was also produced and was available on the Department's website. I also arranged that groups and businesses with an interest in these matters be written to. A number of organisations have submitted comments to my Department in relation to the review on EU price display legislation. All of these comments are currently being considered and proposals will be made in the coming weeks.

It is important to note that as the Regulations transpose an EU Directive all proposals will have to be considered in conjunction with the European Commission. They are currently reviewing the operation of the Price Display Directive by Member States and any further actions that we take will have to incorporate and complement any EU changes.

Arms Industry.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

144 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on recent media reports (details supplied) estimating the value of the Irish arms industry at €1 billion. [2615/07]

I would like to thank the Deputy for this opportunity to put on record in the House a more accurate presentation on Ireland's export control system than that which has been portrayed in recent media articles.

My Department operates an export control system dedicated to preventing the export of goods that could be used in nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction, that could be used to violate human rights or exacerbate internal conflicts in the country of final destination, that could be subsequently diverted for purposes other than their stated end-use and to prevent strategic exports to countries whose behaviour is a threat to international peace.

Controls are applied on the export of military and dual-use goods, that is, items and technology that potentially have both civil and military applications. All export licences are granted in accordance with the criteria set out in the EU Code of Conduct on Arms Exports. These include respect for human rights and the rule of law in the country of final destination, regional peace and security, the behaviour of the buyer country with regard to the international community and the existence of a risk that the goods will be diverted within the buyer country or re-exported under undesirable conditions. In addition, Ireland complies fully with trade sanctions and arms embargoes that have been imposed by the United Nations, the EU and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

Recent media coverage has sought to convey the impression that Ireland is a major arms exporter. In the first instance I would like to recall the findings of the 2004 Forfás report, on export licensing of military and dual use goods, that Ireland does not manufacture finished military goods but that a small number of firms are engaged in the production of non-lethal components for military equipment. In 2006, for example, four fifths of the licences granted were for fire control components. Other military goods exported included ground vehicle and aircraft components and explosives used for mine-clearing purposes.

I would also like to emphasise that over 95% of licensed Irish exports are dual-use goods, the vast majority of which are in the electronics sector. Other dual use exports include computers, machine tools and cryptography software. A dual use licence is only granted when my Department is satisfied that the goods in question are intended for civil end use. If there is any reason to suspect that the goods will be used for a military purpose, or that they will be diverted to an end-use other than that specified in the application, a dual use export licence is not granted.

With regard to the export of military goods, while licensed values give an indication of exports in this area, the actual value of exports is usually significantly less. In 2005 for example, actual exports comprised less than half of the total licensed values.

This Government is committed to ensuring that Ireland's export control system is in line with best international practice and will shortly introduce in the Oireachtas the Control of Exports Bill 2007. Among the key features of this legislation are substantially increased penalties, enhanced inspection and audit powers for officers of my Department and the introduction of controls on brokering and technical assistance activities and on intangible transfers of technology. The Bill also provides for the submission of an annual report to the Oireachtas on Ireland's export control system.

Company Law Enforcement.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

145 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of investigations by the Director of Corporate Enforcement, the Employment Appeals Tribunal and any other agencies under the aegis of his Department into the liquidation of a company (details supplied) and subsequent creation of another company; if the situation has been resolved to his satisfaction; his views on new legislation that will be required to prevent this situation recurring; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2529/07]

Section 56 of the Company Law Enforcement Act 2001, requires a liquidator of an insolvent company to submit a report to the Director of Corporate Enforcement within 6 months of their appointment. Liquidators are also obliged to bring High Court proceedings for the restriction of the directors of such companies within 5 months of receipt of such reports, unless relieved of that obligation by the Director.

In relation to the company mentioned, I have recently been informed by the Director that he has temporarily relieved the liquidator of the obligation to take restriction proceedings pending receipt of a further report from the liquidator to be submitted in two month's time. This form of decision is, I understand, usually made when the liquidator's enquiries have not yet reached a point where he is in a position to make a firm recommendation on the appropriateness of proceedings with a restriction application. In such cases where a further report is requested and submitted the obligations and time periods set out in section 56(2) apply again.

The role of the Employment Appeals Tribunal arises from claims referred to my Department by the liquidator of the Company concerned on behalf of the employees for arrears of wages, holiday pay and other entitlements for payment from the Social Insurance Fund under the Insolvency Payments Scheme. As the circumstances of the insolvency gave rise to a doubt as to whether the claims could be paid under the scheme, the question was referred to the Tribunal under Section 9(3) of the Protection of Employees (Employers' Insolvency) Act 1984 for a decision on the matter. A full hearing by the Tribunal was scheduled for 14 December 2006, but the Tribunal on that date adjourned it until 21 March 2007. The Employment Appeals Tribunal is independent in the performance of its functions and it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage.

As regards new legislation relating to "phoenix" situations, I would draw attention to the changes introduced by Part 5 of the Company Law Enforcement Act, 2001 which address problems and issues connected with business failure.

Labour Inspectorate.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

146 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of labour inspectors employed by the labour inspectorate of his Department; the number of labour inspectors available for assignment on normal duties; the number of labour inspectors in training following recruitment; the status of the recruitment campaign to increase the labour inspectorate to 90 inspectors; if all 59 additional labour inspectors will be employed by the second quarter of 2007, as indicated in his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 84 of 15 November 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2530/07]

Gay Mitchell

Question:

154 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the new positions in the labour inspectorate announced in November 2006 will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2600/07]

John Curran

Question:

168 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the recruitment of the labour inspectors; if interviews have taken place; the location of regional offices; when this process will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2572/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 146, 154 and 168 together.

As indicated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 84 of 15 November 2006, the number of Labour Inspectors will be progressively increased from 31 at present to 90 by end-2007 with the expectation that assignments will be made from the second quarter of 2007. The necessary arrangements and selection processes to meet this objective are being progressed at present. Intensive and detailed training will be delivered to new inspectors both on assignment and following initial work experience.

The Labour Inspectorate will be subsumed into the new National Employment Rights Authority (NERA), which is being established at present. The Authority's headquarters will be based in Carlow while it will also have a presence in Dublin and other regions as part of the regionalised structure proposed for the Authority.

Proposals in relation to the regionalisation of the Labour Inspectorate have now been finalised in consultation with the Director designate of the new Office, Ger Deering, and I will announce the details in this regard shortly.

The regionalisation of NERA, which is a priority commitment on the Government's behalf under Towards 2016, the Social Partnership Agreement, will have a positive impact in terms of creating an immediate presence within the regions, improving communications with our customers and generating public awareness of employment rights and obligations generally.

Bullying in the Workplace.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

147 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has received from the Health and Safety Authority a proposed update to the 2002 Code of Practice on Workplace Bullying, as referred to by him in his answer to Parliamentary Question No. 92 of 15 November 2006; the changes that will be required to legislation, either primary or secondary, to fully implement this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2532/07]

Some months ago, I asked the Health and Safety Authority to update the 2002 Code of Practice on Workplace Bullying in light of the updated requirements in the new Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.

The Health and Safety Authority in 2006 has since developed a draft "Code of Practice for Employers and Employees on the Prevention and Resolution of Bullying at Work" to be published in accordance with Section 60 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. The draft Code is aimed at preventing bullying and dealing with the problem when it happens in workplaces. It is a Code for both employers and employees. The draft Code explains what bullying means and deals with the responsibilities of employers and employees as regards preventing it.

The draft Code, when published, will replace the "Code of Practice on the Prevention of Workplace Bullying" published by the Authority in 2002 under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989.

Public consultation by the Health and Safety Authority on the draft Code, in accordance with the 2005 Act, concluded on 16 January 2007. I understand that the Authority is currently analysing the submissions received on the draft Code. I look forward to receipt of the of Authority's resultant proposals as soon as possible for my consideration and consent to publication.

It is not possible to say at this stage what changes, if any, to primary or secondary legislation will be required to fully implement this revised Code.

Intellectual Property Rights.

John Gormley

Question:

148 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action, as a member of the WTO, he is taking in order to protect developing countries from large pharmaceutical companies challenging their patent laws, undermining TRIPS safeguards and preventing access to inexpensive versions of patented medicines in developing countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2722/07]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

174 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures he is taking, in view of his commitments under the Doha Declaration, to support developing countries in implementing trade related aspects of intellectual property rights safeguards in order to protect public health and ensure access to affordable medicine. [2728/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 148 and 174 together.

The EU and its member states have played an influential and active central role in various initiatives in this field over recent years such as the adoption of the WTO General Council Decision in August 2003 which waived WTO members' obligations under the TRIPs Agreement. That waiver allowed WTO member countries to grant compulsory licences for the production and sale of patented pharmaceutical products intended for export to third countries lacking pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity to meet their needs.

The temporary 2003 waiver was then copper-fastened by the WTO General Council decision in December 2005 proposing a permanent amendment to the TRIPs Agreement in this regard. WTO procedure required that to be submitted to its member countries for their acceptance.

Over this period the European Community also acted on the TRIPs waiver approach in adopting Regulation (EC) No. 816/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2006. That regulation on the compulsory licensing of patents relating to the manufacture of pharmaceutical products for export to countries with public health problems, came into force on 29th June 2006. It now provides a legally secure, predictable, effective and sustainable solution for those members of the WTO and other least developed and developing countries, which want to use the licensing system to access the affordable medicines that they may need.

Question No. 149 answered with QuestionNo. 127.

Bullying in the Workplace.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

150 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has received the results of the study commissioned by his Department from the ESRI into workplace bullying; the main results of this study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2533/07]

The Report of the Expert Advisory Group on Workplace Bullying was launched and published by me on the 17th August 2005 and it follows on from a 2001 Report by the Taskforce on the Prevention of Workplace Bullying.

A recommendation contained in that Report was that a follow up survey on workplace bullying, similar to that commissioned for the 2001 report, be conducted as soon as practicable to establish a baseline from which the effectiveness of the new structures and processes would be measured. The ESRI, which won the contract, is still working on this survey which is expected to be completed by the end of February 2007. I have already given a commitment to publish the results.

Corporate Enforcement.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

151 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 134 of 15 November 2006, if a decision has been reached in relation to the request from the Director of Corporate Enforcement for additional staff; the main points of the decision and the reasoning behind it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2540/07]

I am working towards assigning additional staff to the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) during 2007, having regard to the restrictions on staff numbers arising from the Government's Public Service staffing reduction programme.

Manufacturing Sector.

Joe Costello

Question:

152 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the high level manufacturing group promised in Towards 2016 has been established; the membership of the group; if each member is an ex-officio appointment; the qualifications of each member; if the group has not yet been established, the reason for the delay in establishing the group; the expected timetable of the groups work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2541/07]

The High Level Group on Manufacturing has been established. The composition of the Group which is in accordance with the standard tripartite model for Social Partnership Groups is set out in the following appendix.

The first meeting of the group is scheduled to take place in early February. It will be a matter for the Group to determine its modus operandi and schedule of meetings. The Group will be required to report periodically to the partnership process.

Appendix

High Level Group on Manufacturing

Chairman

Mr Joseph Harford

IBEC Representatives

Mr. Pat Gallagher, General Manager, Baxter Healthcare SA

Mr. John Hennessy, Managing Director, LM Ericsson

Mr. Patrick Feely, Managing Director, Kilkenny Limestone Ltd.

Mr. Pat Delaney, Director of Business Sectors, IBEC

ICTU Representatives

Mr. Michael O'Reilly, Regional Secretary, ATGWU

Mr. Owen Wills, General Secretary,TEEU

Mr. Jack O'Connor, General President, SIPTU

Mr. Fergus Whelan, Industrial Officer, ICTU

Government Representatives

Mr. Brian Whitney, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Mr. John Callinane, Department of the Taoiseach

Mr. John Thompson, Department of Finance

Secretary to Group

Ms Anne Forde, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Skills Requirements.

Phil Hogan

Question:

153 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way he will address the need to up skill the Irish labour force in the coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2593/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1130 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if job skills here are on par with those available in the various countries to which Irish jobs are relocated in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3037/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1131 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his proposals to upskill the Irish workforce in line with modern requirements and particularly in order to compete with the skills available in other economies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3038/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1132 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if adequate training, educational and upskilling opportunities are available here to enable the workforce meet modern demands in terms of skills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3039/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 153 and 1130 to 1132, inclusive, together.

In an increasingly knowledge-based and globalised environment, skills required are progressively becoming more sophisticated. While manpower forecasting over the medium to longer term can only provide an approximation of likely demand and supply, the Government has made provision to ensure that we have the best assessment of future skills needs and the policies and training programmes in place to respond to them.

Central to this endeavour is the work of the Expert Group on Future Skills Group. It has been monitoring developments and proposing responses since 1997. That work has involved ongoing research into labour demand and supply in a number of economic sectors.

In recent years the overall context within which that has been taking place has been characterised by a tight labour market — more employment and less unemployment. Existing and emerging skills shortages have been estimated and responded to by:

Significantly increasing public funding to improve the skills of those at work

Providing more focused incentives and supports to encourage those capable of working to enter into active employment

Benefiting from immigration to meet current skills shortages in the indigenous workforce

In the course of this year my Department will invest nearly €480 million in training programmes operated by FAS, Skillnets and others organisations. Out of this sum €280 million will be allocated to training programmes to prepare people enter employment. A further €70 million is being provided to train those already in employment. In addition, €130 million, a significant increase on last year's provision, has been made available to fund apprenticeships training programmes and so to cater for historically high numbers of apprentices.

In the course of the National Development Plan overall about €7.7 billion in public funds will be used to support training and skills development. This is again indicative of the importance that the Government attaches to having a highly skilled, highly productive, flexible and mobile workforce that will support national competitiveness and sustain economic and social prosperity into the future.

Finally, I asked Forfas to undertake research that will inform a National Skills Strategy out as far as 2020. That work in now complete and will be published shortly.

Question No. 154 answered with QuestionNo. 146.

Economic Competitiveness.

Jack Wall

Question:

155 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the business of the last meeting of the EU Competitiveness Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2543/07]

My colleague, Mr Michael Ahern, TD, Minister of State at my Department, attended the EU Competitiveness Council, which took place on 4th December 2006.

The following is a summary of the four main agenda items discussed:

Modernised Customs Code

The Council held a policy debate on a proposal for modernizing the Community customs code with a view to providing political guidance for further work. The Council discussed three issues arising from a proposal to modernise the EU Customs Code — Single Window, Centralised Customs Clearance and Customs Representation. The modernisation of the customs code was an essential pillar for EU growth and competitiveness. In general there was political support for the concepts of Single Window and Centralised Clearance but additional work is needed to resolve technical problems. Delegations acknowledged that the conditions for Customs Representation should be compatible with the principles of the Internal Market. There was majority agreement to abolish restrictive practices for customs agents but also to ensure community-wide professional competency.

Innovation Policy

The Council held a policy debate on a broad-based innovation strategy for the EU and adopted conclusions to be forwarded to the December European Council for endorsement. The Council considered that support for innovation was an essential part of the Lisbon Strategy for Growth and Jobs and that it merited an ongoing position on the EU's competitiveness agenda. Public policies should aim at improving access to financing in support of innovation, at creating an innovation friendly regulatory environment and a demand for innovation as well as reinforcing the activities of institutions which promote innovation, including the links between research institutions and industry.

The Commission will present a comprehensive strategy on Intellectual Property Rights during 2007 and the Council invited the Commission also to present its Communication on Patents as soon as possible.

The Council also took note of a presentation by the Commission on the 2006 Competitiveness report, an oral report by the Presidency on the draft regulation for the establishment of a European Institute of Technology and the state of progress concerning the preparation of proposals for Joint Technology initiatives.

Better Regulation

Council held an exchange of views based on a presentation from the Commission and a questionnaire from the Presidency. The Commission proposal for a reduction of 25% in administrative burdens was the focus of particular attention. While many Member States could support the principle involved, many also raised issues about the detail and how it would operate in practice given that Member States had different starting points. The Council reaffirmed the priority which it attaches to a well-functioning regulatory framework as an important means both to achieving agreed political objectives and in strengthening the competitiveness of European enterprises. The Presidency indicated that ongoing detailed discussions would be required and noted that the next three Presidencies were prioritising better regulation.

Consumer Credit Directive

The Council took note of a progress report by the Presidency on a draft Directive on credit agreements for consumers amending Council Directive 93/13/EC (15406/06) and also held a brief exchange of views. This draft Directive aims at harmonising certain aspects of the laws, regulations and administrative procedures of the Member States concerning agreements covering credit for consumers. It establishes the conditions for a genuine internal market while ensuring a high level of consumer protection. Two issues need to be addressed (a) the benefits of harmonisation in this area and (b) which particular areas require more detailed regulation. Discussions will continue under the German Presidency. The Council also adopted its common position on simplification of nominal quantities for pre-packed products.

In addition to the main agenda, the Finnish Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr. Mauri Pekkarinen, hosted a lunchtime discussion on Competitiveness, Climate Change and Energy Policy.

The Council also took note of information given by the Presidency and by the Commission on:

Activities in the Pharmaceutical Forum;

The Commission communication on external aspects of competitiveness: "Global Europe: competing in the world" — Council conclusions of 13 November 2006;

The EU-US informal economic ministerial meeting;

The review of the consumer acquis;

The common frame of reference in European contract law;

The review of the timeshare Directive;

The state of play on suspension of import duties on primary aluminum (at the request of the Polish delegation).

The proposals and initiatives discussed by Council are at various stages of negotiation and development and Ireland's position is being represented in the appropriate working and expert groups. My Department always seeks to play a constructive role in relation to all EU proposals and is anxious to ensure that Ireland's interests are safeguarded while also being mindful of our responsibilities to the Union as a whole. In the normal process of negotiation, we may and do seek amendments or identify provisions which could be improved on or take positions on amendments sought by other Member States or the Commission.

Live Register.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

156 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the latest Central Statistics Office data which shows that Tralee had higher live register figures in December 2006 than any other town here; the action he will take to address the problem; if he will visit the town soon to meet with interested parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2707/07]

I am aware of the details of the Live Register for December, 2006, published by the Central Statistics Office on 12 January, 2007. The Live Register figures for County Kerry as a whole show a total of 6,793 in December 2006 compared to 6,650 in December 2005. These figures cover seven towns. The figure for Tralee is the biggest component — 3,098 in December 2006 as against 2,950 a year earlier. During 2007, the Industrial Training agency FÁS, will continue to provide services in the Tralee area through each of its four client services divisions.

While I am concerned at any increase in Live Register figures, it is important to point out that the Live Register is not designed to measure unemployment. Unemployment is measured by the Quarterly National Household Survey which is also published by the CSO. The unemployment rate for the South West Region in the last survey was 4.1%. This was below the national unemployment rate of 4.5%.

Notwithstanding this, the Industrial Development agencies are making every effort to attract industry and employment to Tralee. Indeed, I stressed the importance of this to the agencies during my visit to the town on 15 March, 2006.

Manufacturing Sector.

Billy Timmins

Question:

157 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his expectations for the manufacturing sector in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2606/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1134 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has satisfied himself regarding the ability of the manufacturing here to compete on world markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3041/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1135 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the cost base relative to manufacturing industry here is sufficiently competitive to ensure the continuity of the sector in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3042/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 157, 1134 and 1135 together.

Ireland's strengths and competitive advantages have changed over the last decade, and our economy is now characterised by high output and productivity, together with high returns to labour in the form of wages, salaries and better living standards. Low technology production, which dominated our economic output in the past, is being replaced by higher technology and services enterprises. It is the case that manufacturing firms in the more traditional sectors have, in recent years, operated against a backdrop of significantly declining external demand, downward price pressure, and an increasingly competitive international environment together with upward pressure on costs and the strengthening of the Euro against our key trading partner currencies. There are areas of activity in which Ireland's competitiveness is seriously challenged and it is inevitable that, among the factors which influence the location decisions of companies, the competitive attractions of alternative geographic locations will figure.

Given the environment in which it must operate, Irish manufacturing has, in fact, performed quite strongly; CSO data indicates that manufacturing production by volume has increased by 28% overall between 2000 and 2005. The latest CSO Release on Industrial Employment, December 2006, indicates that employment in manufacturing increased by some 4,000 in the 12 months to September 2006.

While the changing nature of our economy has seen some losses, in contrast, the new jobs created in the enterprise development agencies' client companies in the last number of years are heavily concentrated in high-value added, knowledge-based companies that offer greater security in the face of intense international competition. Irish manufacturers engaged in specialised, sophisticated, high technology and value-added activities, and/or operating in non-commoditised markets (e.g. the medical technologies and chemicals sectors) can continue to compete successfully on international markets going forward. These sectors require specialised skilled staff, specialised technologies, flexible operations, and other factors that are not readily available in many low cost economies, such as modern Intellectual Property, IP, protection laws, a business friendly regulatory environment, etc.

One of my Department's main tasks is to ensure that Ireland remains an attractive place to do business, and to support the development of economic competencies higher up the value chain. In that regard, we continue to work to maintain and enhance our framework competitive conditions, and to promote new areas of competitive advantage, such as by developing our R&D base.

The enterprise agencies also aim to support sustainable, high value added enterprise in Ireland through the provision of mentoring and developmental supports, the enhancement of management capabilities and critical workforce skills in client companies, support for the creation and implementation of strategies for market entry, development and growth, and strong supports for innovation and for research and development.

My Department and the enterprise development agencies will continue to monitor and review the performance of the Manufacturing sector of the economy. While there are undoubtedly challenges to be addressed, I believe the sector will continue to be a significant contributor to exports, employment and economic growth in 2007 and beyond.

Job Losses.

Mary Upton

Question:

158 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of redundancies for each year from 2002 to date in 2007; the breakdown of these numbers by sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2558/07]

The total number of redundancies for each year from 2002-2006 is as follows:—

Year

Total

2002

24,432

2003

25,769

2004

25,041

2005

23,156

2006

23,684

Figures for actual redundancies are collected monthly and are not yet available for January of this year.

I propose to provide a statement in tabular form separately to the Deputy in relation to the sectoral breakdown requested.

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Actual Redundancies received under the Redundancy Scheme during the years, 2002-2006

Sectoral Breakdown

Industrial Group

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

Total

Agriculture/Forestry and Fisheries

173

541

1086

638

843

3,281

Energy and Water

202

316

297

388

314

1,517

Extraction Industry (Chemical Products)

1,628

1,140

908

690

429

4,795

Metal Manufacturing and Engineering

6,075

4,954

2,846

1,705

1,251

16,831

Other Manufacturing

3,845

5,255

5,788

5,458

6,045

26,391

Building and Civil Engineering

1,553

2,012

2,207

1,925

2,126

9,823

Distributive Trades

2,582

3,858

4,444

3,241

2,351

16,476

Transport and Communications

2,840

1,232

1,862

1,329

1,665

8,928

Banking, Finance & Insurance

2,784

2,989

2,301

1,500

1,235

10,809

Other Services

2,750

3,472

3,302

6,282

7,425

23,231

TOTAL

24,432

25,769

25,041

23,156

23,684

122,082

Question No. 159 answered with QuestionNo. 128.

Decentralisation Programme.

Seán Ryan

Question:

160 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the decentralisation programme for his Department; the number of staff who have actually decentralised from a Dublin office to an office outside the greater Dublin area; the number of staff required to decentralise under his Departments plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2535/07]

My Department has been making good progress in the relocation of the required 250 posts to Carlow under the Government's Decentralisation Programme.

With regard to the property side of the Department's move, the Office of Public Works completed the purchase of a site in Carlow town centre late in 2005. On 31st May 2006, the OPW commenced the tendering process by seeking expressions of interest from developers in relation to the design, build, finance and maintenance of new office accommodation and car parking for the Department in Carlow.

On completion of this stage, a short-list of developers will be drawn up from whom tenders will be invited. Following the tender evaluation process the preferred tenderer will be requested to seek suitable planning permission. On obtaining this, the OPW will formally award the contract and construction will commence. The OPW expect construction to begin late in 2007 and the construction phase may take up to 24 months.

In order to accommodate staff who wish to move earlier than the projected building completion date, officials of my Department, in consultation with the Department of Finance and the OPW, as well as decentralising staff and Business Units, are progressing an earlier move to Carlow. The OPW have advised my Department that negotiations on the procurement of interim accommodation to facilitate an advance move are nearing completion.

I expect this advance move option to allow for the movement of approximately 80 decentralising staff to Carlow during the second quarter of 2007, on a voluntary basis.

The number of posts in Business Units decentralising to Carlow, as at 26th January, is 280. As at 26th January, my Department has 97 Carlow-bound applicants assigned within the Department, with a further 74 Carlow-bound applicants yet to be assigned to the Department. None of the required staff have been decentralised to Carlow to date. It is hoped to have all decentralising posts filled in sufficient time to ensure that staff are adequately trained in advance of the move to Carlow.

National Training Fund.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

161 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of money being allocated from the National Training Fund in 2007 in order to train the present workforce here; the way the money is being allocated; the number of people it will benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2576/07]

The National Training Fund allocation for the training of people in the workforce in 2007 is €195.718m and is allocated as follows:

Agency

€000

Beneficiaries

FAS — Training People in Employment

167,635

31,900

Training Networks Programme (Skillnets)

13,500

18,000

IDA Ireland — Training Grants to Industry

2,500

1,300

Enterprise Ireland — Training Grants to Industry

3,160

1,000

SFADCo — Training Grants to Industry

250

150

ESF Funded Training Schemes (ACCEL –Skillnets)

8,673

14,500

The number of beneficiaries is based on current best estimate, which may change during the course of the year.

STI Strategy.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

162 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress being made in the implementation of the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2598/07]

Róisín Shortall

Question:

179 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the implementation to date of the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation; the plans he has for this program in the first half of 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2537/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 162 and 179 together.

As the Deputies will be aware, on 18 June last year, I joined the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and other Cabinet colleagues to launch our comprehensive Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation for the period 2006-2013. This Strategy provides for the continued development of a world-class research system, underpinned by the essential physical and human infrastructure, doubling the number of PhD graduates over its lifespan. Top-level researchers will also be drawn from both home-grown talent and the brightest who can be attracted from overseas. The Strategy also proposed mechanisms to ensure that the investment in research is turned into commercial value, to the greatest extent possible, and, in regard to enterprise, the Strategy set out structures and mechanisms to enhance supports to industry and encourage firms to become more engaged in R&D activity.

The Government's firm commitment and support for the STI Strategy was confirmed in the NDP, of which the STI Strategy is a core component. The NDP has set out how an unprecedented €8.2 billion investment in Science, Technology and Innovation will work to deliver the knowledge economy in this country. Over the lifetime of the NDP, the State will invest €6.1 billion in STI, as detailed in the following programme areas:

World Class Research STI — €3,462 million

Enterprise STI — €1,292 million

Agri-Food Research — €641 million

Energy Research — €149 million

Marine Research — €141 million

Geo-science — €33 million

Health research — €301 million

Environment Research — €93 million

This will bring Ireland into line with R&D performance in leading countries. The investment in human capital, physical infrastructure and commercialisation of research, which I have outlined here, is complemented by investment in initiatives set out in the NDP allocations for Higher Education and the IDA. Taking account of these amounts, the global NDP investment in STI is over €8.2 billion.

I am pleased to report intensive progress on the implementation of the STI Strategy over the past six months. While overall policy continues to be directed by the Cabinet Committee on STI and its supporting high-level IDC, the Strategy also provided for the establishment of new cross-cutting structures at operational level, to take forward its implementation in a whole of government manner.

In line with the recommendations of the Strategy, my Department has established Technology Ireland (TI) with participation from EI, IDA Ireland, SFI, Forfás and HEA. TI has met on 6 occasions since the Strategy was launched. TI is bringing coherence to the enterprise dimension of the Strategy and will have particular responsibility for overseeing the implementation of required actions to achieve the BERD targets set out in the SSTI 2006-2013. Among the SSTI initiatives currently being driven by TI are: simplifying the R&D Grants Schemes, strengthening the Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) in the Universities and developing a proposal for the development of Competence Centres.

The Higher Education Research Group/ HERG, which is chaired by the DES, with my own Department as Deputy Chair, held its first meeting on 10 January and has agreed a substantive work programme for the year ahead, in terms of tackling the objectives in the Strategy for the HE Sector, including growing our research infrastructure and human capital.

The ASC has agreed its work programme for 2007 and will tackle key issues raised in the STI Strategy including Researcher Careers and International Collaboration. The Advisory Science Council published a major report on Health Research, which I launched with my colleague the Minister for Health on 23 November, reflecting the cross-Departmental nature of this issue and addressing the potential for Health Research, which had been highlighted in the SSTI.

In addition, in December, I advised the Government of the appointment of Professor Patrick Cunningham as the new Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government and he will play a key role in providing scientific input and advice in furtherance of the STI Strategy.

Most importantly, the "whole of government" approach to STI, which had ensued from the new coordination and governance structures put in place by Government since June 2004, has now been reinforced by the cross-Departmental STI Strategy and consolidated in the new NDP. This will ensure that we continue to benefit from the necessary synergies, coherence and more structured policy coordination required in this complex and evolving environment.

Skills Requirements.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

163 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to introduce paid learning leave to enable workers to up skill. [2611/07]

This Government is committed to the promotion of lifelong learning both as a means of ensuring personal career advancement for workers and of ensuring the skills needs of industry are met. It therefore co-operates with industry and employees by investing significant resources in training programmes for the employed. This year my Department will invest €70m in schemes for the employed. This is more than five times the investment made in 2004.

Any discussion about the question of paid learning leave needs to take account of the respective responsibilities of employers in addressing the skills requirements of their businesses and individuals in their own career advancement. It is therefore not my intention to introduce a universal scheme of paid learning leave.

However, I believe it is worth investigating whether there is a role for the State in intervening further in case of low-skilled workers who would not otherwise engage with or be offered access to training and education programmes. FAS are therefore piloting a small-scale programme over the next eighteen months of paid learning leave for such employees. The results of this pilot will inform future policy in this area.

Job Losses.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

164 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the corrective action he proposes to take to stem the flow of the relocation of jobs from Ireland to more competitive economies; if an evaluation has been carried out into the contributory factors causing such relocation in each instance in the past five years; the conclusion reached; the remedial action undertaken to ensure that the trend does not continue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2706/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1127 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs relocated from this country to more competitive economies in each of the past five years on a county basis; the steps taken to address the issues causing the relocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3034/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1129 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he proposed to prevent a further job relocation to lower wage economies; if an evaluation has been done with a view to identification of particular manufacturing areas expected to be vulnerable to relocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3036/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 164, 1127 and 1129 together.

The relocation of businesses within particular types of industry, and with it a certain number of jobs, is a reality of modern global manufacturing for a highly developed economy such as Ireland. The factors that influence a firm's decision to relocate are varied and complex. In addition to relative wage rates and other cost factors, these may include business takeovers, consolidations and changes in product or market focus. For these reasons it is not possible to quantify why firms relocate or the actual number of jobs which relocate to lower cost economies. While there may be some anecdotal evidence available for both, there is no system in place to capture and validate such data on a widespread basis and indeed such an exercise would be fraught with difficulty. While off-shoring can contribute to job losses for firms in some sectors, productivity gains achieved through off-shoring also represents an opportunity to develop higher-end manufacturing and related activities domestically.

The phenomenon of globalisation is changing the way economic production is organised the world over. Lower barriers to trade and improvements in transport technology are increasing the specialisation of production, resulting in global supply chains. Ireland experiences both benefits and costs resulting from globalisation. The clearest demonstration of the benefits to Ireland from globalisation is illustrated by inward Foreign Direct Investment. This has been one of the principle causes of the strong economic performance of Ireland over the last two decades. However, as Ireland has gained from the mobility of modern production and supply chain models, competition from other locations for mobile FDI has intensified.

This shift in the structure of international trade poses challenges to economic policy makers in all countries. Thankfully, Ireland has so far shown itself sufficiently flexible and adaptable to move to higher value added activities, providing quality, sustainable jobs. Furthermore, in large companies this process of transformation is often accommodated by a reallocation and retraining of staff within the company, and this on-going internal re-organisation and upskilling, resulting in improved productivity in the face of international competition does not get the same media attention that job losses do. However, there are of course cases where plants do shut down, and the resulting redundancies can be very difficult for workers and their communities. Where this has occurred to date it has mainly been confined to relatively low technology, labour-intensive activities. We are continuing to pursue policies to promote lifelong learning and upskilling to improve labour market flexibility and, where necessary, ensure that appropriate training supports are provided for workers in sectors that are no longer competitive, should they need to find alternative employment.

The principle task of government is to ensure that Ireland continues to be an attractive place to do business, and to help foster economic competencies higher up the value chain. In that regard, this government has made significant progress in working towards maintaining and enhancing our framework competitive conditions, and promoting new areas of competitive advantage by developing our R&D base, investing in critical physical and communications infrastructures, and promoting tertiary education and lifelong learning. Clearly the strategies set out in the new National Development Plan will play a crucial role in maintaining Ireland's attractiveness as an investment location.

Furthermore, it should be noted that in addition to attracting foreign investment, IDA Ireland also places significant focus on embedding existing multinational enterprises in Ireland, by encouraging such enterprises to increase the scale of Irish subsidiaries, and to also expand the range of activities undertaken in Irish subsidiaries to include less mobile types of operations (e.g. R&D activities, Supply Chain Management, etc.). This process of embedding subsidiaries of multinational enterprises makes relocation less likely.

Arms Brokering.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

165 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason Ireland does not fulfil its obligations under the EU Common Position on Arms Brokering; when Ireland will be able to fulfil its obligations; his views on whether it is desirable that arms brokers can operate unhindered from Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2536/07]

A Memorandum will be brought to Government shortly authorizing publication of the Control of Exports Bill and I hope to bring the new legislation before the Houses of the Oireachtas in the next few weeks.

The proposed legislation will update the existing Control of Exports Act which dates from 1983 and will ensure that Ireland's export controls are in line with best international practice. In this regard, the new legislation will include, for the first time, provision for the regulation of arms brokering activities in Ireland and by Irish citizens abroad. This will enable Ireland to fulfil its obligation under the EU Common Position on Arms Brokering, which requires Member States to take all the necessary measures to control brokering activities on their territory. This shift in the structure of international trade poses challenges to economic policy makers in all countries. Thankfully, Ireland has so far shown itself sufficiently flexible and adaptable to move to higher value added activities, providing quality, sustainable jobs. Furthermore, in large companies this process of transformation is often accommodated by a reallocation and retraining of staff within the company, and this on-going internal re-organisation and upskilling, resulting in improved productivity in the face of international competition does not get the same media attention that job losses do. However, there are of course cases where plants do shut down, and the resulting redundancies can be very difficult for workers and their communities. Where this has occurred to date it has mainly been confined to relatively low technology, labour-intensive activities. We are continuing to pursue policies to promote lifelong learning and upskilling to improve labour market flexibility and, where necessary, ensure that appropriate training supports are provided for workers in sectors that are no longer competitive, should they need to find alternative employment.

The principle task of government is to ensure that Ireland continues to be an attractive place to do business, and to help foster economic competencies higher up the value chain. In that regard, this government has made significant progress in working towards maintaining and enhancing our framework competitive conditions, and promoting new areas of competitive advantage by developing our R&D base, investing in critical physical and communications infrastructures, and promoting tertiary education and lifelong learning. Clearly the strategies set out in the new National Development Plan will play a crucial role in maintaining Ireland's attractiveness as an investment location.

Furthermore, it should be noted that in addition to attracting foreign investment, IDA Ireland also places significant focus on embedding existing multinational enterprises in Ireland, by encouraging such enterprises to increase the scale of Irish subsidiaries, and to also expand the range of activities undertaken in Irish subsidiaries to include less mobile types of operations (e.g. R&D activities, Supply Chain Management, etc.). This process of embedding subsidiaries of multinational enterprises makes relocation less likely.

Immigrant Support Services.

Damien English

Question:

166 Mr. English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to help improve the English language skills of immigrants here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2604/07]

Primary responsibility for general English language training rests with the Department of Education and Science who deliver such training through the adult literacy programmes delivered by the Vocational Educational Committees. They report that resources provided for "English for Speakers of Other Languages" courses has expanded considerably in recent years in response to increased demand. Towards 2016 commits to increasing this further.

This Department's contribution to the development of English language skills of migrants is the provision by FÁS of technical English language training. This is done as part of FÁS regular training provision, rather than on a stand-alone basis. FÁS currently provides "English for Migrant Workers" modules within their IT training and are about to introduce it into three further sectors — construction, security and hospitality/services. The modules will also be introduced on a fee-paying basis as part of FÁS evening course provision for employed clients. This shift in the structure of international trade poses challenges to economic policy makers in all countries. Thankfully, Ireland has so far shown itself sufficiently flexible and adaptable to move to higher value added activities, providing quality, sustainable jobs. Furthermore, in large companies this process of transformation is often accommodated by a reallocation and retraining of staff within the company, and this on-going internal re-organisation and upskilling, resulting in improved productivity in the face of international competition does not get the same media attention that job losses do. However, there are of course cases where plants do shut down, and the resulting redundancies can be very difficult for workers and their communities. Where this has occurred to date it has mainly been confined to relatively low technology, labour-intensive activities. We are continuing to pursue policies to promote lifelong learning and upskilling to improve labour market flexibility and, where necessary, ensure that appropriate training supports are provided for workers in sectors that are no longer competitive, should they need to find alternative employment.

Residency Permits.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

167 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the fact that the conditions for a migrant worker applying for family reunification are not contained in the Employment Permit Act 2006 and are the remit of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform; and his further views on the potential for a lack of Government co-ordination between Government Departments. [2609/07]

Family reunification for the purposes of immigration is the responsibility of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. I am informed that provisions relating to family reunification are included in the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill 2006 which is being promoted by him.

The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and my Department work closely together in this area, as occurred for example with the family reunification concessions of the new employment permit arrangements launched last week.

Question No. 168 answered with QuestionNo. 146.

Skills Requirements.

Seán Ryan

Question:

169 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the work of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2546/07]

The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) is the body appointed by the Irish Government to advise on aspects of education and training related to the future skills needs of the enterprise sector and the Irish economy. It carries out studies into the supply and demand for skills in individual business or industrial sectors and occupations. Its reports put forward recommendations for averting any anticipated mismatch.

Since its establishment in 1997, the Group published 39 reports, which have informed public policy. During 2006, it published seven reports:

Monitoring Ireland's Skills Supply — a detailed annual overview of the trends in Ireland's education and training output.

SME Management Development

Skills at Regional Level in Ireland

Careers Information and Labour Market Information in Ireland

International Digital Media Industry: Implications for Ireland

Report of the National Skills Conference — The Skills Needs of the Irish Economy to 2020

The National Skills Bulletin — a detailed annual overview of the Irish labour market.

During 2006 the EGFSN also undertook research at my request on the context for a National Skills Strategy. The research will be published shortly and will inform the implementation of a National Skills Strategy to address the skills needs of the economy to 2020.

Manufacturing Sector.

Willie Penrose

Question:

170 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his response to the NCB Purchasing Managers Index for November 2006 which shows that growth in the manufacturing industry has almost ceased; the actions he will take to ensure a sufficient manufacturing base exists here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2547/07]

Any figure above 50 in the NCB Purchasing Managers Index indicates sectoral growth. The Irish manufacturing sector expanded for the 39th consecutive month in November with a modest growth rate of 51.6. Further expansion occurred in December when the index rose to 53, above its long-term average of 52.6.

The Irish manufacturing sector has been a key component of the Irish economy over the last two decades and I believe that it will continue to be a significant contributor to exports, employment and economic growth in the future. The performance of the sector is subject to ongoing review by my Department and the enterprise development agencies. For example, the July 2006 report: "The Changing Nature of Manufacturing and Services, Irish Trends and International Context", by Forfás, on the changing nature of manufacturing demonstrates that the trends in Ireland are in line with the gradual process of structural change that characterises economic development. This has resulted in a decrease in the numbers employed in manufacturing with a concurrent rise in the number of jobs in services. While the total number employed in the sector may have declined, both manufacturing output and merchandise export levels increased significantly between 2000 and 2005 (by 28.2% and 31.8% in volume terms respectively). This trend suggests that strong productivity improvements have been achieved over the past 5/6 years in the Irish manufacturing sector. It should also be noted that the latest CSO release on Industrial Employment (28 Dec 2006) indicated an increase of 4,000 in the numbers employed in manufacturing in the quarter ending September 2006 relative to the same period in 2005.

To assist industry maintain competitiveness and increase productivity, the economic development agencies are working on an ongoing basis to promote the adoption of new technology and best practice at company level. The agencies aim to support sustainable, high value added enterprise in Ireland through the provision of mentoring and developmental supports, the enhancement of management capabilities and critical workforce skills in client companies, support for the creation and implementation of strategies for market entry, development and growth, and strong supports for innovation and for research and development.

Decentralisation Programme.

Shane McEntee

Question:

171 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress to date of the decentralisation of the Health and Safety Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2603/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1090 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the timetable for the completion of the decentralisation of the Health and Safety Authority; the number of staff employed by the authority; the number of the staff that have volunteered for decentralisation; the number of staff from the authority who are to be transferred to other Departments; the number of staff expected to be hired for the purpose of working at the decentralised location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1275/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 171 and 1090 together.

The Health and Safety Authority currently has a sanctioned staffing complement of 185 sanctioned posts, of which 110 are due to move to Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny. To date a total of 62 people (11 HSA staff, 41 Civil Servants, 10 Public Servants) have expressed an interest through the Central Application Facility (CAF) to transfer to Thomastown.

The Authority has been advised by the Office of Public Works (OPW) that as the Thomastown site procurement process is in its final stages, the current estimated timeline for availability for occupancy is late 2008/early 2009.

On the basis of the most recent return from the CAF, 13 staff of the Authority applied to move to other Government Departments/Offices. No estimate of the number of staff expected to be hired for the decentralised location has been made.

The Authority established an interim office in Kilkenny city in August 2006. 15 staff have re-located to that office in anticipation of moving to Thomastown.

Economic Competitiveness.

Shane McEntee

Question:

172 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to reduce the regulatory burden on small and medium enterprises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2596/07]

John McGuinness

Question:

185 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether ability to do business here is over regulated; if so, the action he is taking or planning to take to reduce the regularity burden on business here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2561/07]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

199 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will instigate a review of the regulatory burden on small businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2595/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 172, 185 and 199 together.

International benchmarking reports suggest that the regulatory burden in Ireland is relatively light. The IMD (International Institute for Management Development) World Competitiveness Yearbook 2006 ranks Ireland 8th out of 61 countries surveyed for the extent to which bureaucracy does not hinder business activity. The World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report 2006-07 ranks Ireland 17th out of 125 countries surveyed for having a low burden of government regulation.

While it appears, therefore, that Ireland enjoys a relatively favourable position, it remains important that every effort be made to maintain and improve this position, that the concerns of business are addressed on an ongoing basis, and that the work currently being done by our European neighbours does not see Ireland falling behind in competitiveness.

Towards that end, I established the Business Regulation Forum in November 2005 to investigate ways in which the burden of regulation on business could be reduced.

During 2006 the Forum collected evidence of the burden of regulation on business in Ireland. This activity can be treated under four headings. (1) The BRF invited submissions from interested parties on the regulatory burden on business, and received forty responses, which will be considered in detail. The issue was also discussed with relevant stakeholders some of whom were invited to present to the Forum at its monthly meeting. (2) The Forum liaised with international experts, both through inviting guest speakers to address the Forum's meetings and by visiting other jurisdictions to learn from their progress. (3) Two main research projects were carried out by the Forum. First, six case studies were completed, looking at the day-to-day regulations that businesses face. Second, a pilot study was carried out on ways of reducing the administrative cost to business of two specific regulations (based on the ‘Standard Cost Model' which is an internationally used tool for measuring the administrative burden of regulations. (4) Finally, the Forum has reviewed work done in other fora. It has reviewed the work on regulation by the Small Business Forum and will also examine results of a new survey by the Revenue Commissioners. The Forum hopes that the final results of two projects being carried out by the Better Regulation Group, chaired by the Dept of the Taoiseach (ie a study of business attitudes to regulation and a regulatory ‘mapping' project), will also be of assistance to their work.

Following this work during 2006, the Forum intends to present a report to me during the first quarter of this year, drawing conclusions from the material outlined above and making recommendations on taking the work forward.

In addition to the work of the Business Regulation Forum, and specifically relating to the small business sector, I would point out that I recently enacted legislation to raise the audit exemption thresholds applying to small companies in respect of turnover and balance sheet to €7.3m and €3.65m. respectively. (The previous thresholds were €1.5m and €1.9m.) This will remove the compulsory annual audit costs from the very large number of companies qualifying from the enhanced exemption level.

The Minister for Finance announced a package of measures in Budget 2007 aimed at:

Enhancing the Business Expansion and Seed Capital Schemes up to 2013 (subject to EU Commission approval of State Aid Rules)

Reducing the Administrative Burden on Small Businesses in relation to the payment of Corporation Tax, Preliminary Tax and the requirement for a Tax Clearance Certificate, by increasing the current thresholds which trigger such requirements. In addition, the Revenue Commissioners have been asked to explore further opportunities to reduce the tax compliance burden on all firms, large and small.

Increasing the VAT Cash Accounting and VAT Registration Turnover Thresholds from 1 March 2007 to simplify administration and reduce working capital requirements on small businesses.

Finally, the Company Law Review Group (CLRG) has finalised its work on the preparation of the General Scheme of the Companies Consolidation and Reform Bill and I understand that it expects to report on its findings shortly. The CLRG's proposals will bring the existing 13 Companies Acts into one and will make it easier for firms and practitioners to understand and comply with the law relating to the incorporation and operation of companies in Ireland.

Consumer Policy.

Joe Sherlock

Question:

173 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the work of his Department’s consumer policy section for 2006; the number of staff employed in this section; the staffing costs to his Department of this section; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2554/07]

The work of the Consumer Policy Section of my Department in 2006 will be reported on in detail in my Department's 2006 Annual Report. The main highlights of the Section's work in the year related to the implementation and follow on of the Report of the Consumer Strategy Group.

In this regard, the Report of the High Level Inter-Departmental Committee established to examine the implementation of the recommendations of the Consumer Strategy Group was published in February 2006. The approval of the Government was received to draft the general scheme of a Bill to establish the new National Consumer Agency as recommended by the CSG. The general scheme was approved by the Government and duly published in August 2006 together with a detailed regulatory analysis of the proposed legislation. The Consumer Policy Section also conducted a public consultation process in relation to the general scheme.

The Consumer Policy Section subsequently worked in conjunction with the Parliamentary Counsel's Office in drafting the legal text of the Bill. The Consumer Protection Bill as approved by the Government will be published in the next few days. The Bill will be introduced in Seanad Éireann next week. I am hopeful that it can be enacted shortly thereafter.

The publication of the Consumer Protection Bill represents the first phase of a root and branch review of national consumer law. Consumer Policy Section commenced work on the second phase in the Autumn of 2006. This phase will include a review of the law governing consumer contracts including the Sale of Goods and Services Act 1980 and will also involve a review of all secondary legislation including regulations requiring the display of prices by traders.

In addition to the foregoing legislative activity, the Consumer Policy Section continued to provide support to the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs, the European Consumer Centre, the Interim Board of the National Consumer Agency and the Assay Office whose premises at Dublin Castle are currently undergoing a major redevelopment. Consumer Policy Section also represented Ireland on various committees/bodies in relation to Consumer Protection both at EU and national level.

In line with the recommendation of the Consumer Strategy Group, additional resources have been allocated to the Consumer Policy Section. A total of 10 staff are now employed in the Section and the cost to the Department of those staff came to approximately €410,000 last year. I am determined that the Consumer Policy Section will continue to receive the necessary resources to enable to carry out its important work of delivering a modern and effective national consumer policy.

Question No. 174 answered with QuestionNo. 148.

Freedom of Information.

Joan Burton

Question:

175 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the cost to his Department and each of its agencies of complying with their responsibilities under the Freedom of Information Acts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2525/07]

Detailed costs of complying with Freedom of Information responsibilities are not generally kept by public bodies. As FOI has become more ingrained into the culture of public bodies, certain aspects of compliance such as record keeping practices, training and staff awareness are covered by the general staffing and administration costs of those bodies, and could not easily be separated out.

It is possible, however, to estimate the principal costs associated with supporting the Freedom of Information Act. The FOI Central Policy Unit in the Department of Finance estimates the cost of processing a single FOI request at €420. On this basis, the 71 requests processed by my Department in 2006 cost an estimated €29,820 to process. In addition, my Department has a dedicated FOI Unit which deals with the administration of FOI and the promotion of best practice. The estimated cost of running this unit in 2006 was €169,959.

There are 54 agencies under the aegis of my Department which are subject to FOI. Between them they received 83 FOI requests in 2006. Given the number of agencies, listing them individually is impractical for the purposes of this response, but if the Deputy so wishes I would be happy to supply a breakdown to her. On the basis of an estimated cost of €420 per request, these 83 FOI requests are estimated to have cost €34,860 to process. In addition, a number of agencies have dedicated FOI staff, and the estimated cost of maintaining these staff in 2006 was €343,018. Some of these dedicated staff costs may overlap with the cost of processing individual requests as some of these staff act as FOI decision makers. Additionally, a number of smaller agencies would not dedicate specific resources to FOI. Nevertheless, there will be a cost to those agencies arising from the general administration of FOI and these costs are not identified above.

Skills Requirements.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

176 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is satisfied regarding the availability of sufficient numbers in the workforce to meet the needs of the manufacturing and service sectors in the future; if the requisite level of skills are expected to be available; his plans to address these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2705/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1136 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if adequate training and retraining places are available or expected to become available to ensure that skill requirements are regularly updated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3043/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 1136 together.

In the rapidly changing global environment in which Ireland competes, the changing skills needs of the economy are difficult to predict with certainty. However it is possible to identify trends to assist us make informed policy decisions aimed at minimizing skills shortages in the future. These trends indicate that the skills required in the economy are becoming more sophisticated.

In order to ensure that the existing and future work force has the necessary high level and up-to-date skills, this Department in recent years has:

Significantly increased its allocations for initiatives aimed at improving the skills of those at work,

Provided more focused incentives and supports to encourage those capable of working to enter into active employment, and

Put measures in place to ensure current skills shortages in the indigenous workforce can benefit from immigration.

During 2007, the Department will invest nearly €480 million in training programmes operated by FAS, Skillnets and others organisations. Out of this sum €280 million will be allocated to training programmes to prepare people enter employment. A further €70 million is being provided to train those already in employment — a five fold increase on the allocations in 2004. In addition, €130 million — a significant increase on last year's provision — has been made available to fund apprenticeships training programmes and so to cater for historically high numbers of apprentices.

The high priority given to training and skills development will be maintained and further increased over the course of the National Development Plan, 2007-2013. This announced that a total of €7.7 billion in public funds would be invested in this area over the seven-year period. This demonstrates the importance the Government attaches to having a highly skilled, highly productive, flexible and mobile workforce that will support national competitiveness and sustain economic and social prosperity into the future.

Job Creation.

Peter Kelly

Question:

177 Mr. Kelly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether Ireland can claim to be a competitive country; if recent job loss announcements will become a common feature in 2007; the number of jobs created from FDI in 2006; if jobs created outnumbered jobs lost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2560/07]

Companies operating in Ireland are no different than companies anywhere else in the world. They operate in a market economy, are affected by international events that influence global economic activity and the employment they create here is subject to specific business and product life cycles in different sectors. Over the decades since Ireland became a location of choice for so many foreign investors jobs have been lost each year.

But what sets us apart as a competitive country is twofold. It has been our ability to create a growing and successful enterprise economy in which jobs losses are outweighed by broad based employment creation. It has also been our capacity to consistently look to the future, adapt our competitive position and maintain our world class standing as a competitive economy — one that meets the demanding investment criteria of tomorrow's industries, products and technologies and on which our future prosperity, growth and employment will be based.

Attracting mobile foreign investment is a tough challenge, particularly in the context of globalisation. Like us, the countries against whom we compete for investment continually improve and refine their competitive attractions. Nevertheless Ireland continues to be one of the most attractive locations in Europe for foreign investment. Over the years new enterprise policies are helping to reshape and reposition our economy towards one based on knowledge activities, creating new areas of competitive strength and positioning us as a leading European centre for knowledge led sectors and activities.

This is bringing new strategic advantages. In 2006, IDA Ireland won 71 new projects involving a total investment of €2.6 billion. Among its 2006 successes, investment in research and development continues to increase. For example, 54 R&D projects were supported involving investments of €470 million. This compares with corresponding investment of €140 million in 2004 and €260 million in 2005. Investment decisions of this scale are not made lightly nor are they made in favour of lowly rated, poorly performing and uncompetitive economies.

With full employment and our ambitions to be a knowledge intensive rather than a resource intensive economy, volume based growth and job numbers are somewhat less important than previously. FDI growth should now be looked more on the basis of investment and employment quality than on the volume of jobs or investment per se.

Nevertheless, despite intense competition for international investment from emerging economies, initial estimates are that 11,800 new jobs were created in our FDI sector. This more than offset 8,000 job losses leaving employment in the foreign owned sector about 3,800 higher in 2006 than a year earlier.

Economic Growth.

Richard Bruton

Question:

178 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress his Department has made in implementing the Lisbon Agenda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2594/07]

The European Commission published its Annual Progress Report for 2006 on implementation of the renewed Lisbon Strategy for growth and jobs on 12 December 2006. The overall assessment of Ireland's performance is that we are making very good progress in the implementation of our National Reform Programme (NRP), including the priority areas arising from the 2006 Spring European Council. The underpinning role of the social partnership process and the range of commitments agreed under Towards 2016 is also acknowledged.

The Commission again places Ireland in the first tier of Member States with the strongest record and progress in pursuit of the Lisbon goals. Ireland ranks amongst a handful of countries which has received no specific recommendations.

As far as my own Department is concerned, in terms of rankings, Ireland scores very highly in terms of best enterprise environment due to the ease of starting a business, good access to capital and relatively low levels of administrative "red tape".

Furthermore, the Commission identified key strengths of our National Reform Programme as:

Recently adopted Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy 2007-2013 and the substantial increase of public investment in R&D;

Recognition of the need to prioritise public investment in infrastructure and other growth-promoting expenditure;

Measures to address early school leaving and enhance skills, such as the commitment to develop a long-term national skills strategy.

In addition to the various measures outlined in the NRP progress report, submitted in October 2006, many of the initiatives and changes outlined in Budget 2007 are entirely consistent with our overall strategy to stimulate and sustain economic growth and employment. The recently published National Development Plan 2007-2013 further demonstrates a level of investment and a range of measures across the policy spectrum which reinforce this strategy. Building on these developments, we would expect to record strong progress in continuing to meet the Lisbon objectives.

The Commission's Annual Progress Report will now form a key input to the Spring European Council in March 2007.

Question No. 179 answered with QuestionNo. 162.

Work Permits.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

180 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether the Employment Permits Act 2006 has the effect of preventing people from changing employers or applying for a new employment permit within the first 12 months of starting a new job; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that exploitation can occur immediately and this legislation provides no remedy for an individual in that circumstance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2608/07]

The Employment Permits Act 2006 does not preclude me from granting a new employment permit to an employee to enable them to change employer within the first 12 months of commencing employment in instances where it can be demonstrated that exploitation of the employee has taken place.

Trade Missions.

Damien English

Question:

181 Mr. English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his assessment of the recent trade mission to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2597/07]

I accompanied the Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern TD on the very successful trade mission, organised by Enterprise Ireland, to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 14th to 19th January 2007. The Minister for Agriculture and Food Ms. Mary Coughlan TD and the Minister for Education and Science Ms. Mary Hanafin TD also participated. The mission visited Riyadh, Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

These countries were chosen because Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates represent the two most important economies for Ireland in the Gulf region. Saudi Arabia is initiating a 10-year National Development Plan, involving the expenditure in excess of €500bn, which offers major opportunities for Irish companies to sell their expertise and skills. Dubai's position, as the key hub for business operations across the Middle East, is due to its booming market, geographic position, increasingly pro business environment and adoption of mainly Western business rules. Dubai is also the regional business base for a large number of multinationals and emerging Arab regional companies.

A total of 114 Irish companies participated, mainly from the ICT, Educational Services, Environmental and Engineering Services, Medical Devices and Food and Drinks sectors. The group included representatives of 20 companies from Northern Ireland, reflecting the increasing co-operation on trade among companies and business organisations across the island of Ireland.

The Mission has been regarded as a significant success. Over 1,200 meetings took place between the Irish participants and their potential and existing customers. Two major business meetings organised by Enterprise Ireland and addressed by An Taoiseach, were held in Riyadh and Dubai and were attended by 400 and 500 people respectively. Other events organised by Enterprise Ireland included a software workshop which I opened and two Education workshops at which Minister Hanafin presided.

During the mission, a total of 25 significant agreements were signed. Initial estimates from companies and organisations who participated, place the likely future value of agreements reached, at €65 million.

Competition Law.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

182 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the work of the Competition Authority in 2006; the number of mergers that, due to their nature, were referred to his Department rather than the Competition Authority for decision; the main points of these cases; his views on whether changes to competition law are required in the short to medium term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2556/07]

The first part of the question relates to the day-to-day work of the Competition Authority which is the independent statutory body responsible for the enforcement of competition law in the State. Its mandate and functions are set out in the Competition Act 2002, as amended. The Competition Authority is statutorily required to publish an annual report of its activities during the year within 2 months of the end of its financial year and copies of this report are laid before each House of the Oireachtas. Also, the Chairman of the Authority is accountable under section 38 of the Act directly to the Oireachtas and is required to give evidence to the Public Accounts Committee and to any other Committee established by either House of the Oireachtas in regard to the activities of the Authority.

Details of all notified mergers since 1st January 2003 are available from the Competition Authority and are published on its website, www.tca.ie. I have no function in mergers, other than in relation to media mergers. My role under the "media" provisions in the Act involves considering the acquisition in the context of the "relevant criteria" as specified by section 23 of the 2002 Act. These criteria essentially relate to media plurality/cross-media issues.

During 2006, I was notified of 22 media mergers, none of which warranted further investigation, and the mergers were accordingly put into effect.

I am concerned that the current definition of a media merger is extremely broad and captures a significant number of transactions which are unlikely to be a cause of concern in the context of the criteria specified in the Act. Consequently, I am currently examining the relevant provisions relating to such transactions to see if some amendments might be required to allow for more efficient operation of procedures for vetting such media mergers. Any amendment required will likely relate to the definition of media merger and can be effected by means of secondary legislation.

More generally, my Department will commence a review of the operation of the Competition Act 2002 during the course of 2007 and a decision will be made after the completion of that review on the need to introduce changes to the current legislation.

Departmental Expenditure.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

183 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the projected cost of outfitting the new Enterprise Ireland facility in Eastpoint in order to make it fit for purpose; the components of the cost structure; and the projected completion date of the relocation. [2726/07]

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

190 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the projected cost of the refurbishment and refitting work that will be required in the transfer of Enterprise Ireland offices, laboratories and other facilities in the transfer from their current premises in Glasnevin to the proposed new premises in the East Wall area. [2724/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 183 and 190 together.

The outfitting of Enterprise Ireland's new Dublin based offices at Eastpoint is an operational matter for the Agency itself, and not one in which I am involved.

A design team is currently working on the specific internal layout and design of the offices. The design team will prepare a detailed cost estimate for the outfitting of the premises to facilitate the Agency's business needs.

The final cost will depend on such factors as the outcome of the competitive tendering process. Importantly, this cost can be set against the overall financial benefit accruable to the exchequer from the move to Eastpoint, such as the sale of a substantial part of the Glasnevin site. It is anticipated that the benefit to the exchequer will be a multiple of the cost of fitting out the new facility at Eastpoint.

Enterprise Ireland are not transferring laboratories to East Point, as services previously carried out from the laboratories at the Glasnevin site have ceased to operate.

Work Permits.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

184 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the fast track working visa work authorisation programme’s work in 2006; the number of visas or work permits issued through this system in each year from 2002 to 2006 inclusive; the number of valid visas or permits currently in circulation from this programme; the expected date by which all of these visas or permits will have expired; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2550/07]

The number of Work Visas/Work Authorisations issued for the period 2002 to end of September 2006 was 9,898.

Working Visa/Work Authorisations were issued for two years and could be renewed for a further two year period once persons fulfilled the conditions of the scheme. At end September 2006, the most recent date for which data is available, there were approximately 5,500 valid Work Visa/Worth Authorisations in force.

New working visa/work authorisation permits have not been issued since 31st December 2006 as they are being replaced by the Green Card Scheme with effect from 1 February 2007.

Question No. 185 answered with QuestionNo. 172.

Departmental Properties.

Dan Boyle

Question:

186 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether the new 25 year Enterprise Ireland lease on two buildings in Dublin is in line with the Government’s decentralisation programme; and if his Department has issued particular guidelines to other Government Departments and public bodies regarding the entering into of property arrangements in the greater Dublin area. [39080/06]

John Perry

Question:

187 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason Enterprise Ireland has taken a 25 year lease on two office blocks in Dublin even though the agency is due to decentralise to Shannon; if he has been in contact with Enterprise Ireland on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2601/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 186 and 187 together.

The details of Enterprise Ireland's leasing arrangements in order to meet its business needs and health and safety obligations, is an operational matter for Enterprise Ireland, and not one in which I have a function. However, it has been a key strategic objective for Enterprise Ireland to bring all Dublin based staff together in one location since the Agency was established in 1998.

Managing an Agency, which currently occupies four separate locations in Dublin, is considered sub-optimal. This is particularly the case as the Agency is mandated to provide a wide range of services and expertise in a holistic fashion, across several critical business functions. One of the options considered to address the issue was that of developing the Enterprise Ireland's Glasnevin site to provide accommodation for all Dublin staff.

However, following the introduction of the Government's decentralisation programme in December 2003, the option of a major investment in new purpose-built premises on the Glasnevin site was deemed to be inconsistent with the proposed decentralisation of some 300 of Enterprise Ireland's 600 Dublin based staff to Shannon.

Enterprise Ireland nevertheless faced the same operational challenge of operating from four separate locations across Dublin. Crucially having all Dublin based staff in one location will enable Enterprise Ireland to further deliver on one of its most important initiatives, the creation of integrated teams of staff with complementary expertise to service client companies.

The substantial number of remaining staff, plus the fact that the leaseholds on two of these premises are due to expire in 2008, meant that the Agency had to decide on an appropriate office solution that would, on the one hand provide suitable accommodation for the staff currently spread across the four separate Dublin locations, and on the other hand give Enterprise Ireland the flexibility to comply with the Government's decentralisation programme.

Having explored a number of possible solutions, the Board of Enterprise Ireland decided that the single site office solution offered in the East Point Business Park was the most appropriate from a number of perspectives, including value for money and flexibility. In September of 2006, following the Board decision, Enterprise Ireland signed a commercial 25-year lease on the two units in East Point. The leases have in-built break clauses, plus a clause to enable the Agency to sub-let space, if required.

Guidelines regarding property arrangements in the greater Dublin area, aimed generally at public service organisations, are more appropriately issued by the Department of Finance or the Office of Public Works.

Industrial Relations.

Joe Sherlock

Question:

188 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the ongoing dispute between Greencore and its former employees who are still to receive their redundancy payments; his views on whether Greencore should be using the compensation it received from the State to redevelop the site at Mallow before they have paid their workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2545/07]

On 26 April 2006, the Labour Court made a recommendation regarding the redundancy terms for Irish Sugar workers at the Mallow plant. The court has issued three clarifications of its recommendation since April, butthese failed to achieve a resolution to thedispute.

Ireland's system of industrial relations is, essentially, voluntary in nature and responsibility for the resolution of industrial disputes is a matter for the parties involved. The Irish system is designed to help and support parties in their efforts to resolve their differences, rather than imposing a solution on the parties to an industrial dispute.

The company has indicated that it is not prepared to alter its existing redundancy package. Similarly, the trade unions have not changed their position and are not prepared to accept the company's offer.

I very much regret the failure of the parties to find a resolution to this dispute. However, the services of the Labour Court remain at the disposal of the parties, if they wish to return.

As regards restructuring aid under the Agreement on the Reform of the EU Sugar Regime, this is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture and Food. However, I understand that the EU restructuring aid for the sugar industry, as provided for in Council Regulation (EC) No 320/2006, is to cover the economic, social and environmental costs of restructuring, involving factory closure and renunciation of quota. In July 2006 the Government made decisions regarding the percentage of the aid to be reserved for beet growers and contractors and the indicative breakdown of the potential allocation of the aid to be followed by Greencore in preparing its restructuring plan. These decisions are now the subject of judicial review proceedings instituted by Greencore in the High Court and, in the circumstances, it would not be appropriate for me to make any comment on this issue.

Redundancy Entitlements.

Seán Crowe

Question:

189 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, in order to ensure that workers who find themselves cast aside by their employer after years and in some cases a lifetime’s service receive a decent level of redundancy compensation as a right, he will bring forward legislation to increase redundancy payments to four weeks of pay per year of service. [2613/07]

In April 2001 the ceiling on weekly wages used in calculating statutory redundancy lump sums was €507.90. Payment was then calculated at a half week's pay per year of service under the age of 41 and a full week's pay per year of service over the age of 41 plus one extra week's pay.

Redundancy entitlements were discussed in the context of Sustaining Progress and agreed at two weeks pay per year of service plus a bonus week. This rate commenced in May 2003.

The ceiling on weekly wages used in calculating statutory redundancy was increased to €600 in January 2005. There are no plans at present to further increase statutory redundancy entitlements.

Question No. 190 answered with QuestionNo. 183.

Enterprise Strategy Group.

Peter Kelly

Question:

191 Mr. Kelly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of the recommendations from the Enterprise Strategy Group implemented; the number outstanding; the further action he will take on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2559/07]

The Enterprise Strategy Group's (ESG) report was an important policy agenda both for national competitiveness and for strengthening a positive business environment.

The subsequent Action Plan to progress implementation of the ESG's recommendations covers 47 topics. Implementation is underway on all topics and I am satisfied that good progress is being made on the Plan. There are no topics on which implementation has not taken place nor are there any matters where work is not underway to actively move the agenda forward. The process is being monitored by the Enterprise Advisory Group under the Chairmanship of Mr. Michael Buckley. The Advisory Group will report to me later this year on the implementation process around all Action Plan recommendations.

Manufacturing Sector.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

192 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his response to the significant drop in industrial production during Autumn 2006, in particular in relation to the three month period September to November 2006; the actions he will take to prevent Ireland’s manufacturing base being further eroded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2519/07]

There is a need to tread cautiously when interpreting quarterly results for industrial production as the indices are subject to fluctuation. Such results are best compared to performance relative to the corresponding quarter of the previous year rather than relative to the preceding quarter.

While CSO data indicates that production decreased by 6.0% in the period September-November 2006 compared to the period June — August of the same year; a comparison of third quarter figures between 2005 and 2006 shows a slight increase in manufacturing production for that particular quarter in 2006.

Taken over the past five years Irish manufacturing has, in fact, performed quite strongly; CSO data indicates that manufacturing production — in volumes — increased by 28 percent overall between 2000 and 2005. The performance of the sector is subject to ongoing review by my Department and the enterprise development agencies and while there are challenges to be addressed, I believe the sector will continue to be a significant contributor to exports, employment and economic growth in the future.

To assist industry maintain competitiveness and increase productivity, the economic development agencies are working on an ongoing basis to promote the adoption of new technology and best practice at company level. The agencies aim to support sustainable, high value added enterprise in Ireland through the provision of mentoring and developmental supports, the enhancement of management capabilities and critical workforce skills in client companies, support for the creation and implementation of strategies for market entry, development and growth, and strong supports for innovation and for research and development.

Enterprise Development.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

193 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if Ireland will take part in the European Investment Fund’s JEREMIE programme for micro to medium enterprises; if so, when a memorandum of understanding is expected to be signed; if not, the reason he is not availing of these supports for small businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2548/07]

My Department and its agencies support the financing of SMEs in a number of ways. The funding provided by Enterprise Ireland and the County and City Enterprise Boards, in the form of grants, refundable aid and equity participation, provides an important source of finance to many SMEs. In addition, Enterprise Ireland actively promotes the availability of venture capital in Ireland and I have approved funding of €175m for venture capital that is projected to leverage venture capital funding of some €1 billion over the next decade.

Furthermore, the HALO Business Angel Partnership which is managed by the Dublin Business & Innovation Centre (BIC) and supported by the Cork, Waterford and Galway BICs, is designed to encourage and facilitate the provision of informal investment in enterprises by Business Angels, typically high net worth individuals who wish to invest in early stage companies with good growth potential. This partnership is being supported financially by Enterprise Ireland and InterTradeIreland.

JEREMIE (Joint European Resources for Micro to Medium Enterprises) is a joint initiative of the European Commission with the European Investment Fund and the European Investment Bank to promote SME access to finance and financial engineering products in the regions. Under the JEREMIE programme, national and regional authorities can opt to deploy money made available by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in the form of market-driven financial instruments, instead of offering grants.

The European Investment Fund's JEREMIE programme was examined in the context of the arrangements already in place to assist enterprises in accessing appropriate financial support. However, given the nature and structure of the programme, particularly in terms of the scale of operations that would be required to secure EIF participation, it was felt that it was not best suited to the present circumstances pertaining in the Irish economy.

Nevertheless, my Department is, in response to a recommendation of the Small Business Forum, currently researching the possibility of the financial institutions accessing loan guarantees from the European Investment Fund that would enable them to expand their lending to small enterprises and remains open to the possibility of participation in the JEREMIE programme if circumstances indicate that it could benefit Irish businesses in a workable manner.

Employment Rights.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

194 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made in the establishment of the Office of the Director of Employment Rights Compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2527/07]

The new National Employment Rights Authority will be established under primary legislation to be published this year. Work has already begun on the preparation of the Employment Law Compliance Bill. Pending the introduction of that legislation it is our intention to establish the Authority and its Advisory Board on an interim basis.

I am pleased to say that Mr Ger Deering, currently the Commissioner for Taxi Regulation, has been selected, by means of a public competition to be the Director of the Authority. Ger Deering will take up his post from 12 February.

The establishment of this Authority was one of the measures agreed by the parties to ‘Towards 2016, the Ten-Year Framework Social Partnership Agreement". We want the Authority to be immediately operational and to marshal its resources so as to meet its agreed capabilities within the timeframe envisaged in ‘Towards 2016'.

I can confirm that the Government will make available to the Director all staffing and other resource commitments required to deliver the employment rights compliance regime envisaged in that Agreement.

Community Employment Schemes.

Martin Brady

Question:

195 Mr. M. Brady asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of money allocated to community employment schemes; the number of people involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2575/07]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

209 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the community employment schemes in operation in 2006; the number of persons employed through the scheme; the number of projects assisted through the scheme; the projected figures for persons to be employed through the scheme in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2553/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 195 and 209 together.

I am informed by FÁS that at year end 2006 there were 22,511 people on 1,260 Community Employment Projects nationally. I am informed by FÁS that it is intended that the Community Employment budget will be sufficient to maintain overall numbers on Community Employment at 2006 levels.

I understand that it is intended that the FÁS Board will decide on budget allocations to programmes at its next meeting on 2nd February.

Question No. 196 answered with QuestionNo. 128.

Decentralisation Programme.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

197 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress to date of the decentralisation of FÁS to Birr; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2602/07]

Under the Government's decentralisation programme, FÁS is due to transfer its head office including some 383 posts to Birr, County Offaly, by 2009.

Negotiations for the purchase of a site are continuing between FÁS and its owner. In the meantime, FÁS has already rented accommodation in Birr Technology Centre. FÁS currently has two staff members physically located in Birr and another staff member has agreed to re-locate, bringing the total to 3 staff members. It is anticipated that between 40 to 50 staff will be located in Birr by the end of the year. Staff located in Birr will consist of volunteers and new recruits, who continue to have the decentralisation clause in their contracts.

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 with the relocation clause

36 Promoted staff have signed contracts with the relocation clause, however following industrial action these cases are being examined by the parties and the matter has been referred to the Labour Court.

Departmental Appointments.

Joan Burton

Question:

198 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the new Chief Science Adviser to the Government will take up their post; if this is a full or part-time position; the staff and other resources that will be allocated to the Chief Science Adviser; the cost of these resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2526/07]

I am happy to advise the Deputy that the new Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government, Professor Patrick Cunningham, took up his post on Monday 15 January 2007.

The CSA is available to provide high-level advice on scientific issues of concern to Government, as required, and initially for a minimum of the equivalent of twenty-two hours each week. His role complements the other elements of the STI coordination and governance system already put in place by Government, including the Cabinet Sub Committee and its supporting high-level Interdepartmental Committee on STI, both of which the CSA will attend, and the Advisory Science Council.

The CSA is based in Forfás, the advisory board for science, technology and innovation. He has available to him the appropriate resources within Forfás and the capacity to access additional specialist services nationally and internationally, as his work programme requires.

The CSA's costs are met within existing budgets and there are no additional costs to the Exchequer, over and above the CSA's own salary and related expenses. While the Deputy will appreciate that the CSA's remuneration is confidential personal information, I can assure her that it reflects the nature of the post and the expertise required.

Question No. 199 answered with QuestionNo. 172.

Workplace Inspections.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

200 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of inspections made by labour inspectors in 2006; the number of these that resulted in a charge, fine or further steps being taken against the employer in question; the number of cases that were not taken further after first inspection; the breakdown per industry sector of these inspections; the moneys received in fines due to labour inspectors work during 2006, including that paid in 2006 in respect of previous years work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2555/07]

The number of workplace inspections/visits undertaken by the Labour Inspectorate in 2006 amounted to 15,855. Breaches were detected in 2,250 of these cases. The primary objective of the Labour Inspectorate in the case of the breaches detected was to seek compliance and rectification of any breaches identified, including redress for the individual/s concerned and payment of any arrears due to employees. In this regard the Inspectorate, in 2006, recovered from some 349 employers arrears of pay amounting to almost €1.4 million. Prosecutions were initiated in 2006 against 24 employers in respect of breaches of employment rights legislation while prosecutions brought before the Courts in 2006 resulted in the imposition by the Courts of fines against 8 employers amounting to a total of €33,351.

The Deputy has requested a breakdown of inspections on an industry sector basis. The information is not readily available in this format. The Inspectorate currently records its activities by the legislative instrument under which it is granted enforcement powers. The legislative instruments involved include the National Minimum Wage Act, 2000, the Payment of Wages Act, 1991, the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 and the Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act, 1997. Inspections under these pieces of legislation, which are undertaken across all sectors, accounted for 89% of all inspections in 2006. The Labour Inspectorate is also responsible for the enforcement of Employment Regulation Orders and Registered Employment Agreements which provide for minimum pay rates and certain conditions of employment in specific sectors including Catering, Hotels, Construction, Agriculture, Security, Electrical, Contract Cleaning and Hairdressing.

The following tabular statements show, based on the 2006 provisional data, the breakdown of total inspections by legislative instrument and the breakdown of inspections undertaken under Employment Regulation Orders and Registered Employment Agreements.

Table 1: Inspections undertaken in 2006 by legislative instrument

Legislative Instrument

Sectors Covered

% of Total Inspections undertaken in 2006

Employment Regulation Orders (EROs) and Registered Employment Agreements (REAs)*

Catering, Hotels (outside Dublin), Contract Cleaning, Security, Construction, Electrical, Hairdressing, Agriculture, Footwear and Drapery, Law Clerks and Others

11

National Minimum Wage Act, 2000

All sectors excluding those covered by EROs and REAs

19

Payment of Wages Act, 1991

All sectors

27

Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act, 1996

All sectors

17

Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997

All sectors

26

TOTAL

100

* See Tabular Statement 2 for breakdown of ERO and REA inspections.

Table 2: Inspections undertaken in 2006 under Employment Regulation Orders and Registered Employment Agreements*.

Employment Regulation Order (ERO)/ Registered Employment Agreement (REA)

% of Total Inspections undertaken in 2006 under EROs and REAs

%

Catering

41

Construction

18

Retail Grocery & Allied Trades

12

Hotels (outside Dublin)

11

Agriculture

6

Security

4

Contract Cleaning

4

Other

4

TOTAL

100

* Does not include inspections in these areas under other legislative instruments (viz. Payment of Wages Act, 1991, Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997, etc.)

Employment Rights.

Phil Hogan

Question:

201 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has read the report into work practices (details supplied); his views on same; if his Department has reason for concern; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2605/07]

I have read the report and noted the allegations contained in the magazine article. I have also noted that the company has denied the allegations.

The wages and employment conditions of workers employed in Retail Grocery are governed by the Retail Grocery and Allied Trades Employment Regulation Order.

I would urge any employee or former employee who is of the view that their employer is not operating or has not operated in compliance with the provisions of the Employment Regulation Order to make a formal complaint to the Labour Inspectorate of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Inspectors are authorised to examine employers' relevant records and seek to have irregularities rectified. The Inspectorate has undertaken inspections of the Company referred to in recent years and is currently investigating one complaint by a former employee.

Labour Inspectors pursue allegations of breaches of certain employment rights legislation and when evidence of non-compliance with such legislation is found, the Inspectorate seeks redress for the individual/s concerned and, if appropriate, a prosecution is initiated. Employers are required to maintain records in respect of such employees and these records, together with other substantiating evidence, for example, a statement from an employee, provide the essentials of a basis for legal proceedings. Failure on behalf of the employer to maintain adequate records is an offence.

It should be noted also that, in many cases, Employment Rights Legislation has provisions whereby workers who believe that they have been denied their entitlements, or otherwise unfairly treated, can, as an alternative to dealing with the Labour Inspectorate, take the matter before a Commissioner in the Rights Commissioner Service of the Labour Relations Commission.

If the issues in dispute between a worker or a group of workers are not covered by Employment Rights Legislation, a case may be referred to the Labour Relations Commission or to the Labour Court in accordance with the Industrial Relations Acts.

The Labour Relations Commission operates a number of free services to assist in the prevention or resolution of workplace disputes:

The Commission's Conciliation Service provides trained facilitators who assist employers and workers to resolve disputes when their own unassisted efforts have not succeeded.

The Commission's Mediation Service provides a confidential process to allow parties resolve their conflict in a mutually agreeable way with the help of a neutral third party.

The Commission's Advisory Service works closely with employers, trade unions and employees to promote, develop and implement best industrial relations policies, practices and procedures.

Rights Commissioners investigate and recommend on disputes and grievances referred by individuals or small groups of workers under the relevant industrial relations or employment rights legislation.

The Labour Court acts as an industrial relations tribunal to provide a free, comprehensive service for the resolution of industrial relations disputes, where the parties to a dispute have been unable to reach agreement. While ultimate responsibility for the resolution of industrial disputes is a matter for the parties involved, since the Labour Court is a Court of last resort in the industrial relations process, it is expected that the parties come to the process in good faith and, consequently, are prepared to accept the outcome of the process, namely, the Labour Court recommendation.

For a dispute involving an individual's or small group's grievance or grievances, there exists a Code of Practice on Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures which dictates best practice for addressing grievance and disciplinary issues. The procedures set out in the Code are in line with the voluntarist tradition of Ireland's system of industrial relations. Grievance cases that cannot be resolved within a company may be referred, in line with the Code of Practice, to a Rights Commissioner under the Industrial Relations Acts and, if necessary, appealed to the Labour Court.

Auditors’ Liability Regimes.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

202 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the terms of reference given to the Company Law Review Group for their investigation into the report from the EU Commission entitled Study on the Economic Impact of Auditors’ Liability Regimes, as referred to in the statement of 3 January 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2521/07]

In the context of the 8th Directive on Auditing, the EU Commission arranged for a study on the economic impact of current EU rules on auditors' liability regimes and on insurance conditions in Member States. This study entitled "Study on the Economic Impact of Auditors' Liability Regimes" was published late last year, and describes the existing limitations in the insurance market for international audits, examines the economic needs for limited auditors' liability and compares several possible methods for limiting liability.

Given the debate which has been launched by the EU study, I requested the Company Law Review Group (CLRG) to examine the matter, in addition to the Limited Liability Partnership strand of his existing remit to the CLRG in relation to its 2006/07 Work Programme.

I requested that the CLRG examination of the issue of auditor liability include the following:

To develop an understanding of the issues associated with the current regime of auditor liability in Ireland;

To consider whether the current regime is in need of reform having regard to the policy issues and other considerations that are relevant, including those concerning the continuity of supply of audit services to the Irish economy;

In the event that the view of the CLRG is that reform to the present system is warranted, to identify the areas in which it is considered reform is required, and the means by which this might best be achieved including the development of proposals in the matter. In particular, potential remedies as to how such reform could be achieved, including but not limited to, changes in the law

for the introduction of statutory liability caps;

to permit limitation of liability by contract;

to introduce a regime of proportionate liability;

to permit auditors to incorporate;

should be explored, though not to the exclusion of other possible solutions.

I have requested that the CLRG examine these issues, report its findings and make appropriate recommendations to him in the light of its work over the coming months.

Grocery Industry.

Barry Andrews

Question:

203 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department has monitored the impact of prices since the removal of the Groceries Order in March 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2571/07]

Following the enactment of the Competition (Amendment) Act 2006 which revoked the Restrictive Practices (Groceries) Order 1987, I asked the Competition Authority to review and monitor developments in the grocery sector in light of the new regulatory environment. Since the removal of the Order, the Competition Authority has received no complaints of anti-competitive behaviour in the sector, nor has it seen any evidence of such behaviour.

The Authority's Grocery Monitor Project in now place. In April 2007 one year's worth of post Groceries Order data will be available for analysis. Later in 2007 the Authority intends to publish an analysis of developments in the sector focusing on pricing trends, market structures and barriers to entry.

During the debate that surrounded the removal of the Order I predicted that increased competition in the market would lead to prices being cheaper than they would be if the Order remained in place. CSO figures are consistent with this view, particularly when grocery price inflation is compared with overall inflation.

The CSO has recently published the Consumer Price Index for December 2006. The figures show that the prices of products previously covered by the Groceries Order fell by 1.6% in the nine-month period since the Groceries Order was abolished (April to December). During the same nine-month period, prices of products not covered by the Groceries Order rose by 2.3%.

The overall impact on all grocery prices (Groceries Order and Non Groceries Order items) is a decrease of 0.6% in the nine-month period from April to December 2006.

Economic Competitiveness.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

204 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the implementation to date of the recommendations in the strategic review Ahead of the Curve in Enterprise Ireland; the cost of these changes; the benefits accrued to date from these changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2538/07]

The Enterprise Strategy Group's (ESG) report was an important policy agenda both for national competitiveness and for strengthening a positive business environment.

The subsequent Action Plan to progress implementation of the ESG's recommendations covers 47 topics and set out a number of action points for Enterprise Ireland. Significant progress has been made by Enterprise Ireland in relation to the implementation of these actions. I am satisfied that good progress is being made on the Plan. There are no areas in which implementation is not either underway or completed. The process is being monitored by the Enterprise Advisory Group under the Chairmanship of Mr Michael Buckley. The Advisory Group will report to me later this year on the implementation process around all Action Plan recommendations.

Redundancy Claims.

Mary Upton

Question:

205 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of redundancy claims submitted using the online redundancy claims system on his Department’s website for each year since its commencement including 2006; the average time taken to process a claim submitted online; the average time taken to process a claim submitted by other methods; if this system is fully integrated with the Government’s REACH online public services programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2551/07]

The Online Redundancy Payments System (RPS) has been fully operational since June 2005. From June 2005 until 31 December 2005, a total of 2,648 online claims were received, this represents 19.14% of the total claims received for the seven-month period (13,837). 10,610 claims were submitted online in 2006, representing 45% of the total of 23,684 claims received.

The average online processing time is six weeks where claims are correctly filled out and hard copies submitted with the necessary signatures and correct figures. The average time for processing hard copy only applications is currently 11 weeks.

The integration of the online Redundancy Payments System with REACH was considered but was found to be unnecessarily expensive, with few benefits and greater costs than would be incurred with a stand-alone system. REACH itself was only in the development stage at that time and it was deemed more cost efficient to proceed with a system developed specially for a redundancy situation, which is usually a once off event for a company.

Consumer Protection.

Barry Andrews

Question:

206 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he expects the new Consumer Protection Bill to be published; when the new National Consumer Agency will be on a statutory basis; when the chief executive officer will be appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2570/07]

The Consumer Protection Bill will be published in the next few days. The new National Consumer Agency will be placed on a statutory footing immediately after the Bill is enacted by the Oireachtas. In this regard the Bill will be presented to Seanad Eireann on 6th February 2006. There is already in place an Executive Chairperson of the Interim Board of the Agency and it is expected that the process of recruiting a Chief Executive in accordance with the provisions of the Bill will take place in due course. I am confident that the establishment of the new Agency will help to ensure that Irish consumers will enjoy the highest levels of protection.

Health and Safety Authority.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

207 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a new chief executive officer for the Health and Safety Authority has been appointed; when the transition will take place; the remuneration package for the new CEO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2534/07]

The current Chief Executive's term of office does not end until 31st January 2007. Accordingly, a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Health and Safety Authority has not yet been appointed.

The appointment of a Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Authority, including a remuneration package, is in the first instance a matter for the Board of the Authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 39 and Schedule 6 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. The appointment is subject to the consent of the Minister.

I am informed that the Board of the Authority is putting in place arrangements and procedures to recruit and appoint a new Chief Executive.

Work Permits.

John Curran

Question:

208 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of new work permits issued to non-EEA nationals; the areas or skills they have; the number who would qualify for the new green card scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2573/07]

The Employment Permits Section of my Department has informed me the number of new work permits issued to non-EEA nationals for year ending 2006 was 7,342. The main areas are Service Industry, Medical/Nursing and Catering.

The two main categories of occupation based on salary level for a green card are: (i) Where the annual salary (excluding bonuses) on offer is €60,000 or more, the Green Card Permit is available for all occupations, other than those which are contrary to the public interest and (ii) Green Card Permits are available in the annual salary range €30,000-€59,999 (excluding bonuses) for a restricted number of strategically important occupations. It is not possible at this juncture to predict the number of work permit holders that are likely to qualify for a Green Card.

Question No. 209 answered with QuestionNo. 195.

Employment Rights.

Jack Wall

Question:

210 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the additional five rights commissioners agreed in Towards 2016 have been appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2542/07]

Towards 2016 contains, inter alia, a commitment by the Government to increase the staffing resources of the Employment Rights Bodies generally in order to accelerate the processing of cases through the adjudication and redress system. Included in this section is a commitment that an additional 5 Rights Commissioners will be provided, increasing, as necessary, in line with the Commissioners' caseload.

The Department has reached agreement with the Department of Finance on the additional resources required to meet these additional commitments. As provided for in Towards 2016, the additional Rights Commissioners, and support staff, will be appointed in line with evolving increases in the Rights Commissioner Service's caseload over the coming period.

Planning Issues.

Damien English

Question:

211 Mr. English asked the Taoiseach the number of housing units in respect of which planning permission has been granted throughout County Meath in each year from 2002 to 2005 and to date in 2006, with a breakdown for the Kells, Trim, Navan, Slane and Dunshaughlin areas of Meath County Council, in tabular form. [43808/06]

The number of housing units in respect of which planning permission has been granted throughout County Meath in each year from 2002 to 2005 and to date in 2006 are set out in the table below. The exact information as requested by the Deputy is not available as figures for Slane and Dunshaughlin are not compiled separately but are included in the Meath County Council figures.

Number of Planning Permissions Granted for housing units1 and associated number of housing units1 for County Meath and its constituent Town and County Councils, Q1 2002 to Q3 2006

County Meath (Total)

Meath County Council1

Navan Town Council

Kells Town Council

Trim Town Council

Period

Number of Permissions

Number of Units

Number of Permissions

Number of Units

Number of Permissions

Number of Units

Number of Permissions

Number of Units

Number of Permissions

Number of Units

2002

Q 1

139

585

134

573

4

11

1

1

0

0

Q 2

181

1,660

177

1,655

1

1

2

3

1

1

Q 3

157

588

149

563

3

13

3

5

2

7

Q 4

102

470

98

464

0

0

3

4

1

2

Year

579

3,303

558

3,255

8

25

9

13

4

10

2003

Q 1

106

620

102

602

1

3

0

0

3

15

Q 2

125

848

122

697

2

150

1

1

0

0

Q 3

159

1,121

158

1,117

1

4

0

0

0

0

Q 4

140

925

131

880

3

4

1

1

5

40

Year

530

3,514

513

3,296

7

161

2

2

8

55

2004

Q 1

134

607

131

595

2

8

1

4

0

0

Q 2

159

1,941

154

1,888

2

42

2

9

1

2

Q 3

175

819

172

794

1

8

0

0

2

17

Q 4

138

405

134

386

2

12

2

7

0

0

Year

606

3,772

591

3,663

7

70

5

20

3

19

2005

Q 1

177

895

173

861

3

32

1

2

0

0

Q 2

177

1,627

171

1,568

3

10

0

0

3

49

Q 3

196

1,302

189

1,241

1

1

2

3

4

57

Q 4

169

561

168

553

0

0

0

0

1

8

Year

719

4,385

701

4,223

7

43

3

5

8

114

2006

Q 1

146

501

144

496

1

1

1

4

0

0

Q 2

151

510

146

505

3

3

1

1

1

1

Q 3

183

990

180

983

1

2

0

0

2

5

1 All Housing Units includes Multi-Development Houses, One-Off Houses and Apartments.

2 Includes Slane and Dunshaughlin.

Dublin-Monaghan Bombings.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

212 Mr. Sargent asked the Taoiseach if he will report on recent developments with regard to the MacEntee Inquiry. [43712/06]

Mr. Patrick MacEntee was appointed as Sole Member of a Commission of Investigation to examine specific matters relating to the Dublin and Monaghan Bombings of 1974, including aspects of the Garda investigation and missing documentation. The appointment was made on 26 April, 2005.

In December, Mr. MacEntee provided me with a Seventh Interim Report and requested a further extension of the timeframe to 14 February, 2007. I brought this Seventh Interim Report to the attention of the Government and, as with previous such reports, I have published it.

Departmental Staff.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

213 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach the number of staff in his Department currently earning the national minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department currently earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department’s agencies currently earning the national minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department’s agencies currently earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff who are employed by contractors to his Department currently earning the national minimum wage; the number employed by contractors of his Department currently earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by Sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; the number of staff in his Department’s agencies currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by Sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; the number of staff who are employed by contractors to his Department currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by Sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43761/06]

There are no staff in my Department, my Department's agencies or contractors employed directly by my Department currently earning the national minimum wage, one euro per hour more than the minimum wage or earning less than the minimum wage.

Paul McGrath

Question:

214 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Taoiseach the number of civil servants and other staff employed in his constituency office; and the grade and remuneration of each. [1754/07]

The number of civil servants and other staff currently employed in my Constituency Office, their grade and remuneration is set out in the table below.

Grade

Remuneration

Personal Assistant

51,352

Personal Assistant

51,352

Executive Officer

32,219

Personal Secretary

37,773

Clerical Officer

30,201

Clerical Officer

30,201

Clerical Officer

23,825

Clerical Officer

22,766

Paul McGrath

Question:

215 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Taoiseach the number of civil servants and other staff in his press office and the grade and remuneration of each staff member. [1769/07]

The number of civil servants and other staff currently employed in the Government Press Office, their grade and remuneration is set out in the table below.

Grade

Remuneration

Government Press Secretary

133,367

Press Officer / Assistant Principal

72,997

Press Officer / Higher Executive Officer

53,247

Press Officer / Higher Executive Officer

51,352

Press Officer / Higher Executive Officer

45,731

Executive Officer

41,360

Clerical Officer

27,015

Each Press Officer is normally required to be on call one week in four, for which they receive an on-call allowance of five hours overtime at double time rates per week.

Northern Ireland Issues.

Finian McGrath

Question:

216 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Taoiseach his views on a full public inquiry into British collusion in the bombing atrocities in the 1970s, north and south of the border. [2022/07]

It is clear that the co-operation of the British authorities is essential in the case of any suggestion for a public inquiry on these matters.

This is something which was clear from the efforts of Judge Barron in all of his inquiries. The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights, which looked at those Reports, has recognised that. The Government has been using all appropriate means in its efforts to ensure that co-operation.

A public inquiry in this State which did not have the full co-operation of the British Government would not resolve any of the outstanding questions.

As the Joint Oireachtas Committee has said, questions relating to allegations of collusion can only be dealt with by the British Government. That is the focus of our efforts in ongoing contacts with the British Government, including at the highest level.

Consultancy Contracts.

John Gormley

Question:

217 Mr. Gormley asked the Taoiseach the amount paid to a company (details supplied) for services in the past six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2221/07]

The amount paid to the company in question for services in the most recent six month period for which figures are available (June to November 2006) was €6,822.19.

Comhfhreagras Ranna.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

218 D’fhiafraigh Mr. Sargent den Taoiseach cá fhad ar an meán a thógann sé air litir a fhreagairt as Béarla i gcomparáid leis an méid ama a thógann sé air litir a fhreagairt as Gaeilge. [2384/07]

Geallann an Chairt do Chustaiméirí de chuid Roinn an Taoisigh go dtabharfar admháil ar gach comhfhreagras laistigh de 3 lá oibre ó fhaightear é, agus go dtabharfar freagra iomlán ar gach comhfhreagras laistigh de 15 lá oibre ó fhaightear é. Sa chás nach féidir é sin a dhéanamh, tugtar gealltanas go n-eiseofar freagra idir an dá linn, ag míniú an cháis agus ag cur in iúl cathain a bheidh freagra ceart ar fáil.

Úsáidtear an t-amscála seo, a leagtar amach sa Chairt, i leith comhfhreagras i nGaeilge agus i mBéarla.

Departmental Staff.

Enda Kenny

Question:

219 Mr. Kenny asked the Taoiseach the number of persons engaged in project management in his Department that have recognised qualifications in that area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3223/07]

The mandate of the Department of the Taoiseach is to support me in my constitutional and ceremonial role as Head of Government and to assist me in providing effective leadership, coordination and guidance across key policy areas.

Given this, the Department has minimal involvement in project related work and I am satisfied there is an adequate level of expertise available in the Department to assist with the management of projects which may arise from time to time.

There are currently 19 staff at mid management and senior management grades working in the Department who have obtained formal training in project management, either as a distinct programme of study or as a module of a wider training programme e.g. Masters of Economic Science in Policy Analysis.

Taxi Regulations.

Joe Callanan

Question:

220 Mr. Callanan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there is a special dispensation for the taxi knowledge exam for non nationals; if there is an exemption from any knowledge based tests on street names or directions given for non Irish born residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43703/06]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there is no exemption of the kind referred to by the Deputy. Section 34(3) of the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 makes provision for the Commission for Taxi Regulation to establish requirements and conditions for the purpose of the assessment of applicants for the granting of licenses.

Garda Investigations.

Denis Naughten

Question:

221 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the continued refusal by the Government to fully investigate the murder of an unarmed Garda (details supplied) on 3 April 1970 following the release of confidential information relating to this tragic case which was recently leaked and published despite many years of official refusal to furnish the family concerned with similar information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43710/06]

I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 121 of 14 December, 2006.

The murder of the unarmed Garda in question was fully investigated by the Garda Síochána at the time. I facilitated a briefing of a representative of the family and his legal adviser in this matter by a leading member of the original Garda investigation team, who confirmed my opinion that the matter was fully investigated at the time and that no new evidence is likely to become available.

Although I fully sympathise with the continuing concerns of the family, I am unconvinced that there is any further practical step open to me which would likely alter outcomes in this case.

Stardust Disaster.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

222 Mr. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the memorandum prepared by a person (details supplied) on behalf of the Stardust Relatives and Victims Committee. [43713/06]

The Victims Committee has been advised that an external and independent examination of their submission is to be carried out by an eminent legal person. The arrangements for this examination are the subject of ongoing communication with the Committee's solicitor.

Decentralisation Programme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

223 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the timetable for the decentralisation of the Land Registry to Roscommon Town; the number of staff at each grade to be decentralised; if the existing staff which have been transferred from the Department of Agriculture and Food to the advanced Land Registry party are inclusive of the total figure; the numbers of such staff at each grade already relocated from the Department of Agriculture and Food to the Land Registry; the grades and respective numbers of staff presently employed in the Land Registry in Roscommon; the number of applications made at each grade under the CAF for decentralisation to Roscommon Town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1053/07]

Denis Naughten

Question:

224 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the timetable for the decentralisation of a further advanced party to the Land Registry in Roscommon Town; if temporary accommodation has been obtained; the number of staff at each grade which will be facilitated in this phase of the decentralisation; if a permanent site has been obtained; the timetable for the completion of this facility; the number of staff it will cater for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1054/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 223 and 224 together.

Under the timetable set out in the most recent report from the Decentralisation Implementation Group to the Minister for Finance, two hundred and thirty posts from the Property Registration Authority are scheduled to move to Roscommon by mid 2009. These posts include general service, technical and specialist grades, the precise details of which are available on the Public Appointments Service (PAS) website. In line with the central protocols under the decentralisation programme, the staff will be made up of serving officers from the Authority, staff from other areas of the Public Service who have applied for transfer to Roscommon under the Central Applications Facility (CAF), as well as staff who will have transferred from the Department of Agriculture and Food. To date, around one hundred and fifteen public servants have indicated Roscommon as their first preference under the CAF and applications continue to be accepted under the Programme.

It has been agreed that before the final move to Roscommon, an advance party of sixty-five people will be located in the town and over thirty officers have already taken up duty there, including twenty three staff from the Department of Agriculture and Food. The balance of the staff will move there in the first half of 2007 but no decision has as yet been made as to the grade profile of the officers to be included in the second advance party. The final decision on these matters will be based on operational requirements at the time and when the temporary accommodation becomes available.

The Office of Public Works has identified a site for the permanent offices in Roscommon and the matter is being progressed in the Office of the Chief State Solicitor. An architect and project team have been assigned and applications have been invited from interested developers who wish to be invited to tender for the construction of the new offices. It is anticipated that the accommodation will be completed and available for occupation by the target date of 2009 and it will cater for the Authority's full staffing complement.

Traveller Issues.

Finian McGrath

Question:

225 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will ensure that all Traveller groups are represented on all national decision making committees; and if he will give them the maximum support. [1307/07]

I refer the Deputy to the Report of the High Level Group on Traveller Issues which was published in March 2006 following approval by the Government. The recommendations contained in the Report represent the position of the Government. The details are available on my Department's website at www.justice.ie. The Report makes clear the extent to which Traveller groups are represented in the decision making process and how an integrated approach to service delivery should be achieved. A key recommendation of the Report is the development of an integrated approach to service delivery at local level using the structures of the City and County Development Boards (CDBs). Traveller Interagency Groups have since been established in each CDB area and the High Level Group Report specifies meaningful consultation with local Travellers as an essential element in developing the integrated approach.

Towards 2016 includes a commitment to give "concentrated attention" to achieving progress on Traveller issues based on an integrated approach to service delivery, and it is encouraging that all social partners have subscribed to this approach. I am therefore confident that Traveller Organisations are being included in appropriate national fora and that they will continue to make a valuable input to ongoing developments to support the Traveller Community.

Public Order Offences.

John Gormley

Question:

226 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of people specifically prosecuted for graffiti offences in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1326/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Criminal Damage Act, 1991 and the Litter Pollution Act, 1997 provide for the offences of damaging or defacing property.

The Criminal Damage Act 1991 does not provide a specific offence of defacing property with graffiti. Statistics are therefore not available to identify the number of persons prosecuted for offences involving graffiti. Proceedings commenced against 4,532 persons in 2006 for damaging property belonging to another under these Acts.

Immigration Registration Certificates.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

227 Mr. McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he proposes to take to eliminate the situation where students from outside the EU must pay a minimum visa charge of €100; the steps he will take to abolish those unnecessary visa charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1600/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

239 Ms Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the details of a new payment that foreign nationals from non EU countries must pay on an annual basis to renew their work permit; when and the reason this payment was introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43860/06]

Pat Carey

Question:

358 Mr. Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a fee of €100 has been introduced for the renewal of student visas to remain in the State; if there is provision for a waiver of this fee in the case of financial hardship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2048/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 227, 239 and 358 together.

A fee for immigration registration certificates was introduced in the Immigration Act 2004 (Registration Certificate Fee) Regulations 2006, which came into effect on 27 May 2006. The introduction of such a fee had been flagged both in the Immigration Act 2004, and in the discussion document containing the outline policy proposals for an Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill.

Non-EEA nationals who register with an immigration registration officer receive a secure residence document in the form of a Certificate of Registration (registration card). The State must provide the administrative resources and computer systems necessary to deal with the issuing of these residence documents. The costs involved include the setting up and maintenance of a state-of-the-art computerised registration system operated by the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), the administrative work by registration officers in the form of checking of documentation and capture of registration details and the actual cost of the card itself which includes several security features, including a biometric chip. The current fee of €100 is in line with the amounts charged in other states.

The Regulations provide for the waiving of payment of the statutory fee for the following:

(a) non-nationals who, at the time of registration under section 9 of the Immigration Act, 2004, are

(i) under 18 years of age

(ii) married to Irish citizens, or

(iii) holders of a valid residence card issued under Regulation 7 of the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 226 of 2006,.

(b) persons in respect of whom a declaration under section 17 of the Refugee Act, 1996, is for the time being, in force,

(c) persons who have been granted permission under section 18 of the Refugee Act, 1996 to enter and reside in the State, and

(d) programme refugees within the meaning of section 24 of the Refugee Act, 1996.

I do not have any discretionary powers to waive payment of the statutory fee in any circumstances.

Immigration Support Services.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

228 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the assistance that will be given to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford in regard to obtaining an appropriate travel document; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1622/07]

The person concerned made an application for a travel document in April 2006 and was refused as no documentary evidence was provided to support his claim that he needed to travel to obtain his own national passport. The person in question was asked for such documentation in a letter issued on 5 April 2006 but to date this has not been provided. In the event that the person in question wishes to reapply for a temporary travel document he will be required to provide the documentation as requested in the letter of 5 April 2006.

Temporary Travel Documents issued by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service of my Department are never intended to be issued as a substitute for a passport from a person's country of nationality. These documents are issued under strict guidelines for specific categories of persons. It is only in certain exceptional circumstances, supported by appropriate documentary evidence, that a temporary Travel Document would be considered outside the specific categories.

Employment Rights.

Joe Higgins

Question:

229 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will extend the provision in the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Act 2004 which entitles breastfeeding mothers in the workforce breastfeeding breaks during their working day without loss of pay until the infant is six months old, to facilitate mothers who wish to continue breastfeeding until the child is one year of age. [2498/07]

The Maternity Protection (Protection of Mothers who are Breast-feeding) Regulations 2004 which came into operation on 18th October 2004, make provision for an employee who is breast-feeding to take 1 hour off from her work each working day as a breast-feeding break without loss of pay, until the child is 6 months provided:

the employee's date of confinement is not more than twenty six weeks earlier

the employee notifies her employer in writing of the proposal as soon as reasonably practicable for her to notify her employer of her intention to return to work and of the date on which she expects to return to work

the employee furnishes, if so requested by her employer, the birth certificate of the child concerned or any other document establishing the date of the birth of the child.

There are no further proposals at present to increase the statutory entitlement to time off from work or reduction of working hours for breastfeeding.

The Deputy will be aware of the five year strategic action plan, "Breastfeeding in Ireland", published in October, 2005 by the National Committee on Breastfeeding under the aegis of the Department of Health and Children. Under this strategy, the Department of Health and Children will be taking a leading role in strengthening maternity protection legislation and policies pertaining to breast-feeding.

"Towards 2016" the current framework social partnership agreement, develops a new framework to address key social challenges which the individual faces at each stage of life. In this agreement the Government has undertaken to enhance maternity leave entitlements, in line with the measures announced in Budget 2006, aimed at helping children and their families to experience the qualities of family life, particularly in the important first year of life of the child.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

230 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3342/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

372 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2166/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 230 and 372 together.

I understand from the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question was granted permission to remain in the State under the provisions of Section 18 of the Refugee Act, 1996 on the 12th August, 2005. This permission to remain is valid up to the 13th March, 2007 at which time it will renewable under the same conditions.

Children Act 2001.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

231 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the sections of the Children Act, 2001 currently in force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43697/06]

The Children Act 2001 is the primary statutory framework for the youth justice system. It adopts a twin-track approach which addresses both the issue of child welfare and of youth justice. The aim is to address the needs of children who require special care or protection in tandem with addressing the issue of offending children. Responsibilities under the Act span three Government Departments: Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Health and Children and Education and Science.

While much of the responsibility comes within my remit, it should be noted that functions under the Children Act 2001 have been delegated under S.I. 474 of 2002 to my colleague Mr. Brian Lenihan T.D., Minister for Children. It is our joint intention that the remaining provisions of the 2001 Children Act (as amended by the Criminal Justice Act, 2006) will be commenced on 1st March, 2007.

It was always the intention that the Children Act 2001 would be introduced on a phased basis, given the scale and complexity of the issues involved. To date, significant sections, and amendments introduced by the Criminal Justice Act 2006, have been brought into force by me and the Minister for Health and Children.

In relation to those provisions for which my Department has responsibility, Statutory Instrument (S.I.) 151 of 2002 commenced a range of provisions including provisions concerning the Garda Diversion Programme, the treatment of child suspects in Garda stations, the Children Court, child protection measures and some powers of the Court.

S.I. 468 of 2004 commenced provisions in respect of family conferences under the supervision of the Probation Service. S.I. No.529 of 2006 commenced provisions affecting the age of criminal responsibility as provided under an amendment contained within the Criminal Justice Act 2006 and these changes came into effect on 16 October 2006. The effect of this change is that children under 12 years of age shall not be charged with an offence except in the case of murder, manslaughter, rape or aggravated sexual assault where the age is 10 years.

The role of Special Residential Services Board (SRSB) changed on the 29th November, 2006 by way of an amendment to the Criminal Justice Act, 2006. A key development in this regard is that the bed management role and phone line service for referral of children to detention schools has transferred to the Irish Youth Justice service from the SRSB. S.I. No. 586 of 2006 refers.

The Criminal Justice Act 2006 also amends a number of other provisions of the 2001 Act, including the area of youth detention. In this regard I would like to inform the Deputy that responsibility for this issue will transfer from the Department of Education and Science to my Department, and preparation for the introduction of the new detention system is well underway. Significant work has also been carried out by the Probation Service to implement the community sanction provisions outlined in the legislation.

The following table lists the sections and subsections which have yet to be commenced and which come within the remit of my Department. The table also lists the new sections and amendments introduced by the Criminal Justice Act 2006 which await commencement. As previously mentioned it is intended that all outstanding provisions of the Act will commence on 1st March, 2007.

Provisions of the Children Act 2001, as amended by the Criminal Justice Act 2006, which remain to be commenced

Part

Section of original Children Act 2001 not commenced

New sections and amendments, introduced by Criminal Justice Act 2006, not commenced

1. Preliminary

Section 5 (some of schedule 2)

Amendments to sections 2 and 3.

4. Diversion Programme

Amendments to sections 18, 19, 23, 48 and 49

6. Treatment of Child Suspects in Garda Síochána Stations

Section 59 and part of section 61(1)(b)

Amendments to section 59

8. Proceedings in Court

Section 88

New sections 76A to 76CAmendments to sections 88, 91 and 93

9. Powers of Court in relation to Child Offenders

Sections 95 and 96, part of section 98, sections 99 to 107, 111 to 112, 115 to 132 and 137 to 156

Amendments to sections 96, 136, 149 and 155New sections 156A and 156B

10. Children Detention Schools

Sections 157 to 224

Amendments to sections 157, 159, 161, 165, 185, 186, 198 and 215New section 186A

12A. Anti-Social Behaviour by Children

N/A

New sections 257A to 257H

13. Miscellaneous

Sections 259, 262, 263 and 265

Juvenile Offenders.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

232 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will acknowledge that the failing of the juvenile justice system attributed to underinvestment has played a roll in the increase in serious crimes over recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43699/06]

The Deputy will be aware of the changes in recent years aimed at bringing about improvements in the youth justice system and I am pleased to say that I have secured additional resources, as published in the recent estimates, to support changes being made in this area, including the establishment of the Irish Youth Justice Service (IYJS). Funding for Young Person's Probation, which was established last year and implements certain provisions of the Children Act 2001, has increased fourfold from €1.39 million in 2006 to €6.98 million in 2007. The Garda Youth Diversion Projects, a crime prevention measure, have had budgetary increases rising from €5.3 million in 2004 to €9.8 million for 2007. I have already increased the number of projects from 64 to 84 and I intend to increase this to over 100 projects by the end of 2007.

The Youth Justice Programme in the National Development Plan commits to spending €224 million to support youth justice programmes and to further expand the number of diversion projects to almost 130 projects nationwide. It also allocates €143 million for the redevelopment of the children detention schools over the life of the Plan. In addition to the direct expenditure on youth justice the Government continues significant expenditure on programmes to promote health and well-being and on programmes to combat economic, social and educational disadvantage which are factors which impact indirectly on youth offending.

This investment is being made in the context of structural reforms in the management and development of youth justice strategy. The IYJS, which is an executive office of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, also comes within the policy environment of the Office of the Minister for Children to link up with the wider issues affecting children's lives. In committing these resources in the area of youth justice it is my view that the lives of children who offend and that of their communities will be improved and that this is being achieved through interventions aimed at rehabilitation, challenging offending behaviour and providing for the welfare and care needs of young people who come into conflict with the law.

With regard to the overall rate of crime, we need to be conscious of what the statistics taken over a prolonged period show. The crime rate per 1,000 of the population has dropped from 26 per 1,000 in 2003, the first full year of the present Government, to 24.5 per 1,000 in 2006, the lowest it has been during the period of this Government. By way of comparison, during 1995 there were 29 crimes per 1,000 population and in 1996 there were 28 crimes per 1,000 of the population. While this downward trend is welcome I have expressed concern over events that we have seen recently and I am committed to a programme of continuing development in terms of both legislation and resources.

Departmental Staff.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

233 Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of staff in his Department currently earning the national minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department currently earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department’s agencies currently earning the national minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department’s agencies currently earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff who are employed by contractors to his Department currently earning the national minimum wage; the number employed by contractors of his Department currently earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by Sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; the number of staff in his Department’s agencies currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by Sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; the number of staff who are employed by contractors to his Department currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by Sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43759/06]

I wish to inform the Deputy that all staff in my Department and my Department's agencies currently earn more than one euro per hour above the national minimum wage.

I can further inform the Deputy that the Request for Tender documents template used by my Department in respect of service contracts includes a notice which states that "It shall be a condition of this contract that the successful tenderers will comply with all relevant Health and Safety and Employment Protection Legislation including minimum pay and legally binding industrial or sectoral agreements."

Closed Circuit Television Systems.

Tom Hayes

Question:

234 Mr. Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the situation regarding a request from Clonmel Borough Council for the provision of closed circuit television cameras in Clonmel, due to the increase in anti-social behaviour and crime in the town. [43791/06]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that Clonmel is one of the 17 areas which form part of the current 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 finalising the tender process 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 within 3 months from the date of contract.

Further such projects are now under preparation by the Garda Commissioner as part of the process of outsourcing Garda CCTV systems. Clonmel will be considered together with the remainder of the Garda CCTV Programme.

I also wish to inform the Deputy that an initial grant of €5,000 has been allocated to Clonmel RAPID Crime Prevention, Safety & Security Task Group to enable it to prepare proposals for a local Community CCTV system. Pobal have invited all of the groups who received such funding to submit final proposals before the end of January 2007.

In addition, a new round of funding under the Community Based CCTV Scheme was advertised on 1 December 2006 with a closing date of 28 February 2007. It is open to any organisation from Clonmel to submit an application for grant aid from my Department of up to €100,000 under this Scheme. In addition, the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs has given a commitment to provide successful applications from RAPID areas with a further grant to a maximum of €100,000 subject to the total grant aid from both Departments not exceeding €200,000 or 100% of the capital costs of the project, whichever is the lesser.

Proposed Legislation.

Richard Bruton

Question:

235 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the Government’s intentions in relation to reform of existing laws in view of the recent reports on the issue of civil unions. [43798/06]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question Nos. 14 and 30 of 7 December 2006. The position is as set out therein.

Garda Investigations.

Damien English

Question:

236 Mr. English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if Garda investigations into PIPS, a bogus investment scheme, are ongoing; if he has satisfied himself regarding such investigations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43822/06]

I am informed by the Garda Authorities that up to 18 January, 2007 a total of 15 complaints were received at Kells Garda Station, Co. Meath, relating to the operation of a "People in Profit System" (PIPS). The Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation is assisting in the investigation of these complaints.

I am further informed by the Garda Authorities that they are awaiting a response to enquiries made by Gardaí to the Malaysian Authorities in relation to these complaints.

Asylum Applications.

Bernard Allen

Question:

237 Mr. Allen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on the application by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [43840/06]

I understand from the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question made a Family Reunification application on behalf of his wife and children in February 2005. The application was forwarded to the Refugee Applications Commissioner for investigation as required under Section 18 of the Refugee Act, 1996.

The Commissioner submitted a report on the investigation to my Department in November 2005. In the course of processing the application, questions arose as to the authenticity of certain documents submitted. These issues are currently being investigated. When the investigation has been completed a decision on the application will be taken at that stage.

Homicide Offences.

Richard Bruton

Question:

238 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of homicides in the State involving the use of firearms from 1 June 2002 to 1 December 2006; the number of the homicides involving firearms committed during this period that have resulted in successful convictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43852/06]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following table shows the numbers of murder offences recorded where a firearm was used and the numbers of detections, proceedings commenced and convictions in respect of those murders between 1 June, 2002 and 1 December 2006. It is anticipated that the number of convictions obtained will increase as the number of proceedings commenced are finalised by the courts.

Operation Anvil is central to the strategy of the Garda Síochána in combating serious crime and in particular murder. The Operation, which commenced in the Dublin Metropolitan Region in May, 2005 and was subsequently extended nationwide at my request, has proved to be very successful in disrupting the criminal activities of a number of key criminal gangs. It has resulted in a number of high-profile arrests and the acquisition of intelligence on the movements of criminals. Notable improvements have been achieved in the recorded number of incidents of crime being targeted by the Operation. In particular, I am pleased to note the increase of 34% in detections of possession of firearms in the fourth quarter of 2006 which I believe has contributed to the reduction of 3.4% in discharges of firearms. I believe that Operation Anvil has also contributed to the increase in that quarter of detections of offences of possession of drugs for sale or supply which is closely associated with many murders using firearms.

In addition to the introduction of Operation Anvil, the Garda Commissioner in November 2005 augmented the Organised Crime Unit at the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation with an additional 55 Garda members to address the problem of criminal gang activity. Enforcement by the Unit has resulted in further firearms being seized and a number of persons arrested, thereby disrupting their criminal activities. There has also been an increase in Garda monitoring and targeting of individuals and groups involved in armed crime in particular. In December last, the Commissioner allocated an additional 20 officers to the Bureau.

A wide range of provisions to combat gun crime were introduced in the Criminal Justice Act, 2006. With effect from 1 November, mandatory minimum sentences, of between five and ten years, came into effect for certain firearms offences, including possession of a firearm in suspicious circumstances, possession of firearm with criminal intent, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life or cause serious injury to property, possession of a firearm while hijacking a vehicle, and use or production of a firearm to resist arrest.

Recent events, particularly the deaths of wholly innocent members of the public caught up in internecine gangland conflict, have made it tragically clear that what has been achieved already must be built on so that we can protect our society from the dangers in our midst. A Government can have no greater priority than the safety of its people and it is against that background that we have taken a series of decisions which involve a comprehensive programme of measures to ensure that the full resources of the State are brought to bear as never before against the activities of those who have showed a callous disregard for the rule of law.

On 19 December last, the Government agreed my proposals for an unprecedented package of measures which includes:

A further increase of 1,000 in the strength of An Garda Síochána to bring the total to 15,000 over the next three years;

Sanction for 300 additional civilian administrative support posts for An Garda Síochána;

The recruitment of the 7 senior civilian posts recommended in the recent reports from Kathleen O'Toole and Maurice Hayes;

An increase in the retirement age for Gardaí, Sergeants and Inspectors from 57 to 60;

A proportionate increase in the targeted strength of the Garda Reserve from 900 to 1500;

Increased staffing for the Forensic Science Laboratory, the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Courts Service;

No limit on funds available for the Witness Protection Programme.

I will shortly be putting legislative proposals to Government. I am informed by the Garda authorities that murders involving the use of firearms tend to have lower conviction rates than other murders. This is not unique to Ireland. I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that the highest priority is given by An Garda Síochána to the investigation of murders and the detection of those responsible.

Number of Homicide Offences where a Firearm was Used (Recorded, Detected, Proceedings Commenced and Convictions) from 1 June 2002 to 1 December 2006

Recorded

Detected

Proceedings Commenced

Convictions

2006* (up to 1 December)

20

7

4

0

2005

21

4

2

1

2004

9

8

5

4

2003

20

11

4

2

2002 (from 1 June)

5

3

2

1

* Figures are provisional, operational and liable to change.

Question No. 239 answered with QuestionNo. 227.

Residency Permits.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

240 Mr. Cuffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the residency renewal process for the IBC/05 administrative scheme will be confirmed; the elements that will form the renewal criteria for these parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43861/06]

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

241 Mr. Cuffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the provisions that will be made to ensure that parents whose renewals are due in the first quarter of 2007 under the IBC/05 administrative scheme will have sufficient time to gather the required documentation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43862/06]

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

242 Mr. Cuffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the support his Department will provide to employers who may have employees awaiting approval of renewal of their permits under the IBC/05 administrative scheme when their original permits lapse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43863/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 240 to 242, inclusive, together.

Advertisements inviting applications for renewal of permission to remain granted under the IBC/05 scheme were placed in National Newspapers this morning 31 January, 2007.

Applications must be made on the official IBC renewal form which sets out the requirements for renewal and which is available on my Department's website (www.justice.ie). Hard copies of the form will also be available at the Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service (INIS), 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 and Garda District Headquarters stations outside Dublin. Forms will also be distributed to various non-governmental organisations working with immigrants and asylum seekers.

Applications for renewal for permission to remain granted in January, February or March 2005 must be submitted by post to the IBC Unit by 2 April 2007 at the latest. All other applications must be submitted one month in advance of the date on which the current permission to remain in the State expires.

Pending examination of their application for renewal submitted under the above arrangements, applicants whose permission has expired and who require renewal of permission for employment or urgent travel purposes should attend their local registration office. Such requests will be examined on a case by case basis. Guidelines to assist applicants in making their application are available with the application form.

Garda Deployment.

Seán Crowe

Question:

243 Mr. Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of members the Tallaght Drugs Unit have had, per year, over the past five years; and if he has proposals to increase the number in this unit in view of the prevalence of drugs in the area. [43930/06]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the total personnel strength (all ranks) of the Tallaght Drug Unit as of 31 December for the years 2002- 2006, inclusive, was as per the following table:

No. of personnel — Garda Drug Unit Tallaght 2002-2006

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

8

8

8

8

8

In addition to the work undertaken by that unit and the National Support Units, a significant part of whose work would relate to drug related activities in the area, all Garda personnel in the area and elsewhere have responsibility for the enforcement of drug legislation.

As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel to and within Garda Divisions on a priority basis in accordance with the requirements of different areas.

These personnel allocations are determined by a number of factors including demographics, crime trends, administrative functions and other operational policing needs.

Garda management state that such allocations are continually monitored and reviewed along with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy. This ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and that the best possible service is provided to the public.

Finally, the current recruitment drive to increase the personnel strength of An Garda Siochána in line with Agreed Programme for Government commitments is fully on target with a combined strength (all ranks) of both attested Gardai and recruits in training numbering 14,068 as on 31 December 2006.

The Garda Commissioner is currently drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources, and, in this context, the policing needs of Tallaght will be given the fullest consideration.

Garda Investigations.

Finian McGrath

Question:

244 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the information provided by the Gardai to DPP about the creation of Dean Lyons confession; the person who decided to persist with the prosecution of Dean Lyons when another person confessed to the killing in much more believable circumstances; the reason there was so much delay in the investigation; the reason there was such delay in admitting Gardaí had charged the wrong man; the reason no one has ever been prosecuted for the murders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43938/06]

On foot of my proposal, the Government decided last year that a commission of investigation should be established into the making of a confession by the late Dean Lyons about the tragic deaths of Ms. Mary Callinan and Ms Sylvia Shiels in March 1997 in Grangegorman Dublin 7. A draft of the Order establishing the Commission and a statement of reasons for its establishment were approved by each House of the Oireachtas.

I published the Report of the Commission of Investigation into the Dean Lyons case on 1 September 2006 and it was comprehensively debated in this House on 29 and 30 November, 2006. I believe the Report, based on the sworn evidence of all relevant witnesses to a senior counsel of considerable experience and integrity, Mr George Birmingham SC, offers a thorough independent analysis of the relevant facts — including those matters to which the Deputy refers. The Report is available on the website of my Department. A number of copies were also placed in the Oireachtas library on my instructions.

Prisoner Releases.

Finian McGrath

Question:

245 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the situation regarding a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if they are suitable for early release. [43970/06]

The person referred to was committed to Castlerea Prison on 6 October, 2006. He was sentenced to a total of 6 months imprisonment for possession of articles with intent and reckless discharge of firearms. On 25 October, his transfer to Loughan House was approved and this transfer was effected the following day.

Allowing for remission, he was due to complete his sentence on 10 January, 2007. He was granted six days temporary release at Christmas and was subsequently approved full release, subject to specific conditions, with effect from 4 January, 2007.

Garda Investigations.

Paddy McHugh

Question:

246 Mr. McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the tragic death of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; if his attention has further been drawn to the concerns of the persons family in relation to the investigation of the circumstances of the death; if a tribunal of public enquiry will be established to investigate all matters in relation to this tragedy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1032/07]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 194 to 196 of 5 December, 2006.

Road Traffic Offences.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

247 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the hundreds of road traffic cases which are thrown out due to the lapse of time he will ensure that a special Traffic Court is set up prior to the introduction of the national speed camera scheme; and if he will report on the assessment of the viability of the project by the Courts Service promised in a previous parliamentary question. [1033/07]

As I stated in reply to Question no. 104 of the 9th November 2006, my colleague, the Minister for Transport, has raised this suggestion with me. The Secretary General of my Department subsequently brought the proposal to the attention of the Courts Service, which has now forwarded its views.

Traffic courts are held on a regular basis in Dublin. In the judgment of the Courts Service, however, there would not be a sufficient volume of cases to warrant a dedicated traffic court in Districts outside the Dublin Metropolitan Area. As the Deputy will appreciate, because each District Court is a court of local and limited jurisdiction, it can only deal with cases that occur within the District which it serves.

The levels and types of business coming before the courts are continually monitored to ensure that delays in hearing cases are kept to a minimum. Systems are reviewed to ensure that potential backlogs are detected early so that allocation of resources can be properly planned. It is a matter for the President of the District Court to decide how business will be allocated among the resources available in terms of both judges and accommodation.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

248 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the proposed speed camera system will have automatic number plate recognition capability suitable for detecting and processing foreign registered vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1034/07]

Following the enactment of the Road Traffic Act 2006, the procurement procedure for the provision and operation of safety cameras by a service provider is underway. I am informed by the Garda authorities that it is intended that the service provider will be required to collect and process all data on speeding obtained by the mobile and fixed safety cameras used. The service provider will also be required to process data collected by the safety cameras currently operated by An Garda Síochána.

It is also intended that the service provider will provide all resources, including personnel, for the processing of data obtained for the purpose of verifying whether or not a speeding offence has taken place in each case and reading the licence plate of each vehicle identified as having been used to commit a speeding offence.

The use of specific technological capabilities such as automatic number plate recognition to identify and read the licence plate of each vehicle will not be a pre-requisite for the provision of the service.

Fireworks Offences.

Tony Gregory

Question:

249 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of car or vehicles impounded to date arising from the possession of fireworks by the occupants; if a similar measure is available to Gardaí when drugs are seized in vehicles. [1039/07]

Section 80 of the Explosives Act, 1875 (as amended by section 68 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006) provides for the seizure and detention of vehicles and vessels without warrant when a member of An Garda Síochána with reasonable cause suspects that a person possesses a firework. This section also authorises a search under warrant to seize anything that a member reasonably believes to be evidence, including vehicles.

Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1977 provides for the search, seizure and detention without warrant of anything found which appears to a member of An Garda Síochána to be something which might be required as evidence in proceedings for an offence under the Act. Section 26 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1977 authorises a search warrant to seize and detain any substance, article or document which the member of An Garda Síochána believes may be required as evidence in proceedings for an offence under the Act.

Section 7 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006 states that where a member of An Garda Síochána who is in a public place, or any other place under a power of entry, finds or comes into possession of anything he has reasonable grounds for believing is evidence relating to an arrestable offence, he/she may seize and retain the thing for use as evidence in any criminal proceedings for such a period from the date of seizure as is reasonable.

To date there have been no vehicles seized by An Garda Síochána because of being used for the transportation of fireworks.

Crime Levels.

Tony Gregory

Question:

250 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons prosecuted in 2005 and 2006 for having dangerous dogs in public places without the required muzzle. [1040/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there were 48 proceedings commenced in 2005 and 73 proceedings commenced in 2006 for this offence under the Control of Dogs Act, 1986 and 1992.

The figure provided for 2006 is provisional, operational and liable to change.

Garda Deployment.

Tony Gregory

Question:

251 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 194 of 12 December 2006, if he will request the Gardaí to liaise with the Defence Forces with a view to replacing some of the Garda personnel at Áras an Uachtaráin with Defence Forces personnel to free up the Gardaí for other anti-crime duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1041/07]

Tony Gregory

Question:

480 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 194 of 12 December 2006, his views on the civilisation of the static security currently carried out by members of An Garda Síochána at Áras an Uachtaráin, Dublin 7 to free up Gardaí for work in the community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2975/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 251 and 480 together.

The policing function of the Garda Síochána necessarily involves protection duties, including in relation to the Office of the President. It is not the practice, and it would be contrary to the public interest, to comment upon the details of such protection duties.

Having regard to their competencies in this area, decisions in relation to the fulfilment of protection duties are a matter for the Garda authorities.

Tony Gregory

Question:

252 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí in the National Drug Unit in 1996, 2005 and 2006; the number of these who are operational Gardaí as distinct from administrative or office based Gardaí. [1042/07]

Enda Kenny

Question:

392 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of positions allocated to the Garda National Drugs Unit; the number of Gardaí currently working in the Division; the number of vacancies within the Division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2247/07]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

411 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will confirm reports from the head of the Garda National Drugs Unit (details supplied) who reported on 15 January 2007 that the GNDU remains under resourced with 20% of positions in the unit currently vacant; the length of time these positions have been vacant; the steps taken to fill them; and when they will be filled. [2378/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 252, 392 and 411 together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the total personnel resources available to the Garda National Drugs Unit as at 31 December 1996, 2005 and 2006 was as set out in the table below.

In addition, It should also be noted that the total personnel strength of Garda Divisional Drug Units has increased from 273 to 283 over the period 31 December, 2004 to 31 December, 2006.

1996

2005

2006

Total Resources

52

58

53

Operational Gardaí

47

52

45

Gardaí on Administrative Duty

2

3

3

Civilian Personnel

3

5

5

I am informed by the Garda authorities that a competition will be advertised very shortly to appoint additional members to the Garda National Drugs Unit to replace members who have recently retired or been promoted from the Unit.

Tony Gregory

Question:

253 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí in each Garda Divisional Drug Unit in 2004, 2005 and 2006. [1043/07]

Tony Gregory

Question:

254 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the location and strength of each local Garda Drug Unit in 2004, 2005 and 2006. [1044/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 253 and 254 together.

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 as at 31 December, 2006 was 12,954. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June, 1997 and represents an increase of 2,252 (or 21%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. The number of recruits in training at the Garda College as at the 31 December, 2006 was 1,114 which resulted in a combined strength (all ranks), of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training of 14,068 as of that date. Furthermore, I should say that in December, 2006 as part of a package of anti-crime measures, the Government approved the continuation of the existing Garda recruitment programme to achieve a total Garda strength of 15,000. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.4 billion, an 11% increase on 2006 and a 96% increase since 1997 in real terms.

I have been further informed that the personnel strength (all ranks) of each of the Garda Divisional and District Drugs Units as at 31 December, 2004, 2005 and 2006 was as set out below.

The total personnel strength of Divisional Drug Units has increased from 273 to 283 over the period 31 December, 2004 to 31 December, 2006. As with any large organisation, on any given day personnel strengths of district and local drug units may fluctuate due to promotions, retirements and transfers.

2004

2005

2006

Carlow/Kildare

11

9

9

Naas

4

3

3

Kildare

4

4

4

Carlow

3

2

2

Cavan/Monaghan

9

10

10

Cavan

4

4

4

Monaghan

5

6

6

Clare

4

4

4

Ennis

4

4

4

Cork City

20

20

20

Anglesea Street

14

14

14

Gurranabraher

2

2

2

Mayfield

2

2

2

Togher

2

2

2

Cork North

6

6

6

Fermoy

6

6

6

Cork West

5

5

5

Bandon

5

5

5

D.M.R. East

17

17

17

Dún Laoghaire

6

6

6

Bray

5

5

5

Dundrum

6

6

6

D.M.R. North

24

25

22

Santry

6

7

6

Clontarf

5

5

5

Coolock

13

13

11

D.M.R. North Central

15

14

16

Store St.

15

14

16

D.M.R. South

23

22

21

Crumlin

7

7

7

Tallaght

9

8

8

Terenure

7

7

6

D.M.R. South Central

19

19

22

Pearse St.

8

8

8

Donnybrook

3

3

4

Kevin St.

8

8

10

D.M.R. West

24

22

28

Blanchardstown

9

7

9

Ronanstown

6

6

7

Clondalkin

9

9

12

Donegal

8

8

9

Letterkenny

5

5

7

Buncrana

1

1

1

Donegal

2

2

1

Galway West

8

7

7

Galway

8

7

7

Kerry

4

4

7

Tralee

4

4

7

Laois/Offaly

7

7

7

Portlaoise

2

2

2

Abbeyleix

1

1

1

Tullamore

3

3

3

Birr

1

1

1

Limerick

11

10

10

Henry St.

11

10

10

Longford/ Westmeath

7

4

6

Mullingar

2

2

2

Athlone

4

2

4

Longford

1

Louth/Meath

12

13

17

Drogheda

2

2

4

Dundalk

3

4

6

Ashbourne

2

2

Balbriggan

1

1

1

Navan

2

2

3

Trim

2

2

3

Kells

3

Roscommon/Galway East

2

2

2

Ballinasloe

2

2

2

Sligo/Leitrim

8

8

8

Sligo

5

5

5

Ballymote

1

1

1

Manorhamilton

1

1

1

Carrick on Shannon

1

1

1

Tipperary

7

7

7

Clonmel

2

2

2

Thurles

1

1

1

Templemore

1

1

1

Tipperary

1

1

1

Nenagh

1

1

1

Cahir

1

1

1

Waterford/Kilkenny

9

8

10

Waterford

6

6

6

Kilkenny

3

2

4

Wexford/Wicklow

13

13

13

Wexford

3

3

3

Newross

2

2

2

Enniscorthy

2

2

2

Gorey

3

4

4

Wicklow

3

2

2

Garda management state that all Gardaí have responsibility, inter alia, to deal with drug related issues as and when they arise.

It is the responsibility of the Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within Garda Divisions on a priority basis in accordance with the requirements of different areas. These personnel allocations are determined by a number of factors including demographics, crime trends and other operational policing needs. Garda management state that such allocations are continually monitored and reviewed along with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy. This ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and that the best possible service is provided to the public.

Garda Operations.

Tony Gregory

Question:

255 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will request the Garda authorities to report on the lack of Garda response (details supplied) for an area in Dublin 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1045/07]

I have requested a Garda report in relation to this matter and I will contact the Deputy again when the report is to hand.

Proposed Legislation.

Denis Naughten

Question:

256 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will publish the Sale of Alcohol Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1066/07]

The Government Legislation Programme published earlier today provides for publication of the Sale of Alcohol Bill this year. This Bill will repeal the Licensing Acts 1833 to 2004, as well as the Registration of Clubs Acts 1904 to 2004, and replace them with provisions more suited to modern conditions.

Citizenship Applications.

Denis Naughten

Question:

257 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the processing time for applications for a certificate of naturalisation; his views on whether it is acceptable that a person should have to wait for such a period; the steps which he is taking to address the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1069/07]

Applications for certificates of naturalisation are generally dealt with in chronological order as this method is deemed to be fairest to all applicants. The average processing time for such applications is approximately 24 months and this is primarily due to the significant increase in the volume of applications received in the last number of years.

The table below shows the total number of applications received in the years 2000 to 2006. These figures illustrate a significant upward trend in the number of applications being received.

Year

Applications for naturalisation received

2000

1,004

2001

1,431

2002

3,574

2003

3,580

2004

4,074

2005

4,523

2006

7,030

The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is an honour and applications must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is given only to persons who satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.

The procedures employed to assess an applicant for naturalisation are as set out in summary form below.

Upon receipt, each application is examined to determine if the statutory application is completed fully. Incomplete application forms are returned to the applicant for amendment. Valid applications are then examined to determine if the applicant meets the statutory residency criteria set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act. Passports and other documentation are examined in detail and enquiries with the Garda National Immigration Bureau may also be necessary. Since this procedure was introduced on 1 April 2005, over 3,000 applicants who applied since that date have been found to be ineligible. All such applicants are informed of any shortfall in their residency and will be able to reapply when they have the required residency.

The next stage of the process involves assessing an applicant's financial status in respect of their ability to support themselves in the State. Enquiries with the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Social and Family Affairs may be necessary in this regard. At the same time enquiries are also made with the Garda Siochana to clarify if the applicant can be deemed to be of good character. There may also be circumstances in individual cases which require a greater level of investigation than other cases. Once all enquiries are completed, the file is referred to me for a decision. The Deputy will appreciate that these processes can take a lengthy time to complete.

The above procedures have been developed and refined over a number of years and I am satisfied that they are necessary to maintain the integrity of the naturalisation process. Consequently, having regard to the resources available, which are kept under constant review, there is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved.

Denis Naughten

Question:

258 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 171 of 9 February 2006, if he will provide an update on the application; if he will expedite the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1070/07]

I informed the Deputy in response to Question No 171 of 9th February 2006 and Question No 599 of 6th July 2006 that the application of the person referred to would be processed in late 2007 or early 2008, and that no reason has been put forward which would justify the application being dealt with ahead of other applicants. That is still the position.

Crime Levels.

John Gormley

Question:

259 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of bicycles stolen in Dublin City in 2004, 2005 and 2006; his views on whether secure parking for bicycles is needed in Dublin City; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1107/07]

Following the submission to me in 2004 of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, I decided that the compilation and publication of crime statistics should be taken over by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, from the Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Act, 2005 consequently makes provision for this and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. Following the setting up of the necessary technical systems and auditing of the data from which the statistics are compiled, I am pleased to note that the CSO is now compiling and publishing criminal statistics and has published provisional headline crime statistics for the third and fourth quarters of 2006. In addition, it has compiled and published a series of quarterly and annual statistics for the period starting with the first quarter of 2003. I understand that the CSO are examining how the crime statistics published might be expanded and made more comprehensive.

I have requested the CSO to provide the information sought by the Deputy directly to him.

The provision of secure parking for bicycles in Dublin City is the responsibility of Dublin City Council.

Crime Prevention.

Finian McGrath

Question:

260 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will put in place a safety and security plan for an area (details supplied) in Dublin 3; and if he will assist local residents on this matter. [1108/07]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is policed from Clontarf Garda station.

I am further informed that after conducting an examination of crime in the area senior local Garda management directed additional mobile and foot patrols to combat in particular burglary. This has resulted in a reduction in this type of criminality.

Current policing plans in the area are predicated on the prevention of crime, including crimes against the person and property, and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of quality of life of the residents. This strategy will continue to be central to the delivery of a policing service to the area.

Garda Strength.

Pat Carey

Question:

261 Mr. Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the resources located at Finglas Garda Station between 20 December 2006 and 2 January 2007; the other resources available to be drawn upon in the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1109/07]

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 following the attestation of 299 new members on Thursday, 16 November, 2006. 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 combined strength (all ranks) of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training as at the 31 December 2006 was 14,068. Furthermore, I should say that in December, 2006 as part of a package of anti-crime measures, the Government approved the continuation of the existing Garda recruitment programme to achieve a total Garda strength of 15,000. The accelerated intake of 275 new recruits per quarter into the Garda College will continue until this target is met. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.4 billion, an 11% increase on 2006 and a 96% increase since 1997 in real terms.

The personnel strength (all ranks) of Finglas Garda Station as at 31/12/97, 20/12/06 and 02/01/07 was as set out in the table hereunder:

Station

31/12/1997

20/12/2006

2/01/2007

Finglas

76

87

87

This represents an increase of 11 (or 14.4%) in the number of personnel allocated to Finglas Garda Station from 31 December 1997 to 2 January 2007.

Finglas Garda Station forms part of the "K" District of the Dublin Metropolitan Region West Division. The personnel strength (all ranks) of this District as at 31 December, 1997 and 31 December, 2006 was 247 and 329 respectively. This represents an increase of 82 (or 33.2%) in the number of personnel allocated to the District since that date. Divisional resources are further augmented by a number of Garda National Units such as the Garda National Drugs Unit, the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and other specialised units, all of which have had increased resources.

Garda Management state that during the period of 20 December, 2006 and 2 January, 2007, Finglas Garda Station had 2 marked cars, 1 van and 5 unmarked cars. I am further informed that resources at Finglas Garda Station are augmented from Blanchardstown and Cabra Stations as required.

Garda personnel assigned throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed to ensure optimum use of Garda resources and the delivery of the best possible service to the public. During the allocation of newly attested personnel, the needs of Finglas Garda Station will be fully considered by the Garda Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda Stations throughout the country.

Garda Deployment.

Richard Bruton

Question:

262 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of community Gardaí based in areas (details supplied) for each of the years 2000 to 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1207/07]

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 following the attestation of 299 new members on Thursday, 16 November, 2006. 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 combined strength (all ranks), of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training as at the 31 December 2006 was 14,068. Furthermore, I should say that in December, 2006 as part of a package of anti-crime measures, the Government approved the continuation of the existing Garda recruitment programme to achieve a total Garda strength of 15,000. The accelerated intake of 275 new recruits per quarter into the Garda College will continue until this target is met. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.4 billion, an 11% increase on 2006 and a 96% increase since 1997 in real terms.

I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength (all units) of each Community Policing Unit based at Coolock, Raheny and Howth as at 31 December, 2000 to 2006 (inclusive) was as set out in the table hereunder:

Coolock

Raheny

Howth

2000

6

5

3

2001

7

4

4

2002

7

5

5

2003

5

5

4

2004

7

5

4

2005

7

4

5

2006

9

6

4

Garda personnel assigned throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public.

Garda Investigations.

Tony Gregory

Question:

263 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the outcome of the Garda investigations into a large sum of money which went missing some time ago in Fitzgibbon Street Garda Station, Dublin 1. [1208/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that a Chief Superintendent from outside the Garda Division concerned was appointed to investigate the matter referred to by the Deputy.

I am further informed that the investigation is at an advanced stage.

Sexual Offences.

Tony Gregory

Question:

264 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 137 of 14 December 2006, if there were further serious sexual assaults in the same Garda district to the end of 2006; and the number of convictions in each category. [1209/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there was one additional incident, of sexual assault, between 14 and 31 December, 2006.

Local Garda management is aware of the increase in such offences being reported and have directed that additional high-visibility beat and mobile patrols by uniform and plain-clothes Gardaí be carried out. Relevant information regarding known offenders for sexual offences is regularly circulated to personnel within the Division. All offences reported to the Garda authorities in the Division are being actively investigated.

I am further informed that Garda management has met a number of stakeholders, including representatives of local property management companies, residents and tenants, and provided personal crime prevention advice. The meetings also discussed other preventative measures, including CCTV systems and appropriate lighting, that can be put in place to prevent this type of criminality.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the information provided by them to enable me to reply to Parliamentary Question No. 137 on 14 December, 2006 was incorrect in respect of the figures for 2006 of the number of offences of indecency recorded and detected. Instead of nil offences recorded and detected there were 8 offences recorded and 5 detected. The error is regretted.

Since 14 December, 2006, there was one further detection in respect of a rape of a female in 2005, thereby increasing the number of detections to 8.

Residency Permits.

John McGuinness

Question:

265 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an application for family re-unification for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be approved; if he will expedite a positive decision in view of the fact that their application was passed to the Department from the refugee applications commissioner on 24 May 2006. [1210/07]

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

Asylum Applications.

John McGuinness

Question:

266 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application to remain in the State in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1211/07]

As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted.

While it is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications, I am advised that the finalisation of the case referred to by the Deputy must await the outcome of Judicial Review proceedings.

Passports for Investment Scheme.

John McGuinness

Question:

267 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of passports issued relative to the passports for investment scheme; the persons to whom these passports were issued; if his Department monitors the regulations of the scheme to ensure that the passport holders or investors have not breached them; if the terms of the investments made relative to the scheme have been complied with; if his Department monitors the investment to ensure continued compliance; if difficulty has emerged relative to the scheme or investment; if his Department has a role in resolving such issues where they relate to a breach in the guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1212/07]

The introduction of a scheme of investment based naturalisation had been advocated by Ministers for Industry and Commerce throughout the 1980s but opposed by successive Ministers for Justice on policy grounds.

In April 1989, the then Minister for Justice decided to seek Government approval in relation to a particular proposal which involved a large number of individual citizenship applications. The Government decided that the applications should be approved and, furthermore, so should future applications from anybody who was prepared to invest in the State.

Around this time a Statement of Intent was made available to persons who enquired about naturalisation linked to investment. This Statement indicated that the Minister would accept as fulfilling the requirements of "Irish Associations" in section 16(a) of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, and would waive the residence condition at section 15(c) of the Act, applications in respect of which:

(a) the applicant acquired a residence in the State, had been resident in the State for two years and had spent a reasonable amount of time here over the two years,

(b) the Minister was satisfied, on the advice of a Minister of the Government, that the applicant had established a manufacturing or international services or other acceptable wealth and job creating project here that was viable and involved a substantial investment by the applicant, and

(c) all other requirements of the Act had been complied with.

In the period 1989 to 1994, 66 investors (plus 39 spouses and children) were naturalised. The Report of the Review Group of the Investment based naturalisation scheme, which I published in August 2002, reports "that there was a significant number of cases in which the requirements of the Statement of Intent either were not adhered to or where evidence that they were adhered to is absent from the Department's files."

Arising out of a view that there should be a more formal and transparent approach to investment based naturalisation, new guidelines were introduced in 1994, which took the form of Terms of Reference of an Advisory Group to the Minister. The Group was to examine each application for naturalisation based on investment, with the assistance of evaluation/advice from relevant agencies where necessary and, in making their recommendations to the Minister, would apply the following criteria:—

(a) Substantial residence must be purchased and retained in ownership for a period of at least 5 years with an undertaking to reside in the State for a minimum of 60 days in the 2 years following naturalisation.

(b) The level of investment must involve a net contribution of at least £1 million per applicant.

(c) Where the investment is in the form of a loan it shall be for a duration of at least 7 years at an interest rate not greater that 1 per cent below the representative Government bond yield on the secondary market, or not greater than 1 per cent below DIBOR, whichever is lower. The loan shall be made by the applicant direct to the firm concerned, without involvement by any intermediary. The loan arrangement shall be transparent and open to scrutiny and shall be such as to prevent the loan being factored or sold on. The loan shall not be secured by the assets of the company in which the investment is to be made.

(d) As ordinarily naturalisation would be for life, the duration of the investment should be for a significant period; at the very least 5 years.

(e) the number of jobs created or maintained must be readily quantifiable and arise from the investment only.

(f) Audited and certified confirmation of the investment to be available to the Group from an established auditing firm of accountants to the effect that the investment has taken place in accordance with the rules of the scheme for naturalisation.

(g) The investment will be monitored by Forfás to ensure that the conditions of the investment are being maintained and, in the event that they are not, will inform the Group who, in turn, will inform the Minister for Justice with a view to revocation of citizenship.

(h) Police certificate of character must be provided by authorities in country of origin (and, if required, from the Police in any country where the applicant has resided or carried on business or maintained substantial investments) together with express permission to the authorities in Ireland to enquire behind it.

(i) Annual certification by an established auditing firm of accountants to Forfás that the investment is being maintained for the appropriate period.

If approved by the Minister, written assurances in respect of the various requirements of the terms of reference were obtained from the applicant prior to the issue of a certificate of naturalisation. 41 investors and 37 minor children of investors were naturalised since the introduction of the Terms of Reference. The Review Group reported that there appeared to be a greater degree of compliance with the Terms of Reference.

It has been the practice of successive Ministers for Justice not to publish details of individual naturalisation cases other than those which are required by law, that is, the publication in Iris Oifigiúil of the name and address of the applicant, the date naturalised and whether he or she was an adult or minor. Applicants linked to investments — and for that matter all applicants — have an expectation that there will be no additional form of publicity about their applications other than that which is prescribed by law.

I am on the record in this House some years ago in relation to the naturalisation in 1990 of eleven persons under the Scheme. Question No. 5 of 17 October 2002 sets out the background to this matter. I subsequently informed the House in response to Question No. 193 on 13 May 2003 that I had received legal advice to the effect that grounds did not then exist for the revocation at that time of the naturalisation certificates in question. The Deputy can be assured that if the circumstances of any particular case are brought to my attention, I will have no hesitation in using my statutory powers of revocation to the fullest extent possible.

The investment based naturalisation scheme was abolished in April 1998 and, as the Deputy will be aware, I introduced provisions in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 2004 to ensure that this scheme will not be re-instituted and to rule out any future such scheme.

Closed Circuit Television Systems.

John McGuinness

Question:

268 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress in the provision of closed circuit television for Kilkenny City; if the scheme for this location has been agreed; and if he will confirm the timeframe for completion. [1213/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that Kilkenny is one of the 17 areas which form part of the current 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 finalising the tender process 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 within 3 months from the date of contract.

Further such projects are now under preparation by the Garda Commissioner as part of the process of outsourcing Garda CCTV systems. Kilkenny will be considered together with the remainder of the Garda CCTV Programme.

I also wish to inform the Deputy that an initial grant of €5,000 has been allocated to Kilkenny County Council to enable it to prepare proposals for a local Community CCTV system. Pobal have invited all of the groups who received such funding to submit final proposals before the end of January 2007.

In addition, a new round of funding under the Community Based CCTV Scheme was advertised on 1 December 2006 with a closing date of 28 February 2007. It is open to any organisation from Kilkenny to submit an application for grant aid from my Department of up to €100,000 under this Scheme.

The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs has given a commitment to provide successful applications from RAPID areas with a further grant to a maximum of €100,000 subject to the total grant aid from both Departments not exceeding €200,000 or 100% of the capital costs of the project, whichever is the lesser.

Residency Permits.

Paul McGrath

Question:

269 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if private medical insurance is now a prerequisite when applying for the certificate of registration in cases of a non-EU national married to an EU national residing here. [1285/07]

Paul McGrath

Question:

270 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if private medical insurance is required not only for an applicant, but for the entire family of a non-EU national who is applying for a certificate of registration within the State. [1286/07]

Paul McGrath

Question:

271 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if private medical insurance is required for a non-EU citizen who is married to an Irish citizen and applies for a certificate of registration. [1287/07]

Paul McGrath

Question:

272 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a non-EU citizen residing here becomes unemployed, are they liable to pay for private medical insurance for themselves and their family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1288/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 269 to 272, inclusive, together.

Foreign nationals granted residence in the State should be able to support themselves without becoming a burden on the State's resources. Different conditions may be applied to different categories of foreign nationals depending on their residence status.

In general, non-European Economic Area (EEA) nationals lawfully employed or self-employed in the State are not expected to have private medical insurance to cover themselves in the event of illness, although there is nothing to prevent the application of this condition where it is considered necessary with reference to the circumstances of the individual's case.

The position in regard to a non-EEA national married to an EU citizen is set out at Regulation 6(2) of the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) (No. 2) Regulations 2006 which transposed the Free Movement of Persons Directive from 2004. EU citizens are not required to have private medical insurance where they are workers or self-employed in the State. However, they are expected to be in a position, whether through employment or otherwise, that they can support their spouse and dependant family members without being an undue burden on the State. Therefore, while it is not prescribed, evidence of medical insurance may serve to provide assurances as to their financial self-sufficiency.

A non-EEA citizen who is not economically active, e.g. a student or a retired person, would normally be required to have private medical insurance while they are present in the State.

A non-EEA worker who becomes unemployed would be expected to seek and obtain other lawful employment if they wish to remain in the State. During a short period of seeking employment it would not be expected that he/she would have private medical insurance.

In regard to a non-EEA citizen who applies for residence on the basis of his/her marriage to an Irish national, it should be noted that there is no automatic entitlement to residence in the State on the basis of marriage to an Irish national. However, having private medical insurance is not one of the requirements considered when assessing an application for permission to remain in the State from a non-EEA citizen who is married to an Irish national.

Garda Strength.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

273 Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the projected number of Gardaí by rank and by division who are due to retire from the force in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1319/07]

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 following the attestation of 299 new members on Thursday, 16 November, 2006. 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 combined strength (all ranks), of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training as at the 31 December 2006 was 14,068. Furthermore, I should say that in December, 2006 as part of a package of anti-crime measures, the Government approved the continuation of the existing Garda recruitment programme to achieve a total Garda strength of 15,000. The accelerated intake of 275 new recruits per quarter into the Garda College will continue until this target is met. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.4 billion, an 11% increase on 2006 and a 96% increase since 1997 in real terms.

I have also been informed that the projected number of Gardaí who are due to retire from the Garda Síochána in 2007 is 356 (all ranks).

Garda management state that this projection is based on variables and is therefore subject to change over time. This projection is calculated for the Force as a whole and is not available by rank or Division.

I should also mention that I have made Regulations increasing the retirement age for Gardaí, Sergeants and Inspectors from 57 to 60 years of age with effect from 22 December, 2006. This will help to maximise Garda strength and ensure continuity of key skills within the An Garda Síochána. Thanks to this decision there will be no compulsory retirements from Garda, Garda Sergeant and Inspector ranks on age grounds over the next two years.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

274 Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the projected number of newly attested Gardaí who are due to be deployed in 2007, broken down by Garda division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1320/07]

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 following the attestation of 299 new members on Thursday, 16 November, 2006. 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 combined strength (all ranks), of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training as at the 31 December 2006 was 14,068. Furthermore, I should say that in December, 2006 as part of a package of anti-crime measures, the Government approved the continuation of the existing Garda recruitment programme to achieve a total Garda strength of 15,000. The accelerated intake of 275 new recruits per quarter into the Garda College will continue until this target is met. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.4 billion, an 11% increase on 2006 and a 96% increase since 1997 in real terms.

I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that it is anticipated that approximately 1,100 Student Gardaí will be attested to the service during 2007.

It is not possible to indicate the Divisions to which the additional Gardaí will be allocated as the allocation of Garda personnel will be determined by a number of factors including population, crime trends and other operational policing needs of each Garda Division.

Garda personnel assigned throughout the Country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public.

Citizenship Applications.

John Perry

Question:

275 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress he has made on an application by a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1331/07]

An application for naturalisation from the person concerned was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department on 25 January 2005.

The average processing time for such applications is approximately 24 months and as there are some 600 applications ahead of that of the applicant it is likely that the file in this case will be submitted to me for decision in the first half of this year.

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

Road Traffic Offences.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

276 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on using the imminent comprehensive speed camera system to enforce bus lane compliance; and to make non-compliance a penalty point offence subject to an automatic fine. [1338/07]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

277 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if it is intended to maximise the use of the comprehensive speed camera system to achieve objectives other than speed traffic enforcement, for instance to help improve traffic management and traffic flows; and if this system will be linked to the traffic control system for Dublin or other cities. [1340/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 276 and 277 together.

The purpose of the safety camera initiative is to enhance overall road safety and help reduce the numbers of deaths and serious injuries on our roads. The performance criteria to be applied will be determined by An Garda Síochána, and the deployment of cameras will be focused on locations where there is an established or prospective risk of collisions. The Garda authorities inform me that the safety camera project will commence with approximately 500-600 locations countrywide (about 15-20 locations per local authority area). Speed monitoring will take place on the basis of a matrix which will link the monitoring to speed related collision data. The number of locations will be increased as necessary to achieve the targeted road safety objectives of increasing compliance with speed limits across the entire road network, reducing the speed of vehicles at locations that have a speed related collision history and acting as a deterrent to driving at excessive speed.

There are no plans, at this time, to use the proposed safety camera system to enforce bus lane compliance. Driving a vehicle (other than a taxi in the course of business) in a bus lane during the period of operation is a fixed charge offence with effect from 3 April, 2006 strictly enforced by An Garda Síochána. Provision in legislation for the award of penalty points for offences such as bus lane non-compliance is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Transport.

The requirements of a system to monitor the individual speed of vehicles and one to gain broader information with a view to traffic management obviously differ and I am informed that it is not currently envisaged that the safety camera system will be used for traffic management or linked to the traffic control system in Dublin or other cities.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

278 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the percentage of people who have been detected committing penalty point offences who opt to go to court rather than pay the fixed charge. [1345/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the information sought is currently being researched and will be submitted at an early date. I will contact the Deputy again when the report is to hand.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

279 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of orders per month permitting mandatory alcohol testing signed by senior Gardaí for the morning after period that is approximately 6.00 am to midday; and the monthly average number of orders signed and utilised and their average duration. [1348/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the information sought is currently being researched and will be submitted at an early date. I will contact the Deputy again when the report is to hand.

Garda Training.

Richard Bruton

Question:

280 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the level of training provided to An Garda Síochána, who participate in firearm courses; the number of hours of training; if there are plans in place to reduce the number of hours for participants who participate in this specific course; if new weapons are currently being introduced into the Force which require additional training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1361/07]

I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. I will be in contact with the Deputy when this information is to hand.

Garda Deployment.

Enda Kenny

Question:

281 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of community Gardaí based in areas (details supplied) for each of the years 2000 to 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1374/07]

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 following the attestation of 299 new members on Thursday, 16 November, 2006. 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 combined strength (all ranks) of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training as at the 31 December 2006 was 14,068. Furthermore, I should say that in December, 2006 as part of a package of anti-crime measures, the Government approved the continuation of the existing Garda recruitment programme to achieve a total Garda strength of 15,000. The accelerated intake of 275 new recruits per quarter into the Garda College will continue until this target is met. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.4 billion, an 11% increase on 2006 and a 96% increase since 1997 in real terms.

I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength (all ranks) of each Community Policing Unit based at Pearse St, Harcourt Terrace, Kevin Street, Donnybrook, Rathmines and Terenure Garda Stations as at 31 December, 2000 to 2006 (inclusive) was as set out in the table hereunder:

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

Pearse Street

11

13

12

11

15

11

13

Harcourt Terrace

3

3

1

3

2

4

3

Kevin Street

6

6

6

6

7

7

7

Donnybrook

4

4

4

4

5

4

4

Rathmines

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

Terenure

5

5

6

5

7

7

6

It is the responsibility of the Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within Divisions on a priority basis in accordance with the requirements of different areas. These personnel allocations are determined by a number of factors including demographics, crime trends and other operational policing needs. Garda management state that such allocations are continually monitored and reviewed along with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy. This ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and that the best possible service is provided to the public.

Shane McEntee

Question:

282 Mr. McEntee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average percentage of Gardaí who are on duty at any particular time in respect of each station in the Louth Meath Division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1375/07]

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 following the attestation of 299 new members on Thursday, 16 November, 2006. 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 combined strength (all ranks) of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training as at the 31 December 2006 was 14,068. Furthermore, I should say that in December, 2006 as part of a package of anti-crime measures, the Government approved the continuation of the existing Garda recruitment programme to achieve a total Garda strength of 15,000. The accelerated intake of 275 new recruits per quarter into the Garda College will continue until this target is met. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.4 billion, an 11% increase on 2006 and a 96% increase since 1997 in real terms.

I have been further informed by the Gardaí authorities that the personnel strength of the Louth/Meath Division as at 31 December 1997 and 29 January 2007 was 498 and 549 (all ranks) respectively. This represents an increase of 51 (or 10.24%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date.

It is the responsibility of the Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within Divisions on a priority basis in accordance with the requirements of different areas. These personnel allocations are determined by a number of factors including demographics, crime trends and other operational policing needs. Garda management state that such allocations are continually monitored and reviewed along with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy. This ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and that the best possible service is provided to the public.

For security and operational reasons, it is not Garda policy to disclose the number or percentage of personnel on duty at any specific area or over any given period of time.

Shane McEntee

Question:

283 Mr. McEntee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the growth in population of the Dunboyne area of County Meath, he will appoint extra Gardaí to Dunboyne Garda Station and arrange for the station to be open on a full-time basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1376/07]

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 following the attestation of 299 new members on Thursday, 16 November, 2006. 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 combined strength (all ranks), of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training as at the 31 December 2006 was 14,068. Furthermore, I should say that in December, 2006 as part of a package of anti-crime measures, the Government approved the continuation of the existing Garda recruitment programme to achieve a total Garda strength of 15,000. The accelerated intake of 275 new recruits per quarter into the Garda College will continue until this target is met. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.4 billion, an 11% increase on 2006 and a 96% increase since 1997 in real terms.

I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of the Louth/Meath Division as at 31 December, 1997 and as at 25 January, 2007 was 498 and 549 (all ranks) respectively. This represents an increase of 51 (or 10.2%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date. The personnel strength of Dunboyne Garda Station as at 25 January, 2007 was 14 (all ranks). Dunboyne Garda Station is normally open to the public from 10am to 1pm daily. The Public Access Call Box (P.A.C.B.) and call diversion system are in operation and linked to the District Headquarters at Ashbourne Garda Station.

I am further advised by the Garda authorities that the extension of the opening hours of Dunboyne Garda Station would necessitate the employment of additional personnel on indoor administrative duties who may be more effectively employed on outdoor policing duties.

It is the responsibility of the Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within Divisions on a priority basis in accordance with the requirements of different areas. These personnel allocations are determined by a number of factors including demographics, crime trends and other operational policing needs. Garda management state that such allocations are continually monitored and reviewed along with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy. This ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and that the best possible service is provided to the public.

I am informed that the needs of the Louth/Meath Division, which includes Dunboyne Garda Station, will be considered by the Garda Commissioner in the next allocation of probationer Gardaí.

Garda Stations.

Shane McEntee

Question:

284 Mr. McEntee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the growth in population of the Ratoath area of County Meath, he will open a Garda Station in Ratoath, County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1377/07]

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 following the attestation of 299 new members on Thursday, 16 November, 2006. 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 combined strength (all ranks) of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training as at the 31 December 2006 was 14,068. Furthermore, I should say that in December, 2006 as part of a package of anti-crime measures, the Government approved the continuation of the existing Garda recruitment programme to achieve a total Garda strength of 15,000. The accelerated intake of 275 new recruits per quarter into the Garda College will continue until this target is met. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.4 billion, an 11% increase on 2006 and a 96% increase since 1997 in real terms.

I am further informed that the Ratoath area of Co. Meath forms part of the Ashbourne Garda District. The personnel strength of the Ashbourne District as at 31 December, 1997 and as at 24 January, 2007 was 56 and 77 (all ranks) respectively. This represents an increase of 21 (or 37.5%) in the number of personnel allocated to the District since that date. In addition, the personnel strength of Ashbourne Garda Station as at 31 December, 1997 and as at 24 January, 2007 and was 23 and 49 (all ranks) respectively. This represents an increase of 26 (or 113%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently no plans to open a Garda Station in Ratoath and that local Garda management report that the Ratoath area is well patrolled by Gardaí from Ashbourne Garda Station. They are assisted by the Traffic Units from Kells, Drogheda and Ashbourne Garda Stations along with members on Operation Anvil.

I am also advised that a full time Community Garda was appointed to the Ratoath area in 2004.

The level of Garda personnel assigned throughout the country, together with the overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public.

The situation will be kept under review by the Garda Commissioner and when additional personnel next become available the needs of the Ratoath area will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country.

Crime Prevention.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

285 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the Gardaí vehicle capacity to store impounded cars and a breakdown of such storage capacity in each Garda Division; the number of vehicles impounded each year by the Gardaí from 2002 to 2006 inclusive with a breakdown of the cars impounded which were nationally registered or which were non-national; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1385/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the information sought is currently being researched and will be submitted at an early date. I will contact the Deputy again when the report is to hand.

Peace Commissioners.

Pat Breen

Question:

286 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for the appointment of a peace commissioner for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1386/07]

I am happy to inform the Deputy that I appointed the individual concerned as a Peace Commissioner earlier this month. Correspondence to that effect issued recently to both the Deputy and the individual in question.

Visa Applications.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

287 Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will reconsider his decision and grant an entry visa on humanitarian grounds under the family reunification scheme to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1413/07]

I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question made an application for Family Reunification in respect of his sister in April 2003. This application was refused in July 2004.

It has come to the attention of the Immigration Division that the person concerned was naturalised in September 2001 and became an Irish citizen at that time. Under Section 18 of the Refugee Act, 1996 only refugees may apply to have family members join them in the State. As such the person in question has no longer any entitlement to make an application for Family Reunification.

Citizenship Applications.

Pat Carey

Question:

288 Mr. Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application for naturalisation on behalf of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1414/07]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation on behalf of the person in question, who is a minor, was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department on 10 August 2006.

Due to the fact that applications on behalf of minors generally require less processing than standard adult applications, it is usually possible to finalise them more quickly. Based on current processing trends, it is likely that the application on behalf of the person concerned will be finalised towards the end of 2007.

I will advise the Deputy and the applicant when I have reached a decision in the matter.

Crime Prevention.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

289 Mr. O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on the introduction of anti-social behaviour orders; the way they will be monitored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1438/07]

I commenced Part 11 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006 regarding civil proceedings in relation to anti-social behaviour by an adult on 1 January, 2007.

A person behaves in an anti-social manner if the person causes or, in the circumstances, is likely to cause, to one or more persons who are not of the same household as the person (a) harassment, (b) significant or persistent alarm, distress, fear or intimidation, or (c) significant or persistent impairment of their use or enjoyment of their property.

The first step in the procedure set out in the Act is that a member of the Garda Síochána issues a behaviour warning to a person who has behaved in an anti-social manner. The behaviour warning will contain specific information. It will include a statement from the member of the Garda Síochána issuing it that the person concerned has behaved in an anti-social manner and will give details of the unacceptable behaviour, such as what the behaviour was and the time when and the place where it took place. It will make a demand either that the people cease the behaviour or otherwise address the behaviour in a way set out in the warning. Finally, the behaviour warning will warn the person that failure to comply with this demand may result in an application to the courts for a civil order or that issuing of a subsequent behaviour order might also result in an application to the courts for a civil order.

If a behaviour warning or a series of warnings does not result in the person changing his or her behaviour, the Garda Síochána may apply to the District Court for a civil order to prohibit the person from doing anything specified in the order. Only a senior member of the Garda can make the court application, which means an officer not below the rank of superintendent. An order will remain in force for a period specified in the order, which cannot be longer than two years. If no period is specified, an order will remain in force for two years. The penalties for breach of an order will be a fine not exceeding €3,000 or a maximum of six months imprisonment or both.

The Minister for Children, Mr Brian Lenihan T.D., has developed a range of separate procedures to apply to young people which were framed in the context of the overall philosophy and policy that underpins the Children Act and contain significant additional features to the civil orders for persons over 18. Every effort is made to provide an opportunity for the child and his or her parents or guardians to address the behavioural problems in a way that minimises contact with the criminal justice system. These proposals, which come into effect from 1 March next, will also ensure there will be full parental involvement at all relevant stages.

Information on behaviour warnings and civil orders made will be available to all members of An Garda Síochána through the PULSE system.

An Garda Síochána will monitor the implementation of these plans and will inform my Department on a regular basis.

Preparations are currently being finalised for initiatives to increase public awareness and knowledge of these provisions of the Act.

Garda Reserve.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

290 Mr. O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the Garda Reserve detailing where members have been deployed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1439/07]

The training of the first group of Garda Reserves commenced in the Garda College at Templemore on 30 September 2006. This group of 36 completed their training and were formally attested as members of An Garda Síochána on 15th December. They have been deployed as follows:

11 — DMR North Central (Store Street)

13 — DMR South Central (Pearse Street)

7 — Cork City (Anglesea Street)

4 — Galway City

1 — Sligo

The second group commenced training in the Garda College at Templemore on January 20th. This group consists of 53 Garda Reserve trainees who will be deployed in Blanchardstown, Santry, Dún Laoghaire, Tallaght, Limerick, Clare, Sligo, Galway and Kerry.

Further interviews were held in recent weeks for applicants from counties Waterford and Kilkenny. Applicants from other areas will be interviewed on a rolling basis over the coming weeks and months. Training for the next group of applicants is scheduled to commence in early March.

Joyriding Offences.

Tony Gregory

Question:

291 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 344 of 9 November 2005 if the problem referred to therein has in fact increased during 2006 and now constitutes a very serious problem; the action the Gardaí are taking; if the landowner has again been contacted by the Gardaí with a view to securing the land from trespass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1465/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there has been no increase recorded in the types of crime referred to by the Deputy during 2006.

Under the Road Traffic Acts there is no offence committed by the driving of unregistered vehicles on private land. Where any vehicle is found being driven in a public place, without insurance, the vehicle can be seized under the provisions of the Road Traffic Acts. Garda checkpoints have been set up in the area over the last two weekends to detect any breaches of the criminal law.

Furthermore, I am informed that local Garda management has been in contact with the landowner and developers of the land in the area referred to in order for preventative measures to be put in place to stop this type of activity. I am assured that Gardaí patrolling the area will monitor the situation and maintain contact with local residents to address their concerns.

Crime Prevention.

Tony Gregory

Question:

292 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of complaints received by the Garda authorities on crime, vandalism, anti-social behaviour from the residents (details supplied) during 2006 and January 2007; and the action the Gardaí are taking. [1466/07]

Recorded crime data has not been maintained in relation to the district in question in a manner which would enable it to be published or released to the Deputy.

Policing strategies for the area are predicated on the policy of reducing and preventing the types of activity referred to by the Deputy and the maintenance of an environment where the quality of life of the residents can be assured and consolidated. These strategies are, and will continue to be, central to policing plans for the area.

I am assured that Gardaí patrolling the area will monitor the situation and maintain contact with local residents to address their concerns.

Citizenship Applications.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

293 Mr. Gilmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress that has been made regarding an application for naturalisation for a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1467/07]

An application for naturalisation from the person in question was received in the Citizenship section of my Department on 18 May 2005.

Applications received in the second half of 2004 are currently being processed and there are approximately 2150 applications awaiting processing before that of this applicant. It is likely that the processing of this application will commence in mid 2007.

I will inform the Deputy and the person concerned when I have reached a decision on the matter.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

294 Mr. Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when Irish citizenship will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1483/07]

As stated in my reply to Question 250 of 10 October 2006 processing of this file has commenced.

Due to the circumstances outlined in the Deputy's correspondence I have now requested officials in the Citizenship section to expedite the case.

I will inform the Deputy and the person concerned when I have reached a decision on the matter.

Garda Operations.

Richard Bruton

Question:

295 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to amend the law in relation to rape, in order that victims would not have to make a face to face identification of their attackers, but could do so in a way that was less traumatic for the victim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1500/07]

There is no legislation governing the conduct of identification parades. However, the conduct of such parades generally is an issue I am reviewing at present with a view to seeing what improvements, if any, might be made including the possibility of making the procedure less traumatic for victims.

Crime Levels.

Tony Gregory

Question:

296 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will request the Garda authorities to detail the number of house break-ins in the East Wall area of Dublin 3 during 2006 and January 2007; the number of persons arrested and charged with these offences; the number of convictions obtained; the steps being taken to prevent further break-ins; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1528/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of burglary offences recorded in the area concerned is not readily available in the manner requested by the Deputy.

I am further informed that in October, 2006 an initiative under Operation Assist, utilising the resources of the Garda mounted, dog and air support units, was put in place for a four-week period to combat public disorder and burglary offences within the District concerned.

Additional uniform and plain-clothes patrols are being deployed in the area with a view to ensuring a concentrated and visible Garda presence.

Crime Prevention.

Tony Gregory

Question:

297 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that ASBOS have been successfully utilised by the English police to curtail street prostitution in residential areas; if similar action might be taken in residential areas (details supplied) in Dublin 7 where there is an ongoing social problem with street prostitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1529/07]

Under Section 8 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 1993, Gardaí have the power to caution persons they suspect to be loitering in an area for the purpose of prostitution to leave immediately the area and, if the person fails or refuses, a Garda has the power to arrest them, without warrant, and charge them with an offence. In its efforts to prevent loitering for the purpose of prostitution, Gardaí use their powers under this section and section 7 (soliciting or importuning for purposes of prostitution) of the Act, as well as imposing certain bail conditions on persistent offenders.

I commenced Part 11 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006 regarding civil proceedings in relation to anti-social behaviour by an adult on 1 January, 2007.

A person behaves in an anti-social manner if the person causes or, in the circumstances, is likely to cause, to one or more persons who are not of the same household as the person (a) harassment, (b) significant or persistent alarm, distress, fear or intimidation, or (c) significant or persistent impairment of their use or enjoyment of their property.

The first step in the procedure set out in the Act is that a member of the Garda Síochána issues a behaviour warning to a person who has behaved in an anti-social manner. The behaviour warning will contain specific information. It will include a statement from the member of the Garda Síochána issuing it that the person concerned has behaved in an anti-social manner and will give details of the unacceptable behaviour, such as what the behaviour was and the time when and the place where it took place. It will make a demand either that the person cease the behaviour or otherwise address the behaviour in a way set out in the warning. Finally, the behaviour warning will warn the person that failure to comply with this demand may result in an application to the courts for a civil order or that issuing of a subsequent behaviour order might also result in an application to the courts for a civil order.

If a behaviour warning or a series of warnings does not result in the person changing his or her behaviour, the Garda Síochána may apply to the District Court for a civil order to prohibit the person from doing anything specified in the order. Only a senior member of the Garda can make the court application, which means an officer not below the rank of superintendent. An order will remain in force for a period specified in the order, which cannot be longer than two years. If no period is specified, an order will remain in force for two years. The penalties for breach of an order will be a fine not exceeding €3,000 or a maximum of six months imprisonment or both.

Depending on the particular circumstances of any case, the activities of a prostitute in an area may amount to behaving in an anti-social manner as defined in the Act, in which case the remedies available under the Act can be considered.

Citizenship Applications.

Pat Breen

Question:

298 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on an application for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1533/07]

I informed the Deputy in response to Question No 251 on 27 September 2006 and Question No 148 on 8 November 2006 that the applications of the persons referred to would be processed in late 2007 or early 2008, and that no reason has been put forward which would justify the applications being dealt with ahead of other applicants. That is still the position.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

299 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in the application for leave to remain in the State in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1558/07]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 131 of Wednesday 29 November, 2006, and the written reply to that Question. The position is unchanged.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

300 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to the application for extended residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1559/07]

I refer the Deputy to my replies to questions No. 425 of 27 September 2006 and No. 77 of 26 October 2006.

In November 2006, the person concerned made an application for Subsidiary Protection under European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, Statutory Instrument No. 518 of 2006 and also made representations to me to remain temporarily in the State under Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999. These requests are under consideration in my Department. The person concerned will be informed of the outcome in due course.

Citizenship Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

301 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to an application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1560/07]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department on 26 April 2006.

The average processing time for applications for naturalisation for adults is approximately 24 months at the present time. However, I understand that the person concerned is a refugee. In accordance with the Government's obligations under the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees of 28 July 1951, every effort is made to ensure that applications from persons with refugee status are dealt with as quickly as possible, having regard to the general volume of applications on hand.

I will inform the Deputy and the person concerned when I have reached a decision on the application.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

302 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in the application for extended residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1561/07]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 343 of Wednesday, 7th June, 2006 (ref: 21848/06) and the written reply to that Question. The position is unchanged.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

303 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the decisions referred to in his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 95 of 16 November 2006, have been judicially verified; if he has been informed in regard to the strength of the arguments put forward by the appellants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1562/07]

I refer the Deputy to my Reply to his Dáil Question No. 61 of 15 June 2006. The status of the persons concerned remains as set out in that Reply. I have nothing further to add in this matter.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

304 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the legal status of the decision referred to in Parliamentary Question No. 325 of 27 September 2006, with particular reference to the statutory declaration signed by the person concerned; if this decision has been judiciously reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1563/07]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 325 of 27th September 2006. The position remains unchanged.

The question of application for Judicial Review is a matter for the person concerned.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

305 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the application for family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1564/07]

I refer the Deputy to my previous answer to Question 38447/06 of the 16th November 2006.

Further documentation relating to this application was received from the Deputy's office on the 22nd of November 2006.

This application is under consideration and a decision will issue in due course.

Refugee Status.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

306 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to asylum or family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1565/07]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 236 of Tuesday 24th October, 2006 in this matter and my written reply to that question. The position remains the same.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

307 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1566/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

318 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied that the questions raised in the course of examination of the application for refugee status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22 were relevant and helpful in coming to an impartial decision in view of the fact that the services of an interpreter were required; if he has further satisfied himself that none of the questions were likely to confuse the applicant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1647/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 307 and 318 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal (RAT) which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted.

I am informed that the case in question is under appeal before the Refugee Appeals Tribunal and accordingly, it would not be appropriate to comment further.

Drug Prevalence.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

308 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether cocaine is being used as casually and widely as is claimed in a newspaper article of 14 January 2007 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1577/07]

I am informed that currently, the joint Prevalence Survey undertaken in partnership between the National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD — Republic of Ireland) and the Drugs and Alcohol Information and Research Unit (DAIRU — Northern Ireland) is generally regarded as the most reliable baseline data on drug prevalence in Ireland.

That study, which surveyed 8,442 people aged 15-64 in Ireland and in Northern Ireland between October 2002 and April 2003, reported that 3.1% of the population had ever used cocaine, 1.1% had used it in the last 12 months and 0.3% used in the last month.

However, the Government is of course aware that all available indicators point to an increased prevalence of cocaine usage in recent times. More detailed evidence on the current cocaine situation will arise from the all island Drug Prevalence Survey 2006/07 being conducted by the National Advisory Committee on Drugs, which is in progress at present. This study will give a clearer picture of the current levels of usage of cocaine.

The Government remains resolutely committed to tackling the problem through our National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008.

The National Strategy addresses the problem under pillar headings of education and prevention, supply reduction, treatment and rehabilitation and research and is firmly founded on the principle that drug misuse needs to be addressed in an integrated manner across these headings through a co-operative approach involving the statutory, community and voluntary treatment sectors.

The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, under the stewardship of my colleague, Minister of State Mr. Noel Ahern, is the lead Government Department in co-ordinating the implementation of the National Drugs Strategy.

Efforts to tackle the problem of cocaine use are broadly based to include measures aimed at both supply and demand reduction, including awareness initiatives.

My Department's remit in this area, while not exclusively, is primarily in the area of drug supply reduction and drug law enforcement remains a key feature of the Government's drug policy framework.

Evidence of increasing misuse of any drug is, of course, a matter of concern and the Garda authorities continue to take a number of measures to address the problem on the supply reduction side.

The Garda National Drugs Unit and local drugs units conduct intelligence-driven operations to target individuals suspected of involvement in the distribution of cocaine. Drug units and community policing personnel are engaged in intelligence gathering on individuals and groups suspected of involvement in the sale and distribution of the drug. There is also targeted patrolling by uniform and plain-clothes personnel of problem areas in order to detect and disrupt persons involved in such activity.

Tackling organised crime and drug trafficking is primarily achieved through the use of specialist units and targeted intelligence led operations.

The Organised Crime Unit, established in November 2005, in conjunction with the Garda National Drugs Unit and local Gardaí, continues to implement initiatives such as Operations Anvil and Oak which target criminals involved in the trafficking of drugs

Significant drug seizures including the considerable increase in the amount of cocaine seized over the last number of years have been made as a result of these operations.

These operations, which are ongoing, continue to dismantle drug trafficking networks and have led to the arrest in recent times of major criminals both based here and abroad who are involved in the drugs trade

The record level of resources, both in financial and personnel terms, being made available to An Garda Síochána this year is proof of the Government's commitment and determination to ensure that the Garda authorities will continue to implement targeted, intelligence and high intensity operations against organised crime with a special focus on drugs crime.

Furthermore we are ensuring that our law enforcement agencies have a strong legislative platform from which to operate in their work tackling those involved in such criminal activity.

While our legislative package for tackling drug trafficking is already viewed as being one of the most stringent in Europe, the Criminal Justice Act 2006 provides for further measures which will enhance the powers of the Gardaí in the investigation and prosecution of drug offences.

Finally, I can assure the Deputy that my colleague Minister of State, Mr. Noel Ahern T.D., is fully aware of the issue of cocaine in our society and recently commissioned a joint briefing paper on the issue from the National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) and the National Drug Strategy Team (NDST). He is currently in consultation with the Departments and Agencies involved on the issues raised and the recommendations made in that paper.

Visa Applications.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

309 Mr. Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for a visa under the family reunification scheme in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1580/07]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the application in question was approved on 5th October, 2006.

Closed Circuit Television Systems.

John Perry

Question:

310 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the town centre applications funded with regard to closed circuit television; the number in the process of being completed; the number fully completed; the number in operation; the locations these applications relate to; the number of applications lodged, which are yet to be decided on; the locations these applications relate to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1589/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that, in addition to the Community based CCTV grant aided scheme, Garda CCTV Schemes are currently operational in the following 9 areas: Dublin South Central, Dublin North Central, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Tralee, Bray, Dundalk and Dún Laoghaire. In addition, a scheme for Finglas has been approved and funded and some work remains in order to complete this project.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that approval has been given for the installation of CCTV at 17 Town Centre locations, 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 finalising the tender process 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 within 3 months from the date of contract.

Further such projects are now under preparation by the Garda Commissioner as part of the process of outsourcing Garda CCTV systems.

Asylum Applications.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

311 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 229 of 16 February 2006, the position of the application of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford to remain here on humanitarian grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1625/07]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 229 of Thursday 16 February, 2006, and the written reply to that Question. The position is unchanged.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

312 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he expects the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22 to be reconsidered by way of appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1641/07]

The person in question was granted permission to remain in the State on 17 October 2005 under the revised arrangements for non-national parents of Irish children born prior to 1 January 2005 commonly referred to as the IBC/05 scheme.

Advertisements inviting applications for renewal of permission to remain granted under the IBC/05 scheme were placed in National Newspapers this morning 31 January, 2007.

In the case of the person in question whose renewal does not fall due until October 2007 the application must be submitted one month in advance of the date on which the current permission to remain in the State expires. Applications will be processed in order of the date permissions to remain expire.

Visa Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

313 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to visa applications in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1642/07]

The applications referred to by the Deputy were received in the Visa Office, Dublin on 4th January, 2007. The Visa Officer examining the applications requested additional documentation on 18th January, 2007. To date, this documentation has not been received by my Department.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

314 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1643/07]

I refer the Deputy to my previous answer to Questions Nos. 345 and 361 of 27 September 2006.

These applications are under consideration and a decision will issue in due course.

Citizenship Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

315 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the application for citizenship in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1644/07]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 87 of 12 October 2006 in which I indicated the position in relation to both of these applications. This remains the position.

Asylum Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

316 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will grant leave to remain in the State to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22 on humanitarian or compassionate grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1645/07]

The first named person arrived in the State on 16 December, 1999 and applied for asylum. Her husband arrived in the State on 23 May 2001 and applied for asylum. Their applications were refused following consideration of their case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, they were informed by letters dated 30 October 2002 that the Minister proposed to make deportation orders in respect of them. They were given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why they should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before orders are made; or consenting to the making of deportation orders. Representations have been received on behalf of the persons concerned.

These persons' case files, including all representations submitted, will be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (Prohibition of Refoulement). I expect the files to be passed to me for decision in due course.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

317 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress in regard to an application for family reunification in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1646/07]

I refer the Deputy to my answer to Question No. 90 of 12 October 2006.

I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the review of this application is completed. The person in question has recently been notified that the original decision is upheld.

Question No. 318 answered with QuestionNo. 307.

Pat Breen

Question:

319 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for a residency visa for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1652/07]

The Immigration Division of my Department has recently requested further documentation from the person referred to by the Deputy.

On receipt of same, the application will be fully considered.

Staff Training.

Seán Crowe

Question:

320 Mr. Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if all members of staff within the criminal justice system who are likely to encounter individuals with autistic spectrum disorder receive ASD training. [1653/07]

I can inform the Deputy that while the specific arrangements in place in the various criminal justice agencies under my Department's aegis will vary according to the needs and function of the organisation, the general approach in respect of interaction with persons with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) would be to involve relevant specialist services as appropriate and as the need arises.

Citizenship Applications.

Pat Breen

Question:

321 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1654/07]

I refer the Deputy to Question No. 146 of 8 November, 2006. At the time, I indicated that processing of the application had commenced and that the file will be presented to me for a decision in the near future. This remains the position.

Closed Circuit Television Systems.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

322 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the improvement scheme at West Street, Drogheda being carried out by Drogheda Borough Council, he will expedite the installation of closed circuit television in Drogheda town centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1655/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that Drogheda is one of the 17 areas which form part of the current 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 finalising the tender process 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 within three months from the date of contract.

Further such projects are now under preparation by the Garda Commissioner as part of the process of outsourcing Garda CCTV systems. Drogheda will be considered together with the remainder of the Garda CCTV Programme.

I also wish to inform the Deputy that under the Community Based CCTV Scheme launched by me in June 2005, in response to the demonstrated demand from local communities across Ireland for the provision of CCTV systems, a grant of €89,402 has been allocated to Drogheda Borough Council following their successful application under this Scheme. It is understood that the Council's Community CCTV proposal involves the installation of cameras in a RAPID designated area in Drogheda and consequently, matching funding has been made available from the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

A new round of funding under the Community Based CCTV Scheme was advertised on 1 December 2006 with a closing date of 28 February 2007. It is open to any organisation from Drogheda to submit an application for grant aid from my Department of up to €100,000 under this Scheme.

Garda Interviews.

Richard Bruton

Question:

323 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the requirements on Gardaí to take manual long-hand notes of interviews; and his views on whether the time has come to change such antiquated methods. [1702/07]

I have indicated in the past that I recognise the case made for dispensing with the taking of contemporaneous notes during interviews and for relying instead on electronic recording. I recognise, too, that this would give rise to a number of legal, operational and procedural issues.

In its third report (which I laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas on 18 March 2005), the Steering Committee on Audio and Audio/Video Recording of Garda Questioning of detained Persons examined this issue in some detail and recommended that current arrangements continue for the present. Factors considered by the Committee included the logistical challenge in making transcripts available at short notice, and checking their contents against the taped version, the resource implications of this, and the question of presentation of tapes in Court. Currently tapes are only played in court when there is a dispute about the written evidence presented. The Committee also thought it important, if there were to be a change to the Judges Rules dispensing with full contemporaneous notes, to assess any impact this might have on the conduct of criminal trials.

I acknowledge that any move away from the taking of contemporaneous notes would have to address these concerns. The existing regulations dealing with the electronic recording of interviews are now being revised, and in this context I have asked the Garda Commissioner for his views, from an operational policing perspective. I will take his views, and the final views of the Steering Committee, fully into account in my finalisation of the new regulations.

Garda Vetting Services.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

324 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the time delay on Garda clearance and the implications for lost community employment places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1707/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the current processing time for valid vetting applications received by the Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) is four weeks. I do not consider that this time period constitutes a "delay".

I am further informed that all organisations registered with the GCVU have been advised of this processing time frame and have been advised to factor it into their recruitment and selection process.

Criminal Prosecutions.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

325 Mr. Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of convenience store off-licences that have been prosecuted for sale of alcohol to underage persons in each of the past five years by whatever geographic location figures are available but particularly in the counties of Louth and Meath; the outcome of such prosecutions; the penalties applying in cases of convictions imposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1722/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the information requested by the Deputy is not readily available and is currently being researched. I will contact the Deputy again when the information is to hand.

Garda Recruitment.

Richard Bruton

Question:

326 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of juvenile liaison officer positions which are currently vacant in An Garda Síochána in Dublin and around the country; the reason these positions remain unfilled; his plans to fill these positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1729/07]

I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. I will be in contact with the Deputy when this information is to hand.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

327 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of civil servants and other staff employed in his constituency office; and the grade and remuneration of each. [1752/07]

The information requested by the Deputy is set out below:

Grade

Remuneration

Personal Assistant

€43,445–€55,147

Personal Secretary

€28,523–€47,039

Executive Officer

€28,523–€45,262

Executive Officer

€30,027–€47,641

Clerical Officer

€22,766–€36,913

Clerical Officer (Worksharing)

€22,766–€36,913

Clerical Officer (Worksharing)

€22,766–€36,913

Clerical Officer (Worksharing)

€21,625–€35,071

Clerical Officer (Worksharing)

€21,625–€35,071

Paul McGrath

Question:

328 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of civil servants and other staff in his press office and the grade and remuneration of each staff member. [1767/07]

The information requested by the Deputy is set out below:

Grade

Remuneration

Principal Officer

€80,408–€99,457

Administrative Officer

€31,141–€55,147

Executive Officer

€30,027–€47,641

Clerical Officer

€21,625–€35,071

Garda Investigations.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

329 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the allegations made by a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; his views on the statement of another person within An Garda Síochána; if same is common practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1783/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the original incident, which is the subject of a complaint by the person referred to, is currently being examined by the Garda authorities.

It would therefore in the circumstances be inappropriate for me to comment further at this time.

Garda Equipment.

Richard Bruton

Question:

330 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if stab vests are routinely available to members of the Gardaí going out on patrol duty; and the number of stab vests that have been issued to the Gardaí. [1786/07]

I am advised by the Garda Authorities that Personal Ballistic/anti-stab vests have been acquired for all Detective and uniform members. These are currently being issued to Detective Gardaí and then will be issued to all uniform members.

I will revert to the Deputy when the precise information on the number of vests issued is to hand from the Garda Authorities.

Deportation Orders.

Michael Ring

Question:

331 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo who has applied for permission to remain here. [1803/07]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 265 of Wednesday, 27 September 2006 (ref: 28644/06) and the written reply to that Question. The position is unchanged.

Garda Disciplinary Proceedings.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

332 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if disciplinary proceedings have been initiated or if any are contemplated against any member of the Garda arising from the Report of the Commission of Investigation into the Dean Lyons case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1804/07]

The Commissioner has appointed an Assistant Commissioner to assess the impact of the recommendations of the Report for An Garda Síochána, with a view to recommending remedial action where necessary. This review is at an advance stage.

Deportation Orders.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

333 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the residency status and work status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1816/07]

The person concerned, a Nigerian national arrived in the State on 4 January, 1999 and applied for asylum. His claim for refugee status was considered under the process then applicable and was refused by the Asylum Division of my Department. He was notified of the decision on 28 January, 2000. He appealed this decision to the appropriate body at the time, the Appeals Authority, which affirmed the decision of the Asylum Division. He was notified of this decision on 10 November, 2000.

In accordance with section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, the person concerned was informed on 10 November, 2000 that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was, in accordance with the Act, given the options of making representations within 15 working days setting out the reasons why he should not be deported i.e. be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before the deportation order was made; or consenting to the making of the deportation order. Representations setting out reasons why he should not be deported were subsequently received.

I expect the case file to be submitted to me shortly for decision. This decision will be taken having regard to considerations specified in section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended. These considerations include matters relating to the common good, the person's family and domestic circumstances, as well as humanitarian considerations. Consideration will also be given to the prohibition of refoulement which is contained in section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996, as amended.

With regards the work status of the person concerned, he was issued with a right to work letter on 29 March, 2000. However, once the person concerned is issued with a notification of intention to deport this right to work letter is no longer valid.

Garda Vetting Services.

Michael Ring

Question:

334 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the way in which an Irish Citizen goes about obtaining a clearance letter from the Gardaí confirming that they have no criminal record or convictions and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1922/07]

The Garda Síochána does not provide ‘clearance letters' to any Irish citizen.

Police certificates are issued, free of charge, to individual applicants by the Garda Superintendent of the Garda District where the applicant resides for the following purposes: requests from non-national consular authorities; applications for non-national visas; and establishing a business in another European Union Member State.

In addition, individuals may submit requests under the Data Protection Acts 1988-2003 to the Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU), Racecourse Road, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, seeking disclosure of personal information from the Garda Criminal Records Database. Any such request must be accompanied by a fee payment (in the form of a cheque or postal order) of €6.35, together with evidence of identity. The response issues directly to the individual applicant.

Finally, the GCVU provides a criminal record vetting service to registered recruiting organisations in respect of, inter alia, persons recruited to work with children and vulnerable adults, with the written consent of the persons to be vetted. Vetting applications may be submitted only by the registered recruiting organisation, and a disclosure thereon is issued by the GCVU directly to the requesting organisation.

Garda Deployment.

Enda Kenny

Question:

335 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied with a situation where members of the regular Garda force have to break the rota of service in order to attend at Knock Airport to deal with incoming flights, emigration and custom activities; his views on whether this is a disruption to the effective policing of the Swinford Garda area; if he will change this position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1923/07]

I have requested a report from the Garda Commissioner in the matter and I will be in contact with the Deputy when this is to hand.

Emigrant Services.

Enda Kenny

Question:

336 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide a full time unit for emigration and customs at Knock Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1924/07]

I have requested a report from the Garda Commissioner in the matter and I will be in contact with the Deputy when this is to hand.

Garda Equipment.

Enda Kenny

Question:

337 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the Garda stations in County Mayo equipped with Green man communications which are obsolete; the progress he has made to provide alternative working equipment to these stations in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1925/07]

The information sought by the Deputy is being compiled by the Garda authorities and I will communicate with him as soon as the information comes to hand.

Garda Stations.

Enda Kenny

Question:

338 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the name and the number of Garda stations in County Mayo closed in the past 10 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1926/07]

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 following the attestation of 299 new members on Thursday, 16 November, 2006. 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 combined strength (all ranks) of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training as at the 31 December 2006 was 14,068. Furthermore, I should say that in December, 2006 as part of a package of anti-crime measures, the Government approved the continuation of the existing Garda recruitment programme to achieve a total Garda strength of 15,000. The accelerated intake of 275 new recruits per quarter into the Garda College will continue until this target is met. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.4 billion, an 11% increase on 2006 and a 96% increase since 1997 in real terms.

I am further informed by the Garda authorities that no Garda Stations in County Mayo have been closed over the past 10 years.

The personnel strength of the Mayo Division as at 31 December, 1997 and 2006 was 258 and 279 respectively. This represents an increase of 21 (or 8.1%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date.

It is the responsibility of the Divisional Officer in Co. Mayo to allocate personnel within the Division on a priority basis in accordance with the requirements of different areas. These personnel allocations are determined by a number of factors including demographics, crime trends and other operational policing needs. Garda management state that such allocations are continually monitored and reviewed along with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy. This ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and that the best possible service is provided to the public.

Garda Communications.

Enda Kenny

Question:

339 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has signed the contract for provision of digital radio communication equipment for members of the Garda; when such equipment will be made available to members of the Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1927/07]

On 18 January 2007, Tetra Ireland Limited was selected by the Department of Finance as the preferred bidder for the provision of the National Digital Radio Services. This is a key milestone in the plan to provide a secure digital radio service for emergency services, including An Garda Síochána and other non-commercial public bodies.

The preferred bidder will now work with the relevant Departments and Agencies to complete a Service Performance Evaluation (SPE). This will involve the provision of a live working system covering a significant geographical area in the Dublin and surrounding areas. An Garda Síochána, as one of the principle users of the service, will play a major role in the evaluation and testing of the network and equipment . The SPE will enable the preferred bidder, Tetra Ireland, to demonstrate that it can deliver all the aspects of the system and provide a fully working solution that meets all of the requirements of an emergency services network.

The SPE will be completed within a six month timeframe. In parallel with the SPE, the Department of Finance will conduct contract negotiations with the preferred bidder and, subject to satisfactory completion of these negotiations and a successful outcome of the SPE, a contract for the provision of the nationwide services will be signed by that Department. National roll-out will commence immediately thereafter. It is planned to be fully completed within a two year timeframe.

Garda Operations.

Enda Kenny

Question:

340 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current status of operation deel; the extent of resources available; the operation achievements to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1928/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that Operation Deel was a pro-active crime prevention initiative put in place by senior Garda management in a number of adjoining Garda districts along the North Cork/West Limerick border. The Operation, which involved additional patrols and checkpoints by uniformed and plain-clothes personnel, was carried out in April and May 2005 and again in November and December 2005. The primary objective of the Operation was to prevent and detect the activities of travelling criminal gangs who were suspected of being involved in burglaries and other criminal activity within the targeted districts.

The Operation was very successful in thwarting the activities of such gangs through high visibility policing and resulted in a number of high profile arrests, prosecutions and convictions.

I am also informed that, following a review, the initiative was reactivated during 2006 under Operation Anvil with a more general focus on the Southern Region. It is proving particularly successful in tackling night time travelling gangs who specialised in committing burglaries. A number of members of these gangs were arrested and are currently before the courts.

I am further informed that the Operation is resulting in a significant reduction in the number of burglaries recorded in the Region.

Garda Investigations.

Enda Kenny

Question:

341 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if charges are pending in this State against the persons known as the Columbia Three; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1929/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda investigation into this matter is ongoing and that enquiries with the Colombian authorities are continuing. I am further informed that when these are completed, the Garda Síochána will further consider referral to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Enda Kenny

Question:

342 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if any charges are pending against personnel in respect of the carrying out of the Northern Ireland bank raid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1930/07]

Enda Kenny

Question:

344 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied that the proceeds of the Northern Ireland bank raid have not been laundered for political purposes in this State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1932/07]

Enda Kenny

Question:

345 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make a statement on the ongoing investigation into the Northern Ireland bank raid, in so far as its implications impinge on personnel and activities in this State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1933/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 342, 344 and 345 together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that a number of persons were arrested and a significant sum of money was recovered as part of a Garda operation in February 2005. In this regard, an extensive Garda investigation was conducted, which included enquiries in Northern Ireland.

I am further informed that the Garda Síochána has submitted an investigation file to the Director of Public Prosecutions; directions are awaited. In the circumstances, therefore, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter.

Unlawful Organisations.

Enda Kenny

Question:

343 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the organisation known as the Provisional IRA still exists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1931/07]

Enda Kenny

Question:

346 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the organisation known as the real IRA still exists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1934/07]

Enda Kenny

Question:

347 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the organisation known as the official IRA still exists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1935/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 343, 346 and 347 together.

Pursuant to the Unlawful Organisation (Suppression) Order 1939, the organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army (also the IRA and Óglaigh na hÉireann) is an unlawful organisation.

The so-called Provisional IRA continues to exist but has been on ceasefire since 1997 and is not currently involved in terrorist or criminal activity according to the best advice available to me, including the most recent report of the Independent Monitoring Commission.

The so-called Real IRA continues to exist and is currently actively engaged in terrorist activity. The Garda Síochána continues to actively combat such activity.

The so-called Official IRA called a ceasefire in 1972, and there is no evidence to suggest that this organisation continues to exist.

Questions Nos. 344 and 345 answered with Question No. 342.
Questions Nos. 346 and 347 answered with Question No. 343.

Public Order Offences.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

348 Ms Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide specific details of the graffiti sites identified by Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council and referred to his Department with a recommendation for treatment by contractors appointed by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1936/07]

My Department, in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, initiated a pilot project aimed at combating incidents of graffiti in Dublin City, Galway City and Bray, Co. Wicklow. Fingal County Council was not included in the pilot project. This project is separate from, and additional to, the graffiti abatement programmes carried out by the local authorities themselves on an ongoing basis.

The identification of graffiti sites in each of the pilot areas is an ongoing process and as soon as sites are identified and reported to my Department immediate arrangements are made to have them cleaned up. To date 879 sites affected by graffiti have been identified in the Dublin City Council area and at present work on cleaning them up has either been completed, is ongoing or is due to commence shortly. The list of sites identified to date is set out in the attached schedule.

Graffiti Address — City Council Area

Number of sites

Abbey Street

1

Abbey Street Lower

1

Abbey Street Upper

1

Abbotstown Road Finglas West

1

Abbotstown Road Finglas West

1

Abbotstown Road Finglas West

1

All Saint’s Drive Raheny

1

Amiens Street

3

Andrew Street

1

Anglesea Street

2

Annesley Place North Strand

1

Annesley Road Rathmines

1

Ard na Meala Ballymun

1

Armagh Road Crumlin

1

Arran Street East

1

Asdills Row Temple Bar

1

Ashcroft Raheny

1

Ashington Avenue Cabra

1

Ashington Green Cabra

1

Ashington Grove Cabra

1

Ashington Heath Cabra

1

Ashington Park Cabra

1

Ashington Rise Cabra

1

Aston Quay

5

Aston Quay Temple Bar

1

Auburn Terrace Mount Brown

1

Avila Park Finglas West

2

Ayrefield Place Coolock

1

Ayrfield Drive Coolock

1

Bachelors Walk

3

Baggott Street

1

Balcurris Gardens Ballymun

1

Balcurris Park Ballymun

1

Baldoyle Industrial Estate

1

Ballyfermot Civic Offices

1

Ballyfermot Parade Ballyfermot

1

Ballyfermot Road

2

Ballyfermot Road Ballyfermot

1

Ballygall Road Finglas

1

Ballymun

1

Ballymun Comprehensive Ballymun

1

Ballymun Road

2

Bannow Road Cabra

1

Barnewall Drive Ballymun

1

Barnville Park Ballyfermot

1

Barry Avenue/Plunkett Green Finglas

1

Barry Close Finglas West

2

Barry Drive Finglas West

3

Barry Park Finglas West

1

Barry Road Finglas West

1

Barry Road Finglas West

2

Basin Street Flats Basin Street Lower, Complex

2

Batchelors Walk

1

Beau Park off the Hole in the Wall Road

1

Beaumount Road

1

Beechlawn Way off Rathfarmham Road Terenure

1

Belcamp Avenue Darndale

3

Belcamp Cottages Darndale

1

Belcamp Court

1

Belcamp Crescent Darndale

3

Belcamp Gardens

1

Belcamp Green Darndale

2

Belcamp Grove Darndale

4

Belcamp Lane Darndale

3

Belcamp Park Darndale

1

Belcare Terrace Poppintree

1

Belclare Avenue Ballymun

1

Belclare Drive Ballymun

1

Belclare Green Ballymun

1

Belclare Lawns Ballymun

1

Belclare Park Ballymun

2

Belclare View Ballymun

1

Belclare Way Ballymun

1

Belgrave Square Upper Mount Pleasant Ave Ranelagh

1

Belton Park Darndale

2

Ben Eadar Road Phibsborough

1

Benburb Street

1

Beneavin Drive Finglas East

1

Blackditch Road Ballyfermot

1

Blackhall Street Marmion Court

1

Bloomfield Ave Portobello

1

Bluebell Avenue Bluebell

1

Bluebell Road Bluebell

2

Bow Lane

3

Bow Street Smithfield

1

Bridge Street Junction of Bridge Street and Cook Street

1

Bridgefoot Street Junction with Ushers Quay

1

Brighton Road Rathgar

1

Brookfield Road Kilmainham

1

Brookstone Road Baldoyle

1

Brookville Estate Finglas East

1

Broombridge Road Cabra

1

Bunratty Drive

1

Burgess Lane

1

Burnside Santry Village Santry

1

Burren Court Ballymun

1

Buttercup Avenue Darndale

1

Buttercup Park Darndale

4

Cabbage Patch Pitch off Upper Kevin Street

1

Cairn Court Poppintree

1

Camac Close Inchicore

1

Cambridge Terrace Dartmouth Square

1

Camden Lock South Dock Rd Ringsend

1

Cannices Road Finglas

1

Capel Street

5

Cappagh Avenue Finglas

2

Cappagh Green Finglas

1

Cappagh Road Finglas West

3

Cappagh Road/ Cardiffsbridge Road

3

Cardiffsbridge Road Finglas

3

Cardiffsbridge Road/Mellowes Road Finglas West

1

Carmans Hall

1

Casement Close Finglas West

4

Cashel Road Crumlin

1

Cecilia Street

1

Chancery Place

1

Chancery Street

2

Chapel Avenue Irishtown

1

Charlies Lane Cappagh Road

1

Chatham Street

1

Cherry Orchard Avenue

2

Cherry Orchard Court Ballyfermot

1

Cherry Orchard Crescent Ballyfermot

3

Cherry Orchard Drive Ballyfermot

1

Cherry Orchard Green

1

Cherry Orchard Grove Ballyfermot

3

Cherry Orchard Parade

2

Cherry Orchard Parade/ Cherry Orchard Avenue Ballyfermot

1

Cherry Orchard Way Ballyfermot

1

Church Avenue Glasnevin

1

Church Avenue Rathmines

1

Church Lane

1

Church Street

1

City Quay

1

Civic Centre Ballymun

1

Clanbrassil Street

1

Clanbrassil Street Lower

1

Cleggan Road Ballyfermot

1

Clonrosse Slademore

1

Clonshaugh Drive Darndale

3

Clonshaugh Glen

1

Clonshaugh Heights

1

Clonshaugh Lawns Darndale

1

Cloonlara Road Finglas South

1

Clover Hill Road Ballyfermot

1

Coke Lane Smithfield

1

College Green

7

Collins Avenue Glasnevin

2

Conway Court

1

Coolock Drive Northside Retail Park

1

Cork Street

3

Coultry Avenue

1

Coultry Drive Ballymun

2

Coultry Estate Office

1

Coultry Gardens Ballymun

5

Coultry Grove Ballymun

1

Coultry Park Ballymun

3

Coultry Road Ballymun

3

Coultry Road Flats Ballymun

3

Coultry Way Ballymun

3

Cowper Road Rathmines

3

Crampton Quay

1

Croftwood Drive Ballyfermot

4

Croftwood Grove Ballyfermot

2

Croftwood Park

1

Croftwood Park Ballyfermot

3

Cromcastle Road Kilmore

1

Cromlech Court Poppintree

1

Crow Street

1

Crow Street/Cecilia Street Temple Bar

1

Dalcassian Downs at meeting of Prospect Road and Finglas Road

1

Dame Street/Corner of Great Georges Street

1

Dame Street

5

Darley Street Harolds Cross

1

Darndale Park Darndale

3

Darndale Park Play area off Darndale distributer road

1

Darndale Village Centre

1

Darndale/Belcamp village centre

1

Dartmouth Road Ranelagh

1

Davitt Road Drimnagh

2

Dawson Street

7

Deanstown Green Finglas

1

Deanstown Road Finglas West

1

Decies Road Ballyfermot

1

D’Olier Street

3

Dolmen Court Ballymun

3

Dolphin House Flats Rialto

1

Dolphins Barn Bridge

1

Donore Avenue St. Teresa’s Gardens

2

Donore Avenue/Cork Street

1

Doon Court Ballymun

1

Dorset Street Beside Dorset Street Flats

1

Dorset Street Complex

3

Druid Court Poppintree

1

Drumcondra Road Whitehall

1

Dunard Avenue Cabra

1

Dunree Park

1

Dunsink Avenue

1

Earl Street

1

Earlsfort Terrace

1

Eden Quay

2

Edenmore

1

Ellenfield Park

2

Ellis Square

1

Elmdale Drive Ballyfermot

2

Elmfield Park at Elmfield Avenue

1

Elmfield Avenue Opposite Elmfield Lawn

1

Elmfield Drive Clarehall Estate

1

Elmfield Lane

1

Elmfield Lawn

2

Emerald Square off Cork Street

1

Emmet Road Kilmainham

1

Entrance to Cara Park

1

Entrances & Pavilion Ballyfermot

1

Equine Centre Ballyfermot

1

Erne Place Little

1

Essex Quay

1

Essex Street East

1

Essex Street West

1

Eustace Street

1

Eustace Street / Dame Street

1

Eustace Street Temple Bar

2

Exchequer Street

3

Fade Street

1

Fairlawn Park Finglas South

1

Fairlawn Road Fairlawn Park Finglas South

1

Falconet Terrace Mount Brown

1

Farnham Drive Finglas South

1

Faussaugh Avenue Cabra

2

Fenian Street

1

Ferrycarrig Drive Darndale

1

Finbars Road Cabra

1

Finglas West

1

Finglaswood Road Finglas

1

Fishamble Street

1

Fitzgibbon Street

1

Fleet Chambers Westmoreland Street

1

Fleet Street

3

Fleet Street Temple Bar

1

Foley Street

1

Forestwood Avenue Ballymun

2

Forestwood Close Ballymun

1

Fownes Street/Cecilia Street Temple Bar

1

Francis Street

2

Frankfort Avenue

1

Frederick St South

1

Garden View Court Francis Street

1

Gardiner Street Flats Gardiner Street

1

Gardiner Street Summerhill

1

Gate to Stardust Park

1

Georges Quay

2

Glasnevin Hill Old Finglas Road

1

Glenfarne Road

4

Glin Avenue Darndale

2

Glin Grove

1

Gortbeg Road Finglas South

1

Gortmore Park Finglas South

2

Grafton Street

11

Grague Court Poppintree

1

Grange Abbey Crescent

1

Grange Abbey Drive

1

Grange Abbey Road

1

Grange Abbey Roundabout

1

Grange Lodge Court

1

Grange Road

3

Grange Road Darndale

1

Grange Road Donaghmede

1

Grangemore Avenue Donaghmeath

1

Great Strand Street

2

Green Street

1

Greencastle Avenue

1

Greencastle Drive Darndale

1

Greendale Kilbarrack

1

Greenlea Road Terenure

1

Greenwood Avenue

1

Griffith Avenue Drumcondra

1

Grosvenor Square Grosvenor Lodge Grosvenor Lane

1

Guild Court Amien Street

3

Gurteen Road Ballyfermot Road

1

Halston Street

1

Hanover Street

1

Hanover Street East

1

Hardwicke Street

1

Harolds Cross Road

1

Haymarket Smithfield

1

Hazelcroft Gardens Finglas South

1

Hazelcroft Road Finglas South

1

Henry Street

6

Herberton Bridge Canal Bridge west side

1

Highfield Road Rathgar

5

Hillcourt Highfield Road Rathgar

1

Hilltop Belton Park

1

Hoarding along Luas line

1

Hogan Place

1

Hollybrook Road Clontarf

1

Hollytree Square Ballymun

1

Hollywell Road

1

Homefarm Road Drumcondra Road

1

Howth Road Clontarf

2

Howth Road Raheny

2

Huband Road Bluebell

1

Irishtown Road

1

James Walk

1

James Wier Cork Street

1

Jamestown Square Ballyfermot

1

Jervis Lane

1

Jervis Street Fourcourts Smithfield

1

Junction Ardee /Cork Street

1

Junction Ash Street/Carmen Hall off Meath Street

1

Junction between Ayrefield Court and Rathvale Grove

1

Junction O’Leary Road Kickham Road and Stephens Road

1

Junction of Meath Street and Carmans Hall

1

Junction of Tonlegee Road and Millbrook Road

1

Junction of Watermill Road and Drive

2

Kildonan Road Finglas West

3

Kileen Road Rathmines

1

Kilkiernan Road Cabra

1

Killester Court Killester

1

Kilmainham Garda Station

1

Kinvara Avenue Cabra

1

Kippure Finglas South

1

Kippure Park

1

Knowth Court Poppintree

1

Kylemore Park Ballyfermot

1

La Touche Drive Bluebell

1

Lakeglen Finglas South

1

Lane at Glen Grove

1

Lane between Coultry Avenue and Shanliss

1

Lane between Coultry Drive and Gardens

1

Lane off Meath Street

1

Laneway between Rathvale and Slademore

1

Larkhill Road Whitehall

2

Le Fanu Road Ballyfermot

1

Leinster Road Rathmines

1

Lennox Street Portobello

1

Leo Fitzgerald House

1

Liberty Hall

1

Liberty Park Foley Street

2

Liffey Street West

1

Little Britain Street

1

Little Green Street

1

Little Mary Street off Mary Street

1

Lombard Street West

2

Longdale Terrace Ballymun

2

Longdale Way Ballymun

1

Lorcan Avenue Laneway to Lorcan Grove

1

Lorcan Avenue Lorcan Grove

1

Lord Edward Street

3

Lough Derg Lane

2

Lough Derg Road Raheny

1

Lower Abbey Street

3

Lower Liffey Street

3

Lower O’Connell Street

2

Lower Ormond Quay Blooms Lane

1

Lower Rutland Street

1

Lower Stephens Street

1

Luas line between Rialto Bridge and Suir Bridge

2

Main Finglas Road

2

Main Road Ballyfermot

1

Main Street Raheny Village

1

Malahide Road

5

Malborough Street

1

Marewood Grove Ballymun

1

Marewoood Drive Ballymun

1

Marigold Avenue Darndale

1

Marigold Court Darndale

1

Marigold Park Darndale

3

Markievicz Park Ballyfermot

1

Markivicz House

2

Marks Alley off Francis Street

1

Marlborough Street

1

Marrowbone Lane

3

Mary Street

2

Meeting House Square Temple Bar

2

Mellowes Park Finglas West

2

Mellowes Road Finglas West

3

Merchants Arch

1

Middle Abbey Street

5

Middle Third at Park

1

Millbourne Avenue Drumcondra

1

Millbrook Avenue

1

Millmount Terrace Drumcondra

1

Moatview Avenue Darndale

4

Moatview Close Darndale

1

Moatview Court Darndale

1

Moatview Drive Darndale

1

Mornington Grove Malahide Road

1

Mountjoy Street

2

Mountpleasent Avenue Upper

1

Nassau Street

7

Navan Road Cabra

1

New Comen Court

1

New Market Street The Coombe

1

Newbrook Avenue laneway Carndonagh Park

1

Newbury Avenue Clonshaugh

1

Newgrove Estate

2

Newmarket Square off Cork Street

1

Newtown Court Darndale

1

North Earl Street

1

North Road Finglas East

1

North Strand Park

1

North Strand Road Fairview

5

Northway Estate Park Finglas

1

Northway Park Estate Finglas

1

Oak Park Ballymun

1

O’Connell Street

2

O’Devaney Gardens North Circular Road

1

Old Linders site Smithfield

1

Old Shopping Centre site Darndale

1

Oranmore Close

1

Oranmore Close Ballyfermot

2

Ormond Lane at the back of Ormond Square

1

Ormond Road

1

Orwell Park Dale Templeogue Road

1

Oscar Traynor Road/Dundanial Road

1

Palmerston Park Rathmines

2

Park West Avenue Ballyfermot

1

Parliament Street Temple Bar

1

Parnell Square

1

Parnell Street

3

Patrickswell Place Finglas West

3

Pearse Street

4

Pembroke Park Ballsbridge

1

Peterson Court City Quay

1

Petrie Road off Donore Avenue

1

Pinehurst Cabra

1

Pinewood Avenue Finglas

1

Plunkett Avenue Finglas West

3

Plunkett Drive Finglas

2

Poppintree Park Buildings Ballymun

1

Portobello Harbour

1

Primrose Darndale

1

Primrose Grove Darndale

2

Priory East Cabra

1

Queen Street near Smithfield

1

Raheen Park Ballyfermot

1

Raheny Library

1

Raheny Road

2

Raheny Bridge Raheny Dart Station

1

Raheny Bridge Station Road

1

Raheny Village

1

Railway Street

2

Ranelagh Ranelagh Village

2

Rathgar Road

1

Rathmines Road

1

Rialto Bridge Rialto

4

Rialto Bridge Town side

1

Richmond Ave South Dartry

1

Richmond Road Drumcondra

1

River House

1

Riverside Avenue Darndale

1

Riverside Crescent Darndale

1

Rossmore Drive Le Fanu Road Ballyfermot

1

Sackville Place

1

Saint Berach’s Place

1

Sallowood View

1

Sally’s Bridge Parnell Road

1

Sandyhill Avenue Ballymun

1

Sandyhill Gardens Ballymun

3

Santry

1

Santry Lane

1

Santry Village Santry

1

Santry Way Ballymun

1

Sarsfield Road

1

Seamus Ennis Road Finglas East

1

Sean McDermott Street

4

Shangan Avenue Ballymun

5

Shangan Crescent Ballymun

3

Shangan Gardens Ballymun

2

Shangan Green Ballymun

4

Shangan Park Ballymun

1

Shangan Playground Ballymun

1

Shangan Road Ballymun

10

Shanliss Avenue Ballymun

1

Shanliss Road Ballymun

1

Shantalla Bridge Santry

1

Shanvarna Road Santry

1

Shelmalier Road

1

Sheriff Street Lower

1

Silloge Gardens Ballymun

1

Skreen Road Cabra

1

Slloge Gardens Ballymun

1

Smithfield Arran Quay

1

Smithfield Hotel

1

Smithfield Station

1

Snowdrop Walk Darndale

3

South Great Georges Street

5

South William Street

2

Springdale Road

3

St Andrew Street

1

St Kevin’s Road Portobello

2

St Mary’s Mansions Railway Street

4

St Stephen’s Green

1

St. Canices Court Cappagh Avenue Finglas West

1

St. Mary’s Place off Dorset Street

1

St. Mary’s Terrace off Dorset Street

1

St. Michan’s House Chancery Lane

1

St. Olivers Park Ballyfermot

1

St. Stephens Green

1

St. Vincent Street West Inchicore

1

Stardust Park Darndale

1

Stardust Park Off Adare Road

1

Stardust Park off Greencastle Road

1

Station Road Laneway into Lough Derg

1

Station Road Raheny

3

Stephens Lane

2

Store Street

1

Suffolk Street

1

Suir Bridge Inchicore

2

Summer Street North

1

Swan’s Nest Road Kilbarrack

1

Swords Road Santry

1

Sycamore Street Temple Bar

1

Talbot Street

5

Talbot Street / Lower Gardiner Street

1

Tara Street

1

Tara Street DART Station

1

Temple Bar

1

Temple Lane South Temple Bar

1

Temple Road Dartry

1

Temple View Copse Clare Hall

1

Terenure Road

5

Termon Court Ballymun

1

The Coombe

3

The Kiln Beaver Street

2

The Willows Orwell Rd Rathgar

1

Thomas Court Bawn off Marrowbone Lane Complex

1

Thomas Street

3

Tolka Valley Road Finglas South

1

Tom Kelly Flats Charlemont Street

1

Tonlegee Road

4

Townsend Street

4

Trinity Street

2

Tulip Court Darndale

1

Upper Abbey Street

2

Upper Exchange Street

1

Upper Liffey Street

2

Upper O’Connell Street

1

Upper Ormond Quay

1

Upper Sherrard Street

1

Valentia Parade

1

Valeview Drive Finglas

2

Valley Park Drive Finglas South

1

Ventry Park Cabra

1

Vicar Street off Thomas Street

1

Victoria Street Portbello

1

Virginia Park Finglas South

1

Warren Street Portobello

1

Watermill Drive/Road Raheny

1

Watermill Road

2

Watermill Avenue Raheny

2

Watermill Road Raheny

6

Weaver Court off Cork Street

1

Weaver Street The Coombe

1

Weavers Road Off the Coombe

1

Wellington Quay

4

Wellington Quay Temple Bar

1

Wellmount Avenue Cardiffsbridge Road Finglas West

3

Wellmount Court Finglas West

2

Wellmount Crescent Finglas West

1

Wellmount Green Finglas West

1

Wellmount Park Finglas West

1

Welmount Crescent Finglas West

1

Westmoreland Street

1

Whiteacre Crescent Ballymun

2

Whiteacre Houses Ballymun

1

Whitethorn Estate

1

Whitethorn Park

1

Whyteleaf Estate

1

Wicklow Street

3

Wolfetone Street

2

Wolfetone Street

1

Wood Lane

1

Woodbank Avenue Finglas South

1

Woodhazel Close Ballymun

1

Woodhazel Terrace Ballymun

1

879

Visa Applications.

Tom Hayes

Question:

349 Mr. Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will issue on a visa application submitted by a person (details supplied). [1941/07]

The application referred to by the Deputy was received in the Visa Office, Dublin on 11th December, 2006. The decision of the Visa Officer to refuse this application was taken on 2nd January, 2007.

The Visa Officer who examined the application was not satisfied, on the basis of the documentation submitted, as to the relevance of the English course to the applicant's employment. The financial evidence provided was also deemed insufficient and the applicant's passport was due to expire within six months of the end of the proposed visit.

An appeal against the refusal decision was received on 23rd January, 2007. Following a re-examination of the application, the decision to refuse was upheld on the same day as the applicant had not adequately addressed the reasons for refusal. As each applicant is entitled to one appeal only, no further review in this matter can be granted; however it is open to the applicant to make a fresh application.

Road Traffic Offences.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

350 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if all Gardaí carrying out mandatory alcohol testing must carry with them an order authorising each roadside testing checkpoint prior to establishing each checkpoint; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1968/07]

Section 4 of the Road Traffic Act 2006 provides the legal basis for the operation of authorised checkpoints by Gardaí for the mandatory alcohol testing of drivers, without individual suspicion that the driver has consumed alcohol. The legislation provides that a member of An Garda Síochána, not below the rank of Inspector, may authorise the establishment of checkpoints under the section, and requires that the locations and the hours during which checkpoints may be operated must be set out in the authorisation.

Under the provisions of section 4 an authorisation, or a copy thereof, shall, until the contrary is shown, be sufficient evidence in any proceedings under the Road Traffic Acts 1961 to 2006, of the facts stated in it, without proof of any signature on it or that the signatory was a person entitled under section 4 to sign it.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there is no legal requirement for Gardaí carrying out mandatory alcohol testing checkpoints to carry with them the order authorising the checkpoint.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

351 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the procedure followed when persons who fail roadside random breath tests fail to pay the fines levied against them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1969/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that persons who fail mandatory alcohol tests (MAT) do not receive fixed charge notices and therefore payment of fines at that stage does not arise. Under section 4 of the Road Traffic Act, 2006 a person stopped at a MAT checkpoint is required to provide a preliminary breath test. A person who fails or refuses to comply with a MAT may be prosecuted and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of up to €5,000 and/or imprisonment for up to six months.

Under long-standing legislation, if a Garda as a result of the test forms the opinion at the roadside that a person has consumed an intoxicant then he/she can arrest that person and bring the person back to a Garda station for the purpose of administering an evidential test. The penalty for refusal to provide an evidential test is a fine of up to €5,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 6 months. If a person is charged with the offence of drink driving under road traffic legislation, the case proceeds to the courts and is dealt with under the courts system in the normal manner.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

352 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of motorists who failed roadside breath testing, but who subsequently passed when they opted to be tested at the relevant Garda station since the introduction of mandatory alcohol testing; the percentage of all motorists who fall into this category out of the total number of motorists who failed roadside mandatory alcohol testing to date since its introduction; if motorists who subsequently pass are removed from Garda drink driving statistics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1970/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the information sought is currently being researched and will be submitted at an early date. I will contact the Deputy again when the report is to hand.

Residency Permits.

John Perry

Question:

353 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has made a decision on the renewal of the permission to remain in the State which a person (details supplied) has submitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1992/07]

The person in question was granted permission to remain in the State on 24 February 2005 for two years under the revised arrangements announced by me on 15 January 2005 for non-national parents of Irish children born prior to 1 January 2005 and commonly referred to as the IBC/05 scheme.

Advertisements inviting applications for renewal of permission to remain granted under the IBC/05 scheme were placed in National Newspapers this morning 31 January, 2007.

Applications must be made on the official IBC renewal form which sets out the requirements for renewal and which is available on my Department's website (www.justice.ie). Hard copies of the form will also be available at the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS), 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 and Garda District Headquarters stations outside Dublin. Forms will also be distributed to various non-governmental organisations working with immigrants and asylum seekers.

Applications for renewal for permission to remain granted in January, February or March 2005 must be submitted by post to the IBC Unit by 2 April 2007 at the latest. All other applications must be submitted one month in advance of the date on which the current permission to remain in the State expires.

Guidelines to assist applicants in making their application are available with the application form.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

354 Ms Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the options available to a foreign person who intends to marry an Irish citizen; the rights this person will be entitled to post-nuptials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2018/07]

There is no automatic entitlement to residency in the State for a non-EU national on the basis of marriage to an Irish national. However, I do consider applications which are made in writing to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service of my Department for permission to remain in the State on this separate basis. If granted, the non-EU national will be entitled to reside in the State, work without the requirement of a work permit and operate a business in the State without applying for business permission from my Department.

A foreign national married to an Irish citizen for at least three years may apply for naturalisation under section 15A of the Irish Naturalisation and Citizenship Act 1956 as amended where they have been continuously resident on the island of Ireland for the year immediately prior to the date of their application and for two out of the four years prior to that year. The marriage concerned must be recognised under the laws of the State as subsisting.

Naturalisation and Immigration Services.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

355 Ms Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the automated answering service in operation for his Department dealing with queries only offers prerecorded options and only accepts a maximum number of calls; the steps he will take to ensure that operators are available to respond to public queries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2019/07]

I can inform the Deputy that the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service operates four helplines for applicants for visas, citizenship, residency status and related immigration matters.

I am informed that callers to the helplines are greeted by an automated answering service with recorded information messages and a menu option which effectively asks them which of the four helplines they wish to be connected to. When automatically put through to the helpline they require, they speak to one of the staff assigned to the helpline.

I can inform the Deputy that the maximum number of calls which are queued to each of the four helplines at any given time is ten.

I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that there is a balance to be struck between the resources allocated to giving information about applications and dealing with such applications and I can inform her that the allocation of resources in this regard is kept under regular review.

Citizenship Applications.

John Curran

Question:

356 Mr. Curran asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application for a certificate of naturalisation will be processed for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22. [2020/07]

An application for naturalisation from the person in question was received in the Citizenship section of my Department on 14 March 2006.

Applications received in the second half of 2004 are currently being processed and there are approximately 6,300 applications awaiting processing before that of this applicant. It is likely that the processing of this application will commence in mid-2008.

I will inform the Deputy and the person concerned when I have reached a decision on the matter.

Visa Applications.

Joe Higgins

Question:

357 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the grounds on which an appeal against the refusal of a visa application made on behalf of a person (details supplied), submitted on 27 November 2006 was refused. [2040/07]

The application referred to by the Deputy was received in the Visa Office, Dublin on 29th August, 2006. The decision of the Visa Officer to refuse the application was taken on 18th October, 2006.

The Visa Officer who examined the application was not satisfied, on the basis of the documentation submitted, as to the bona fides of the applicant.

An appeal against the refusal decision was received on 27th November, 2006. Following a re-examination of the application, the decision to refuse was upheld on 5th December, 2006 as the applicant had not adequately addressed the reason for refusal. As each applicant is entitled to one appeal only, no further review in this matter can be granted; however it is open to the applicant to make a fresh application.

Question No. 358 answered with QuestionNo. 227.

Legal Services Ombudsman.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

359 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the precise timescale if known for the introduction of the Legal Ombudsman; if the appointment will be made in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2060/07]

The establishment of the office of Legal Services Ombudsman is provided for in the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006.

Appointment of the Legal Services Ombudsman will follow enactment of the Bill which is at present awaiting Committee Stage in the House.

Citizenship Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

360 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a naturalisation application can be reviewed in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2061/07]

As I have indicated to the Deputy by way of response to his recent representations, the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. In the case of a non-national applicant who is the spouse of an Irish citizen those conditions are that the applicant must:

be of full age

be of good character

be married to the Irish citizen for at least 3 years

be in a marriage recognised under the laws of the State as subsisting

be living together as husband and wife with the Irish spouse

have had a period of one year's continuous residency in the island of Ireland immediately before the date of the application and, during the four years immediately preceding that period, have had a total residence in the island of Ireland amounting to two years.

intend in good faith to continue to reside in the island of Ireland after naturalisation

have made, either before a Judge of the District Court in open court or in such a manner as the Minister, for special reasons allows, a declaration in the prescribed manner, of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State.

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in the Citizenship section of my Department in December 2006. The application was examined and it was determined that the person in question did not have the required reckonable residency as she was not married for three years at the date of application and consequently was not eligible to apply for a certificate of naturalisation at that time. She was informed of this by letter dated 8 January 2007.

It is open to the person in question to lodge a new application if and when she is in a position to meet the statutory requirements applicable at the time.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

361 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application for family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22 on foot of documentation forwarded by this Deputy to you on 28 November 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2062/07]

I understand from the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question made a Family Reunification application on behalf her husband in October 2006.

The application was forwarded to the Refugee Applications Commissioner for investigation as required under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996.

When this investigation is completed, the Commissioner will prepare and forward a report to my Department. The application will then be considered by my Department and a decision will issue in due course.

Asylum Applications.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

362 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of citizens of the former USSR who applied for asylum at Shannon Airport or elsewhere here in the period 1970 to 1985; the number who were granted asylum; the number who were refused; the number who were deported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2079/07]

The statistics requested by the Deputy are not readily available as they relate to a period more than 20 years ago before computer records were maintained. The retrieval of these statistics from paper files would require a large amount of time and resources and if they are to be provided this will impinge upon the delivery of services elsewhere.

Crime Prevention.

John Gormley

Question:

363 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the increase in anti-social behaviour including the vandalising of cars in an area (details supplied) in Dublin 6W; and the action he will take to deal with this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2095/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda management is aware of an increase in anti-social behaviour and vandalism incidents reported in the area concerned. An initiative has therefore been put in place, involving increased patrols by Gardaí during the times when these incidents are occurring, and this has resulted in the arrest of a number of persons for such incidents.

Policing strategies for the area are predicated on the policy of reducing and preventing such incidents and the maintenance of an environment where the quality of life of the residents can be assured and consolidated. These strategies are, and will continue to be, central to policing plans for the area.

Garda Communications.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

364 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied regarding the situation where it is not possible for members of the public to email their local Garda station; if there are proposals to rectify this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2103/07]

The Garda Síochána Information and Communications Technology (ICT) strategy identifies the requirement for an enterprise-wide email system within An Garda Síochána. Rollout, which is currently ongoing, provides external e-mail facilities to all Gardaí for Superintendent rank and above. Accordingly, all District headquarters can be contacted by members of the public via Email to the Superintendent in charge. Access is also provided to other individual members of An Garda Síochána based on operational needs. The Garda authorities have also informed me that it is planned to extend external e-mail facilities to all Inspectors over the next two months.

In addition, I have been informed by Garda management that a pilot will commence shortly in the Dublin Metropolitan Region to test the feasibility of extending the e-mail facility via the PULSE environment to all networked Garda Stations nationwide.

Proposed Legislation.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

365 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the introduction of a Corporate Manslaughter Bill (details supplied); and his views on whether it is appropriate to introduce such a Bill here. [2104/07]

I am aware of the introduction of a Corporate Manslaughter Bill in the UK in 2006. The offence was proposed in a UK Law Commission Report in 1996 and the Bill was introduced in Parliament last year.

The current law in Ireland does allow for a corporate prosecution for manslaughter, but there is considerable uncertainty as to the precise form of that liability.

In the context of an amendment relating to corporate manslaughter proposed for the Criminal Justice Bill 2004 during the debate in April 2006, I indicated that my Department would give consideration to a separate Bill on this topic.

That examination is under way and will have regard to a number of aspects raised in the Law Reform Commission Report on Corporate Killing of October 2005. Consultations are ongoing with other relevant parties, in particular the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, where much of the expertise on company and corporate matters resides. Following this consultation process, it is expected that legislative proposals will be prepared to bring to Government for approval.

Visa Applications.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

366 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide the reason a second visa application a person (details supplied) was refused in order that the applicant can supply correct information for their appeal on this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2141/07]

The visa officer examining this application was not satisfied with the bona fide of the documentation supplied by the applicant, specifically in relation to the proof of his divorce. The documentation provided is not recognised in this state and is therefore deemed insufficient to warrant approval of the visa application. If the applicant provided legally recognised documentation which clearly sets out the legality of his divorce my Department will be happy to fully examine a new application.

Garda Stations.

Bernard Allen

Question:

367 Mr. Allen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of his failure to respond to Parliamentary Question No. 228 of 21 November 2006 he has received the report from the Garda authorities related to the future of the Garda station on Watercourse Road, Blackpool, Cork; and if he will provide this Deputy with that information. [2145/07]

I understand that the Garda authorities are considering a range of options in relation to the station referred to in the Deputy's question. I should add that the formulation of proposals in relation to the opening and closing of Garda stations is a matter, in the first instance, for the Garda Commissioner in the context of the annual policing plan, as provided for in section 22 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005.

Citizenship Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

368 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in the application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2162/07]

I informed the Deputy in my responses to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 395 on 27 September 2006, 425 on 16 May 2006 and 189 on 2 February 2006 that it was likely that the application on behalf of the person concerned would be finalised in the early part of 2007. However, given the very large volume of applications on hand, I have been informed by officials in the Citizenship section of my Department that it is likely that the finalisation date will now be mid-2007.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

369 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in the application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2163/07]

The person referred to in the Deputy's question arrived in the State in August 2000 and applied for asylum. She was granted refugee status in May 2003 and applied for a certificate of naturalisation in June 2003.

Section 15 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, provides that an applicant for naturalisation must have one year's period of continuous residence in the State before the date of the application and a total amounting to four year's residence in the State in the eight years preceding that period.

Section 16(g) of that Act provides that I may, in my absolute discretion, waive the statutory conditions in certain circumstances, including where the applicant is a person who is a refugee within the meaning of the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. In considering applications under this provision, I am generally disposed to waive two years of the normal residency requirement, thereby requiring such applicants to have been resident in the State for three years at the time of application. The calculation of the three year period commences from the date the applicant arrived in the State to seek refugee status.

As there were no circumstances apparent in the application which would lead me to depart from the general policy outlined above, I decided to refuse the application based on the fact that the applicant was not in the State three years at the time of the application. The reason for my refusal was disclosed to the person in question in a letter dated 25 April 2005 informing her of my decision.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

370 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he expects conclusion of application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2164/07]

I informed the Deputy in my responses to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 392 on 27 September 2006, 385 on 6 December 2005, 366 on 12 October 2005 and 988 on 28 September 2005 that it was likely that the application on behalf of the person concerned would be finalised in or around the end of last year. In this regard it is expected that the application will be dealt with shortly.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

371 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork whose spouse has lived here for five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2165/07]

The case referred to by the Deputy falls under the scope of the Dublin II Regulation, (Council Regulation (EC) No. 343/2003).

Following investigation by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner a Transfer Order was signed in respect of the person concerned on 13 October, 2005, obliging her to present to the Garda National Immigration Bureau, (GNIB), in order for arrangements to be made for her transfer to the Netherlands where she had previously made an asylum application. The GNIB attempted to effect her transfer on 28 October, 2005. However she evaded her transfer and is currently illegally present in this State.

The person concerned continues to evade her transfer and is illegally present in the State. I would therefore urge the person concerned to come forward and present herself to the GNIB without further delay.

Question No. 372 answered with QuestionNo. 230.

Deportation Orders.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

373 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 154 of 14 December 2006, if he is satisfied that the deportation of the person concerned will not result in a threat to the life or well-being of the applicant in view of the information supplied by ORAC or RAT which appears to suggest a major concern for the applicants safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2167/07]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to his Dáil Question No. 154 of 14 December 2006. The status of the person concerned remains as set out in that Reply.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Deputy might wish to note that, in addition to the eleven factors contained in Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), I must also have regard for Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the Prohibition of Refoulement before making a deportation order. This essentially means that the safety of returning a person, or refoulement as it is commonly referred to, is fully considered in every case when deciding whether or not to make a deportation order i.e. that a person shall not be expelled from the State or returned in any manner whatsoever to a State where, in my opinion, the life or freedom of that person would be threatened on account of his or her race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion. My Department uses extensive country of origin information drawn from different independent sources, including the UNHCR, in evaluating the safety of making returns to the country in question and other third countries. In this case, I am entirely satisfied that there are no refoulement related reasons to prevent the deportation of the person concerned.

The person concerned was classified as evading his deportation on 31 October 2003. As such he is liable to arrest and detention under Section 5 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, for the purposes of ensuring his removal from the State. I would therefore urge the person concerned to come forward and present himself to the Garda National Immigration Bureau without further delay.

The person concerned is awaiting deportation following a comprehensive examination of his asylum claim and of his application to remain temporarily in the State.

I am satisfied that the applications made by the person concerned for asylum and subsequently for temporary leave to remain in the State, together with all refoulement issues, were fairly and comprehensively examined and, as such, the decision to deport him is justified. The enforcement of the deportation order is now an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

374 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to an application to remain in the State on the grounds of parenthood of an Irish born child in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry notwithstanding the existence of a deportation order which seems to conflict with the application and the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 94 of 9 November 2006; if he will review the case for veracity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2168/07]

I refer the Deputy to my previous replies of 27 September 2006 and 09 November 2006 in relation to the person in question.

The person in question had applied for permission to remain in the State on the basis of being the parent of an Irish born child. This was received by my Department on 28 February 2005. The application was refused on 7 December 2005.

My Department has received Representations on behalf of this person and I understand from officials in my Department that these are under consideration at present.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

375 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the residency status in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2169/07]

The first person in question was granted permission to remain in the State on 8th September 2005 for two years under the revised arrangements announced by me on 15 January 2005 for non-national parents of Irish children born prior to 1 January 2005 and commonly referred to as the IBC/05 scheme.

Advertisements inviting applications for renewal of permission to remain granted under the IBC/05 scheme were placed in National Newspapers this morning 31 January, 2007.

Applications must be made on the official IBC renewal form which sets out the requirements for renewal and which is available on my Department's website (www.justice.ie). Hard copies of the form will also be available at the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS), 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 and Garda District Headquarters stations outside Dublin. Forms will also be distributed to various non-governmental organisations working with immigrants and asylum seekers.

Applications for renewal for permission to remain granted in January, February or March 2005 must be submitted by post to the IBC Unit by 2 April 2007 at the latest. All other applications must be submitted one month in advance of the date on which the current permission to remain in the State expires.

Guidelines to assist applicants in making their application are available with the application form.

In relation to the application of the second person in question, further information was requested by my Department on 3rd October 2006. The application will be further considered on receipt of the information sought.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

376 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a green card residency status application will be favourably responded to in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2170/07]

The mother of the person in question was granted permission to remain in the State under the revised arrangements for parents of Irish children born prior to 1 January 2005, commonly referred to as the IBC/05 scheme.

An application for permission to remain in the State on the basis that the person in question is part of a family unit where adults of the unit have been granted residency in the State was received on 23 May 2006.

Further documentation was requested in order to process the application. The documentation requested was received in my Department on 16 January 2007. It is expected that a decision will issue shortly in this case

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

377 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 187 of 1 June 2006 and his reply and subsequent replies thereto, if he is satisfied that the references to Angola and Romania did not cause confusion or error in reading a decision in regard to the application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2171/07]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 54 of Thursday 30 November 2006, 83 of Thursday 26 October 2006, 144 of Thursday, 28 September 2006, and 187 of Thursday 1 June 2006 and the written replies to those Questions. The position is unchanged.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

378 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if as provided for he will accede to a request to him by a person (details supplied) in County Dublin to grant permission to resubmit an application for residency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2172/07]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 358 of Wednesday, 27th September 2006 and 140 of Thursday, 19th October 2006 and the written replies to those Questions. The position is unchanged.

On 15 January 2005, I announced revised arrangements for the consideration of applications from the non-national parents of Irish born children, born before 1 January 2005, for permission to remain in the State (IBC/05 Scheme). The closing date for the receipt of completed application forms was 31 March 2005, and this date was notified in press notices advertising the scheme and in my announcement. On 21 February, 2006, the person in question submitted an application for permission to remain in the State on the basis of his parentage of an Irish born child, 11 months after the closing date for such applications. Applications received after the closing date were not accepted.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

379 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for family reunification in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2173/07]

I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person referred to in the Deputy's question made a Family Reunification application in January 2005.

Following consideration of the report by the Refugee Applications Commissioner, the application was refused.

The person in question was informed of this decision on the 26th July 2006.

Asylum Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

380 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if all appeal procedures have been exhausted in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford in view of the fact that the person faces serious threats to life and well-being if returned to their homeland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2174/07]

I would refer the Deputy to my Dáil Replies, No. 58 of 30 November, 2006, No. 99 of 09 November, 2006, and No. 693 of 21 March, 2006, in relation to this person.

First of all I would like to advise the Deputy that the person concerned has still failed to present herself to the Garda National Immigration Bureau, (GNIB), as requested and continues to be illegally present in the State. She should, without any further delay, present herself to the appropriate authorities, in this case either the GNIB or An Garda Síochána.

Secondly, as I informed the Deputy in my reply to his Parliamentary Question No. 693 of 21 March, 2006, the Office of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal upheld the appeal of the person concerned and she was informed of this by way of letter dated 21 February, 2006.

Family Support Funding.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

381 Mr. McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress with regard to submissions made by Fathers for Justice and Equality seeking financial assistance in order to retain their services. [2189/07]

I refer the Deputy to my response to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 160 of 9 March 2006 and 210 of 30 March 2006. The position remains that there are no moneys available in my Department out of which funding can be made available to this group.

Suicide-related Deaths.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

382 Mr. McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of mothers who caused the death of children while also taking their own lives. [2193/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the information requested by the Deputy is not readily available and is currently being researched. I will contact the Deputy again when the information is to hand.

Proposed Legislation.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

383 Mr. McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if new legislation will be brought in to stop the abuse and ordering of protection and barring orders without onus on proof. [2194/07]

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

384 Mr. McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when new legislation will be brought in to provide consistency in Family Court judgments instead of the lottery system that is prevalent. [2195/07]

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

385 Mr. McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if safeguards will be brought in for the protection of innocent fathers against allegations by mothers. [2196/07]

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

387 Mr. McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will take the matter of domestic violence against men seriously; and the provisions he envisages making to rectify this anomaly. [2198/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 383 to 385, inclusive, and 387 together.

Policy in the law on barring, protection and safety orders is comprehensively contained in the Domestic Violence Acts of 1996 and 2002 so as to apply equally in support of men and women whose safety or welfare requires it because of the conduct of the other spouse or partner. The Act of 1996 prescribes that where the court, on application to it, is of the opinion that there are reasonable grounds for believing that the safety or welfare of the applicant or any dependent person so requires, the court may make either a barring order, a protection order or a safety order. In the case of the granting of an interim barring order i.e. an order made between the making of an application for a barring order and its determination, the court must (under the Act of 1996) be of the opinion that: (a) there is an immediate risk of significant harm to the applicant or any dependent person if the order is not made immediately, and (b) the granting of a protection order would not be sufficient to protect the applicant or any dependent person.

In the Act of 2002 I made provision that the application for an interim barring order must be made either on affidavit or on sworn information and, if the order is made ex parte, a note of the evidence given together with the court order and the affidavit or sworn information must be served on the respondent as soon as practicable.

While I have no proposals for change in the two Acts, their operation continues to be reviewed in my Department. Moreover, I have, in the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004, provided for the relaxation of the in camera rule by way of allowing preparation of reports in family law proceedings while continuing to respect the confidential nature of family law cases.

Until recently, it has been difficult to draw any reliable conclusions on the outcomes of family law cases due to the strict application of the in camera rule. This, however, changed as a result of Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (Section 40(3)) Regulations 2005 (S. I. No. 337 of 2005). The regulations allow certain classes of persons — namely mediators, researchers and persons engaged by the Courts Service — to attend family court sittings, subject to Ministerial approval, in order to draw up and publish reports. Approval is subject to certain safeguards including a requirement that the parties to a case or any relevant child would not be identifiable. Under the scheme, I have approved one family mediator, and several other persons engaged in family law research.

In addition, in October of last year the Courts Service engaged a family law reporter on a one year pilot basis to record and produce reports on family law proceedings for distribution to the media and the public. The project will record and create reports of family law proceedings for the first time; will gather, assess and present meaningful statistics on family law matters before the courts; and will assemble and distribute information regarding the family law process and courts.

Human Rights Issues.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

386 Mr. McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he will take regarding the enforcement of Court orders relating to a father’s access to his children against mothers who constantly breach such orders without repercussions. [2197/07]

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

389 Mr. McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will impose the right of a child to have access to both parents as stated in the Hague Convention and various UN regulations. [2200/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 386 and 389 together.

Under section 11 of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964, the father of a child may apply to the court for an order giving directions on any question affecting the welfare of the child, including access to the child. In making such orders the court has to regard the welfare of the child as the first and paramount consideration. Where appropriate and practicable, the Court in making any order takes into account the child's wishes in the matter having regard to the age and understanding of the child. In considering whether to make an order under section 11, the court, further to section 11D (as inserted in the Act of 1964 by the Children Act 1997) must have regard to whether the child's best interests would be served by maintaining personal relations and direct contact with both his or her father and mother on a regular basis. This provision gives effect to a provision in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The Act of 1964 (again by way of amendments in the Children Act 1997) encourages parties to a dispute in relation to a child to agree on the custody or guardianship of or access to a child. Prior to institution of proceedings the legal representatives of the parties must discuss with them the possibility of agreement. The Court may adjourn any proceedings to assist agreement between the parties. These legislative provisions are extensive. They permit the court in cases of disagreement to decide on arrangements for the child's care and upbringing having regard to the child's best interests.

As Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, I have no role in the enforcement of court orders. This is the function of the courts, which are, subject to the Constitution and the law, independent in the performance of their functions.

Question No. 387 answered with QuestionNo. 383.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

388 Mr. McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he envisages equal treatment by the State Departments for fathers to be treated as equals within a family thereby removing gender bias. [2199/07]

The Equal Status Acts 2000 to 2004 specify nine grounds on which direct and indirect discrimination in the provision of goods and services is prohibited. The specified grounds include gender, marital status and family status and are defined as follows the "gender ground" — that one is male and the other is female; the "marital status ground" — that they are of different marital status; the "family status ground" — that one has family status and the other does not or that one has a different family status from the other.

The Acts outlaw discrimination in the access to and provision of all goods and services which are generally available to the public, irrespective of whether they are provided by the State or by the private sector and whether on payment or not. The Equal Status Act permits differences in treatment on any of the nine specified grounds where required by or under any enactment or order of a court. The Acts also permit differences in treatment on the nine specified grounds in certain limited circumstances. The Equal Status Acts provide a mechanism under which a person who feels he or she has been illegally discriminated against may have his or her complaint investigated and seek redress. Two independent bodies, the Equality Authority and the Equality Tribunal, have been given statutory roles under equality legislation.

The Equality Authority has a broad mandate under the Equal Status Acts to combat discrimination and promote equality of opportunity in the areas covered by the Acts. It also has a role in providing information and advice to any person who feels that he or she has been discriminated against on any of the grounds covered in the equality legislation, whether in an employment or non-employment area. A person who claims that he or she has been discriminated against in the non-employment area may seek redress by referring their case directly to the Equality Tribunal. If the Director finds that there was discrimination, she may make an order for compensation for the effects of the discrimination and/or order a specified course of action to be taken.

Question No. 389 answered with QuestionNo. 386.

Garda Training.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

390 Mr. McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the Garda force will be trained adequately in dealing with incidents arising from domestic violence against men; and the body that provides care for the men and their interests. [2203/07]

I am informed by Garda management that members of An Garda Síochána are trained to the highest standard in dealing with incidents of domestic violence, irrespective of the gender of the victim. In relation to the training provided to Gardaí in the area of domestic violence, the position is that lectures relating to ‘Offences Committed within the Family' are given at Phase 1, 3 and 5 of training at the Garda College. The lectures cover all matters relevant to: The Domestic Violence Act 1996, as amended, including Barring/Protection/Safety Orders; Arrest powers, procedures to follow, advice to be given; Bail issues, Children's Act 1908 and related matters; Child Care Act 1991, including the duties of the Health Boards and Courts in matters of child-care. Garda Policy on Domestic Violence, powers of entry, use of force, arrests and prosecution of offenders are all covered during training. The contextual policing aspect of training deals with the rights of victims in situations of domestic violence.

Throughout training, Student/Probationers undertake role-play exercises with scenarios which depict practical incidents that they may encounter relating to domestic violence. This role-play type training develops their skills and competencies in dealing with all aspects of domestic violence. Garda Management have also informed me that arrangements are being made to facilitate AMEN, an organisation representing male victims of domestic violence, in delivering a training presentation to Student Gardaí.

The chief civil legislation relating to domestic violence is the Domestic Violence Act, 1996, as amended in 2002. This is comprehensive and drafted in gender-neutral terms. It provides for a situation where Safety, Protection and Barring Orders can be applied for, and issued by the court as a matter of urgency. Contravention of any Order under the Acts is an offence and subject to sanctions under the criminal law. In addition, criminal legislation such as the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997, which provides for prosecution in cases of assault and harassment, is also gender-neutral.

In relation to the enforcement of the law on domestic violence, the Gardaí have a clear written policy which is non-gender specific. The policy provides that any incident of domestic violence reported to the Gardaí must be fully investigated. The Garda Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Investigation Unit at Harcourt Square liaise with all agencies representing victims of domestic violence.

Road Traffic Offences.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

391 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will answer Parliamentary Question No. 217 of 1 November 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2205/07]

I can inform the Deputy that a reply relating to the subject matter of Parliamentary Question No. 217 of 1 November, 2006 issued to her recently.

Question No. 392 answered with QuestionNo. 252.

Asylum Applications.

Pat Carey

Question:

393 Mr. Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 who wishes to remain in the State after the most recent expiry date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2264/07]

As outlined in my reply to Parliamentary Question 38561/06 put down by the Deputy on the 21st November 2006, the application in respect of the person concerned has been approved. As indicated in the approval letter, it is open to him to attend at his local Immigration Office prior to the expiry of this permission to remain to seek a further renewal.

Judicial Appointments.

Niall Blaney

Question:

394 Mr. Blaney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on appointing a second district judge in County Donegal and a second circuit judge to the Northern Circuit as there is a continuous backlog of unheard cases in the District and Circuit Courts in County Donegal (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2282/07]

The question of extra judicial resources in the Northern Circuit or in the Donegal District is a matter, in the first instance, for consideration by the Presidents of the Circuit and District Courts respectively. I will be guided by the Presidents of the Courts as to the need for additional permanently assigned judges.

The Presidents have, at their disposal, unassigned judges who can be used, inter alia, to assist permanently assigned judges where pressure of work demands. I understand in this respect that, last year, 90 extra court sittings were organised in Donegal by the President of the District Court in an effort to tackle delays. The previous year, the President made arrangements for 112 extra sittings and a total of 1,139 cases were disposed of. This had the effect of greatly reducing the backlog at the time. The President of the District Court will, no doubt, continue to assign additional judges to Donegal as need arises.

In relation to the question of a second permanently assigned judge for Donegal, I am advised that the District Court Committee of the Courts Service Board has examined the issue and has decided against recommending any change.

With regard to the Circuit Court, the Deputy will be aware that a judge was assigned to the Northern Circuit with effect from 24 July 2006. While the level of delays in criminal matters in the Northern Circuit is significantly lower than in many other venues around the country, five weeks of additional sittings were allocated to the Northern Circuit in the last term to deal with lengthy criminal trials in Carrick on Shannon and Monaghan. Waiting times for family law and civil cases in the Northern Circuit compare favourably with other venues around the country.

With regard to the general issue of judicial resources, I have secured Government approval to bring forward legislation for the appointment of extra judges in the High Court, the Circuit Court and the District Court.

Citizenship Applications.

Michael Ring

Question:

395 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application for naturalisation for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be decided upon. [2294/07]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in the Citizenship section of my Department in November 2006. The application was examined and it was determined that the person in question did not have the five years reckonable residency required and consequently was not eligible to apply for a certificate of naturalisation at that time. The applicant's legal adviser was informed of this by letter dated 25 January 2007.

Officials in the Citizenship Section of my Department inform me that provided the applicant has kept her permission to remain in the state up to date she is now eligible to lodge a new application.

Residency Permits.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

396 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a resident’s card application will be processed for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2298/07]

I understand from the Immigration Division of my Department that the person concerned was recently granted permission to remain under the provisions of the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) Regulations 2006.

Visa Applications.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

397 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason an application for a holiday visa was refused for a person (details supplied); if he will reconsider the decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2299/07]

The application referred to by the Deputy was received in the Visa Office, Dublin on the 24th November, 2006. The decision of the Visa Officer to refuse the application was taken on the 7th December, 2006.

The application was refused on the grounds of inconsistencies in the information supplied. The financial evidence provided was also deemed insufficient and the applicant showed no clear obligations to return home.

An appeal against the refusal decision was received on the 12th January, 2007. Following a re-examination of the application, the decision to refuse was upheld on the 16th January, 2007 as the applicant had not adequately addressed the reason for refusal. As each applicant is entitled to one appeal only, no further review in this matter can be granted; however it is open to the applicant to make a fresh application.

Garda Recruitment.

M. J. Nolan

Question:

398 Mr. Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when it is proposed to recruit again for the Gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2300/07]

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 following the attestation of 299 new members on Thursday, 16 November, 2006. 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 combined strength (all ranks) of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training as at the 31 December 2006 was 14,068.

Furthermore, I should say that in December, 2006 as part of a package of anti-crime measures, the Government approved the continuation of the existing Garda recruitment programme to achieve a total Garda strength of 15,000. The accelerated intake of 275 new recruits per quarter into the Garda College will continue until this target is met. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.4 billion, an 11% increase on 2006 and a 96% increase since 1997 in real terms.

Garda management state that while no date has yet been set for the next competition for recruitment to An Garda Síochána, in the context of the accelerated Garda recruitment programme it is expected that a Garda recruitment competition will be held in the latter half of this year.

Asylum Applications.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

399 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on withdrawing the State’s appeal in relation to a judicial review decision in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick who has applied for leave to remain in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2304/07]

This applicant applied for asylum on 28th April, 2005. His application was refused and a Deportation Order was made on 21st July, 2005. The applicant instituted Judicial Review proceedings on 29th September, 2005 challenging the Deportation Order made in respect of him and accordingly, as the matter is sub judice, I do not propose to comment further.

Residency Permits.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

400 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made in relation to an application for family reunification for a person (details supplied) about which a report was sent to him on 12 December 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2310/07]

I understand from the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question made an application for Family Reunification under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996 on behalf of her husband in March 2006. The application had recently been approved and the person in question has been informed of same.

Prison Committals.

M. J. Nolan

Question:

401 Mr. Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of individuals in custody in Irish prisons with a breakdown by gender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2315/07]

The number of prisoners in prison custody on 26 January 2007 is set out in the table below:

Institution

Number in Custody

Mountjoy Prison

471

Dóchas Centre

104*

St. Patrick’s Institution

190

Cork Prison

259

Limerick Prison (Male)

274

Limerick Prison (Female)

20*

Castlerea Prison

228

Cloverhill Prison

397

Wheatfield Prison

371

Portlaoise Prison

122

Arbour Hill Prison

140

Training Unit

85

Midlands Prison

449

Loughan House

77

Shelton Abbey

57

Total

3,244

*Female.

These figures include persons committed to custody on sentences varying from a number of days up to a life sentence. They also include persons in prison custody on foot of a remand or trial warrant or detained on foot of a deportation order. On that date, a total of 561 persons, including 42 female prisoners, were in custody solely on foot of a remand or trial warrant.

Registration of Title.

M. J. Nolan

Question:

402 Mr. Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the proposals he has for the introduction of e-conveyancing in view of the difficulties being encountered by the public in ensuring a speedy and efficient conveyancing delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2316/07]

In April 2006, the Law Reform Commission published a Report entitled "eConveyancing: Modelling of the Irish Conveyancing System". This Report, and the accompanying consultancy report by BearingPoint, contains the first detailed ‘end-to-end' process model of the entire conveyancing process in Ireland. It contains a comprehensive overview and analysis of the role of the various stakeholders in the conveyancing process and their state of readiness for eConveyancing.

The Report also made a number of recommendations concerning the practical implementation of an eConveyancing system, including the establishment of an eConveyancing Project Board to oversee developments. This Board is currently putting in place a work programme which will include information briefings for stakeholders and a range of pilot projects. I would therefore urge all stakeholders to engage with and participate in this work programme in order to ensure the success of the project.

An important precondition for the introduction of a comprehensive eConveyancing system is the extension of compulsory registration of land ownership in the Land Registry and eventual closure of the Registry of Deeds. For this reason, one of the main functions of the new Property Registration Authority established under the Registration of Deeds and Title Act 2006 is to promote and extend the registration of land ownership. I expect that the Authority will set out its strategy for achieving this objective in its first strategic plan which it is in the process of drafting at present.

I should add that reforms contained in the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Bill 2006, which is currently awaiting Second Stage in the House having been passed by the Seanad, will update and simplify the law relating to the ownership and conveyancing of land in order to bring it into line with modern conditions and this will also assist introduction and successful implementation of eConveyancing.

Citizenship Applications.

Michael Ring

Question:

403 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has applied for citizenship here. [2317/07]

I am advised by officials in the Citizenship section of my Department that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

404 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2327/07]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Questions No. 144 of Thursday 28 September, 2006, No. 248 of Thursday 25 May, 2006, No. 169 of Thursday, 11 May, 2006, and the written replies to those Questions. The position is unchanged.

Deportation Orders.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

405 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to the deportation order in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; if extended leave to remain in the State will be granted to the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2328/07]

The person concerned arrived in the State on 4 May 2000 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Office of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

The person concerned was informed by letter dated 11 August 2003, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him and afforded him three options in accordance with Section 3 (3) (b) (ii) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, namely to leave the State voluntarily, to consent to the making of a deportation order or to submit, within 15 working days, representations to the Minister, in writing, setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State.

His case was examined under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 as amended, and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 on the Prohibition of Refoulement. Consideration was given to representations received on his behalf from the Refugee Legal Service for temporary leave to remain in the State. On 3 August 2004, I refused temporary leave to remain in the State and signed a deportation order in respect of him. Notice of this order was served by registered post requiring him to present himself to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), 13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, on 18 November 2004, in order to make travel arrangements for his deportation from the State. The person concerned failed to present as required and was classified as evading his deportation. As such he is liable to arrest and detention under Section 5 of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, for the purposes of ensuring his removal from the State. I would urge the person concerned to come forward and present himself to the GNIB as soon as possible.

The Deputy might wish to note that, in addition to the eleven factors contained in Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), I must, as stated earlier, also have regard for Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the Prohibition of Refoulement before making a deportation order. This essentially means that the safety of returning a person, or refoulement as it is commonly referred to, is fully considered in every case when deciding whether or not to make a deportation order i.e. that a person shall not be expelled from the State or returned in any manner whatsoever to a State where, in my opinion, the life or freedom of that person would be threatened on account of his or her race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion. My Department uses extensive country of origin information drawn from different independent sources, including the UNHCR, in evaluating the safety of making returns to the Country in question and other third countries. In this case, I am entirely satisfied that there are no refoulement related reasons to prevent the deportation of the person concerned.

The person concerned is awaiting deportation following a comprehensive examination of his asylum claim and of his application to remain temporarily in the State. I am satisfied that the applications made by the person concerned for asylum and subsequently for temporary leave to remain in the State, together with all refoulement issues, were fairly and comprehensively examined and, as such, the decision to deport him is justified. The enforcement of the deportation order is now an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

National Drugs Strategy.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

406 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received correspondence or submissions from a group (details supplied) in relation to drug policy here; his views on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2329/07]

A submission has been received in my Department in relation to the Government's drug policy from the group referred to by the Deputy.

In relation generally to the matters raised in the submission, the Deputy will be aware that the Government's overall policy to tackle the drug problem is set out in the National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008 "Building on Experience" and responsibility for co-ordinating the implementation of the strategy lies with my colleague, Mr. Noel Ahern T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

Under the current national strategy, which sets out a framework for action for the period 2001-2008, drugs policy is being delivered across the four pillars of supply reduction, prevention, treatment and research.

A mid-term review of the Strategy was concluded in 2005. The review, which involved a comprehensive and public consultation process, was overseen by a steering group chaired by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs with representation from the statutory, community and voluntary treatment sectors to reflect the partnership basis on which the Strategy is founded.

The review found that the current aims and objectives of the National Drugs Strategy are fundamentally sound. It also highlighted the need to re-focus priorities and accelerate the rollout of some of the Strategy's actions and, in this context, a number of new actions and amendments were identified, bringing the total number of actions to 108.

Within this policy framework, my Department will continue to develop measures, in consultation with the relevant Government Departments/ Agencies and the Community and Voluntary sectors to ensure that a co-ordinated and integrated response is in place to tackle the drugs problem.

Asylum Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

407 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the way it is expected to offer the protection of international law in the event of transfer to Belgium while appeal is pending in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork in view of the fact that they will be automatically returned to their homeland; the way it is proposed not to anticipate a positive outcome in respect of the appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2330/07]

I would refer the Deputy to my replies to Dáil Questions No. 56 of 30 November, 2006, and 151 of 14 December, 2006, in relation to this case.

First of all I would like to advise the Deputy that the person concerned has still failed to present herself to the Garda National Immigration Bureau, (GNIB), as requested and continues to be illegally present in the State. She should, without any further delay, present herself to the appropriate authorities, in this case either the GNIB or An Garda Síochána. Secondly, I would like to inform the Deputy that the person concerned has no appeal pending in her case as the Office of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal upheld the determination of the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner on 12 January, 2007.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

408 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Galway against a decision by his Department to refuse an application for a declaration as a refugee in accordance with the Refugee Act, 1996, as amended, will be expedited. [2331/07]

It is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications. As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted. A final decision on this application will be made upon receipt of the recommendation of the Refugee Applications Commissioner.

Citizenship Applications.

Marian Harkin

Question:

409 Ms Harkin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the stage of an application for naturalisation for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11. [2333/07]

I informed the Deputy in my response to Parliamentary Question No. 196 on 7 November 2006 that it was likely that processing of the application of the person concerned would commence early in 2007. That is still the position.

Residency Permits.

John McGuinness

Question:

410 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an appeal to remain in the State in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be expedited and approved; and if he will confirm the timeframe for such applications and appeals. [2377/07]

The person in question made an application for Family Reunification in March, 2002 in respect of six family members: his wife, son, mother, two brothers and sister. In February 2003, the applications for his wife and son were approved. However, the applications for the rest of his family were refused on the same date.

A request for a review was received in April, 2003. Following a complete review of the case, the applications were again refused in August, 2004. At present, there is no application for Family Reunification pending in respect of the person concerned.

Question No. 411 answered with QuestionNo. 252.

Prison Accommodation.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

412 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will implement the recommendation of the Inspector of Prisons (details supplied) that the number of women held in Limerick Prison should be reduced due to the fact that female prisoners are living in cramped and claustrophobic conditions. [2379/07]

I am informed that there were 20 females in custody at Limerick Prison on 26 January, 2007. This figure compares with a bed capacity of 20. The ten cells in the female area of the prison were originally designed for single cell occupancy, however, it was necessary to "double up" due to the high level of female committals in the Munster area. The alternative would have been to release female prisoners at an early stage of their sentence solely to make way for new committals.

While it is recognised that the female facilities in Limerick Prison are not ideal, there are significant space restrictions in Limerick Prison which preclude a major development of this area. In this regard, the Deputy will be aware of two major prison developments, one in North County Dublin and the other in Munster. It is intended that these new facilities will alleviate the pressure on female accommodation spaces by providing predominantly single cell accommodation with in-cell sanitation facilities and will also offer significant improvements in the areas of work, training, educational and medical services for women inmates. There are no plans to reduce the capacity of the female wing of Limerick Prison in advance of these new developments.

Prison Inspections.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

413 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make arrangements for an independent investigation to be conducted into bullying and racism in Wheatfield Prison as recommended by the Inpector of Prisons (details supplied) on 18 January 2007. [2380/07]

I am aware of the allegations made to the Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention, during the course of his inspection of Wheatfield Prison in 2006 (and as set out in his recently published Report), of an incident of bullying and racism arising from an alleged assault by the Prisoners on a non-national Prisoner in the prison. The Inspector's Report is available on my Department's website. I am also aware of the Inspector's recommendation that the Visiting Committee investigate these allegations.

In this regard, I am also conscious of the views of the Governor and his management team (also reported in the Inspector's Report) that such activity is not widespread and that any such instances have been acted upon — including referral to the Garda authorities for investigation.

I have consulted with the Director General of the Irish Prison Service in relation to this matter and he has advised me that racism and bullying are not widespread in Wheatfield. Any complaint of this nature would be fully investigated by a senior member of management appointed by the Governor for such a purpose and would not be tolerated by the Governor. No complaint has, however, been made by a prisoner to the Governor. (A register of all assaults and serious complaints is maintained in the prison). There is also a Governor's parade held each day in the prison where all prisoners can discuss any matter that concerns them and all prisoners are fully aware of this procedure. Wheatfield Prison is very pro-active in not allowing bullying or racism to occur and, in this regard, Intercultural Awareness Training was piloted for both staff and prisoners there. The Governor also initiated a training programme for all staff in the prison. In the light of this, the Director General has informed me that, in his view, there is no need to have any independent investigation carried out into allegations of bullying and racism in Wheatfield and I agree with this. In the circumstances, I will not be arranging for any independent investigation to be carried out.

The most appropriate way of dealing with such behaviours in a prison context is through continued awareness and vigilance on the part of Prison Service Management and staff to ensure that any such behaviours do not go unnoticed and are dealt with either by recourse to the internal prison disciplinary rules or, if appropriate, referral to the Gardaí.

In relation to racism, the new draft Prison Rules contain two references regarding sanction for racist occurrences in that any prisoner shall be guilty of a breach of prison discipline if (a) he or she treats with disrespect, through the use of any abusive, insolent, racist or threatening behaviour or language, the Governor, any prison officer, any prisoner, any visitor to the prison or any other person, or (b) displays, attaches, or draws on any part of a prison, or on any other property, threatening, abusive or insulting racist words, drawings, symbols or other material. The new Rules will come into operation shortly.

Irish Prison Service.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

414 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action he will take to ensure that the new system of annualised hours in the prison system will no longer result in cutbacks in rehabilitation targeted services to prisoners (details supplied). [2381/07]

I am informed by the Irish Prison Service that the additional hours system has not resulted in a curtailment of services to prisoners in Wheatfield Prison. While it is the case that the agreed staffing configurations in the industrial area in Wheatfield Prison have not yet been achieved, it is expected that they will be achieved very shortly. In the meantime, however, all workshops in Wheatfield Prison are open on a daily basis Monday to Friday.

Local management has succeeded in maintaining a high level of service to prisoners. Wheatfield Prison has gained major national and international awards for its kitchen and catering workshop facilities and community services and other awards for a range of other workshops. A very wide range of subjects are taught in the workshops to improve offenders employability on release from custody. For example, a new laundry facility provides accredited training for prisoners which has already facilitated trainees obtaining employment placement on release. A wide range of subjects, which include Open University courses, are also taught in the Education Unit which is operational five days per week, Monday to Friday.

In addition, dedicated additional staff have recently been appointed to Wheatfield Prison in the drug treatment area and Addiction Counsellors will be appointed shortly. This is in line with the Irish Prison Service Drugs Policy & Strategy — ‘Keeping Drugs Out of Prisons'. Finally, a new system for focusing on rehabilitation in the prison system, Integrated Sentence Management, has recently been introduced in Wheatfield Prison on a pilot basis.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

415 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Wheatfield Prison is advertised on the Irish Prison Service website as a place of detention for male adults and juveniles aged 15 years and over; if children under the age of 18 are currently being or have recently been held there; and if he will guarantee in line with the Children Act 2001 that no child will be detained there or in any other prison. [2382/07]

I am informed by the Director General of the Irish Prison Service that there was an error on their website in this respect which has now been corrected. I am further informed that on 29 January, 2007 there were no persons aged 17 years or under in Wheatfield Prison and, furthermore, that no such person has been held there in recent times.

The Deputy will be aware that the Children Act 2001, as amended by the Criminal Justice Act 2006, provides for the detention of children aged up to 18 years in children detention schools. It further provides that no child shall be committed to a prison. A transitional provision has been included in the Act to allow for the continued detention of boys aged 16 and 17 in St. Patrick's Institution or another place of detention until such time as sufficient children detention school places are available. These provisions have not been commenced but it is the intention of my colleague the Minister for Children, who has delegated responsibility for the Children Act, to bring the outstanding provisions into force on 1 March, 2007. When implemented, management responsibility for children detention services will be located in the Irish Youth Justice Service, an executive office of my Department, which also has oversight of all other aspects of youth offending responses.

Comhfhreagras Ranna.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

416 D’fhiafraigh Mr. Sargent den Tánaiste agus Aire Dlí agus Cirt, Comhionannais agus Athchóirithe Dlí cá fhad ar an meán a thógann sé air litir a fhreagairt as Béarla i gcomparáid leis an méid ama a thógann sé air litir a fhreagairt as Gaeilge. [2386/07]

Is féidir liom a chur in iúl don Teachta go bhféachann mo Roinnse, i gcomhréir le Cairt Chustaiméirí na Roinne, le tromlach na gcumarsáidí i scríbhinn a admháil laistigh de 5 lá oibre tar éis iad a fháil, agus le freagra críochnaitheach a sholáthar laistigh de 20 lá oibre. Níl saintréimhsí ama próiseála de réir theanga na cumarsáide ar fáil go réidh, áfach. Toisc gurb é an Béarla an phríomhtheanga oibre laistigh de mo Roinnse, caitear roinnt ama dá bhrí sin ag aistriú comhfhreagrais i nGaeilge, mar aon le freagraí ar an gcomhfhreagras sin, ach ní mheastar go ndéanann sé sin eisiúint fhreagraí ar chomhfhreagras a fhaightear sa Ghaeilge a mhórmhoilliú.

Residency Permits.

Michael Ring

Question:

417 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when permanent residency will be granted to persons (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that they requested this on 30 June 2006 and have heard nothing from his Department yet. [2398/07]

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 persons concerned should ensure that their permission to remain in the State is kept up to date. An application for long term residence from the persons referred to by the Deputy was received in July 2006. I understand that applications received in May 2006 are currently being dealt with.

Michael Ring

Question:

418 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when long term residency will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [2404/07]

As outlined in Parliamentary Question put down for answer on the 10 October 2006 (PQ no. 31588/06) 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. 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. An application for long term residence from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in June 2006. I understand that applications received in May 2006 are currently being dealt with.

Garda Stations.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

419 Mr. Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether the working conditions for members in the divisional headquarters of An Garda Síochána in Wexford is unsatisfactory; if his attention has been drawn to the level of frustration at the lack of progress on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2428/07]

I am aware that there is a need for a new Divisional Headquarters in Wexford and in this regard the Office of Public Works are finalising the purchase of a new site. As soon as this process is complete, the OPW will engage contractors for the building of the new station. In the interim, any essential maintenance to the existing station will be carried out under the Garda maintenance programme.

Visa Applications.

Michael Ring

Question:

420 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a visa will be granted to a person (details supplied) on appeal. [2433/07]

The application referred to by the Deputy was received in the Visa Office, Cairo. The decision of the Visa Officer to refuse the application was taken on September 5th, 2006.

The Visa Officer who examined the application was not satisfied, on the basis of the documentation submitted, that the applicant would adhere to the conditions of the visa. An appeal against the refusal decision was received in November, 2006. Following a re-examination of the application, the decision to refuse was upheld in January, 2007 as the applicant had not adequately addressed the reason for refusal. As each applicant is entitled to one appeal only, no further review in this matter can be granted; however it is open to the applicant to make a fresh application.

Prison Education Service.

Billy Timmins

Question:

421 Mr. Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a physical education teacher is employed at an institution (details supplied); if so, when this position was filled; the number of classes that have taken place since the appointment; the number of young offenders who attended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2439/07]

St. Patrick's Institution have acquired the services, on a part time basis, of two physical education teachers. The teachers will provide four sessions per week. It is anticipated that each session will be attended by approximately eight offenders. This arrangement commenced on Monday, 22 January, 2007 and four sessions were held in the first week of operation.

Bail Laws.

Billy Timmins

Question:

422 Mr. Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of occasions the State opposed the granting of bail to the 23 individuals who were granted bail and were investigated as part of operation Anvil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2440/07]

Brendan Howlin

Question:

464 Mr. Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in regard to statements he made in which he referred to 24 associates of a deceased criminal having been arrested and 23 of them being granted bail despite objections from the Gardaí, he will list the cases he was referring to; if he will confirm that the Gardaí objected to bail in all cases; if not, the number of cases in which they objected to bail; the offences with which people were charged in each case; the number of such cases where bail was initially refused but then granted by a higher Court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2904/07]

Brendan Howlin

Question:

465 Mr. Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received correspondence from the Chief Justice in regard to statements he made in which he referred to 24 associates of a deceased criminal having been arrested and 23 of them being granted bail despite objections from the Gardaí; if he has replied to such correspondence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2905/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 422, 464 and 465 together.

The House will appreciate that the granting of bail is a matter for the courts and that the Director of Public Prosecutions, who is, of course, independent in the performance of his functions, is the State for the purposes of dealing with such applications. Moreover, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the circumstances in which bail may have been granted or, indeed, refused in particular cases.

What I can confirm is that I have been made aware by the Garda authorities that in a significant number of cases involving operations they have launched against gun and drugs crime bail has been granted despite Garda objections. I am in no way impugning either the independence or the decisions of the courts in saying that I remain concerned that the Constitutional amendment which allows for the refusal of bail where it is reasonably considered necessary to prevent the commission of serious offences is not operating in practice as effectively as we would wish. It is against that background that I intend, insofar as a legislative response is required, to bring forward proposals shortly.

It would not be appropriate to put into the public domain details of any communications by me or my Department with the Chief Justice or his Office about such matters.

Law Reform Commission.

Billy Timmins

Question:

423 Mr. Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has asked the Law Reform Commission to examine the concept of good samaritan legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2441/07]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 58 of 2 February 2006. The position is as outlined therein.

Garda Stations.

Billy Timmins

Question:

424 Mr. Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Garda station at Donard, County Wicklow is open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2442/07]

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 following the attestation of 299 new members on Thursday, 16 November, 2006. 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 combined strength (all ranks) of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training as at the 31 December 2006 was 14,068. Furthermore, I should say that in December, 2006 as part of a package of anti-crime measures, the Government approved the continuation of the existing Garda recruitment programme to achieve a total Garda strength of 15,000. The accelerated intake of 275 new recruits per quarter into the Garda College will continue until this target is met. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.4 billion, an 11% increase on 2006 and a 96% increase since 1997 in real terms.

The Garda authorities state that Donard Garda Station form part of the Baltinglass Garda District. Local Garda management report that normal open hours for Donard Garda Station is from 11am to 1pm daily. Donard Garda Station is equipped with a Public Access Call Box (P.A.C.B.) system and outside the opening hours of the Station, all calls are diverted to Baltinglass Garda Station. I am further informed that a new Garda Station has been built at Donard and is being handed over to An Garda Síochána.

Visa Applications.

Tom Hayes

Question:

425 Mr. Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a visa will issue to a person (details supplied). [2468/07]

My Department has no record of a current visa application in respect of the person in question. An application was received from the individual concerned on 6th June, 2006. However, this application was refused on 3rd July, 2006. No appeal in respect of this decision was received. The period allowed to make an appeal has now passed. If the person concerned still wishes to travel to Ireland a fresh visa application must be lodged.

Garda Remuneration.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

426 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost to date for the policing of the Corrib gas project at Ballinaboy; the basic salary costs, overtime cost, temporary transfer costs and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2469/07]

Jerry Cowley

Question:

428 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí currently on duty at the Corrib gas site at Ballinaboy, County Mayo; the stations and divisions that these Gardaí are being deployed from; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2471/07]

Joe Higgins

Question:

431 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost, from 3 October 2006 to date, including salaries, of the Garda operation in north Mayo in relation to Shell’s proposed gas terminal and pipeline. [2499/07]

Joe Higgins

Question:

432 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí per division deployed to north Mayo in relation to Shell’s proposed gas terminal and pipeline from 3 October 2006 to date; and the length of time each deployment has lasted. [2500/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 426, 428, 431 and 432 together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the total cost of the policing operation at the Corrib gas project in Ballinaboy, Co. Mayo, from 3 October, 2006, to 25 January, 2007, is approximately €3.14 million, including all salary, overtime, temporary transfer and other related costs. I am further informed that the total personnel strength of members of the Garda Síochána on duty at the Corrib gas project at Ballinaboy, as at 26 January, 2007, was 49 (all ranks). For security and operational reasons, it is not Garda policy and it would not be in the public interest to disclose the Garda Divisions from which these members were deployed.

Finally, I am informed that the information requested in relation to both the number of members of the Garda Síochána deployed to the site from 3 October, 2006, to date and the duration of each deployment is not readily available and could only be obtained by the disproportionate expenditure of Garda time and resources relative to the information sought.

Residency Permits.

Seán Crowe

Question:

427 Mr. Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if consideration will be given to allow a person (details supplied) residency here; and if he will reconsider this case on the grounds of the person's dependency on their parents and re-examine their application. [2470/07]

The application referred to by the Deputy was received in the Visa Office, Dublin on 4th January, 2007. The decision of the Visa Officer to refuse this application was taken on 18th January, 2007. The application was refused because the Visa Officer was not satisfied, on the basis of the documentation supplied, that the applicant had demonstrated a sufficient obligation to return home following the visit. In addition there were inconsistencies in the information supplied by the applicant.

It is open to the applicant to appeal this decision; however to date, no appeal has been received. All appeals must be submitted within two months of the initial refusal decision.

Question No. 428 answered with QuestionNo. 426.

Citizenship Applications.

John Curran

Question:

429 Mr. Curran asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if this person is eligible to make an application for a certificate of naturalisation. [2481/07]

I refer the Deputy to my response to Parliamentary Question No 387 of 27 September 2006 regarding this person's eligibility to make an application for a certificate of naturalisation. As I explained to the Deputy at that time, the person in question did not satisfy the statutory residency conditions, as set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956 as amended. Consequently, he was deemed ineligible to apply at that time and was advised of this in September 2006.

It is open to the person in question to apply for a certificate of naturalisation at a future date, provided he satisfies the statutory conditions applicable at that time.

Residency Permits.

John Perry

Question:

430 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the application for residency in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; if the circumstances of the case will be taken into account; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2485/07]

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.

An application seeking Long Term Residency was received from the person referred to by the Deputy. This application was processed under the above mentioned criteria and was subsequently refused on the basis that she had only completed 40.99 months. It is open to her to resubmit her application for Long Term Residency when she has completed 60 months legal residence in the State as per endorsements in her passport.

Questions Nos. 431 and 432 answered with Question No. 426.

Remembrance Fund.

Finian McGrath

Question:

433 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) will be supported in relation to their medication costs; and if they will be given the maximum support. [2501/07]

The Remembrance Fund is administered by the Remembrance Commission under the terms of the Scheme of Acknowledgement, Remembrance and Assistance to Victims in this Jurisdiction of the Conflict in Northern Ireland. In November the Government approved my proposal to extend the term of the Commission and the Remembrance Fund until 31 October, 2007.

All applications for assistance are assessed in accordance with the criteria set out in the Scheme. The person referred to by the Deputy has received payments for medical expenses incurred to date and has, in addition, received the exceptional payment for medical expenses provided for under the Scheme.

I have been informed that the Commission will continue to deal with all applications from this person sympathetically and will meet their medical expenses under the terms of the Scheme.

Residency Permits.

John McGuinness

Question:

434 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an application to remain in the State long term by a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be expedited and approved; and the timeframe for making the decision. [2568/07]

As outlined in Parliamentary Question put down for answer on the 28th November 2006 (PQ no. 40422/06) 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. 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.

An application for long term residence from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in August 2006. I understand that applications received in May 2006 are currently being dealt with.

Citizenship Applications.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

435 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on applications for naturalisation for persons (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2618/07]

Applications for certificates of naturalisation from the persons referred to in the Deputy's question were received in the Citizenship Section of my Department on 28 March 2003 and I decided to refuse both of them. Upon examination of both files it was found that while the applicants had been granted refugee status in 2002 they did not fulfil the three years reckonable residency requirement at the time of application for naturalisation. A letter to this effect issued to the applicants in March 2005. It is open to the persons in question to submit fresh applications once they satisfy the statutory conditions applicable at the time.

Sexual Offences.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

436 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has satisfied himself that in the case of sexual abuse cases the rights of the victim are equal to those of the accused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2688/07]

The essential purpose of a criminal trial is to establish whether or not an accused is guilty of the offence charged. It is a fundamental principle of our legal system that the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Alleged behaviour by the accused is at the nexus of a criminal trial and it is the accused who, if found guilty, will be liable to serious consequences in the form of criminal sanctions which, in the case of serious sexual offences, could be up to life imprisonment.

It is now generally accepted that our legal system did not in the past always afford sufficient consideration to the part the complainant played in the criminal justice process. More recently, the role of the complainant has been given greater attention and this has been reflected in a number of changes that have been made for the purpose of making the trial process a less traumatic experience for complainants, and this is especially so in the case of sexual offences.

Examples of these changes are as follows. Since 1990, it is no longer necessary to warn the jury about the danger of convicting on the uncorroborated evidence of the complainant. Instead, the judge decides on a case by case basis whether the jury should be given such a warning. Also, procedures are now in place whereby the prosecution team arrange for pre-trial consultations with complainants in cases of serious sexual assaults to familiarise them with the legal procedures and to explain the layout and procedures of the court and the type of matters which may be the subject of examination by counsel. Another positive development has been the extension of the Civil Legal Aid Scheme to allow a complainant in cases of serious sexual assaults to consult a legal aid solicitor who may accompany the complainant into court. A further initiative was the provision of separate legal representation for complainants for the duration of an application to adduce evidence of cross-examine a complainant about his or her past sexual history.

The above are examples of the advances that have been made to improve the position of the complainant in the criminal trial process to reduce the sense of alienation and helplessness that can arise. I will give serious consideration to any further suggestions for changes to assist complainants in serious sexual assault cases. However, any such suggestions would have to comply with the constitutional guarantee that the accused would be tried in due course of law and would receive a fair trial in accordance with the requirements of international human rights instruments.

Acht Cúirteanna Breithiúnais.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

437 D’fhiafraigh Mr. McGinley den Tánaiste agus Aire Dlí agus Cirt, Comhionannais agus Athchóirithe Dlí cad iad na céimeanna atá glactha aige lena chinntiú, nuair a cheaptar breitheamh dúiche a bhfuil ceantar Gaeltachta ina dhúiche, go gcloítear le forálacha an Achta Cúirteanna Breithiúnais 1924 (Uimhir 10), alt 71; is é sin go bhfuil cumas Gaeilge ag an té a cheaptar. [2693/07]

Mar is eol don Teachta, luaitear i bhforálacha alt 71 den Acht Cúirteanna Breithiúnais, 1924: ‘Sa mhéid gur féidir é agus gach ní a bhaineann leis an scéal d'áireamh, beidh ag an mBreitheamh den Chúirt Dúithche, a ceapfar do Dhúthaigh ina bhfuil líomatáiste ina bhfuil an Ghaedhilg in úsáid ghenerálta, oiread eolais ar an nGaedhilg agus chuirfadh ar a chumas déanamh in éamais conganta o fhear teangan agus fianaise á tabhairt sa teangain sin.'

Ní a bhí le cur san áireamh i ndáil leis an bhfolúntas i nDúiche Uimh. 1 a líonadh le gairid ná go raibh brú mór oibre sa Dúiche. Dá bhrí sin, bhí fonn ar an Rialtas agus ar an Tánaiste an folúntas do bhreitheamh buansannta sa Dúiche a líonadh gan mhoill. D'éagmais aon iarrata ó bhreitheamh — lena n-áirítear aon bhreitheamh a dhearbhaigh go raibh inniúlacht áirithe aige nó aici sa Ghaeilge — chun aistriú go dtí an Dúiche, rinneadh breitheamh nuacheaptha a shannadh.

Má thagann imthosca chun cinn in aon chás ina gcreidfidh breitheamh a bheidh buansannta do Dhúiche nár chóir dósan nó dise éisteacht a ghabháil air féin nó uirthi féin, is féidir le hUachtarán na Cúirte Dúiche breitheamh eile a shannadh ar bhonn sealadach chun an cás a éisteacht.

Garda Deployment.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

438 Ms Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if offences (details supplied) are enforceable by Gardaí in estates not yet taken in charge by the local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2698/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the information sought is currently being researched and will be submitted at an early date. I will contact the Deputy again when the report is to hand.

Witness Protection Programme.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

439 Mr. Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the proportion of cases in relation to those criminal trials in which a prosecution witness has been admitted to the witness protection programme, in which the prosecution witness so admitted has been an innocent victim of crime or an innocent third party, rather than a former criminal accomplice of the person or persons standing trial; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2744/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that it is established Garda policy not to disclose information relating to persons admitted to the Witness Security Programme, including quantitative data in this regard. This policy is based on the understanding that the utmost confidentiality is necessary to safeguard individuals and procedures.

Visa Applications.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

440 Mr. Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will confirm that under the terms of a tourist visa granted to a person (details supplied), the person concerned will be permitted to remain in Ireland for up to 90 days provided they arrive here before 16 February 2007. [2745/07]

The visa referred to by the Deputy was endorsed on the passport of the person in question on 17th November, 2006 valid until 16th February, 2007. This permits the individual concerned to travel to Ireland between those two dates only. The visa does not guarantee entry into the State. The Immigration Officer at the port of entry has the authority to grant or deny admission, and to decide on the duration a person may remain in the State. Holders of visit visas may be permitted to remain in the State for a maximum period of ninety days.

Proposed Legislation.

Denis Naughten

Question:

441 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the stage the criminal law (trafficking in persons and sexual offences) Bill is at; the provisions included in the Bill to criminalise trafficking in persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2746/07]

The Government approved the drafting of the criminal law (trafficking in persons and sexual offences) Bill 2006 last July. It is at present being drafted in the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel.

The Bill is criminal law legislation which will implement the criminal law aspects of EU, UN and Council of Europe instruments on trafficking by creating offences of recruiting, transporting, transferring to another person, harbouring or knowingly arranging or facilitating the entry into, travel within or departure from, the State of a person, or the provision of accommodation or employment in the State for that person, for the purpose of that person's exploitation. The term "exploitation" in the Bill is defined as meaning sexual or labour exploitation or the removal of a person's organs for the purpose of transplanting into another person.

A copy of the draft Bill as approved by Government is available on my Department's website.

Human Rights Issues.

Denis Naughten

Question:

442 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will sign the UN protocol on trafficking and the Council of Europe Convention on Action Against Trafficking in Human Beings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2747/07]

Finian McGrath

Question:

463 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will ensure that Ireland ratifies the Council of Europe Convention on Action Against Trafficking in Human Beings; and if he will address the issue of protecting victims in the criminal law (trafficking in persons and sexual offences) Bill. [2903/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 442 and 463 together.

I recently announced my intention to ask the Government to sign the Council of Europe Convention on Action Against Trafficking in Human Beings. I also stated that it is intended, as part of the new Immigration policy framework, to provide a clear policy statement setting out how these cases will be managed once it is established that trafficking has taken place. I would reiterate, however, that the lack of a specific legislative provision on the victims of trafficking has in no way reduced Ireland's commitment to dealing with cases sympathetically as they arise.

Legislation creating an offence of trafficking in persons for the specific purpose of sexual or labour exploitation is contained in the draft criminal law (trafficking in persons and sexual offences) Bill. This Bill will comply fully with the criminal law requirements of the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons and the Council of Europe Convention on Action Against Trafficking in Human Beings. The General Scheme of the Bill was approved by Government in July 2006 and is now with the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government for drafting. Ireland signed the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons on 13 December 2000.

Garda Deployment.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

443 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the rules or guidelines in relation to the appointment of members of An Garda Síochána to Garda stations within their home county and within a specified distance form their original family home. [2851/07]

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the guidelines in relation to members of An Garda Síochána serving at certain stations are set out in An Garda Síochána Code. In the above regard, the position is that a member is not permitted to serve at any Station which is within 32 kilometres of any place where the member, or the member's spouse/partner, has relatives permanently residing; the member's spouse/partner, or other family members or relatives engages in any business requiring a licence or certificate, the grant of which, by a Court or otherwise, may be opposed by An Garda Síochána. In addition, a member is not permitted to serve at any Station which lies within 32 kilometres of any place where the member's spouse/partner or other family member is the proprietor of any business which is conducted from a shop.

For the purposes of the code, the term "relative" includes all relatives within (but not including) the degree of second cousin, other than serving members of An Garda Síochána or the Defence Forces, or the spouses/partners of such members, or relatives residing in the Dublin Metropolitan Region, or in the cities of Cork, Waterford, Limerick, Galway or Kilkenny.

Finally, I am advised that the Commissioner may grant an exemption from the provisions of the Garda Síochána Code in this context, if he deems that the circumstances pertaining to a particular member justify same.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

444 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the station party at Castletownbere Garda Station, which was a sergeant plus five Gardaí has now been reduced to one sergeant plus one Garda; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that this Garda station is the only one which covers the extensive Beara area; and the steps he will take to ensure that it is brought fully up to strength. [2852/07]

I have requested a report from the Garda Commissioner in the matter and I will be in contact with the Deputy when this is to hand.

Departmental Agencies.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

445 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make funding available to enable the National Domestic Violence Intervention Agency to continue in operation following its very successful three year pilot project in the Dún Laoghaire Bray District Courts areas; and if he will ensure that action is taken on an immediate basis in view of the fact that current funding runs out on 31 January 2007. [2853/07]

I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 5 of Thursday 7th December 2006 (ref 42178/06). I can add that the final report of the pilot project was received by my Department on Thursday 25th January 2007.

Officials of my Department had a meeting with representatives of the NDVIA on 29th January 2007 and explained to the NDVIA that, in accordance with customary procedures, their final report on the pilot project and its most recent outcomes would now be evaluated by the Department. The original external evaluation of the pilot project, completed in early 2006, will also be reviewed again in order to consider fully the options for advancing the objective matter of the pilot project on a nationwide basis. My Department has since been in consultation with the NDVIA on the question of a funding arrangement — on an interim basis — pending examination by the Government of the report submitted, and of any new developments in the area. It is understood that this offer is acceptable to NDVIA. During the period 2003 — 2006 inclusive, the NDVIA has reported to us that it interacted with 39 clients, mostly victims but including a small number of perpetrators. Any decision by the NDVIA to have closed following completion of the pilot project would not have resulted in any loss of availability of front line services provided by the State or otherwise to address violence against women.

Garda Strength.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

446 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the strength of the Garda force employed in the Roscommon East Galway division by rank and location; the increase in Garda numbers in this division between 2001 and 31 December 2006 and in which Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2854/07]

I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. I will be in contact with the Deputy when this information is to hand.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

447 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí in Lusk and Rush Garda stations; if there are plans to increase the allocation of Gardaí in both these stations; if the part-time station of Lusk is to be amalgamated with its counterpart in Rush; and if it is proposed to increase the allocation of Gardaí to the Balbriggan Station. [2855/07]

I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. I will be in contact with the Deputy when this information is to hand.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

448 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of juvenile liaison officers on 1 January in each of the years 2003 to 2007. [2856/07]

I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. I will be in contact with the Deputy when this information is to hand.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

449 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of full-time members of An Garda Síochána as of 1 January 2007. [2857/07]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that on 31 December, 2006 the total number of persons recruited to An Garda Síochána reached an all-time high of 14,068. Following the attestation of 299 new members on 16 November, 2006., the attested strength reached a record 13,000. 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%), during that period.

I should say that in December, 2006 as part of a package of anti-crime measures, the Government approved the continuation of the existing Garda recruitment programme to achieve a total Garda strength of 15,000. The accelerated intake of 275 new recruits per quarter into the Garda College will continue until this target is met. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.4 billion, an 11% increase on 2006 and a 96% increase since 1997 in real terms.

Garda Ethics.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

450 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to the introduction of a modern Garda code of ethics. [2858/07]

The Garda Commissioner is preparing a draft code of ethics, that includes standards of conduct and practice for members of the Garda Síochána, for submission to me under section 17 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005. As part of this preparation, the Commissioner will consult with the bodies specified in that section before submitting the draft to me. It is my intention to establish the code of ethics by regulation at an early date.

Garda Communications.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

451 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the availability of wired Broadband is necessary for the installation of the PULSE System in Garda stations. [2859/07]

The information required to respond to the Deputy is being compiled by the Garda authorities and I will communicate with him as soon as the information comes to hand.

Citizenship Applications.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

452 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether it is appropriate that in addition to the five year residency provided by the nationality and citizenship Acts before an application for naturalisation can be lodged, there is now a further three year delay in dealing with such applications; and the steps he proposes to deal with this problem. [2860/07]

The statutory requirements for naturalisation are set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. This provides that applicants for naturalisation, other than spouses of Irish citizens, must have been resident for five years of the nine year period prior to the date of application. Resident in this context means residence for which the applicant had the permission of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and where such permission was not granted for the purposes of study or seeking asylum.

The average processing time for applications for certificates of naturalisation is at present approximately 24 months but the Deputy will appreciate that depending on the particular circumstances involved, individual cases may take longer to process. The length of time taken is primarily due to the significant increase in the volume of applications received in the last number of years. As the following table indicates, there is an upward trend in the number of such applications and this trend is continuing in the year to date.

Year

Applications for naturalisation

2000

1,004

2001

1,431

2002

3,574

2003

3,580

2004

4,074

2005

4,523

2006

7,030

In the interests of fairness to all concerned, it is the practice of the Citizenship Division of my Department to process cases in chronological order based upon the date of receipt of the application. The only areas where this practice is not observed involve applications by persons with refugee status or where the application is made on behalf of a minor. In the case of applicants with refugee status the Government has obligations under the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees of 28 July 1951. Accordingly every effort is made to ensure that applications from such applicants are dealt with as quickly as possible, having regard to the general volume of applications. Where applications made on behalf of minors are concerned, these generally require less processing than standard adult applications so it is usually possible to finalise them more quickly.

The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is an honour and applications must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is given only to persons who satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria. The procedures employed to assess an applicant for naturalisation are as set out in summary form as follows.

Upon receipt, each application is examined to determine if the statutory application is completed fully. Incomplete application forms are returned to the applicant for amendment. Valid applications are then examined to determine if the applicant meets the statutory residency criteria set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act. Passports and other documentation are examined in detail and enquiries with the Garda National Immigration Bureau may also be necessary. Since this procedure was introduced on 1 April 2005, over 3,000 applicants who applied since that date have been found to be ineligible. All such applicants are informed of any shortfall in their residency and will be able to reapply when they have the required residency.

The next stage of the process involves assessing an applicant's financial status in respect of their ability to support themselves in the State. Enquiries with the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Social and Family Affairs may be necessary in this regard. At the same time enquiries are also made with the Garda Síochána to clarify if the applicant can be deemed to be of good character. There may also be circumstances in individual cases which require a greater level of investigation than other cases. Once all enquiries are completed, the file is referred to me for a decision. The Deputy will appreciate that these processes can take a lengthy time to complete.

The above procedures have been developed and refined over a number of years and I am satisfied that they are necessary to maintain the integrity of the naturalisation process. Consequently, having regard to the resources available, which are kept under constant review, there is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved.

Prison Accommodation.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

453 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the installation of mobile phone jamming devices in all State run places of detention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2861/07]

The illegal use of mobile phones in prisons and places of detention has the capacity to compromise the security of the institution and the safety of the staff and other prisoners. I am advised that mobile phones have been used by prisoners to continue some of their illegal activities including organising the smuggling of contraband into prisons.

The Irish Prison Service, in common with prison authorities in other jurisdictions is attempting to find an effective means of eliminating the risks posed by prisoners having access to mobile phone technology and, in this context, regular searches are carried out by prison service staff in all prisons and places of detention to locate and remove mobile phones. I can assure the Deputy that I am determined to deal with the problem of prisoners using mobile phones and, in this context, I believe technology offers the only real answer to dealing with the problem. In that regard the Prison Service is at an advanced stage in the examination and procurement of technological options for dealing with the use of mobile phones within prisons.

Illegal Immigrants.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

454 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the estimated number of illegal immigrants here; and if there is an estimated breakdown of the country of origin. [2862/07]

Persons in the State considered to be illegal immigrants, have come from a range of different circumstances, including: failing to present to an Immigration Officer at the time of arrival in the State, for the purposes of seeking permission to enter and remain in the State; obtaining a permission to enter the State by deception, through the production of bogus travel documents and/or the provision of false information; having entered the State lawfully and being allowed to remain in this jurisdiction until a specified date, has remained in the State beyond that date; having made application for refugee status and consequently been granted permission to enter the State, failed to comply with an Order to remove him/herself from State following rejection of such application.

An Garda Síochána has responsibility for conducting immigration controls at the frontiers of the State. However, fixed immigration controls conducted by Immigration Officers attached to An Garda Síochána at ports of entry, relate only to persons entering the State. As immigration controls are not undertaken at locations where people exit from the State, it is not possible to establish how many non-Irish nationals have remained in the State following expiration of a permission granted to enter and remain in Ireland for a specified period of time.

Persons illegally present in the State also include those in respect of whom Deportation Orders have issued, having had an application for refugee status refused. While there is a high level of evasion by those subject to Deportation Orders, the actual execution of Orders is at a level comparable to other EU Member States. However, in regard to those evading, there are clear indications that a significant proportion have in fact left the State. In 2006 the top five countries of origin of those seeking asylum in the State where: Nigeria, Sudan, Romania, Iraq and Iran.

Drug Seizures.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

455 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of arrests for drug offences in the Cork West division between the years 2001 and 2006; the number of successful prosecutions arising from these arrests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2863/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following tables show the number of arrests made, proceedings commenced and convictions for the offences of cultivating or manufacturing of drugs, possession of drugs for sale or supply and simple possession in the Cork West Garda Division for the years 2001 to 2006. I should mention that the figure for convictions is likely to increase as proceedings are disposed of.

Number of Arrests, Proceedings Commenced and Convictions for Drug Offences in the Cork West Garda Division for 2006*

Offence

Arrests

Proceedings Commenced

Convictions to date

Simple Possession

13

7

2

Cultivate or Manufacture of Drugs

1

1

0

Possession of Drugs for sale or supply

10

7

2

Total

24

15

4

*Figures provided for 2006 are provisional pending the publication of the 2006 Annual Report of An Garda Síochána.

Number of Arrests, Proceedings Commenced and Convictions for Drug Offences in the Cork West Garda Division for 2005

Offence

Arrests

Proceedings Commenced

Convictions to date

Simple Possession

21

14

11

Cultivate or Manufacture of Drugs

1

1

0

Possession of Drugs for sale or supply

10

7

5

Total

32

22

16

Number of Arrests, Proceedings Commenced and Convictions for Drug Offences in the Cork West Garda Division for 2004

Offence

Arrests

Proceedings Commenced

Convictions to date

Simple Possession

6

5

1

Cultivate or Manufacture of Drugs

0

0

0

Possession of Drugs for sale or supply

16

10

16

Total

22

15

17

Number of Arrests, Proceedings Commenced and Convictions for Drug Offences in the Cork West Garda Division for 2003

Offence

Arrests

Proceedings Commenced

Convictions to date

Simple Possession

20

15

15

Cultivate or Manufacture of Drugs

3

2

3

Possession of Drugs for sale or supply

23

12

17

Total

46

29

35

Number of Arrests, Proceedings Commenced and Convictions for Drug Offences in the Cork West Garda Division for 2002

Offence

Arrests

Proceedings Commenced

Convictions to date

Simple Possession

3

1

1

Cultivate or Manufacture of Drugs

0

0

0

Possession of Drugs for sale or supply

28

13

15

Total

31

14

16

Number of Arrests, Proceedings Commenced and Convictions for Drug Offences in the Cork West Garda Division for 2001**

Offence

Arrests

Proceedings Commenced

Convictions to date

Simple Possession

1

0

0

Cultivate or Manufacture of Drugs

1

1

2

Possession of Drugs for sale or supply

2

0

2

Total

4

1

4

**The Garda authorities advise that the Pulse figures for 2001 provided above reflect the phased introduction of that electronic crime recording system during that year.

Garda Deployment.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

456 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of additional Gardaí appointed to each of the stations in the Cork West division between the years 2001 and 2006; the opening hours of each of these stations; the number of Gardaí in each station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2864/07]

I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. I will be in contact with the Deputy when this information is to hand.

Drugs in Prisons.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

457 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the estimated extent of drug usage in prison; the estimated amount of drug dealing arranged from prison; and the steps he has taken to confront the situation. [2865/07]

The absence of mandatory drug testing made it impossible to accurately estimate the level of drug misuse within our prison system. The Deputy will, of course, be aware of the mandatory drug testing of prisoners initiative which will, for the first time, provide empirical evidence as to the extent of the problem and also provide information on trends in drug misuse. In addition, it will enable the identification and referral of drug abusers to treatment programmes, enable enhanced focusing of resources and act as a deterrent to drug misuse.

I am also aware of reports suggesting that prisoners may be engaged in criminal activities, including drug dealing, from inside prison cells and I would like to assure the Deputy that I am committed to continuing to implement all appropriate measures to deal with such activity and to ensure that the prisoner's contact with the outside world is tightly controlled and monitored in an appropriate way.

Prisoner visits in all closed prisons are carefully controlled and held in sight of prison officers and monitored on CCTV. In addition, new visiting arrangements are in place in almost all closed prisons whereby only persons who have been pre-approved by the Governor are permitted to visit. The implementation of a passive drug dog detection programme is currently under way and initial reports are very positive. Telephone calls in closed prisons are monitored by prison officers and incoming and outgoing mail is subject to examination by a prison censor. There is regular contact between the Prison Service and An Garda Síochána to discuss security issues and Gardaí will be contacted whenever any suspected criminal offence has taken place.

One of the major challenges in prisons worldwide lies in preventing access to contraband items, primarily mobile phones and drugs, which for obvious reasons, are viewed as highly valuable commodities which could assist in illegal activity. Efforts are made on a continual basis to prevent the flow of such contraband into our prisons, by for example, the installation of nets over exercise yards, vigilant observation of prisoners by staff, upgraded CCTV monitoring, the use of screened visits and prisoner and cell searches. In addition, plans to avail of technological options for dealing with the use of mobile phones within prisons are at an advanced stage.

Random searches of cells and their occupants and searching of correspondence and other items entering the prison have all intercepted significant quantities of contraband in recent years. When a person is admitted to prison custody, he or she is searched and prohibited items and money are taken. Similarly, searching takes place of prisoners returning from court, temporary release or after visits. Searches of prisoners also take place where their behaviour or information received raises suspicions that they may be in possession of contraband. The Prison Service has recently conducted a number of trial tests on modern cameras and probe systems which assist in searching previously difficult areas such as hollow chair or bed legs, U-bends in toilets, drain holes, under floor boards and other cavities. Initial tests would appear to indicate that these new technologies will be a valuable asset in this area. The new prison estates at Thornton Hall and a location in Munster will also make it harder for contraband to enter the prison by locating recreation yards away from perimeter walls and having a cordon sanitaire.

The Deputy may also be aware of a recent directive to the effect that a number of serious drug dealers are now to be segregated in a special area of Cloverhill Prison. It is anticipated that this initiative, in conjunction with the other measures referred to earlier, will prevent them from exerting inappropriate influence over other persons.

Firearms Offences.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

458 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the thinking and philosophy behind the kind of firearms proposed to be restricted for licensed firearm holders; the reasons therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2867/07]

Section 29 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006 inserts a new section 2B into the Firearms Act, 1925 which provides that I may, in the interests of public safety and security, by order declare specific firearms and ammunition as "restricted firearms" by reference to their category, calibre, working mechanism, muzzle energy and description.

Officials of my Department are currently in discussions with An Garda Síochána and representatives of the main shooting organisations regarding the types of firearm which may be "restricted". Following these discussions the statutory instrument, which will deem certain firearms as "restricted firearms" for the purposes of the section 2B of the 1925 Act, will be finalised. It is important to note that firearms deemed to be "restricted" may be licensed by the Garda Commissioner and any person wishing to obtain such a licence may apply to the Commissioner for a firearms certificate. The Commissioner may issue a firearms certificate for a "restricted firearm" where he is satisfied that the person fully complies with the conditions, set out in section 4 of the 1925 Act, for the grant of a "restricted firearm" certificate.

The purpose of designating certain firearms as "restricted firearms" is to ensure that, in the interests of public safety and security, certain firearms may only be licensed following careful examination by the Garda Commissioner and where specific conditions are met.

Crime Levels.

John Deasy

Question:

459 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of crimes recorded and detected across all headings in the Waterford and Kilkenny Garda division during each of the years 2002, to 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2878/07]

The figures for headline offences recorded for each Garda Division for the year 2002 are available in the relevant Garda Annual Report, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas library.

Following the submission to me in 2004 of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, I decided that the compilation and publication of crime statistics should be taken over by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, from the Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Act, 2005 consequently makes provision for this and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. Following the setting up of the necessary technical systems and auditing of the data from which the statistics are compiled, I am pleased to note that the CSO is now compiling and publishing criminal statistics and has published provisional headline crime statistics for the third and fourth quarters of 2006. In addition, it has compiled and published a series of quarterly and annual statistics for the period starting with the first quarter of 2003. I understand that the CSO are examining how the crime statistics published might be expanded and made more comprehensive. I have requested the CSO to provide the information sought by the Deputy directly to him.

Garda Deployment.

John Deasy

Question:

460 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí stationed in the Dungarvan district at 31 December each year from 2002 to 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2879/07]

John Deasy

Question:

461 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí stationed in the Tramore district at 31 December each year from 2002 to 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2880/07]

John Deasy

Question:

462 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí stationed in the Waterford City district at 31 December each year from 2002 to 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2881/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 460 to 462, inclusive, together.

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 following the attestation of 299 new members on Thursday, 16 November, 2006. 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 combined strength (all ranks) of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training as at the 31 December 2006 was 14,068. Furthermore, I should say that in December, 2006 as part of a package of anti-crime measures, the Government approved the continuation of the existing Garda recruitment programme to achieve a total Garda strength of 15,000. The accelerated intake of 275 new recruits per quarter into the Garda College will continue until this target is met. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.4 billion, an 11% increase on 2006 and a 96% increase since 1997 in real terms. I have been further informed that the personnel strength (all ranks) of the Dungarvan, Tramore and Waterford City Garda Districts as at 31 December 1997 and 2002-2006, inclusively, was as set out in the following table:

District

1997

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

Dungarvan

43

49

47

48

47

53

Tramore

34

38

37

41

42

44

Waterford City

130

145

150

149

147

161

The Garda Districts referred to above form part of the Waterford/ Kilkenny Garda Division and I have also been informed that the personnel strength of this Division as at 31 December, 1997 and 2006 was 306 and 380, respectively. This represents an increase of 74 (or 24%) in the number of Garda personnel allocated to the Waterford/ Kilkenny Division during that period. In addition, the Division's resources are further augmented by a number of Garda National Units such as the Garda National Drugs Unit, the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and other specialised units, all of which have had increased resources to provide a comprehensive policing service to the areas.

I should say that it is the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel to and within Divisions on a priority basis in accordance with the requirements of different areas. These personnel allocations are determined by a number of factors including demographics, crime trends and other operational policing needs. Garda management state that such allocations are continually monitored and reviewed along with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy. This ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and that the best possible service is provided to the public.

Question No. 463 answered with QuestionNo. 442.
Questions Nos. 464 and 465 answered with Question No. 422.

Explosive Substances.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

466 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there is a list of commodities which alone or in combination with other commodities could be used for bomb making or other terrorist purposes; and his views on the merit of a proposal to establish by regulation a notifiable list where sellers of commodities on such a list would be obliged to notify the authorities of purchases above a certain quantity. [2908/07]

Under Section 104 of the Explosives Act, 1875 I may by order deem any substance, which appears to be specially dangerous by reason either of its explosive properties or of any process in its manufacture being liable to explosion, to be an explosive within the meaning of the Act. All of the restrictions relating to importation, storage, manufacture sale, etc., which apply to explosives apply to such substances. Three orders have been made under the Act which deem the following substances to be explosives:

Ammonium Nitrate,

Sodium Chlorate,

Nitrobenzene,

Potassium Nitrate and

Sodium Nitrate.

All of these substances have in the past been used as raw materials in the manufacture of explosive devices and I am satisfied that it is appropriate that they be deemed explosives for the purposes of the 1875 Act.

It is open to me, at any time, to extend or restrict the list of deemed explosives and the range of substances, which could potentially be used for bomb making, is kept under continuous review in the interests of public safety and security.

Visa Applications.

Sean Fleming

Question:

467 Mr. Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when visitors' visas will be granted to persons (details supplied). [2909/07]

Sean Fleming

Question:

468 Mr. Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application for family reunification in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois will be completed in view of the fact that this application was received in his Department in March 2005. [2910/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 467 and 468 together.

I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question made a Family Reunification application in February 2005 by means of two visa applications.

The application was forwarded to the Refugee Applications Commissioner for investigation as required under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996. This investigation is completed and the Commissioner has forwarded a report to my Department.

This application is still under consideration by my Department and a decision will issue in due course.

Garda Stations.

Shane McEntee

Question:

469 Mr. McEntee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there are proposals for a full-time Garda station in Dunshaughlin, County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2949/07]

I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. I will be in contact with the Deputy when this information is to hand.

Garda Deployment.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

470 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the consultant’s report to the Commission for Aviation Regulation of the likelihood of the doubling of delays at Dublin Airport Authority immigration booths in 2007, he will ensure increased personnel are available to avoid unacceptable delays for incoming travellers. [2952/07]

I am aware of the level of activity at Dublin Airport in terms of passenger movement and the impact an additional pier and second terminal will have on existing resources.

In this regard I understand that additional resources are being provided and the situation will be kept under constant review.

Garda Equipment.

Denis Naughten

Question:

471 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 210 of 14 November 2006, the reason a response has not been furnished; his views on the fact that such important figures are not easily available; when the figures will be released; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2960/07]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the total number of firearms cards issued to members of An Garda Síochána (all ranks) for the year ending the 31st December 1997, 31st December 2002 and to the 13th November 2006 was as set out hereunder:

Year

Firearms Cards Issued

31/12/1997

3,294

31/12/2002

3,773

13/11/2006

3,216

For security and operational reasons it is not Garda Policy to disclose the number of firearms cards issued on a Divisional basis. It is also important to note that the latest figures available for 2006 are not full year figures and therefore not directly comparable to the full year figures for 1997 and 2002.

The decrease in the number of Firearms Authorisation Cards was due to a policy of rationalisation in relation to the issue of same to uniform members of An Garda Síochána.

The number of Firearms Authorisation Cards on issue to members attached to Detective Branch and Specialist Units, who are engaged in the investigation of serious crime was not affected.

The number of Firearms Authorisation Cards on issue at any given time will depend on prevailing Operational requirements. Since the introduction of Operation Anvil, there has been an increase in the allocation of Firearms Authorisation Cards.

Legal Aid Service.

Jack Wall

Question:

472 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow has not received free legal aid board assistance in regard to their application for assistance in having their maintenance review brought forward to a court hearing in view of the fact that the case is nine years in existence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2965/07]

I have been informed by the Legal Aid Board that details relating to the provision of legal services to any of their individual clients come within the scope of the solicitor/client relationship protected by privilege under Section 32 of the Civil Legal Aid Act, 1995. Any applicant or client can of course obtain information directly from the Board should they wish. The Deputy might also wish to note that, under the Civil Legal Aid Act, I have no role in the management of any particular application or case in which the Legal Aid Board is involved.

Garda Deployment.

Jack Wall

Question:

473 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí by rank and station attached to the Carlow and Kildare division; if this division includes Baltinglass; if there is an interchange of officers between each area; what constitutes such interchange; if there has been a reduction in the detective numbers within the division; the breakdown of the numbers within the detective unit; the number of armed gardaí road checks within the division in each of the past six months; the number of gardaí and detectives involved in such checks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2966/07]

I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. I will be in contact with the Deputy when this information is to hand.

Visa Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

474 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to an application for reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 who along with other employees of a firm was made redundant but who expects to be re-employed again shortly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2967/07]

I understand from the Immigration Division of my Department that a decision has been reached in relation to this application and the person in question has been informed of same.

Drug Seizures.

Tony Gregory

Question:

475 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the four largest seizures of heroin made in this jurisdiction by the Garda; the number of persons charged in each case; and if any of these persons are currently on bail. [2968/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that listed as follows are details of the four largest seizures of heroin in this jurisdiction in the last 12 months:—

1. Seizure of 30 kg of heroin on 24 June 2006 in Co. Meath. One person has been charged in connection with this seizure and they are currently in custody awaiting trial.

2. Seizure of 53 kg of heroin on 24 October 2006 in West Dublin. One person has been charged in connection with this seizure and is currently in custody awaiting trial.

3. Seizure of 17 kg of heroin on 19 December 2006 in South County Dublin. One person has been charged in connection with this seizure and is currently in custody awaiting trial.

4. Seizure of 26 kg of heroin on 12 January 2007 in South West Dublin. Two people have been charged in connection with this seizure and they are both currently on bail.

While not commenting in any way on the specific cases, the Deputy will be aware of concerns about the operation of our bail laws. Insofar as legislative response is required, I intend to bring forward proposals in the near future.

Public Order Offences.

Tony Gregory

Question:

476 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will expedite the introduction of on-the-spot fines with increased penalties for public urination in view of the extent of this problem in residential areas close to major stadia on big match or event days. [2969/07]

The Criminal Justice Act 2006 contains provisions to deal with public order offences. Section 184 amends the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 to provide for a fixed penalty procedure in relation to the public order offences of disorderly conduct in a public place and intoxication in a public place as an alternative to proceedings being taken in the first instance.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that work on the necessary arrangements for the introduction of these provisions is ongoing and is expected to be completed in the near future.

Policing arrangements for public events and in locations generally, along with the allocation of Garda resources, are a matter for the Garda Commissioner. Where such events take place the Garda authorities work closely with local residents in order to avoid as far as possible disruption to local communities.

I am further informed by the Garda authorities that every effort is made by local Garda management, on the occasions of major match days or events, to ensure appropriate attention is afforded to public order offences. Gardaí on duty on such occasions are pro-active in dealing with any attendant problems arising. In addition, Garda patrol vans are also on patrol to assist at any area of concern in relation to public order offences.

Garda Training.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

477 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the stage of their training at which the gardaí taught to use the various pieces of equipment such as breathalysers and speed guns are; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2970/07]

I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. I will be in contact with the Deputy when this information is to hand.

Garda Equipment.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

478 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the percentage of patrol cars per Garda district that have breathalysers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2971/07]

I am advised by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána carry out roadside breath tests using electronic alcohol screening devices and alcolysers (blow in the bag devices). The Medical Bureau of Road safety has responsibility for the supply of alcohol screening equipment to An Garda Síochána and additional electronic screening devices are currently being supplied.

Garda management have confirmed that An Garda Síochána have sufficient quantities of electronic alcohol screening devices and alcolysers to ensure availability for all operational personnel, whether engaged on mobile or beat patrol.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

479 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the percentage of patrol cars per Garda district that have speed guns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2972/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that speed detection devices are allocated to each Garda Division to meet enforcement needs. These are mobile devices and are not permanently fixed in patrol cars. I am also advised that the Garda mobile speed detection capability includes a total of four hundred and eight (408) hand-held speed detection devices and six (6) mobile video systems.

A procurement process to outsource the provision of speed cameras by An Garda Síochána is currently under way and I can assure the Deputy that I attach a very high priority to outsourcing and expanding the speed camera network.

Question No. 480 answered with QuestionNo. 251.

Crime Levels.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

481 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the provisional headline crime statistics for 2006 for the Carlow and Kildare division; and the detection rate for 2006. [3003/07]

Following the submission to me in 2004 of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, I decided that the compilation and publication of crime statistics should be taken over by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, from the Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Act, 2005 consequently makes provision for this and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. Following the setting up of the necessary technical systems and auditing of the data from which the statistics are compiled, I am pleased to note that the CSO is now compiling and publishing criminal statistics and has published provisional headline crime statistics for the third and fourth quarters of 2006. In addition, it has compiled and published a series of quarterly and annual statistics for the period starting with the first quarter of 2003. I understand that the CSO are examining how the crime statistics published might be expanded and made more comprehensive.

I have requested the CSO to provide the information sought by the Deputy directly to him.

Garda Deployment.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

482 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the figures on manning levels in Garda divisions here outlined to him in Parliamentary Question No. 139 of 8 November 2006. [3004/07]

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 following the attestation of 299 new members on Thursday, 16 November, 2006. 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 combined strength (all ranks), of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training as at the 31 December 2006 was 14,068. Furthermore, I should say that in December, 2006 as part of a package of anti-crime measures, the Government approved the continuation of the existing Garda recruitment programme to achieve a total Garda strength of 15,000. The accelerated intake of 275 new recruits per quarter into the Garda College will continue until this target is met. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.4 billion, an 11% increase on 2006 and a 96% increase since 1997 in real terms.

In relation to the allocation of Garda personnel, the position is that under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 it is the responsibility of Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel to and within Divisions on a priority basis in accordance with the requirements of different areas. In this regard, I am informed by Garda management that personnel allocations are determined by a number of factors including demographics, crime trends and other operational policing needs. Garda management state that such allocations are continually monitored and reviewed along with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy. This ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources and that the best possible service is provided to the public.

I should also say that each Garda Division's resources are further augmented by a number of Garda National Units such as the Garda National Drugs Unit, the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and other specialised units, all of which have had increased resources to provide a comprehensive policing service to the public.

Public Order Offences.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

483 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 134 of 23 February, 2006 if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the closure orders sought under section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 2003 were unsuccessful in court; and the options open to the Garda in dealing with the disruption to public order in Leixlip village every weekend. [3017/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that they are aware of the outcome of the court case.

I am further informed that local Garda management is familiar with the anti-social behaviour problems in Leixlip village at weekends. In addition to regular patrols, a Garda van is deployed every Saturday night specifically tasked with tackling the problems outlined by the Deputy. This enforcement activity by local Garda personnel is supplemented by the Divisional task force and Traffic Corps personnel as well as the District patrol car and detective unit.

Policing strategies for the area are predicated on the policy of reducing and preventing incidents of anti-social behaviour and the maintenance of an environment where the quality of life of the residents can be assured and consolidated. These strategies are, and will continue to be, central to policing plans for the area.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

484 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of on-the-spot fines issued by An Garda Síochána for breaches of the control of consumption and possession of alcohol by-laws in Maynooth, Leixlip, Celbridge and Clane, County Kildare in 2006. [3018/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the information requested by the Deputy is not readily available and is currently being researched. I will contact the Deputy again when the information is to hand.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

485 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to residency status in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3046/07]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 349 of Wednesday, 27 September, 2006 and the written reply to that Question. The position is unchanged.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

486 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to the residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3047/07]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 176 of Thursday, 9 February, 2006 and the written reply to that Question. The position is unchanged.

Communications Masts.

Enda Kenny

Question:

487 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of telecommunication masts placed at Garda stations in the Dublin area; when and the locations these were situated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3078/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently forty three (43) Garda Stations in the Dublin Metropolitan Region that have telecommunications masts erected. A full list is set-out in the following table. These masts were originally installed during the mid 1980s as part of a national upgrade of Garda radio communications.

Store Street

Fitzgibbon Street

Mountjoy

Bridewell

Santry

Whitehall

Ballymun

Coolock

Malahide

Swords

Raheny

Howth

Clontarf

Blanchardstown

Cabra

Finglas

Ballyfermot

Clondalkin

Lucan

Ronanstown

Kevin Street

Kilmainham

Pearse Street

Harcourt Terrace

Donnybrook

Irishtown

Crumlin

Sundrive Road

Tallaght

Rathfarnham

Terenure

Rathmines

Dún Laoghaire

Dalkey

Kill O’ Grange

Cabinteely

Bray

Shankill

Enniskerry

Greystones

Blackrock

Dundrum

Stepaside

Crime Levels.

Enda Kenny

Question:

488 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number and type of crimes recorded and detected in areas (details supplied) in County Dublin for each of the years 2002 to 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3079/07]

The figures for headline offences recorded for each Garda Division for the year 2002 are available in the relevant Garda Annual Report, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas library.

Following the submission to me in 2004 of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, I decided that the compilation and publication of crime statistics should be taken over by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, from the Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Act, 2005 consequently makes provision for this and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. Following the setting up of the necessary technical systems and auditing of the data from which the statistics are compiled, I am pleased to note that the CSO is now compiling and publishing criminal statistics and has published provisional headline crime statistics for the third and fourth quarters of 2006. In addition, it has compiled and published a series of quarterly and annual statistics for the period starting with the first quarter of 2003. I understand that the CSO are examining how the crime statistics published might be expanded and made more comprehensive.

I have requested the CSO to provide the information sought by the Deputy directly to him.

Asylum Support Services.

Enda Kenny

Question:

489 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of people living in a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3080/07]

Enda Kenny

Question:

490 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action he will take to ensure that a premises (details supplied) in Dublin 22 used by his Department will meet the planning and safety regulations of a local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3081/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 489 and 490 together.

There are currently 222 asylum seekers accommodated in the centre referred to in the details supplied.

Under the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Reception & Integration Agency (RIA) and all contractors providing accommodation for asylum seekers, it is the responsibility of the contractor to ensure that the premises comply and operate in accordance with all relevant statutory requirements of local authorities and other agencies in relation to planning, building, bye-laws, bedroom capacity, food, food hygiene, water supply, sewage disposal, fire precautions and general safety.

The RIA has such a MOA in place with the contractors operating the premises referred to in this instance.

Garda Deployment.

David Stanton

Question:

491 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda stationed in the Mallow district as of 31 December 2006 or the latest available figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3096/07]

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 following the attestation of 299 new members on Thursday, 16 November, 2006. 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 combined strength (all ranks), of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training as at the 31 December 2006 was 14,068. Furthermore, I should say that in December, 2006 as part of a package of anti-crime measures, the Government approved the continuation of the existing Garda recruitment programme to achieve a total Garda strength of 15,000. The accelerated intake of 275 new recruits per quarter into the Garda College will continue until this target is met. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.4 billion, an 11% increase on 2006 and a 96% increase since 1997 in real terms.

I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the number of Gardaí (all ranks) in Mallow Garda District as at 31 December, 1997 and 31 December, 2006 was 47 and 54 respectively. This represents an increase of 7 (or 14.89%) in the number of personnel allocated to the District since that date.

The Mallow Garda District form part of the Cork North Garda Division and I have also been informed that the personnel strength of this Division as at 31 December, 1997 and 2006 was 209 and 260, respectively. This represents an increase of 51 (or 24.4%) in the number of Garda personnel allocated to the Cork North Division during that period.

In addition, the Division's resources are further augmented by a number of Garda National Units such as the Garda National Drugs Unit, the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and other specialised units, all of which have had increased resources to provide a comprehensive policing service to the area.

I should say that it is the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel to and within Divisions on a priority basis in accordance with the requirements of different areas. These personnel allocations are determined by a number of factors including demographics, crime trends and other operational policing needs. Garda management state that such allocations are continually monitored and reviewed along with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy. This ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and that the best possible service is provided to the public.

Departmental Staff.

Enda Kenny

Question:

492 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons engaged in project management in his Department that have recognised qualifications in that area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3222/07]

It has not been possible to collate the information sought by the Deputy in the time available. I will, however, arrange for the information to be forwarded directly to the Deputy shortly.

Decentralisation Programme.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

493 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Finance if Buncrana Town Council offices will be part of the decentralised office location being developed for the Department of Social and Family Affairs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43707/06]

The development of the site in Buncrana will incorporate accommodation for the decentralised office for the Department of Social and Family Affairs, a new local office for the Department of Social and Family Affairs and a new Garda Station.

The full extent of the site will be required for the proposed buildings. Accordingly, there is no scope to accommodate Buncrana Town Council offices in the overall development.

National Parks.

Damien English

Question:

494 Mr. English asked the Minister for Finance if he has granted approval for the Office of Public Work’s plans to introduce a one-way traffic system at Ashtown Gate and Cabra Gate in the Phoenix Park. [43813/06]

Damien English

Question:

495 Mr. English asked the Minister for Finance if he has satisfied himself regarding the level of public consultation that the Office of Public Works has had with local residents on its proposals to manage traffic in the Phoenix Park; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43814/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 494 and 495 together.

I am fully satisfied that the level of consultation engaged in by the Office of Public Works, both prior to compilation of the Transportation Study and following its publication, was comprehensive and wide ranging and included local communities, elected representatives, State agencies and other interested parties. In addition to media coverage and public exhibitions of the proposals, a total of 11 consultation sessions were arranged in a number of venues, commencing in early October 2006 and culminating in a public meeting on December 8th 2006.

Following the public consultation process, the recommendations contained in the Phoenix Park Transportation Study have been reviewed in light of the feedback from that process and a decision on the way forward has now been made, the details of which are outlined in my statement of 17th January 2007 which can be found on the OPW website.

The proposal to introduce a one way traffic system, at the Ashtown and Cabra Gates, has been deferred further in light of the observations received in the course of the extensive consultations engaged in by the Office of Public Works.

Disabled Drivers.

Enda Kenny

Question:

496 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the reason a person (details supplied) in County Donegal, who is the main driver for their blind father, is not entitled to claim a vehicle grant in respect of their father’s disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1316/07]

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.

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.

Communications Masts.

Enda Kenny

Question:

497 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the situation regarding a mobile phone mast at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1373/07]

Enda Kenny

Question:

503 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the consultation involved in relation to a telecommunications mast currently outside a Garda station (details supplied) in County Dublin; if planning permission was acquired for this mast; the duration of the contract; the person it was entered into with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3077/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 497 and 503 together.

The Commissioners of Public Works have granted 10 year licences to the four mobile phone operators, licensed by ComReg to provide mobile telephony services in Ireland, to install telecommunications equipment on the mast at the Garda Station referred to. For structural reasons it was necessary to replace the original mast with a new mast and I understand the replacement mast has been erected under the exempted development provisions contained in Class 31, Park 1 of Schedule 2 of Planning and Development Regulations 2001. The Garda telecommunications equipment has also been relocated to the new mast and the original mast has been removed from the site.

Under the terms of their licence agreement with the Commissioners, the mobile phone operators are obliged to install and operate all equipment within current standards and E.U. regulations and adhere to the guidelines on exposure limits to emissions, issued by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, (ICNIRP). In addition, the Commissioners' Consultants monitor all such developments on behalf of the Commissioners to ensure compliance with the regulations is achieved from the outset and is continuous during the term of the licence agreement.

Tax Code.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

498 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Finance the proposals he has to introduce measures to increase the tax relief on rented housing beyond the current maximum of €330. [1592/07]

The position is that I announced in Budget 2007 that the maximum level of rent paid for private rented accommodation on which tax relief can be claimed, at the standard rate of tax, is being increased for those aged under 55 years of age, from €1,650 to €1,800 per annum for a single person and from €3,300 to €3,600 per annum for widowed and married persons. This equates to a tax credit of €360 per annum for single persons and €720 for widowed and married persons. For those aged 55 years and over, the maximum level of rent paid on which tax relief can be claimed is being increased from €3,300 to €3,600 per annum for a single person and from €6,600 to €7,200 per annum for widowed and married persons. This equates to a tax credit of €720 per annum for a single person and €1,440 per annum for widowed and married persons.

Flood Relief.

Pat Breen

Question:

499 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Finance the measures he will take to prevent a recurrence of flooding on the lower River Shannon as occurred in January 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1772/07]

The Commissioners of Public Works are considering, in consultation with Clare County Council and other statutory agencies, what measures may be possible to prevent or mitigate the impact of the flooding which occurred in the lower River Shannon.

The problem which led to houses and roads being flooded in Clonlara is being prioritised for attention. Indications of obstructions to flow in the channel are being examined and the carrying out of a survey is also being considered.

Michael Ring

Question:

500 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance the steps the National Parks and Wildlife Services will take to resolve a flooding problem (details supplied) in County Mayo. [1901/07]

Pat Breen

Question:

511 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Finance if he will take measures to alleviate flooding in Springfield, Clonlara, County Clare as a result of recent high rainfall at the Weir, Parteen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43788/06]

Pat Breen

Question:

537 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works has plans to alleviate the recent flooding problem from the Shannon which caused flooding in Clonlara, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1476/07]

Michael Ring

Question:

552 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance if he will ascertain from the Office of Public Works the action it will take to resolve a flooding problem (details supplied) in County Mayo. [1904/07]

Enda Kenny

Question:

555 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance if an analysis has been carried out of the consequences of flooding in the Neale, Kilmaine and Ballinrobe area in the December 2006 period; if he will set up a working interdepartmental group to assess the best way to deal with future implications of this flooding; if an assessment has been carried out of the damage and compensation levels required as a result of the flooding to farmers and residents in the locality; if he will authorise the Red Cross to carry out such investigations and recommend compensation levels; if he will provide funding to deal with same in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1962/07]

Michael Ring

Question:

558 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance the flood relief package available for people who have had their homes damaged in the floods of December 2006, particularly the flooding in areas of south Mayo; the help that is available for flood relief; his proposals to resolve the flooding issue in the long term; and the funding that will be allocated for this purpose. [2007/07]

Michael Ring

Question:

559 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance if a flood relief package will be made available to people who have suffered losses due to flooding in December 2006 in Mayo, including the loss of cattle and sheep; the help that is available for flood relief; the proposals to resolve the flooding issue in the long term; and the funding that will be allocated for this purpose. [2013/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 500, 511, 537, 552, 555, 558 and 559 together.

I have been very conscious that, as a result of the exceptional rainfall since mid-November, there are a number of areas throughout the country, but particularly in the West and North-West, which have been severely affected by flooding. It was with this in mind that I announced on 18th January, that the Commissioners of Public Works will work with Local Authorities to try to identify solutions to the various flooding incidents that have occurred.

The Local Authorities are the front-line responders where State sector assistance is required in the event of serious flooding. They are therefore likely to have information which, allied to the local knowledge of their staff will be invaluable in determining the most likely immediate cause of the flooding. This information when allied to the expertise of the OPW in dealing with river engineering, will assist in devising potential solutions to the individual problems in the most efficient manner possible. Where additional surveys or other information is needed this will be procured.

It is my intention that, where solutions are identified which offer an acceptable level of social and financial benefit and which are environmentally acceptable, that these will be implemented as quickly as possible. In most cases the flooding occurred from rivers or watercourses for which the Commissioners of Public Works do not have responsibility and in respect of which consequently they have very limited powers. We will therefore be relying on the full co-operation of the Local Authorities and of local landowners in many cases to implement remedial measures quickly.

Where it is not possible to find flood relief measures which are viable other flood protection measures may be considered.

With respect to Clonlara, County Clare, I am advised by the Commissioners that an engineer visited the area in December and that efforts to find a solution are ongoing.

With regard to South Mayo, OPW officials are in consultation with Mayo County Council regarding the flooding there. I understand they are making good progress towards identifying possible flood relief works for Crossmolina and Clyard, Kilmaine, and are continuing to seek solutions to the flooding problems in the other areas affected.

If issues arise in any case requiring consultation with other Departments contact will be made on a case by case basis at the local level as far as possible. An inter-departmental working group is not considered necessary at this stage.

The provision of Humanitarian Assistance is a matter for the Department of Social and Family Affairs. I have written to the Minister with copies of the Parliamentary Questions and representations which I have received on the matter.

Disabled Drivers.

Michael Ring

Question:

501 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance his views on reviewing the strict medical criteria for the primary medical certificate in order that it would issue in genuine cases of disability other than those listed in the present guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2836/07]

I presume the Deputy is referring to the Primary Medical Certificate required to qualify for the Disabled Drivers' and Disabled Passengers' (Tax Concessions) Scheme, which 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 qualify for 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.

Financial Services Regulation.

Joan Burton

Question:

502 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance his views on the measures proposed by the NYCI in its report Can You Credit It to better protect young consumers, such as a minimum balance warning and a annual statement outlining all interest and fees paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2887/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

588 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance his views on the rapid increase in credit card debt in the past three years, from €1.6 billion to €2.6 billion or by 56% even though the number of credit cards in circulation has only increased by10%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2889/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

589 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he has satisfied himself that the Financial Regulator is doing enough to protect consumers in relation to credit card debt in view of the high interest charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2890/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 502, 588 and 589 together.

I welcome the NYCI Report which raises many important issues regarding young people and their management of credit card debt and is further evidence of the increased awareness of the importance of consumer protection in the field of financial services. I understand that the Financial Regulator is examining the ‘Can You Credit It' report prepared by the NYCI and this will inform their study of the transparency of information provided to all holders of credit cards.

The Financial Regulator spends significant time and resources informing consumers about the potential risks of credit cards. Publications including credit card cost surveys are available to help consumers choose the card that suits their needs. However, guidance from the Financial Regulator recommends that consumers take on the right type of credit for the right purpose; credit cards are not suitable for long-term debt as the rates are far higher than other forms of credit. The Financial Regulator also issues information to help people who have problems with credit card debt. This information is available through its publications, help-line and website.

All credit card providers must comply with the Regulator's Consumer Protection Code, which states that financial services providers must act in the customers' best interests and only provide financial products that are suitable for the consumer. In addition, there are some specific rules with regard to interest rates and credit cards limits. When a credit institution is changing its interest rates, it must state the effective date of the new rate. It must also update the interest rate details on its information services as soon as the change comes into effect. With regard to credit card limits, they cannot be increased unless requested by the consumer.

The Deputy may wish to note that credit card debt represents less than 2% of personal sector credit and less than 1% of overall private sector credit (PSC), and is one of the slowest growing components of PSC. Credit card data refers to debt outstanding on all credit cards at end-month and includes balances that may be paid in full at the payment due date. The increase in the number of cards issued and the amount of debt outstanding is in line with a general trend of increased market penetration in EU and a move towards electronic retail payment methods.

Question No. 503 answered with QuestionNo. 497.

Garda Stations.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

504 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Finance when he expects that the new divisional headquarters of An Garda Síochána will commence construction in Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2428/07]

Brendan Howlin

Question:

573 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Finance if a site has been purchased for the new Garda divisional headquarters in Wexford; the location of the site; the amount paid for same; if the site is now in the legal ownership of the State; when construction is expected to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2405/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 504 and 573 together.

I am aware that there is a need for a new Divisional Headquarters in Wexford and in this regard the Office of Public Works are finalising the purchase of a new site. As soon as this process is complete, the OPW will engage contractors for the building of the new station. In the interim, any essential maintenance to the existing station will be carried out under the Garda maintenance programme.

Tax Collection.

Pat Breen

Question:

505 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Finance the personal taxable arrangements for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; when the person’s monthly tax bill will regularise; the way this taxable bill is being calculated; if the person is being overcharged for tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43717/06]

The payment of tax liabilities by a taxpayer is a matter between the taxpayer and the Revenue Commissioners.

I am advised by Revenue that the taxpayer in question holds several employments, and his tax credits are accordingly distributed across the employments. This may be causing him some difficulties. However, his local tax District has no record of any approach from him, and in the absence of information, it is not possible to be of assistance to the taxpayer.

The taxpayer should contact the Clare District at Government Offices, Kilrush Road, Ennis, or telephone 1890 22 24 25 where any difficulties he may have can be resolved.

Departmental Properties.

Seamus Kirk

Question:

506 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works will make the former customs clearance facility on the Newry Road, Dundalk available for social and affordable housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43722/06]

The site in question has been allocated to the Department of Transport for use as a Driving Test Centre with facilities for a large goods vehicle compound. The provision of this facility is a requirement of European Union Directive 2000/56/EC. The Commissioners of Public Works have appointed a design team and a full planning application is being prepared for submission to the Local Authority.

Tax Code.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

507 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Finance the monthly breakdown for the number of people who have applied to the Revenue Commissioners for a tax refund for the period November 2004 to November 2006; the number of these refund applications that have been resolved; the amount paid as a result; the number of refund applications rejected; and the number of refund applications outstanding. [43731/06]

The following Table 1 sets out the total number of PAYE refunds for the period 1 November 2004 to 30 November 2006, together with totals for the number of refund applications resolved, amount refunded, and the number of underpayments, (plus an estimate for the number of refund applications outstanding at 30 November 2006).

Table 2 sets out the monthly breakdown for each of these categories, as requested by the Deputy.

I should like to clarify that refund applications are not rejected — they either result in an overpayment, in which case a refund issues, or else it is established on foot of the application that either no repayment is due or that there has been an underpayment of tax. Accordingly, for completeness, I am including in the table the number of claims which resulted in underpayments. A vital component used to compile the statistics in the enclosed table is the individual balancing statement issued to taxpayers. In this regard it is important to point out that a separate balancing statement is issued in respect of each tax year. Accordingly, the table should be read on this basis.

Table 1

Number of PAYE refunds issued between 1/11/2004 and 30/11/2006. Note: Statistics are maintained on the basis of the number of balancing statements, unemployment repayments and manual repayments (refunds issued on the basis of a letter) as against the number of applications for tax refunds received. As a separate balancing statement is issued in respect of each year involved in the review request the figure of 1,200,863 greatly exceeds the number of applications received.

1,200,863

Number of applications for refunds that have been resolved. Note: Again this figure represents the number of refunds issued from 1/11/2004 to 30/11/2006 and is based on a separate balancing statement being issued for each year.

1,200,863

The total amount of PAYE refunded from 1/11/2004 to 30/11/2006 (Two years and one month)

€820,045,585

The number of balancing statements that issued showing an underpayment of PAYE during the period 1/11/2004 to 30/11/2006. Note: Again this figure is based on a separate balancing statement being issued for each year.

288,765

The estimated number of refund applications outstanding at 30/11/2006. Note: This estimate is based on the number of unworked items of post on hands at 30/11/2006 of 32,691. This figure on average represents less than two weeks output. It is estimated that approx half of these items are refund applications.

16,500

Table 2

Month

No. of refunds issued from 1/11/2004 to 30/11/2006 — includes balancing statements, unemployment repayments and manual repayments

Total Amount of all refunds

No. of underpayments

November 2004

42,249

30,207,070

6,445

December 2004

20,547

14,868,938

3,436

January 2005

37,720

23,692,372

4,911

February 2005

53,664

32,808,156

6,074

March 2005

50,255

32,536,643

6,802

April 2005

80,169

51,695,063

9,699

May 2005

75,525

50,975,268

7,749

June 2005

48,142

33,513,378

3,278

July 2005

36,211

26,922,708

5,175

August 2005

29,675

22,325,562

5,460

September 2005

31,840

21,971,955

6,033

October 2005

29,188

21,223,978

4,457

November 2005

25,210

20,758,190

7,232

December 2005

23,701

18,671,612

6,311

January 2006

33,922

26,775,318

8,364

February 2006

60,260

45,965,320

12,475

March 2006

73,874

56,355,671

14,618

April 2006

55,259

43,016,189

11,428

May 2006

65,572

51,027,318

14,191

June 2006

47,223

36,069,764

11,439

July 2006

36,758

27,048,723

9,295

August 2006

42,958

28,530,191

12,147

September 2006

49,921

29,080,102

17,013

October 2006

64,047

31,887,169

35,595

November 2006

86,973

42,118,927

59,138

Total

1,200,863

820,045,585

288,765

National Minimum Wage.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

508 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Finance the number of staff in his Department currently earning the national minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department currently earning not more than €1 per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department’s agencies currently earning the national minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department’s agencies currently earning not more than €1 per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff who are employed by contractors to his Department currently earning the national minimum wage; the number employed by contractors of his Department currently earning not more than €1 per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; the number of staff in his Department’s agencies currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; the number of staff who are employed by contractors to his Department currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43756/06]

The minimum starting rates of pay in my Department are €389.76 per week, for Services Officers and Services Attendants, and €436.29 per week for Clerical Officers. These rates are in excess of the National Minimum wage, including the addition of one euro per hour. Accordingly, there are no staff serving in my Department, earning the national minimum wage, less than the national minimum wage, or at a rate of not more than one euro per hour in excess of the national minimum wage.

With the exception of the Office of Public Works which currently employs 35 apprentices and trainees who are legislatively exempted under section 5 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000, all agencies under the aegis of my Department have confirmed that there are no staff serving in those agencies earning the national minimum wage, less than the national minimum wage, or a rate of not more than one euro per hour in excess of the national minimum wage.

My Department does not have details of payments made to individual employees of external contractors engaged by the Department. However, when tendering for services, my Department requires that potential contractors are in compliance with the necessary statutory terms and conditions applicable to all workers in Ireland, including, where appropriate any Joint Labour Committee Agreements.

Tax Code.

Joe Costello

Question:

509 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Finance if he will make provision for compensating registered charitable organisations for VAT payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43765/06]

The position is that charities and non-profit groups engaged in non-commercial activity are exempt from VAT under the EU Sixth VAT Directive, with which Irish VAT law must comply. 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.

The Irish Charities Tax Reform Group (ICTRG) appears to accept that charities can not be granted VAT refunds through the tax system. However, they are still seeking the introduction of a grant or subsidy in lieu of the VAT charities pay on their business inputs and estimate that this would cost €18 million per annum.

In this regard, the 140 bodies represented by the ICTRG already acknowledge that they receive €8.6 million in funding either directly or indirectly from the Exchequer. However, there are currently 7,000 charities registered with the Revenue Commissioners. It is therefore likely that the introduction of a scheme along the lines proposed by the ICTRG would cost the Exchequer significantly more than the €18 million they have estimated. The ICTRG will argue that they represent the largest charities but as many educational and sporting organisations are also registered with the Revenue Commissioners as charitable or not-for-profit organisations that is not the case. Therefore, the introduction of grant in lieu of VAT paid by registered charities would undoubtedly lead to other exempt bodies such as schools, hospitals and sporting, many of which are already registered as charities, seeking to benefit from such a system of refunds. These exempt bodies are already receiving considerable Exchequer funding.

It should be noted 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 41%. In the case of donations from the PAYE sector the relief is given directly to the charities.

Tax Collection.

Paul McGrath

Question:

510 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of earners in tax brackets (details supplied) for December 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007, giving the estimate where the actual information is not available, with a breakdown between private sector and public sector employees for each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43766/06]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the latest relevant sector-based information available on employees taxed under the PAYE system is derived from income tax returns filed for the income tax year 2003. It is not possible at present to provide the information sought for a more recent year if the data are to be reasonably accurate.

The sector identifier used on the tax records is based on the 4 digit "NACE code (Rev. 1)" which is an internationally recognised economic activity code system. On this basis the information requested by the Deputy is set out as follows:

Estimated number of Private Sector Employees

Tax Year

Exempt(1)

Paying at 20% or less(2)

Paying at greater than 20%

Total

2002

492,200

658,800

224,700

1,375,700

2003

509,100

648,900

247,100

1,405,100

2004*

535,900

627,500

282,200

1,445,600

2005*

584,600

638,700

295,400

1,518,700

2006*

625,800

669,500

285,800

1,581,100

2007*

685,300

661,500

277,900

1,624,700

Estimated number of Public Sector Employees

Tax Year

Exempt(1)

Paying at 20% or less(2)

Paying at greater than 20%

Total

2002

73,700

146,800

81,800

302,300

2003

78,700

145,000

95,700

319,400

2004*

82,900

145,600

109,200

337,700

2005*

90,400

150,700

114,300

355,400

2006*

96,800

156,900

110,600

364,300

2007*

106,000

158,300

107,600

371,900

Notes

(1)Standard rate liability fully covered by tax credits or Age Exemption limits

(2)Higher rate tax liability fully covered by tax credits

*Provisional and likely to be revised.

Figures for number of earners are rounded to nearest hundred.

Any apparent discrepancies between the overall totals in this table and figures which may have been given previously are due to rounding of constituent figures.

The information provided in relation to public sector employees is based on activities which are classified in the NACE code system as "Public administration and defence; compulsory social security", "Education" and "Health and Social work" but excluding the categories of "Driving School Activities", "Dental Practice Activities" and "Veterinary Activities" as being more appropriate to the private sector. Private sector employees are regarded as all other employees on tax records.

The figures for the years 2002 and 2003 are based on incomes data derived from income tax returns held on Revenue records and have been grossed up to an overall expected level to adjust for incompleteness in the numbers of returns on record at the time the data was extracted for analytical purposes. For the years 2004 to-date, they are estimates derived from the Revenue tax forecasting model using actual data for the year 2003 adjusted to reflect actual or estimated growth in employment and wages for the year in question.

The apportionment of numbers between private and public sectors for the years after 2003 is based on applying the apportionment derived from the corresponding 2003 figures. A married couple which has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit.

Question No. 511 answered with QuestionNo. 500.

Financial Services Regulation.

Richard Bruton

Question:

512 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the new limit which he has introduced under section 21 of the Credit Union Act 1997 means that this pre-empts the distribution of a person’s assets as set out in his or her will; and if he has satisfied himself that depositors are aware of the implications of the increased limit for the distribution of their assets. [43796/06]

Section 21 of the Credit Union Act, 1997 provides that a credit union member aged 16 or over, can nominate in writing a person or persons to become entitled to all or part of the member's property in the credit union at the time of the member's death up to a prescribed limit and provides for the member to vary or revoke their nomination.

The request for an increase in the Section 21 limit for nominations originated from the credit union movement, taking account of increased levels of savings and price changes since the limit was set in 1997. In their submission to my Department the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) pointed out that nominations have a social purpose in that they ensure that the next-of-kin do not have to go through an expensive and time-consuming legal process in relation to the deceased member's property in the credit union. The increase in the limit from €13,000 to €23,000 was approved by the Registrar of Credit Unions and by the Credit Union Advisory Committee (CUAC), the statutory expert advisory body on credit union issues.

ILCU have advised my Department that they are revising their guidance notes for credit unions to ensure that members are advised when they are completing nomination forms as to the implications of the nomination in respect of any existing or subsequent wills, and that this is already highlighted in ILCU's nomination form.

Departmental Programmes.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

513 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance the amount of money spent in Donegal under the National Development Plan 2000 to 2006. [43850/06]

Investments under the National Development Plan/ Community Support Framework (NDP/CSF) 2000-2006 are delivered through seven Operational Programmes which are directly managed and implemented by Government Departments, the Regional Assemblies and other agencies. Progress on the implementation of the NDP/CSF is subject to ongoing monitoring through the individual Operational Programme Monitoring Committees and the overarching NDP/CSF Monitoring Committee chaired by my Department.

Furthermore, according to EU Regulations, progress on the NDP/CSF must be monitored and reported on a regional basis, that is, for the Border, Midlands & Western and Southern & Eastern regions. My Department reviews and generally monitors implementation of the NDP/CSF on this basis from information submitted by the Operational Programme Monitoring Committees but does not monitor expenditure at county level.

However, the project implementing bodies do attribute spending at county level. The most recent county level information from the project implementing bodies for the period January 2000 to December 2002 represents approximately 80% of the spending. This information is set out in the following table and includes details in relation to Donegal.

In addition, the NDP/CSF information website (www.ndp.ie) provides information on certain projects categorised on a county basis and the Deputy may wish to refer to that website for information on projects in County Donegal.

Table 1. Spending on the National Development Plan in each County in the Border, Midlands and Western Region

County

Year

2000

2001

2002

€ (m)

€ (m)

€ (m)

Cavan

55.703

73.877

73.493

Donegal

166.613

210.157

228.618

Galway

246.346

294.246

333.498

Laois

112.685

51.365

77.915

Leitrim

33.142

50.220

54.087

Longford

33.706

50.403

55.173

Louth

149.204

123.076

114.138

Mayo

129.272

182.066

171.897

Monaghan

52.605

67.550

94.838

Offaly

44.099

42.380

78.724

Roscommon

61.325

50.472

61.320

Sligo

73.292

94.112

98.449

Westmeath

84.278

91.367

121.658

BMW*

54.811

59.056

35.800

Total

1,297.081

1,440.347

1,599.608

*This represents projects that the implementing bodies cannot attribute to a particular county such as rail track projects and FÁS training.

Tax Code.

Richard Bruton

Question:

514 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance his views on making arrangements that where a couple are jointly assessed, tax relief can be provided for pension contributions of a spouse who drops out of the work force temporarily to care for children in order that the principle which is already established in the social welfare code that such persons should not suffer any diminution of their pension rights as a result of periods of absence for child caring would also apply in the tax code. [43919/06]

An individual may, subject to certain limitations and restrictions, receive tax relief at his or her marginal income tax rate for pension contributions made from:

(i) remuneration from his/her relevant office or employment to an occupational pension scheme; and

(ii) "relevant earnings" to an non-occupational pension scheme.

"Relevant earnings" means income from a non-pensionable office or employment or from carrying on a trade or profession but does not include unearned income such as rental income or deposit interest.

Where only one spouse is working but both spouses are contributing to pension schemes, the working spouse cannot claim tax relief in respect of the non-working spouse's pension contributions for a number of reasons—

(a) for those in occupational pensions schemes, the tax relief on an individual's pension contributions is due only against the remuneration for that individual's office or employment; and

(b) for those not in occupational pensions schemes, the tax relief for pension contributions is granted only by reference to an individual's relevant earnings and the legislation provides that an individual's relevant earnings cannot be treated as including the relevant earnings of his/her spouse for this purpose even where the couple are jointly assessed for tax purposes.

Where an individual contributes to a pension and that individual would, but for the insufficiency of his/her relevant earnings or employment remuneration in a particular tax year, be entitled to tax relief in respect of such contributions in that year, the individual concerned may seek tax relief on those pension contributions in a later tax year for which he/she has relevant earnings or employment remuneration (subject, of course, to the normal age-related and overall earnings limits for tax relief in respect of pension contributions).

Many pension schemes provide for a pension, not alone for the holder, but also for the surviving spouse should the holder predecease the spouse. Pension contributions to a pension scheme that provides for widows/widowers and orphans also qualify for tax relief in the normal manner.

The purpose of funding pension arrangements is to enable an individual to provide an adequate income in retirement for him or herself and family dependants relative to his or her pre-retirement income. The current arrangements for providing tax relief on pension contributions are supportive of this aim and are both generous and flexible. I have no plans to amend them in the manner suggested by the Deputy.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

515 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance if the Revenue Commissioners will review the application of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6W for top slicing relief; if they will allow the claim in all the circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43920/06]

The Revenue Commissioners have informed me that the taxpayer's claim for top slicing relief was made outside the time limit of four years as laid down in the Finance Act 2003.

As the Deputy will be aware the Finance Act 2003 introduced a new time limit for claiming tax repayments. Where a claim is made after 1 January 2005 the overall time limit is reduced from 10 to 4 years. The change was announced in the Budget speech in December 2002 and the measure received a considerable amount of print and broadcast media publicity at that time.

Reminders of this change were advertised by Revenue in the national press in October and November 2004. In addition to the Revenue advertisements there was considerable comment about this change including a number of newspaper articles, towards the end 2004.

Unfortunately the taxpayer's claim for top slicing relief for the year 2001 was made well outside the four year limit from the end of the year of assessment. To be within the time limit, the claim should have been made before 31 December 2005, whereas in fact the claim was first made in October 2006. It is not therefore possible to allow a claim for relief at this stage.

Finian McGrath

Question:

516 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding stamp duty and inheritance tax especially in relation to a parent leaving their house to their two children. [43944/06]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a charge to stamp duty does not arise where the house passes to the children by inheritance on the death of the parent.

Whether inheritance tax arises when a parent leaves a house to his/her children depends on the circumstances. The Finance Act 2000 introduced a package of measures specifically designed to reduce the impact of inheritance tax for certain dwelling houses. The purpose of this exemption was to benefit individuals who had been living in a house for a period prior to taking the benefit, either by way of inheritance. The main conditions attaching to the exemption are that the beneficiary of the dwelling house must have resided in the house for a minimum of 3 years prior to the inheritance and must not have an interest in any other dwelling house. Also, the recipient or recipients must continue to occupy that dwelling house as his/her only or main residence for a period of 6 years commencing on the date of the inheritance. This exemption ensures that what may be the family home for many people will not be the subject of inheritance tax when it is inherited.

If this relief does not apply in the case in question, the children can avail of the "Group thresholds". The relationship between the person who provided the inheritance (i.e. the disponer) and the person who received the inheritance (i.e. the beneficiary), determines the maximum tax-free threshold — known as the "Group threshold". There are three Group thresholds based on the relationship of the beneficiary to the disponer and these thresholds are indexed annually by reference to the Consumer Price Index. The indexed Group threshold applying to an inheritance received by a child from their parents is the Group A threshold. In 2006 this threshold was €478,155 and for 2007 the threshold is €496,824. Each child is separately entitled to its own Group A threshold.

Any other inheritances that might have been received by the child from the parents since 5 December 1991 will also be taken into account on each occasion when applying the threshold for the purposes of calculating the inheritance tax. If the total value of all inheritances received by the child since this date from the parents is above the threshold figure then a 20% rate of inheritance tax will apply on the excess over the threshold figure.

Joan Burton

Question:

517 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance the position on VAT and income tax registration of sellers of equipment through casual arrangements such as fairs and on a door-to-door basis; the level of such activity that took place in 2006; the amounts of VAT and income tax paid by such sellers; if there has been an audit of this sector during the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43961/06]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that, in relation to sellers of equipment through casual arrangements such as fairs and on a door to door basis, no separate registration provisions exist and the normal arrangements with regard to VAT and Income Tax registration apply. I am also advised that the Revenue Commissioners have engaged on a continuous basis with the regular participants at fairs and exhibitions to advise them of their compliance obligations. Accordingly, many such traders are registered for VAT and remit through the normal return process.

Because ‘casual traders' are not recorded separately in Revenue's tax register, there is no specific information available on the level of such activity that took place in 2006, nor are there statistics available on the amounts of VAT and Income Tax paid by such sellers.

Revenue manages the risk presented by ‘casual traders' through periodic compliance testing of the registration status and remittance position of those operating at markets etc. Revenue staff regularly visit Exhibitions, Fairs, Open-air markets, Seasonal Street Traders, Music Concerts and major sporting events to ensure that participants and traders are tax compliant. From time to time, joint compliance operations are carried out by Revenue, An Garda Síochána and the Irish National Federation Against Copyright Theft (INFACT). Revenue also routinely obtain details of casual trading licences issued by local authorities for any follow up action required.

While there has been no general audit of this sector as a whole during the past five years, audits would have taken place on individual traders where Revenue's Risk Profiling indicated a need for a specific intervention. Where Revenue receive complaints in relation to the operations in this sector, these are followed up as required.

Departmental Programmes.

Paddy McHugh

Question:

518 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Finance if funding will be allocated under the National Development Plan 2007 to 2013 for infrastructural developments in the west of Ireland to enable the region to expand to the degree as envisaged under the national spatial strategy and other relevant development plans and policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1026/07]

Michael Ring

Question:

561 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance his plans to ensure that the NDP 2007 to 2013 investment envelope will lead to a better balance in economic development over the regions; if he will give a commitment that the Border Midland Western region in particular will receive priority for funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2087/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 518 and 561 together.

The National Development Plan 2007-2013 sets out in Chapter 3 a strong framework for the promotion of regional development with a particular focus on investment in the National Spatial Strategy (NSS) Gateway centres.

These Gateway centres include 5 — Dundalk, Letterkenny/Derry, Midlands, Galway and Sligo — which are in the Border, Midlands and West Regional Authority areas. The NDP also emphasises the need to invest in other areas in the Gateway centres including key towns, villages and rural areas.

The Plan sets out an indicative allocation of some €184 billion for investment in specified sectoral areas over the period. It is not possible at this juncture to state precisely how much of this will be allocated to the 5 Gateway areas referred to above. However, Chapter 3 does detail the development challenges facing each Gateway area and sets out a number of key Programmes and Projects to be developed in response over the period of the Plan.

In addition, the Plan provides for the establishment of a Gateways Innovation Fund of some €300 million of Exchequer funding for the period 2008-2010. The purpose of this fund is to leverage matching private and other public funding for projects that give added value to Gateway development. The Fund will of course be accessible to Gateway areas in the Border, Midlands and West Regional Authority areas.

In summary, I am confident that the overall level of investment in the Plan, combined with key Programmes and Projects referred to, can bring about the further economic development of the Gateway centres, including those in the Border, Midlands and West Region.

Tax Code.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

519 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance the measures in place to detect foreign cars who fail to pay vehicle registration tax; if the current system has been reformed since 2002; if there are plans to introduce reforms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1035/07]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that their officers, who are based at numerous locations around the country, carry out regular and ongoing checks to identify and deal with breaches of VRT Regulations as regards the use of foreign registered vehicles in the State, particularly in relation to the permanent retention of such vehicles in the State or their acquisition by State residents. In addition, co-ordinated national enforcement campaigns are periodically carried out to detect infringements in this area.

The following table provides information regarding the level of enforcement activity since 1998 to date and includes the level of enforcement action arising from the detections. It is worth noting the significant increase in the number of vehicles challenged during 2006 compared to recent years, reflecting the efforts being made to tackle abuse in this area.

VRT

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

Vehicles Challenged

21,489

17,203

11,484

9,722

11,031

10,456

13,429

11,876

14,531

Written Warnings Issued

2,280

2,374

1,619

2,277

1,985

2,003

2,623

2,783

3,795

Vehicles Seized

584

580

405

469

514

543

774

910

981

Convictions

11

13

25

17

7

7

9

12

8

As a general rule, all vehicles imported permanently into the State must be registered for VRT purposes. However, section 135 of the Finance Act, 1992, and Regulations made thereunder, provide for a range of circumstances in which foreign-registered vehicles, brought temporarily into the State, are exempted from the registration requirement. Foreign residents working here temporarily are permitted to use foreign-registered vehicles in the State, normally for a period not exceeding 12 months, as are foreign students. The exemption also extends to include vehicles brought into the State by tourists, or by other non-residents who are in the State on a casual basis, e.g. Northern Ireland residents on shopping trips. The use of foreign-registered company and commercial vehicles by State residents is also permitted in certain circumstances.

These provisions are required to be in conformity with Article 39 of the EU Treaty, which provides for the free movement of EU workers between Member States, and a reciprocal arrangement also applies to Irish residents who bring their cars temporarily to other Member States.

While the current Regulations have been in place since 1993, there have been some recent changes in the scope of the exemption, as regards the use of vehicles provided by employers, arising from decisions of the European Court.

Decentralisation Programme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

520 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the timetable for relocating the staff of the Revenue Commissioners to Navan; the number of staff at each grade being transferred; if a building is available for the staff in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1052/07]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the Commissioners of Public Works have identified a building in the town that will meet Revenue's accommodation requirements. This building has been assessed by OPW technical advisors and OPW Valuation Division have commenced negotiations on terms for the premises. The timescale for the fit-out of the offices will be addressed when lease terms have been agreed.

The indicative grade breakdown of the posts is as follows:

PO

AP

HEO

EO/SO/HTO

CO/TO

Other

Total

1

6

17

28

40

2

94

Denis Naughten

Question:

521 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the timetable for the decentralisation of the Office of Public Works to Claremorris; the number of staff at each grade to be decentralised; the number of applications made at each grade under the CAF for decentralisation to Claremorris; the timetable for the decentralisation of an advanced party; if temporary accommodation has been obtained; the number of staff at each grade which will be facilitated in this phase of the decentralisation; if a permanent site has been obtained; the timetable for the completion of this facility; the number of staff it will cater for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1059/07]

The decentralisation of the Office of Public Works (OPW) to Claremorris will take place in two phases.

The first phase deals with the setting up of an advance office in Claremorris and in this regard, OPW has secured leased accommodation and arrangements are now being made to have the building fitted out for office use. It is expected that the accommodation for the advance office will be ready for occupation in the second quarter of 2007. The advance office will have of the order of 30 administrative posts and the breakdown of grades involved is currently being finalised.

OPW has acquired the site for the main decentralised office in Claremorris. The indicative timeframe for the completion of the construction of this building is in early 2009.

OPW are working towards a total staffing compliment of 150 posts in Claremorris and the range of posts are under review. There are currently some 170 applications on CAF at present for Claremorris and the CAF remains open for new applications.

Tax Code.

Richard Bruton

Question:

522 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance his views on introducing a provision whereby persons who had failed to make a claim for a tax refund within four years could advance special reasons why they had not made the application in time and that the possibility of making the refund could be adjudicated by the Inspector or the Appeal Commissioners. [1176/07]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the Finance Act 2003 put in place a package of measures relating to the repayment of overpaid tax. This took place against the background of a special report by the Ombudsman to the Oireachtas in November 2002 highlighting among other things the lack of a general scheme of interest on repayments. At the time there was no general statutory right to the repayment of overpaid tax nor was there any general entitlement to interest in respect of repayments. The new measures were also enacted against the background of a number of court decisions which, based on the "doctrine of unjust enrichment", had on a piecemeal case by case basis established a common law right to the repayment of tax with interest.

The Finance Act 2003 measures provided for a new general statutory right to the repayment of overpaid tax. They also provided for a 4 year time limit on the making of repayment claims. This was, however, balanced on the assessment side with a 4 year time limit on the raising of assessments and the making of enquiries by Revenue (except in cases of fraud or neglect). Finally, provision was made for the payment of interest on all repayments at an annual rate of slightly over 4%. During the course of the Finance Bill 2003 my predecessor indicated that the measures being put in place achieved the necessary balance between establishing a fair and uniform system for taxpayers while at the same time protecting the interests of the Exchequer. It also addressed the issue raised by the Ombudsman in respect of the need for a general scheme for the repayment of overpaid tax.

I am satisfied that the current arrangements continue to achieve the necessary balance between establishing a fair and uniform system for taxpayers while at the same time providing the necessary protection for the Exchequer.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

523 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance his views on the fact that in the event of a taxpayer appealing his or her assessment to the Revenue Commissioners, the person potentially faces increased assessment or penalties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1177/07]

An appeal against an assessment is settled either by (a) agreement between the Revenue Commissioners (Revenue) and the taxpayer or (b) a determination by the Appeal Commissioner(s).

In relation to cases settled by negotiation and agreement with Revenue, this generally involves compromise on both sides. It is only where agreement cannot be reached or if the person assessed so requests, that a formal assessment is appealed to the Appeal Commissioner(s). The Appeal Commissioners is the body, independent of the Government or any other entity, including the Revenue Commissioners, appointed to hear and determine tax and customs appeals. Their decision is final and conclusive unless the person assessed requests a rehearing in the Circuit Court or unless a request is made for a case stated to the High Court, on a point of law. The Appeal Commissioner(s) make their decisions having regard to evidence presented and arguments made by both Revenue and the person assessed. They may confirm the assessment raised or change the quantum of the assessment, i.e., either increasing or reducing the figures in the assessment. In the case of an assessment that has been raised, further tax penalties, if penalties are due based on the facts in the case, will be levied where the assessment is determined in a higher figure. If such an assessment is determined in a lower figure, the tax penalties arising will be reduced; including in some cases a reduction to a nil amount.

I am satisfied that the above procedures are fair and equitable to both the taxpayer and Revenue and are also in line with the provisions for appeals set out in the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997.

Departmental Records.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

524 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance if all interviews between officials of the Revenue Commissioners and taxpayers, accountants and auditors will be tape recorded in future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1178/07]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that there are no plans to tape record interviews between their officials and taxpayers and accountants.

Taxpayers' rights are safeguarded in a number of ways. Revenue auditors operate within the framework of Revenue's Customer Service Charter. The Customer Service Charter sets out the fundamental elements of the service that taxpayers are entitled to and what Revenue expects of taxpayers. In addition Revenue Auditors carry out audits within the framework of the Code of Practice for Revenue Auditors and the Operations Manual for Outdoor Powers. The three documents are available at www.revenue.ie.

There would be no additional benefit to the citizen or the State in incurring the significant expense of formally recording interviews between taxpayers, accountants and Revenue Auditors. Detailed contemporaneous notes of audit interviews are kept. Access to these notes may be obtained under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act.

Tax Code.

Denis Naughten

Question:

525 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Finance his views on the tax implications of the sugar compensation package for farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1268/07]

There are three significant financial elements of the sugar compensation package, as far as farmers, as sugar beet growers, are concerned. The first is an amount of €123 million, payable over the next seven years via the single payment scheme, as compensation for the drop in the support price of beet. The second element of the compensation package is the restructuring aid. In July 2006 the Government decided that a sum of €40m restructuring aid be reserved for beet growers. This decision has been challenged by the Irish sugar processor by way of Judicial Review proceedings in the High Court. The third element is the diversification aid worth almost €44m, which will be drawn down in the framework of the National Restructuring Programme.

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they are of the view that payments under the first two elements of the package in relation to the support price compensation and the restructuring aid to growers will be taxable as income. I am further advised that the Revenue Commissioners await some clarifications to enable them to finalise a view about the tax implications of the third element of the package, the diversification aid. The National Restructuring Programme on this element of the package was recently submitted to the EU Commission for consideration.

Decentralisation Programme.

Dan Neville

Question:

526 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the provision of offices for the decentralisation of the Revenue Commissioners to Newcastle West, County Limerick. [1269/07]

I am informed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) that a site for the new decentralised offices in Newcastle West was purchased from Limerick County Council in 2005. In common with other projects in the Decentralisation Programme, following receipt and evaluation of Expressions of Interest, tenders for the proposed building were invited by the OPW from a number of contractors on a design/build basis and a preferred tenderer was identified.

A planning application was lodged by the preferred tenderer with Limerick County Council in October 2006. In December 2006, additional information was requested by the Council in relation to the foul sewer, the site boundaries and the front elevation of the proposed building. Also requested by the Council was a comprehensive historical study and comprehensive record drawings and a photographic study relating to certain existing buildings which were on the site at the time of purchase. In the interests of moving the project forward, the OPW is assisting the preferred tenderer in providing the additional information. A decision by the Council on the planning application will be due within four weeks of the date of receipt by it of the additional information.

On receipt of a satisfactory planning permission, the OPW will endeavour to have the working drawings and other necessary documents completed by the preferred tenderer with a view to a contract being placed and work commencing on site at the earliest possible date.

Tax Code.

Joan Burton

Question:

527 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance the figures or an estimate in respect of the number of foreign cars being imported into Ireland by people working here who are paying VRT and who are not paying VRT; the liabilities each of these class of owner and vehicle has to vehicle registration tax, road tax, car insurance, national car test and driver testing; if he will list for each year from 1998 to date in 2007 on an annual basis the numbers of cars and the amounts of VRT and applicable road tax paid in respect of such vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1270/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

528 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance the number of checks carried out by Revenue, Customs, and the Garda in respect of foreign vehicles imported into Ireland; if they are fully compliant with Irish VRT, road tax and insurance obligations; the number of such checks that have identified non-compliant vehicles; the figures for each year from 1998 to date in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1271/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

529 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance the circumstances in which a person coming to work here may import a vehicle and not be required to register the vehicle for vehicle registration tax, road tax, car insurance, national car test and driver testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1272/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 527 to 529, inclusive, together.

The Deputy will be aware that responsibility for road tax, car insurance, the national car test, driver testing, or an Garda Síochána does not lie with my Department. My reply, therefore, is only in respect of vehicle registration and vehicle registration tax.

As a general rule, all vehicles imported permanently into the State must be registered for VRT purposes. However, section 135 of the Finance Act, 1992, and Regulations made thereunder, provide for a range of circumstances in which foreign-registered vehicles, brought temporarily into the State, are exempted from the registration requirement. Foreign residents working here temporarily are permitted to use foreign-registered vehicles in the State, normally for a period not exceeding 12 months, as are foreign students studying here. The exemption also extends to include vehicles brought into the State by tourists, or by other non-residents who are in the State on a casual basis, e.g. Northern Ireland residents on shopping trips. The use by State residents of foreign-registered commercial vehicles, and of foreign-registered cars provided by employers, is also permitted in certain circumstances.

These provisions are required to be in conformity with Article 39 of the EU Treaty, which provides for the free movement of EU workers between Member States, and a reciprocal arrangement also applies to Irish residents who bring their cars temporarily to other Member States.

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that there is no requirement for vehicles imported under the temporary exemption provisions to be presented to the Revenue Commissioners to avail of the relief. Documents relating to ownership and registration must be kept within the vehicle when it is in use in the State, for production as required. When such vehicles fail to meet the conditions for temporary exemption they must be permanently removed from the State or presented for registration. It is not a requirement of the registration process either to declare the nationality of the person importing the vehicle or to record whether the person is working here.

Therefore, the details of such vehicles are not normally captured or held in the vehicle registration system and data on the number of persons availing of the temporary exemption at any particular point in time, or who have availed of it prior to registration, is not available.

I am also advised by the Revenue Commissioners that their officers, who are based at numerous locations around the country, carry out regular and ongoing checks to identify and deal with breaches of VRT Regulations, particularly in relation to the permanent retention of such vehicles in the State or their coming into the possession of State residents. In addition, co-ordinated national enforcements campaigns are periodically carried out to detect infringements in this area.

The following table provides information regarding the level of enforcement activity since 1998 to date and includes the level of enforcement action arising from the detections. It is worth noting the significant increase in the number of vehicles challenged during 2006 compared to recent years, reflecting the efforts being made to tackle abuse in this area.

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

Vehicles Challenged

21,489

17,203

11,484

9,722

11,031

10,456

13,429

11,876

14,531

Written Warnings Issued

2,280

2,374

1,619

2,277

1,985

2,003

2,623

2,783

3,795

Vehicles Seized

584

580

405

469

514

543

774

910

981

Convictions

11

13

25

17

7

7

9

23

8

Freedom of Information.

Joan Burton

Question:

530 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance the public bodies and agencies exempted from the full remit of the Freedom of Information legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1273/07]

There are currently over 500 public bodies subject to Freedom of Information (FOI). In general, when bodies are being brought within the remit of FOI, extension is in respect of all records held by these bodies in respect of all of their functions. In a limited number of cases, full extension on this basis may not be appropriate having regard to particular functions of, or particular records held by, the bodies in question.

The following bodies are subject to FOI on a partial basis only:

Bodies to which FOI applies in respect of certain records only, in accordance with Section 46 of the FOI Act 1997:

The Courts

A Tribunal to which the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Act 1921 is applied

A Service Tribunal within the meaning of section 161 of the Defence Act 1954

Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement

Office of the Attorney General

Director of Public Prosecutions

Office of the Information Commissioner

Office of the Ombudsman

Comptroller and Auditor General

Presidents Establishment

Health and Safety Authority

Ombudsman for Children

Pensions Ombudsman

Bodies to which FOI has been extended in respect of certain functions only:

National Standards Authority of Ireland

Labour Relations Commission

RTE

Radio Telefís Éireann.

RTE Commercial Enterprises Limited.

RTE Music Limited.

Seirbhísí Theilifís Na Gaeilge Teoranta.

DTT Network Company.

TG4

Brothers of Charity, Our Lady of Good Counsel, Lota, Glanmire, Co. Cork

Brothers of Charity, Kilcornan House, Clarinbridge, Co. Galway

Brothers of Charity, Mid-West Region, Bawnmore, Limerick

Brothers of Charity, Lanesboro Street, Roscommon

Brothers of Charity, Belmont Park, Waterford

Camphill Communities of Ireland, Ballytobin, Callan, Co. Kilkenny

Cheeverstown House Limited (providing a service for people with a mental handicap), Templeogue, Dublin 6W

COPE Foundation, Bonnington, Montenotte, Cork

Daughters of Charity, Navan Road, Dublin 7

Galway County Association for Mental Handicapped Children, The Halls, Quay Street, Galway

Hospitaller Order of St John of God, Hospitaller House, Stillorgan, Co. Dublin

Irish Sisters of Charity, St. Patrick's, Kells Road, Kilkenny

KARE, Co. Kildare Association of Parents & Friends of Handicapped People, Lower Eyre Street, Newbridge, Co. Kildare

Peamount Hospital, Newcastle, Co. Dublin

Rosminian Services, St. Patrick's, Upton, Innishannon, Co. Cork

Sisters of the Bon Sauveur, Residential & Day Care for Persons with a Mental Handicap, Carriglea, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford

Sisters of Charity of Jesus & Mary, Moore Abbey, Monasterevin, Co. Kildare

Sisters of La Sagesse, Cregg House, Sligo

Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary, St Anne's Service, Sean Ross Abbey, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary

Sisters of Charity of Jesus & Mary, St. Mary's, Delvin, Co. Westmeath

Stewarts Hospital Services Limited, Palmerstown, Dublin 20

Sunbeam House Services, SHS, Cedar Estate, Killarney Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow.

St Mary of the Angels, Residential Special Home & Training Centre for Children, Beaufort, Co. Kerry

St Michael's House, Ballymun Road, Ballymun, Dublin 9

Western Care Association, Incorporating the Mayo Association of Parents & Friends of Mentally Handicapped Children, Pool Road, Castlebar, Co. Mayo.

Arrangements are currently under way for the extension of FOI on a partial basis to a further group of public bodies including the Labour Court, the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, and Vocational Education Committees.

Tax Yield.

Joan Burton

Question:

531 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance the receipts from DIRT tax for each year from 1997 to date in 2007; the number of people or accounts it is levied on in each of those years; the arrangements in force in respect of refunds where DIRT is levied on taxpayers with unused personal tax allowances and credits; if there are special allowances in place in respect of people over 65; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1274/07]

The following table sets out the net yield from DIRT collected from 1997 to 2007 to date:

Year

€m

1997

187.6

1998

238.7

1999

161.2

2000

386.0*

2001

228.0

2002

206.5

2003

153.3

2004

143.6

2005

167.1

2006

254.4(provisional)#

2007

121.0(provisional to date)

*The figure quoted for 2000 includes €215.7 million which was a result of the DIRT look-back audits.

#The increase in receipts for 2006 may be attributed in the main to interest rate rises.

The amount of Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT) due to be paid each year is dependent on the amount of monies on deposit and the rates of interest applying to such deposits, rather than on the number of accounts involved. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the statutory return of DIRT filed by the financial institutions requires details only of the relevant amount of interest paid in the year and the appropriate tax in relation to the payment of that interest. Such DIRT returns are subject to audit by the Revenue Commissioners.

A refund of DIRT is provided for in very limited circumstances only, viz. an individual who is not liable or fully liable to income tax and is over 65 years of age at some time during the tax year, or is permanently incapacitated by reason of mental/physical infirmity from maintaining themselves (Bodies qualifying for ‘charitable' status and companies are also entitled to refund of DIRT).

Under existing provisions, the taxpayer must advise Revenue that they meet the legislative requirements and the amount of the retention tax paid. However, as the Deputy is aware, I announced in the recent Budget that, in 2007, credit institutions will be enabled to operate DIRT-free accounts for those aged 65 and over and for those who are permanently incapacitated, where their income falls below the relevant income tax limits. These changes will be included in the forthcoming Finance Bill.

The Revenue Commissioners issued 11,620 copies of the relevant Form (Form 54D) for 2005 to those who had claimed refunds in previous years. The Forms for 2006 will be issued during the first quarter of 2007.

Financial Services Regulation.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

532 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Finance the number of licences, broken down by county, issued in 2006 under Section 93 of the Consumer Credit Act 1995; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1321/07]

Forty-eight licences were issued by the Financial Regulator under Section 93 of the Consumer Credit Act 1995 in 2006. The Financial Regulator does not collate this information on a county by county basis. However, my Department has arranged for the Deputy to be forwarded a copy of the Financial Regulator's register of moneylenders which provides details of the business addresses and the applicable Court Districts Number of each licensee. This information is also publicly available from the Financial Regulator.

Tax Yield.

Paddy McHugh

Question:

533 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Finance if he will introduce measures to designate equestrian centres as non commercial premises in order to avoid such premises being burdened with rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1362/07]

I would point out that the Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the exercise of his duties under the Valuation Act 2001, and that I, as Minister for Finance, have no function in decisions in this regard.

The Valuation Act, 2001 provides in Schedule 3, Sections 1(a) and (b) that all buildings and lands used or developed for any purpose including constructions affixed thereto are rateable. The basic premise under the Act is that all interests (including buildings) and all developed land are rateable unless expressly exempted under Schedule 4.

Equestrian centres typically include stables for horses, a covered riding ring and ancillary buildings to support the enterprise. These are not excluded from ratability under the Act. Land that is developed for sport, such as, for example, playing pitches, golf courses, tennis courts etc is exempt under Schedule 4, Section 4. Buildings on these lands, such as stands, bars, etc. are not, however, exempt. Non-licensed club-houses are treated as "community halls" and as such are exempt because they are not run for profit, are open to the general community, are recreational or otherwise are of a social nature. It is considered that none of the specific exemptions contained in Schedule 4 would encompass equestrian centres.

The Valuation Act, 2001 maintains the long-standing position that commercial enterprises — including equestrian centres — are liable for rates. Exceptions to this key principle would quickly be followed by demands for similar treatment from the providers of other useful services and products, which would be difficult in equity to resist. The process could thus substantially reduce Local Authority revenues, which would have to be made good by imposing corresponding increases on the remaining ratepayers.

The rateable valuation of commercial property is based on net annual value (NAV) i.e. the rental value of the property. Any ratepayer dissatisfied with the ratability of a property, the valuation assessed on a particular property or the method of calculation can appeal to the Commissioner of Valuation in the first instance and subsequently to the independent Valuation Tribunal. There is also a further right of appeal to the High Court and ultimately to the Supreme Court on a point of law.

Rating legislation, as distinct from valuation legislation, and issues arising from it are matters for my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. I would also point out that in relation to funding for equestrian centres; the Irish Sports Council has provided funding of over €4m to the Equestrian Federation of Ireland between 1999 and 2006. From 2007 funding for equestrian sport will be provided through the new national governing body Horse Sport Ireland. Grants of €66,000 have been allocated to Equestrian sports in the past five years under the Sports Capital Programme administered by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism. Equestrian projects have also been supported under the Tourism Product Development Scheme 2000-2006 (grant aid of €3.45m has been approved in respect of 7 projects) towards the provision and development of equestrian centres.

Tax Collection.

Tony Gregory

Question:

534 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Finance the amount of excise duty collected from kerosene and LPG used for heating purposes during 2006. [1410/07]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that there is no breakdown available in respect of the amount of excise duty collected from Kerosene and LPG used for heating and non-heating purposes. The information available relates to the total Excise Duty on Kerosene and LPG (non-auto) in 2006 for which the amounts collected are provisionally put at €18 million and €2.7 million respectively.

Tax Code.

Richard Bruton

Question:

535 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance his views on relaxing the €50,000 limit for previous tax year to qualify for the SSIA pension concession in order that people who have suffered a fall in income in the Current tax year could also qualify. [1433/07]

The Pensions Incentive Tax Credits scheme was introduced by me in last year's Finance Act to encourage SSIA holders, particularly those on low incomes, to continue the savings habit and to commence or improve their pension arrangements under the scheme.

For each €3 of matured SSIA funds invested by an eligible SSIA holder in an approved pension product, the Exchequer will contribute an additional €1 by way of tax credit to a maximum of €2,500. The Exchequer will also contribute an additional tax credit relating to the exit tax deducted from the SSIA on maturity and based on the proportion of SSIA funds transferred to the pension product. The main condition attaching to the Pensions Incentive Tax Credits scheme is that gross income for the year prior to the year in which the SSIA matures cannot exceed €50,000. The intention behind this condition was to target the incentive at lower income earners. Setting any limit for this purpose is always difficult because there will be some individuals who will fall marginally at the wrong side of the limit and who will not qualify for the incentive. This would be the case irrespective of what income limit was set. The income limit in the case of this incentive is reasonable, in my view, and I do not propose to change it.

Willie Penrose

Question:

536 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Finance if he will review the situation in relation to granting taxation relief on maintenance orders, which are made through the court system for children; if in this context he will grant tax relief on such payments by way of maintenance order which is made by way of the court system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1461/07]

569.Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Finance if the tax relief on maintenance orders arising from divorce cases will be extended to Court ordered child maintenance payments arising from parental separation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 536 and 569 together.

Section 1025 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides for the taxation treatment of payments made under legally enforceable arrangements by one spouse of a marriage to the other spouse in consideration, or in consequence, of the annulment or dissolution of a marriage or where the couple are separated. Legally enforceable arrangements include court orders, arbitration awards and deeds of separation including foreign orders and arrangements.

Payments for the maintenance of the other spouse are: payable without deduction of tax, deductible in computing the total income of the payer and chargeable to income tax in the hands of the recipient.

In effect the income is treated as if was the income of the recipient and not the payer. Maintenance payments in respect of children are not taxable in the hands of the children or the receiving spouse. The effect of this is that the payments are treated the same way as if the taxpayer was providing for the child out of his or her after-tax income. This is in line with the tax treatment of all other parents, where the cost of maintaining their children is not tax deductible.

I do not propose to make any changes to this arrangement.

Question No. 537 answered with QuestionNo. 500.

Joan Burton

Question:

538 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance the limit for exemption from stamp duty tax payable on mortgages; the last time this limit was increased; the stamp duty rates on mortgages; if there are proposals to change these rates; the annual cost to the exchequer of abolishing this tax on mortgages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1494/07]

I would draw to the Deputy's attention that the stamp duty head of charge for mortgages was abolished in the recent Budget with regard to mortgage deeds executed on or after 7 December 2006. The cost of abolishing the mortgage head of charge was estimated at €20m in 2007 and in a full year. The duty was abolished in the context of the simplification of the stamp duty code for both the Revenue Commissioners and practitioners, particularly in advance of the proposed introduction of E-Stamping.

Before the stamp duty on mortgages was abolished, primary mortgages had been exempt up to the value of €254,000, and those at higher values were subject to stamp duty of 0.1% subject to a maximum duty of €630 whether in respect of residential or non-residential property. The exemption threshold for primary mortgages was raised in 2001 from £20,000 to £200,000, and was converted to €254,000 in 2002. The duty that had applied to collateral or additional mortgages was generally a €12.50 fixed duty and in the case of equitable mortgages and transfers of mortgages, was generally 0.05%, subject to a maximum of €630.

Child Care Services.

Willie Penrose

Question:

539 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Finance if it is Government policy to require local authorities to impose rates upon preschool facilities if they are operated by community or private operators; if this will be a significant financial imposition upon such facilities here; if in this context local authorities will be directed to refrain from imposing such charges, which will ultimately lead to a significant cost of childcare for parents if the charge is transmitted on by the childcare providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1506/07]

The Valuation Act 2001, which came into effect on 2nd May 2002, provides that commercially operated child care facilities such as play schools, pre-schools, crèches, and Montessori schools are liable for rates unless specific criteria for exemption are met. This is a continuation of the pre May 2002 situation. In regard to the Valuation Act, 2001, I should point out that the Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the exercise of his duties under the Act, and that I, as Minister for Finance, have no function in decisions in this regard.

It was not intended that the Valuation Act 2001 would expand or contract the valuation base. The effect of removing any category of property such as commercially operated childcare centres from the valuation base would be to increase the rates burden on other ratepayers. At the time of drafting the Valuation Act 2001 it was considered that where Exchequer assistance to certain sectors was desirable it should be direct assistance rather than interfering with local authority funding by way of rates relief.

Schedule 4 of the Valuation Act 2001 outlines the categories of property and the various uses that are deemed to be non rateable under the Act. Paragraphs 10 (education) and 16 (charitable purposes) are two areas in that schedule which may be relevant to the `ratability of pre-school facilities. In the area of education, paragraph 10 Schedule 4, exemption is limited to educational institutions, not established and not conducted for making profit or funded wholly or mainly from funds provided by the Exchequer and in either case is open to the general public. Paragraph 16 Schedule 4 provides exemption for charitable organisations that occupies and uses its facility exclusively for charitable purposes and otherwise than for profit. Therefore crèches/pre-school/playschool facilities established on a non-profit generating basis and/or operated by a charitable organisation for charitable purposes are not liable for rates.

The rateable valuation of commercial property is based on the net annual value (NAV) i.e. the rental value of the property. Any ratepayer dissatisfied with the ratability of a property, the valuation assessed on a particular property or the method of calculation can appeal to the Commissioner of Valuation in the first instance and subsequently to the independent Valuation Tribunal. There is a further right of appeal to the High Court and ultimately to the Supreme Court on a point of law. Rating legislation, as distinct from valuation legislation, and issues arising from it are matters for my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

The core objective of Government policy in the area of child support is to provide assistance which will offer real choice to parents and which will benefit all children. Following on from increases in Child Benefit in Budget 2006, this policy has seen a further increase of €10 per month announced in Budget 2007. This increase will come into effect in April 2007 and will bring the monthly rate of Child Benefit to €160 for the first and second child and €195 for the third and subsequent child.

Budget 2006 also marked the introduction of a National Childcare Strategy costing a cumulative €2.65bn over five years to address the supply and the cost of childcare. This strategy included the introduction of the Early Childcare Supplement worth €1,000 annually for each child up to his/her sixth birthday. A four week extension to both paid and unpaid maternity leave was introduced in 2006 and a further four week increase to both paid and unpaid maternity leave becomes effective in 2007, bringing the duration of paid maternity leave up to 26 weeks at that time and the duration of unpaid leave to 16 weeks.

A major new multi-annual National Childcare Investment Programme, running from 2006-2010, will support the creation of an extra 50,000 childcare places of which approximately 20% will be for 3 to 4 year age group and will provide an early childhood care and education focus. To date, over 900 capital grant applications, amounting to more than €170m, have been received. To complement the roll-out of these new places, a total of 17,000 childcare workers will be trained over five years. Under the EU co-funded Equal Opportunities Programme 2000-2006, more than 32,000 new places have been created and a further 24,500 places have been supported with grant-aid allocations amounting to almost €500m over the last six years.

I would also mention that in December 2005, the Government established the Office of the Minister for Children (OMC) to bring greater coherence to policy making for children. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government published Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Childcare Facilities in June 2001. The Guidelines indicate that planning authorities should ensure that their Development Plans and Local Area Plans should include policies in relation to the provision of childcare facilities. The Guidelines state that planning authorities should require the provision of at least one childcare facility for new housing areas unless there are significant reasons to the contrary, for example, development consisting of single bedroomed apartments or where there are adequate childcare facilities in adjoining developments. For new housing areas, a threshold of one childcare facility for each 75 dwellings is suggested as being appropriate.

Flood Relief.

Tony Gregory

Question:

540 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Finance further to his reply to a question by this Deputy in 2006, the reason the promised pointing work was not carried out to the Tolka River wall along East Wall Road, Dublin 3; when this essential flood prevention work will be completed; and the measures that will be taken to improve flood prevention at the pedestrian bridge at the same location. [1517/07]

As I indicated to the Deputy in reply to his earlier question, the repointing of the wall will be undertaken as soon as resources allow. Those resources are currently employed in completing the works in Griffith Park, but once those works are completed it will be possible to commence the repointing work. Officials from Dublin City Council have confirmed that the Council itself is considering measures at the pedestrian bridge. It is understood that some form of demountable defence will be constructed there.

Traffic Management.

Tony Gregory

Question:

541 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 175 of 14 December 2006, the amendments made to the proposed traffic control measures for the Phoenix Park. [1518/07]

Following the public consultation process, the Phoenix Park Transportation Study has been reviewed in light of the feedback from that process and a decision on the way forward has now been made, the details of which are outlined in a Press Statement issued by me on 17th January 2007 which can be accessed on the OPW website www.opw.ie.

Flood Relief.

Tom Hayes

Question:

542 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Finance when work will be completed by the Office of Public Works on a bridge (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [1579/07]

A structural engineers report on the condition of the bridge referred to by the Deputy was received by the Office of Public Works in late December, 2006. A follow up meeting to discuss the findings of this report was held with the engineers on 15 January, 2007. Following on from these discussions the position is that major structural repairs are required as a matter of urgency to ensure the safety of the bridge. The engineers have been requested to prepare a proposal for the necessary works and to provide a provisional timetable for the work and a preliminary estimate of cost. Once this information is to hand officials from OPW will enter into discussions with Coillte, who co-own the bridge, on the carrying out of the repair work. The extent of the work involved will necessitate the complete closure of the bridge to both pedestrian and vehicular traffic. In such circumstances OPW will have to consider the closure of the heritage site at this location during the coming season.

Tax Collection.

Finian McGrath

Question:

543 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the tax relief and travel expenses situation for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [1583/07]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the taxpayer in question is in receipt of round sum travel expenses from her employer based on logged expenses over a three month period. The law provides that a deduction can be claimed for travel expenses only if they are incurred wholly, exclusively and necessarily in performing the duties of the employment. Payments by an employer which are no more than a reimbursement of allowable expenses actually incurred by an employee in performing the duties of the employment may be paid tax free. This can be done by the employer paying an allowance which does not exceed the equivalent Civil Service allowance as set out in Revenue Leaflet IT51. (This leaflet can be viewed on Revenue's website at www.revenue.ie/leaflet/it51.htm.) However, in the case in question the round sum allowance paid by the employer is not in accordance with Leaflet IT51 and is therefore taxable. The employer has been instructed by Revenue that PAYE/PRSI deductions must be made from these round sum expenses with effect from 1 January 2007. This does not preclude the taxpayer from subsequently claiming a tax deduction in respect of vouched expenses wholly, exclusively and necessarily incurred in the duties of her employment.

Flood Relief.

Tom Hayes

Question:

544 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Finance when the Office of Public Works will commence work on a scheme (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [1586/07]

It is anticipated that, subject to Confirmation of the Scheme by the Minister for Finance, construction of the scheme referred to by the Deputy will commence in the Autumn. The construction of stand alone embankments at an earlier date, probably in the Spring, is being considered.

Pension Provisions.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

545 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Finance if a person who has no personal pension but whose spouse has a pension of €29,000 per annum can avail of the SSIA pension bonus scheme; if he will take steps to ensure that homemakers who have no occupational pension scheme are not excluded from the SSIA pension bonus scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1587/07]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a person who has no personal pension but whose spouse has a pension of €29,000 per annum can avail of the Pensions Incentive Tax Credits scheme subject to the individual satisfying the following conditions: Be an SSIA holder; the SSIA holder's gross income (i.e. before all deductions) in the tax year before the year in which the SSIA matures does not exceed €50,000; the SSIA funds are invested within 3 months of the maturity of the SSIA.

Homemakers, and all other individuals, who have no occupational pension can also avail of the incentive subject to them satisfying the conditions outlined above. In addition, and in accordance with my statement in this matter of 29th September 2006, SSIA funds invested in pension products should remain there for at least 12 months in order to retain the tax credits.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

546 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of civil servants and other staff employed in his constituency office; and the grade and remuneration of each. [1749/07]

Paul McGrath

Question:

547 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of civil servants and other staff in his press office and the grade and remuneration of each staff member. [1764/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 546 and 547 together.

The staffing, grade and remuneration of my Press Office and Constituency Office is set out below. The actual pay of individuals is not given as this is deemed to be personal information.

Press Office

Grade

Number

Salary Range

Press Officer (Assistant Principal)

1

€67,823–€84,808(in receipt of allowance equivalent to 10% of salary)

Higher Executive Officer

1

€43,445–€55,147

Executive Officer

1

€28,523–€45,262

Clerical Officer

1

€22,766–€36,913

Constituency office

Grade

Number

Salary Range

Executive Officer

1

€28,523–€45,262

Staff Officer

1

€32,606–€43,536

Clerical Officer

1

€22,766–€36,913

Personal Assistant

1

€43,445–€55,147

Personal Secretary

1

€21,632–€41,736

In addition to the above, there are 3 Clerical Officers, (Salary Range €22,766-36,913) who provide typing and administrative support services to my private office, the constituency office and to the Department of Finance Press Office.

Financial Services Regulation.

John Perry

Question:

548 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Finance if he has examined if an institution (details supplied) may be benefitting from the misfortune of individuals; if he has further examined the possibility of modifying the operation of the Irish Credit Bureau in order that people who have minor defaults on previous loans can still obtain funding from conventional banks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1780/07]

I presume the Deputy's question refers to the lending policies and practices of the institution concerned. The lending policies and practices operated by any financial institution within the current legal and regulatory framework are the responsibility of the institution itself, in respect of which the Minister for Finance does not exercise any statutory function.

As the Deputy may be aware, consumer credit including hire purchase and consumer hire, together with moneylending and home loans, are governed by the Consumer Credit Act 1995, which sets out important consumer protection measures, including the form and content of the credit agreements in respect of those types of loans. Complaints in relation to the matters governed by the Consumer Credit Act may be dealt with by the Financial Services Ombudsman.

The Irish Credit Bureau (ICB) is an independent, commercial organisation and as such I, as Minister for Finance, have no role in determining its operations or the scope of its activities. However, my Department understands that the ICB does not decide who credit is offered to, but rather helps lenders to make this decision through the provision of information regarding the loan history. Were such information not available, it is likely that the cost of credit would rise for many customers in order to allow for the higher uncertainty as to the credit risk involved.

Departmental Correspondence.

Michael Ring

Question:

549 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance the reason a query that was asked was not responded to in a reply which he issued on 13 December 2006. [1800/07]

The Office of Public Works at no stage promised to give the report to the person in question. The reply which was furnished to the Deputy's question on 13th December 2006 provided relevant information in relation to the subject matter of the report.

Tax Code.

Simon Coveney

Question:

550 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide in electronic database format the full current list of the statutory chargeable values for all models of new category A vehicles on sale here which provide the legal basis for charging vehicle registration tax on the first retail sale of such vehicles; the date on which each such value came into force; the corresponding current statutory rate of VRT for each vehicle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1846/07]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that Section 133 of the Finance Act 1992 provides the legislative basis for the requirement for manufacturers or distributors to provide a declaration to the Revenue Commissioners of statutory chargeable values (or open market selling prices, OMSPs, as they are referred to) for all new vehicles in the State for vehicle registration tax (VRT) purposes.

The OMSPs of new vehicles are required as the basis for assessing VRT liability. This data is declared by the firms concerned to the Revenue Commissioners on a confidential basis and on the understanding they will be held in confidence by them and not released to third parties. Revenue are currently required, therefore, to observe that confidentiality.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

551 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Finance if it is correct that stamp duty is payable on the purchase of a site where the purchasers (details supplied) in Dublin 24 bought a site with the intention of building a house on it and living there as owner occupier; if it is payable, the threshold for such first time purchaser to be liable to stamp duty; if it is currently payable, 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. [1903/07]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that a site purchased which falls within the one acre curtilage of an existing residential property i.e. a corner garden, is classified as residential property for stamp duty purposes. The consideration paid or value of the property must exceed €127,000 before stamp duty is charged. The purchaser cannot claim First Time Purchaser Relief as that relief applies only to the purchase of a dwellinghouse or apartment

A site purchased outside of a curtilage is classified as non-residential property for stamp duty purposes and duty is charged on a consideration or value over €10,000.

In relation to the purchase of a new dwellinghouse by a first-time buyer, or any other buyer purchasing a new house as his or her principal private residence, stamp duty does not arise where the property does not exceed 125m². However, I would point out that a developer purchasing a site on which new housing is to be constructed will normally incur a stamp duty liability on the purchase of the land.

Question No. 552 answered with QuestionNo. 500.

Richard Bruton

Question:

553 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he has considered changes in the tax rules affecting cohabiting couples who are particularly unfairly treated where only one is working, in view of a number of recent reports on the need to make changes in this area, and the positive response which these reports have received from Government. [1905/07]

Generally speaking, the tax system treats members of cohabiting couples as separate and unconnected individuals. Each partner is a separate entity for tax purposes and credits and bands and reliefs cannot be transferred from one partner to the other. There are no special favourable tax arrangements for cohabiting couples with dependent children. The Working Group Examining the Treatment of Married, Cohabiting and One-Parent Families under the Tax and Social Welfare Codes, which reported in August 1999, was sympathetic, in principle, to changes in the tax legislation to address the issues raised relating to cohabiting couples and reported that the options that it set out should be considered further. However, it acknowledged in relation to the tax treatment of cohabiting couples that a key issue is whether tax law should proceed ahead of changes in the general law.

I am aware of a number of recent reports which will help to inform the Government's deliberations in this general area including: the Tenth Progress Report of the Oireachtas All-Party Committee on the Constitution entitled ‘The Family' which was published in early 2006; the Options Paper presented to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in November 2006 by the Working Group on Domestic Partnership; the Report of the Law Reform Commission on the rights and duties of cohabitants which was published in December 2006.

I previously put on the record of the House that I would view as problematic and unwise a situation where changes in the tax code relating to the treatment of couples would set a headline in advance of developments in other relevant areas of public policy, for example, in the area of legal recognition of relationships other than married relationships. I am still of that view.

Flood Relief.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

554 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide further pumps to alleviate flooding in the Cashen River area, Ballyduff, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1947/07]

The Commissioners of Public Works will carry out works to the embankments in the River Cashen area this year. They will then monitor the impact on the land affected by this work and of the pump already installed on a trial basis to ensure that the delicate balance between flood alleviation and damage to the lands due to over-drainage is maintained before deciding whether to install further pumps.

Question No. 555 answered with QuestionNo. 500.

County Galway Landslide.

Enda Kenny

Question:

556 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to a landslide at Leenane, County Galway in the early days of January 2007; if his attention has been drawn to the extent of animals lost by such a landslide; if his attention has further been drawn to the danger in which a number of residents were placed due to the ferocity of the landslide involved; if he has carried out and authorised a report to be published in respect of the damage done; if he has considered compensation for persons directly affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1963/07]

The Commissioners of Public Works have no responsibility in respect of this matter. I am advised by the Commissioners that they have not been requested by any other agency to assist in dealing with it. The provision of humanitarian aid where it is considered warranted is a matter for the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs.

Tax Collection.

John Perry

Question:

557 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Finance if he will reduce the amount of inheritance tax for a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim on a property as they do not have the financial means to meet the liability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1999/07]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the person in question and his spouse inherited property on 24 June 2000 in respect of which Forms IT 38 were due but have not been submitted. Copies of this form have again been sent to the persons in question and the completed forms should now be submitted to Sligo Revenue District, Government Offices, Cranmore Road, Sligo, so that the amount of inheritance tax and interest due, if any, can be determined.

Questions Nos. 558 and 559 answered with Question No. 500.

National Development Plan.

Michael Ring

Question:

560 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance the annual breakdown of expenditure and forecasts for each region for exchequer and EU spending in the NDP programme period to 31 December 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2086/07]

The table below sets out the annual indicative Exchequer and EU expenditure forecasts at regional level which were set in 2000 when the Operational Programmes were being prepared. The table also sets out the Exchequer and EU expenditure to end June 2006 as reported to the NDP/CSF Monitoring Committee at its most recent meeting in December 2006. The position will become clearer when data is available for the full calendar year following the Spring 2007 meetings of the Operational Programmes Monitoring Committees in the April/May period. The final position will not be available until expenditure under the Plan is completed in 2008 as provided for under EU rules.

The data indicates that €41.8 billion of Exchequer and EU expenditure had been incurred by the end of June 2006. The report to the Monitoring Committee indicates that a further €4,790 million will be incurred from July 2006 to December 2006 or €5,633 million from July 2006 to the end of the Plan in 2008. The final Exchequer and EU commitment is expected to be in the region of €47.5 billion, €2.9 billion ahead of the original forecast.

NDP/CSF 2000-2006

Exchequer and EU Original Forecast 2000-2006 and Expenditure January 2000-end June 2006

Year

€m

National

BMW Region

S&E Region

Original Forecast

5,485

1,743

3,742

2000Expenditure

4,589

1,305

3,284

Original Forecast

6,498

2,071

4,427

2001Expenditure

6,132

1,717

4,415

Original Forecast

6,993

2,279

4,714

2002Expenditure

6,695

1,826

4,869

Original Forecast

6,466

2,139

4,327

2003Expenditure

6,921

1,863

5,058

Original Forecast

6,409

2,111

4,298

2004Expenditure

7,027

1,933

5,094

Original Forecast

6,349

2,117

4,232

2005Expenditure

7,521

2,200

5,321

Original Forecast

6,429

2,137

4,292

2006*Expenditure

2,948

909

2,039

Original Forecast

44,629

14,597

30,032

Expenditure January 2000-June 2006

41,833

11,753

30,080

Latest forecast July to December 2006

4,790

1,744

3,046

2000-2006 Latest forecast July 2006 to end of Plan

5,633

2,084

3,549

* Full year forecast. Expenditure relates to first 6 months of 2006.

Question No. 561 answered with QuestionNo. 518.

Tax Collection.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

562 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the impact the 21% VAT on non-resident artists performing for not for profit arts organisations is having; his plans to tackle same in the Finance Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2092/07]

I should explain that not-for-profit organisations are exempt from VAT under the EU VAT Directive with which Irish law must comply. The means that non-profit making organisations do not charge VAT on their services and cannot recover VAT on goods and services which they purchase. Essentially only VAT registered businesses which charge VAT are able to recover VAT.

The VAT Act lists a range of activities that are exempt from VAT. Included in this list is the promotion of and admissions to live theatrical or musical performances. This very broad exemption is allowed under Article 132 of the EU VAT Directive. In effect, this means that the promoter realises the full value of admission fee as no VAT is applied to admission fees. In this regard, the current exemption is already very generous covering a broad range of actives accessible to the wider public.

In addition, one of the basic tenets of EU VAT law relates to the proper functioning of the internal market. This means that it is not possible to use VAT law to favour artists not resident in this state over artists that are resident in the state. In relation to providing a VAT exemption for performance fees charged by musical or theatrical performers to not-for-profit arts organisations, the position is that the VAT treatment of a particular good or service is determined by the nature of the good or service, and not by the status of the customer.

There is no provision in European VAT law that would allow for an exemption from VAT on supplies by non-resident artists when they perform for not-for-profit cultural organisations as such an exemption would have to apply to all such performers. It is estimated that this would cost in excess of €20 million. All performance fees are therefore liable to VAT at the standard rate of 21 per cent.

Jack Wall

Question:

563 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Finance the tax implications for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who is in receipt of carers benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2109/07]

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the taxpayer is in receipt of the carers benefit payable by the Department of Social and Family Affairs. This is a taxable source of income but is not taken into account when determining her spouse's entitlement to the home carer tax credit. Based on the information provided, the carers benefit payable to the taxpayer in the current year is covered by the standard rate cut off point and PAYE tax credit in her own right and consequently no income tax is due.

The home carers tax credit has been granted to her spouse for the current year and a tax credit certificate incorporating this tax credit has been issued.

Jack Wall

Question:

564 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be furnished with a P21 for 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2110/07]

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a PAYE balancing statement (Form P21) for 2006 was issued to the taxpayer on 19 January 2007.

Natural Habitats.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

565 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Finance the activities licensed by his Department since the introduction of S.I. No. 378 of 2005 bringing the Arterial Drainage Act 1945 under the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations; and the assessments undertaken as a result of this legislation. [2131/07]

The European Communities (Natural Habitats) (Amendment) Regulations, 2005 have amended the Habitat Regulations 1997 to 1998 and the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2000. In accordance with this legislation, licensing of activities is carried out by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DEHLG). The Office of Public Works will give advice and assistance where required but, has no role in issuing licences.

Flood Relief.

Enda Kenny

Question:

566 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the programme for 2007 for the three vessels used by the Office of Public Works for the removal of aquatic vegetation in the west region, on the Corrib and Moy drainage schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2137/07]

Under the 2007 Work Programme, approximately 95 kms of low-grade channels will be cleaned in the Corrib and Moy catchments using the three weed-cutting boats. This figure is broken down as follows:

Corrib Clare Scheme — 71 kms

Corrib Mask Scheme — 7.5 kms

Corrib Headford Scheme — .5 kms

Moy Scheme — 12 kms

In the Moy, channels in the Castlebar and Ballyhaunis areas are programmed while in the Corrib Mask, channels in the Moore Hall, Ballinrobe, and Claremorris areas are included. The timing of weed-cutting operations by the Office of Public Works is very dependent on suitable water levels and weather conditions.

Tax Collection.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

567 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance if the Revenue Commissioners will consider postponing collection of the inheritance tax in the circumstances of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2138/07]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that under the Capital Acquisitions Tax Consolidation Act 2003 the Revenue Commissioners do not have the power to waive gift or inheritance tax properly due. However Section 59 of that Act does provide for the postponement of tax by the Commissioners where excessive hardship would be involved. Based on the information provided regarding the particular circumstances of the person in question, the Revenue Commissioners are amenable to the grant of a postponement of her liability to inheritance tax on hardship grounds, by way of registration of a charge on the property, provided a completed form IT38 and other supporting documentation required by the Revenue Statement of Practice are received by Revenue within twenty one days.

Bernard Allen

Question:

568 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Finance if the exemption that has been extended to persons over 65 years of age in relation to their liabilities for DIRT will be implemented retrospectively prior to 2003 when it was first introduced. [2144/07]

Section 267 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides for a repayment of DIRT to elderly or incapacitated individuals who are exempt from income tax. This provision was first introduced in the Finance Act 1986 and has been available since that time. The recent Budget announced a change to the administration of this DIRT exemption so that qualifying individuals may notify their financial institution of their status and receive the interest without deduction of DIRT, instead of having to pay and reclaim the tax. The details of the new arrangements will be contained in the 2007 Finance Bill.

Question No. 569 answered with QuestionNo. 536.

Tax Yield.

Pat Breen

Question:

570 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Finance his plans to negotiate a double tax agreement with Montenegro; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2246/07]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that a first round of negotiations for a double taxation agreement between Ireland and Montenegro was scheduled to take place in Dublin last September. These negotiations were also to include Serbia. However, the negotiations were postponed by both Serbia and Montenegro following the declaration of independence by Montenegro. They advised that they would propose new dates as soon as possible. The commencement of negotiations for a double taxation agreement with Montenegro remains part of Ireland's tax treaty programme. It is hoped that these negotiations can commence later this year.

Decentralisation Programme.

Jack Wall

Question:

571 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Finance the position of the decentralisation of the section of his Department to Athy, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2372/07]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the Office of Public Works are currently assessing a number of possibilities for a permanent accommodation solution for the Revenue staff who will be decentralised to Athy. They have also recently completed the evaluation of a number of accommodation proposals for an advance group of Revenue staff. A possible solution has been identified and negotiations are due to commence shortly, which, if successful will allow for the advance group to decentralise later this year.

The latest Decentralisation Implementation Group Report of September 2006 specifies an indicative timeframe of mid-2009 for the completion of the permanent building in Athy for the decentralised Revenue Office.

Comhfhreagras Ranna.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

572 D’fhiafraigh Mr. Sargent den Aire Airgeadais cá fhad ar an meán a thógann sé air litir a fhreagairt as Béarla i gcomparáid leis an méid ama a thógann sé air litir a fhreagairt as Gaeilge. [2387/07]

Deirtear i gCairt Chustaiméirí na Roinne Airgeadais go bhfuil sé d'aidhm ag an Roinn a chinntiú go mbíonn réimse iomlán ár seirbhísí, do dhaoine aonair, do chomhlachtaí agus do chliaint chorparáideacha ar an gcaighdeán is airde ar gach dóigh. Féachann an Roinn lena cuid seirbhísí a sheachadadh ar chaoi atá cúirtéiseach, cothrom agus neamhchlaon, agus le híogaireacht maidir le sainriachtanais agus cúinsí speisialta ár gcustaiméirí, agus le hurraim dá gcearta faoin reachtaíocht chomhionannais agus reachtaíocht eile. Déanann an Roinn gach iarracht chun riar ar chustaiméir´ar mian leo gnó a dhéanamh trí Ghaeilge. Cuirtear freagra i nGaeilge ar chomhfhreagras a fhaightear i nGaeilge.

Maidir le haighneachtaí Aire, is í an aidhm freagra iomlán a chur ar 75% den chomhfhreagras laistigh de 15 lá oibre. Is cuma ma bhíonn an comhfhreagras seo i mBéarla nó i nGaeilge. Maidir leis an 5,009 mír de chomhfhreagras Aire a fuarthas sa bhliain 2006, ar an meán, freagraíodh timpeall 37% díobh laistigh de 3 lá oibre, 55% laistigh de 10 lá oibre, 67% laistigh de 15 lá oibre, agus 75% laistigh de 22 lá oibre, cé gur athraigh na céatadáin le linn na bliana. Braitheann an tréimhse freagartha, áfach, ar roinnt cúiseanna ar nós nádúr na cumarsáide, castacht na ceiste atá le plé, nó a mhalairt, agus an méid comhchomhairliúcháin nó taighde is gá a dhéanamh chun freagra iomlán a thabhairt ar chomhfhreagróir.

Question No. 573 answered with QuestionNo. 504.

Garda Stations.

Billy Timmins

Question:

574 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Finance the situation regarding a site for Garda stations at Greystones and Dunlavin, County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2434/07]

The Commissioners of Public Works recently advertised for suitable sites for the development of a new Garda Station in Dunlavin, Co. Wicklow. The Commissioners are currently giving full consideration to the replies received.

The Commissioners of Public Works are at present concentrating on the acquisition of sites for Garda Stations in accordance with the priority needs, determined by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Garda Authorities. Acquisition of a site at Greystones is not actively being pursued at present.

Travel Expenses.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

575 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Finance the mileage rate for civil servants who undertake official business by bicycle; his views on whether this is adequate; the outcome of the review of methodology for determining the appropriate rates of payment which was being undertaken by him in 2003; and if the polluter pays principle informs this policy. [2452/07]

The current bicycle rate is 6 cent per mile. Following a review of the bicycle rate an increase in the rate has been proposed to the staff associations. This is based, in part, on inflation since 1990 and on the fact that the rate has not increased for a number of years.

The principles that inform the payment of the bicycle mileage rate are whether the use of a bicycle for official purposes for journeys over a certain distance is practicable, if it is cost effective on a value for money basis and would not result in a significant loss of official time.

Departmental Staff.

Enda Kenny

Question:

576 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons engaged in project management in his Department that have recognised qualifications in that area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2459/07]

The primary role of my Department is the provision of policy advice in the areas of fiscal planning, taxation and expenditure management, financial regulation, organisational change and public service modernisation, public service pay, social partnership and promoting the Government's programme of decentralisation. The management of the implementation of major capital projects is a matter for the Departments and Agencies directly involved. As indicated in the National Development Plan 2007-2013, Departments and Agencies will carry out spot checks to ensure compliance with the Value for Money requirements in the capital sanctions from my Department under the multi-annual capital envelopes framework. These checks will focus in particular on compliance with my Department's Capital Appraisal Guidelines. I have also recently established the Central Expenditure Evaluation Unit (CEEU) in my Department, one of whose functions is to carry out periodic reviews of spot-check reports received in my Department from Departments and Agencies.

In the course of their work, officials in my Department may be involved in the oversight of specific projects, or have some degree of involvement in the management of smaller, specific projects (for example, Information Technology projects which are applied across the civil service). Thirty nine members of staff my Department have undertaken formal training in project management, either through courses run through the Civil Service Training and Development Centre, or through other organisations such as the Institute of Pubic Administration and the Irish Management Institute. In addition, there are currently 107 officials of my Department who have obtained primary/masters degrees in economics, engineering and business related disciplines. A number of these qualifications would have included project management modules.

National Development Plan.

Enda Kenny

Question:

577 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the number of public servants who will be given the task of carrying out project spot checks on National Development Plan projects during its lifetime; if his Department has set out the criteria needed to carry out such checks; the qualifications and expertise which these persons will be required to possess to carry out such checks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2460/07]

As indicated in the National Development Plan 2007-2013, Departments and Agencies will carry out spot checks to ensure compliance with the Value for Money requirements in the capital sanctions from my Department under the multi-annual capital envelopes framework. These checks will focus in particular on compliance with my Department's Capital Appraisal Guidelines.

Departments and Agencies are primarily responsible for the management of their own resources, including training and development of their staff. It is their responsibility, therefore, to ensure that they have sufficient capacity and adequately trained staff to discharge the function of spot-checks.

I have also recently established the Central Expenditure Evaluation Unit (CEEU) in my Department, one of whose functions is to carry out periodic reviews of spot-check reports received in my Department from Departments and Agencies. This Unit may also carry out some spot checks on its own initiative and more generally offer guidance and advice in the matter to Departments and Agencies. At present six civil servants (including support staff) are assigned to the Unit. Two more expenditure evaluators are expected to join the Unit in the near future following a recent open recruitment process. In addition, my Department currently has four participants in the Masters Programme in Policy Analysis run by the IPA. Upon completion of the programme, they will be assigned as expenditure evaluators to the CEEU, two in mid 2007 and two in mid 2008. All staff of the CEEU directly engaged in evaluations and spot checks have appropriate third-level qualifications, relevant work experience, and a good understanding of cost-benefit analysis and other project appraisal techniques.

To assist Departments and Implementing Agencies in carrying out spot checks for compliance with the value for money requirements my Department issued draft guidelines in the matter to them for comment. These guidelines are now being finalised in the light of the views and comments received and they will be issued shortly. The principles outlined in the draft guidelines, as circulated, represent best practice and Departments would be expected to have regard to them in carrying out spot checks pending finalisation of the guidelines.

Departmental Staff.

Enda Kenny

Question:

578 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the number of public servants currently employed by his Department in its central expenditure evaluation unit; if this figure amounts to the total number of public servants expected to be employed in this unit; the duties and functions of this unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2461/07]

A Central Expenditure Evaluation Unit (CEEU) was recently established in my Department and is in its initial phase of operations. There are currently six civil servants (including support staff) employed in the Unit. Two more expenditure evaluators are expected to join the Unit in the near future following a recent open recruitment process. In addition, my Department currently has four participants in the Masters Programme in Policy Analysis delivered by the Institute of Public Administration (IPA) in association with the Faculty of Commerce, UCD. Upon completion of the programme, they will be assigned as expenditure evaluators to the Central Expenditure Evaluation Unit, two in mid 2007 and two in mid 2008.

I established the CEEU as part of a range of recent initiatives to assist Value for Money (VFM) in public expenditure. These initiatives also include the putting in place of a comprehensive approach to appraising and managing capital programmes and projects including requirements for: ex ante appraisal of all capital spending; cost benefit analysis of all capital projects costing more than €30 million; regular reporting on progress to Departmental Management Advisory Committees and Boards of implementing agencies; appointment of an individual project manager to manage and monitor progress on all projects; spot checks for compliance with the VFM requirements; and, post project reviews.

I would stress that responsibility for achieving VFM for programmes and projects rests in the first instance with the relevant Departments and Implementing Agencies. The role of the CEEU is to assist these bodies by promoting best practice in the evaluation and implementation of programme and project expenditure. It will focus in particular on ensuring that Department of Finance frameworks in relation to the appraisal and management of programmes and projects are being implemented and can carry out spot checks to verify this. The Unit also oversees ongoing programme evaluation under the Value for Money and Policy Review Initiative and it has a remit to develop and implement a scheme of programme evaluation under the new National Development Plan (2007-2013). Overall it is my objective that the CEEU will play an important role in inculcating better VFM practice throughout the system.

Traffic Management.

Seán Crowe

Question:

579 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Finance the future traffic measures and the overall plan for the Phoenix Park. [2466/07]

Following the public consultation process, the recommendations contained in the Phoenix Park Transportation Study have been reviewed in light of the feedback from that process and a decision on the way forward has now been made, the details of which can be accessed on the OPW website www.opw.ie.

Tax Code.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

580 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance if a P21 will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Cork who requires same for their child in respect of an education grant application. [2692/07]

A request for a P21 for 2005 for college grant purposes was received by Revenue on 20 December 2006 and a P21 dated 17 January 2007 has issued to the person concerned.

Pension Provisions.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

581 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if, in the case of a person who is retired and receiving a contributory pension and a private pension, that person is eligible to receive a PAYE tax credit for 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2713/07]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the PAYE tax credit is due in respect of a contributory pension from the Department of Social and Family Affairs. The PAYE tax credit is also due in respect of income from an occupational pension scheme that is subject to or liable to deduction of income tax under PAYE or, in the case of foreign occupational pensions, is subject to a system of tax deductions similar to PAYE. However, whilst both incomes confer an entitlement to the PAYE tax credit, an individual is entitled to only one PAYE tax credit no matter how many sources of income he/she has.

Tax Code.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

582 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the position, in relation to the incurring of stamp duty, of a young first-time buyer who proposes to travel for a year and rent out their home to cover mortgage repayments while they are away; the statutory reference that covers the rules on stamp duty in such a scenario; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2822/07]

The reduced stamp duty rates for first-time buyers are granted on condition that, for a period of five years from the date the house is purchased, the house will be occupied as a principal place of residence and the first-time buyer does not receive rent for the letting of the house. The receipt of rent in respect of the letting of furnished accommodation in part of the house is allowed while the first-time buyer remains in occupation of the house.

In the circumstances outlined by the Deputy, a clawback of the stamp duty relief will arise as rent will be received for the letting of the entire house while the first time buyer is not in occupation of the house. Section 92B of the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999 contains the statutory basis for the stamp duty relief for first-time buyers.

Billy Timmins

Question:

583 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Finance the position in relation to a father who wishes to give a gift of a house on approximately one acre of land; the implications for capital gains tax and gift tax for father and son; if there are other taxes due on a gift of this size; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2824/07]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the proposed gift of the house and land, in the circumstances outlined, would be treated as a disposal by the father for capital gains tax purposes. In computing the gain the deemed sale price is the market value of the property at the date of the gift. For illustrative purposes a computation of the tax payable, using the figures and the limited information supplied by the Deputy, is attached. However, full or partial main residence relief may apply if the father occupied the property as his only or main residence during his period of ownership.

I am further advised by the Revenue Commissioners the question of gift tax arising when a parent makes a gift of a house to his son depends on the circumstances. The Finance Act 2000 introduced a package of measures specifically designed to reduce the impact of gift/inheritance tax for certain dwelling houses. The purpose of this exemption was to benefit individuals who had been living in a house for a period prior to taking the benefit, either by way of gift or inheritance. The main conditions attaching to the exemption are that the beneficiary of the dwelling house must have resided in the house for a minimum of 3 years prior to the gift/inheritance and must not have an interest in any other dwelling house. Also, the recipient must continue to occupy that dwelling house as his/her only or main residence for a period of 6 years commencing on the date of the gift/inheritance. This exemption ensures that what may be the family home for many people will not be the subject of gift/inheritance tax when it is the subject of a gift/inheritance.

Where dwelling house relief does not apply, the son in question can avail of the "Group threshold" exemptions. The relationship between the person who provided the gift or inheritance (i.e. the disponer) and the person who received the gift or inheritance (i.e. the beneficiary) determines the maximum tax-free threshold- known as the "Group threshold". The Group thresholds are based on the relationship of the beneficiary to the disponer and these thresholds are indexed annually by reference to the Consumer Price Index. The indexed Group threshold applying to a gift or inheritance received by a child from their parents is the Group A threshold and for 2007 this threshold is €496,824. Any other gifts/inheritances that might have been received by the child from the parents since 5 December 1991 will also be taken into account on each occasion when applying the threshold for the purposes of calculating the gift/inheritance tax.

In this case, where the value of the house is €400,000 approximately and where the son has received no previous gifts/inheritances from his parents, no gift tax will arise on the gift of the house by the father to his son. This is because either the dwelling house exemption will apply to the gift depending on the circumstances, or if this exemption does not apply, the value of the gift will, in any event, be below the tax-free threshold of €496,824 of the son from his parents.

Consanguinity relief provides that a stamp duty liability is reduced by 50% in the case of transfers between certain blood relatives, such as from a parent to a child. In this respect, a gift of a house valued at €400,000 attracts a stamp duty liability of €30,000 at the rate of 7.5%; which is reduced by 50% to €15,000. If the son in question has not previously purchased a house or has not received, on or after 22 June 2000, a gift of a house, first-time buyer's relief would apply and the stamp duty relief would apply at 6%. In this circumstance, after the application of consanguinity relief, the stamp duty liability would be €12,000.

Capital Gains Tax — 2007

The following computation illustrates the computation of capital gains tax payable on the gift of property from father to son, where the property was valued at €400,000 in 2007 and purchased during the 12 months ending on 5/4/1978 for €30,000. The incidental costs of purchasing and gifting the property are estimated at €1,000 and €5,000 respectively.

The computation is based on the legislation in place as at 31/1/2007.

Deemed sale proceeds:

400,000

Incidental costs of the gift:

5,000

Net proceeds:

395,000

Purchase costs, including incidental costs:

31,000

Adjust for inflation (Note 1):

139,190

Chargeable gain:

255,810

Personal exemption (Note 2):

1,270

Net chargeable gain:

254,540

Capital gains tax payable @ 20%:

50,908

Note 1: The inflation multipliers for purchases in 1976/77 and 1977/78 are 5.238 and 4.490 respectively.

Note 2: The personal exemption is €1,270 per individual.

National Development Plan.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

584 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Finance if a strategic environmental assessment of the National Development Plan 2007 to 2013 was carried out in line with EU Directive 2001/42/EC; if this was not carried out, the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2830/07]

It was not necessary to carry out a Strategic Environmental Assessment of the National Development Plan 2007-2013. This is because the Plan is primarily a strategic document and indicative financial Plan, is not unduly prescriptive as regards projects over the period and does not impact on the planning or environmental framework within which consent is given for individual projects. It accordingly does not fall within the framework of the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive and it was not therefore subject to a formal SEA. I would point out, however, that Environmental Sustainability is a key horizontal objective of the Plan and Chapter 6 of the Plan deals with this issue in some detail.

Disabled Drivers.

Michael Ring

Question:

585 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance the number of people who applied for the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994 in the past twelve months; the number of applications that were successful; the number of applicants who appealed their claims to the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal; and the number of appeals that were successful. [2834/07]

The initial application under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme is made to the Senior Medical Officer for the relevant local Health Services Executive (HSE) administrative area and therefore falls under the remit of the HSE. Consequently, my Department is not in a position to outline the total number of applications received. However, successful applications which lead to the granting of the Primary Medical Certificate — the basis on which the tax concessions are granted — are processed by the Revenue Commissioners. They have confirmed that in the second half of 2006, 935 new applications were processed (the total number for 2006 is not available).

There were 377 appeals made to the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal in 2006. However, a significant number of these appeals would not have been heard to date. With respect to the 397 appeals that were heard in 2006 by the Medical Board of Appeal, 121 were successful.

Michael Ring

Question:

586 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance if he will review the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994 as the medical criteria laid down in the regulations is too restrictive; when this scheme was last reviewed; the locations at which people can make observations regarding this scheme; and the locations at which applicants can submit an appeal regarding their possible entitlement to this scheme. [2835/07]

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 those relating to the qualifying disability criteria, further changes can only be made after careful consideration, given the scale and scope of the scheme. 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. With regard to people making observations on this Scheme, any such contributions can be submitted to my Department.

A person who is refused a Primary Medical Certificate, necessary for qualification for the tax exemptions under this Scheme, can appeal to the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal at the address provided below. The Medical Board of Appeal is independent in the exercise of its functions. Queries in respect of the appeal should be addressed by the person concerned to the Secretary to the Board, Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal, c/o National Rehabilitation Hospital, Rochestown Avenue, Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin, Ph: 01-2355279.

Consultancy Contracts.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

587 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance if, in relation to the fees paid to the property advisors in the purchase of Thornton Hall he will explain the discrepancy between the information given in the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 84 of 21 April 2005 when a fee of €150,350 was given as the agreed fixed fee as opposed to the figure of €291,506 being the figure given in evidence by the Public Accounts Committee on 26 October 2006. [2848/07]

The fee of €150,350 represents the agreed fixed fee paid to the agent in connection with the sourcing and purchasing of a site for a new prison.

The higher figure referred to includes additional payments made to the agent to cover the fees of two companies for Engineering Services and Site Investigation Work, in respect of ten sites.

Questions Nos. 588 and 589 answered with Question No. 502.

Financial Services Regulation.

Joan Burton

Question:

590 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance if his Department will be monitoring the implementation of the Consumer Protection Code published by the Financial Regulator when it comes into force in 2007, which will prohibit practices such as automatic and unsolicited increases in the credit limit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2891/07]

My Department is responsible for the policy and legislative framework promoting the effective regulation of the financial services sector with a strong focus on the consumer. The Financial Regulator is responsible for monitoring and enforcing adherence to the Consumer Protection Code by financial service providers in accordance with its statutory functions and its Strategic Plan 2007 -2009. The legislation establishing the Financial Regulator provides for a system of administrative sanctions which would apply to any regulated entity found to be in breach of its obligations under the Code.

Tax Code.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

591 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he will increase the amount of pure plant oil eligible for excise relief; if he has received indications of the effect that a major increase in the product could be achieved if the excise relief was extended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2941/07]

While the promotion of biofuels, including pure plant oil, is primarily a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that in Finance Act 2006 I provided for significant tax measures to promote biofuels in Ireland.

This scheme, which received the necessary EU State Aid approval, commenced in November 2006 and 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 level of excise relief available — and the breakdown of the relief between each of the alternate fuels — is that which had been proposed by the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in advance of Budget 2006. It is regarded as a level which is sufficient to match Ireland's output potential in relation to renewable energy crops for motor fuels over the period of the scheme. Consequently, any extension in the amount of relief which formed part of that Budget announcement is not envisaged at this stage. The Deputy will, of course, be aware that there are non-fiscal measures that can be used to promote Biofuels, including pure plant oil. These are, however, outside my remit but are under consideration by the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.

Tax Collection.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

592 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance the reason for a charge made by customs on a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2942/07]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that when goods are imported into, or received in Ireland from a country outside the EU they are liable to Import charges (Customs Duty, Anti-Dumping, Countervailing and Excise Duties where applicable and VAT) at the point of importation.

Goods from the Channel Islands,which though part of the customs territory of the EU are not part of its fiscal territory, are treated as non-EU goods and are therefore liable to VAT. The charge imposed in this case consisted of VAT at 21% which amounted to €16.06. The total charge of €21.06 included a standard post office fee of €5.

Tax Code.

Billy Timmins

Question:

593 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Finance the position in relation to VAT on home heating oil; if there were changes in this charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2955/07]

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. The supply of all fuel products used for home heating and light are therefore subject to the reduced VAT rate of 13.5% under Article 28 (2e) of the Sixth VAT Directive. This means that Member States had the option of maintaining, at a reduced rate of not less than 12%, any items not listed in Annex H of the Sixth VAT Directive, provided these items carried a reduced rate on 1 January 1991. In Ireland the parked VAT rate equates to our reduced rate of 13.5%.

It would therefore be possible to reduce the VAT rate applicable to fuel and energy used for heat or light to 12%, for example, home heating oils, wood pellets, gas and electricity. Even if this reduction is passed on in full it would have a minimal impact on the price of such supplies. Altering the VAT structure by introducing a second reduced VAT rate would represent a fundamental change to the structure and operation of the VAT system, making administration more complex as well as increasing the administrative cost for the private sector. Indeed, Ireland is one of only 8 Member States that apply a reduced or parked rate to such goods. In the majority of Member States the standard VAT rate is applied to such goods which can mean rates of between 15% and 25%.

However, I would add that in the recent budget the Excise Duty on Kerosene and LPG was reduced to zero with effect from the 1st January 2007. This measure follows through on the commitment in last year's Budget when these rates were halved. This measure is estimated to cost €24 million in 2007.

It should also be noted that, late last year, in response to these energy price increases, the Government took steps to improve the social welfare Household Benefits Package scheme by increasing the amount of electricity or gas entitlements covered under the scheme. This will benefit over 340,000 social welfare recipients and cost almost €50 million.

Billy Timmins

Question:

594 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Finance the position in relation to people in receipt of the old age pension who have had to open a bank account and obtain an ATM card to withdraw their pension but have received bills from the bank for €10 Government stamp duty for this service; if, in view of the fact that they needed the card in order to withdraw their money this fee can be waived for old age pensioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2957/07]

Stamp duty exists on various financial cards in order to provide Exchequer revenue. The stamp duty on cheques, bills of exchange and promissory notes has existed for many years and when electronic means of money transfers were subsequently introduced, stamp duty was gradually extended to these products to ensure that the stamp duty from cheques etc. was not eroded. The stamp duty applies irrespective of the volume of bank transactions made. I do not believe that these charges are either excessive or act as a disincentive for pensioners using financial institutions. In addition, the stamp duties on financial cards contribute significantly to the Exchequer and are in accordance with the overall taxation policy of widening the tax base in order to keep direct tax rates generally low. Accordingly, there are no plans to introduce exemptions to stamp duty on financial cards for any category of individual.

Grangegorman Military Cemetery.

Tony Gregory

Question:

595 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline application procedures for the burial of persons in the military cemetery, Blackhorse Avenue, Dublin 7 in relation to those entitled to be buried there and the decision making process. [2976/07]

Application can be made to the Commissioners for Public Works for burial in Grangegorman Military Cemetery either in a new grave, in the case of a person who has given service in the British Army prior to 1 April 1923, or in an existing grave in the case of a near relative of the deceased soldier buried in the grave.

Flood Relief.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

596 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Finance if his officials have been in contact with Kildare County Council in relation to the delay in the part 8 for flood protection measures at an estate (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3001/07]

Emmet Stagg

Question:

597 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Finance if his officials have concluded their consideration of options to relieve flooding in the Mill Lane area of Leixlip, County Kildare; and the outcome of the review if concluded. [3002/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 596 and 597 together.

The Commissioners of Public Works are engaged in continuing discussions with Kildare County Council in relation to flood relief proposals for both the estate referred to by the Deputy and the Mill Lane area of Leixlip, Co. Kildare.

National Monuments.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

598 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Finance the number of visitors to Castletown House, Celbridge, County Kildare in 2006; and the further works planned for the house in 2007. [3020/07]

There were 8,928 visitors to Castletown House, Celbridge, Co. Kildare in 2006. Regarding further works planned for the house, the ongoing conservation works programme for 2007 includes fire and security upgrading works and preparation for the reopening of the tearooms.

Tax Code.

John McGuinness

Question:

599 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance the situation in relation to the living over the shop scheme; if it is in operation; the qualifying conditions; the areas where it is available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3083/07]

The ‘living over the shop' scheme commenced on 6 April 2001 and is due to terminate on 31 July 2008. The aim of the scheme is to provide traders and investors with an incentive to develop existing vacant or under-utilised space over shops into residential accommodation. The scheme is in operation for the cities of Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford where the relevant local authority has designated certain streets as being eligible for the scheme. Buildings that front onto designated streets can qualify for ‘section 23'-type relief, owner-occupier relief and capital allowances where expenditure is incurred on their construction, refurbishment or conversion. Tax incentives only apply where the ground floor is in commercial use or, if vacant, where the last and the proposed use is commercial. Incentives for commercial development are conditional on residential development also being carried out.

The relevant local authority must certify that the work is consistent with the aims, objectives and criteria for the ‘living over the shop' scheme. The ground floor of the building must be in use, or be intended for use, for commercial purposes. Industrial premises, offices and premises used for the provision of mail order and financial services are excluded from the scheme. The commercial part of the building must be in use either by an owner-occupier for the purposes of a trade or profession or by a lessee renting the premises on bona fide commercial terms at arm's length. The upper floor or floors of the building must be in use, or be intended for use, as residential accommodation. The accommodation can be either rented to tenants or occupied by the owner. The floor area for an individual residence must be at least 38 square metres and cannot exceed 125 square metres.

The completed building must have a certificate of reasonable cost or a certificate of compliance issued by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Property developers are not permitted to claim relief under the scheme.

Expenditure on construction, refurbishment or conversion of buildings can qualify for tax relief. However, relief for expenditure on conversion work applies only in respect of the residential part of a building. Expenditure on refurbishment qualifies only where it amounts to 10% or more of the market value of the commercial part of the building before the refurbishment takes place. The cost of a site or of the existing building or any costs associated with the acquisition of the site or building do not qualify. Finally, the amount of expenditure incurred on the commercial part of a building is limited for relief purposes to the amount of relief arising on the residential part of the building.

The original termination date by which qualifying construction, refurbishment or conversion work had to be carried out was 31 December 2004. However, along with most of the other property-based incentive schemes, this date was extended in the Finance Act 2006 to 31 July 2008 where certain conditions are met. These conditions require a full and valid application for planning permission to have been received by the relevant local authority by 31 December 2004 and work to the value of 15% of the overall qualifying costs to have been carried out by 31 December 2006. There is a gradual reduction in the amount of expenditure that can qualify for relief after 31 December 2006. Expenditure incurred during 2006 can qualify in full without restriction. However, only 75% of expenditure incurred in 2007 and 50% of expenditure incurred in the period from 1 January 2008 to 31 July 2008 can qualify for relief.

Enda Kenny

Question:

600 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance if a tax of 20% is deducted from alimony payments made to an ex-spouse resident here when paid from another EU country; if so, the reason for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3126/07]

I assume that what the Deputy has in mind is the tax treatment in Ireland of maintenance payments received by a person from his or her former spouse resident in another EU country.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that, in the circumstances mentioned and where the maintenance payment is made under a legally enforceable maintenance arrangement, the person receiving the payment is liable for tax at his or her highest rate of tax on the amount of maintenance received for his or her benefit.

This tax treatment arises from the provisions of Section 1025 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. The section deals with payments made under a "maintenance arrangement". A maintenance arrangement is defined as an order of court, rule of court, deed of separation, trust, covenant, agreement or arrangement or any other act giving rise to a legally enforceable arrangement and made or done in consequence of the separation or the annulment or dissolution of a marriage.

The section provides that where a legally binding maintenance arrangement is in place, then (a) the paying spouse receives a tax deduction in respect of the alimony payments for the benefit of her/his spouse (but not in respect of maintenance for his/her children); and (b) the receiving spouse is taxed (at her/her highest rate of tax) on the amount of alimony received for her/his benefit (but is not taxed on the alimony received in respect of her/his children).

I am further informed by the Revenue Commissioners that where both spouses are Irish resident for tax purposes, a separated (but not divorced) couple may jointly elect to be treated for tax purposes as if the separation had not taken place and, where such an election is made, then the payer does not receive a tax deduction for the alimony payments and the receiving spouse is not taxable on them.

Payments made under a non-legally binding arrangement are ignored for income tax purposes.

Maintenance payments in respect of children are not taxable in the hands of the children or the receiving spouse. The effect of this is that the payments are treated the same way as if the taxpayer was providing for the child out of his or her after-tax income. This is in line with the tax treatment of all other parents, where the cost of maintaining their children is not tax deductible.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Pat Carey

Question:

601 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on introducing a scheme for the full recouping of fees paid for speech and language therapy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43777/06]

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.

Medical Cards.

Seán Crowe

Question:

602 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Health and Children if the increase of €20 in the lowest rates of social welfare will affect people’s eligibility for the medical card. [43789/06]

The assessment of eligibility to medical cards is statutorily a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE) and is determined following an examination of the means of the applicant and his/her dependants. Under Section 45 of the Health 1970 medical cards are provided for persons who, in the opinion of the HSE, are unable without undue hardship to arrange general practitioner medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants. Section 58 of the Health Act, 1970, as amended, provides for GP visit cards for adult persons with limited eligibility for whom, in the opinion of the HSE, and notwithstanding that they do not qualify for a medical card, it would be unduly burdensome to arrange GP medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants. Persons aged 70 and over are statutorily entitled to a medical card, regardless of their means. In all other cases an assessment of means is undertaken.

In assessing eligibility, the HSE use guidelines based on people's means, which includes their income, certain allowable outgoings and the effect of factors such as medical need. These guidelines are not statutorily binding and a decision to refuse an application or renewal of a medical card may be appealed to the Executive for further consideration.

Applicants whose sole income is derived from Department of Social and Family Affairs payments or HSE payments, which are below or in excess of the eligibility income guidelines will be granted a medical card.

Since the beginning of 2005 the medical card assessment guidelines have been increased by a cumulative 29%. Other significant changes which I have introduced are that applications are now considered on the basis of income net of tax and PRSI and that allowance is made for reasonable expenses incurred in respect of mortgage/rent, childcare and travel to work. 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 used in respect of medical cards.

My Department and the HSE are at present considering whether any further changes to the guidelines are required, having regard to factors such as changes in income levels generally, the nature of typical household outgoings and also changes to the various social welfare schemes.

National Drugs Strategy.

Finian McGrath

Question:

603 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason no additional resources have been allocated for the development of drug treatment services in communities here in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43915/06]

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 the specific matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

I have already announced an increase of €6 million as part of Budget 2007 to address the health related aspects of the National Drugs Strategy. This increase of funding is aimed at the continued implementation of the report on treatment services for under 18 year olds presenting with serious drug problems; the expansion of harm reduction services; polydrug services to meet the needs caused by changing patterns of drug use and initiatives for homeless persons.

Health Service Staff.

John Perry

Question:

604 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the circumstances of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; if she will ensure that in equity their pension entitlements are based on a manager’s pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1124/07]

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

Child Care Services.

Liam Aylward

Question:

605 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress to date on the application for funding under the childcare programme by a group (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [1412/07]

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

With regard to the application for staffing grant assistance under the EOCP referred to in the question, I understand that it is in the final phase of the assessment process. The Group will be informed of the outcome in due course.

Seán Crowe

Question:

606 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Health and Children the details in relation to Government funding for the Tallaght West childhood initiative. [1585/07]

Seán Crowe

Question:

607 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Health and Children the most recent decisions made regarding Government funding for the Tallaght West childhood development initiative. [1590/07]

Seán Crowe

Question:

736 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Health and Children if there have been decisions made in relation to Government funding for the Tallaght West childhood initiative. [1588/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 606, 607 and 736 together.

In 2006 I announced the Government's commitment to co-fund an innovative programme of prevention and early intervention for children. The Programme will run for a five-year period and has a fund amounting to €36 million in total, half of which will be provided by Government and half by The Atlantic Philanthropies. The Programme is being managed by the Office of the Minister for Children (OMC) in conjunction with the co-funders.

Tallaght West Childhood Development Initiative was one of three sites invited to submit a proposal under the Programme. Following evaluation by an international expert panel (on behalf of the Government) and separately by The Atlantic Philanthropies, the Tallaght West proposal has been approved for funding. My Office is currently in discussion with Tallaght West CDI in relation to a Service Level Agreement, which is expected to be finalised very shortly.

Grant Payments.

Michael Ring

Question:

608 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will sanction a staffing grant to a group (details supplied) in County Mayo. [1866/07]

Michael Ring

Question:

792 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when an application by a group (details supplied) in County Mayo was first submitted to POBAL for a staffing grant; the stages that it was to go through for full appraisal and decision; the date the final decision was made on this application; the amount that was provided to this group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1915/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 608 and 792 together.

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

Community based/not for profit groups who applied for staffing grant assistance under the EOCP submitted applications to the Childcare Directorate which, prior to December 2005 was within the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. These applications were then forwarded to Pobal (formally known as ADM Ltd) which is engaged to manage the day-to-day operation of the programme. Thorough appraisals of all applications are carried out by Pobal prior to their consideration by the Programme Appraisal Committee chaired by the Childcare Directorate. The recommendations of the Committee are then forwarded for decision to the Secretary General of the Department.

The Group in question was approved a total of €137,000 in capital grant assistance in June 2005 under the EOCP towards an extension of their existing facility.

In April 2002, the Group was approved a total of €38,000 in staffing grant assistance under the EOCP for a period of 3 years. Approval for an additional €33,000 in staffing grant assistance was given in September 2005 for the period to 31 December 2007. A request by the Group for additional staffing funding, to cover the childcare places associated with the extension of the service, was approved on 15 December 2006 with the grant of a further €60,200. This brings the total amount in staffing grant support approved to 31 December 2007, to €131,200. Each of the decisions to approve funding, including the most recent approval of 15 December 2006, has been communicated to the Group.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Enda Kenny

Question:

609 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children assessed with autism or autistic tendencies in County Mayo to date; the estimated number on waiting lists for assessment; the scale of service being available to children so assessed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1884/07]

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.

Pre-School Services.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

610 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for funding to develop a pre-school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will confirm if this application is under consideration for funding. [2113/07]

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

With regard to the application for capital grant assistance under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000 — 2006 referred to in the question, I understand that the Group concerned were notified in May 2006 that they were not recommended for capital grant assistance, as the project did not represent value for money when considered in line with building costs guidelines, and that there is a risk of duplication and displacement of existing services. The letter informing the Group of this decision was dated 10 May 2006 and it further informed the Group that any appeal should be submitted within one month of the issue of that letter. My Office is not aware of any formal appeal being submitted by the Group. In order to obtain capital funding under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 contracts were required to be signed with Pobal, which is engaged to administer the grants, before 31 December 2006. However, if the Group wish to have an application for capital grant assistance considered under the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010, they may do so by contacting Cork County Childcare Committee.

Health Services.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

611 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will acknowledge the need to make resources available for the needs of separated fathers and men who suffer domestic violence and the after effects of separation and divorce. [2188/07]

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 examine the matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Suicide Rate.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

612 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of separated fathers who have committed suicide over the past 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2190/07]

According to figures provided by the Central Statistics Office, the number of male deaths by suicide classified by marital status for 2005 was 9 separated males and 3 divorced males. Data where the male had dependent children is not available. These figures are by date of registration and are strictly provisional. Figures for 2006 are not yet available.

Mental Health Services.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

613 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Health and Children the safeguards in place to protect the welfare of children when mothers commit infanticide due to psychological problems, that is, postnatal depression. [2192/07]

Many women in immediate post-partum will experience emotional changes sometimes described as the baby blues. While distressing, this is usually transitory and responds well to family support and encouragement. In a small number of cases, a more sustained and significant psychiatric disorder can be expected, two thirds of which can be described as affective (mood) disorder with significant depression or periods of elation, one third of which may take on a psychotic aspect. Nursing staff in maternity hospitals would be familiar and alert to this phenomenon and mothers to be would be advised of same in antenatal preparation classes. The family support and follow up visits by primary healthcare professionals, General Practitioner and Public Health Nurse, act as a support and guidance to new mothers and would be alert to symptoms of post-natal distress or depression.

The three Dublin hospitals Rotunda, Coombe and Holles Street have four sessions of dedicated consultant psychiatry each and these work in close liaison with community based mental health services to provide specialist intervention when required. With the development of liaison psychiatry similar arrangements are available to other maternity hospital outside Dublin. The recently opened Elmount Unit in St Vincent's has 3 mother and child beds so that a mothers mental health needs can be addressed without disrupting the important bonding process between mother and baby. Similar facilities are available in acute inpatient setting nationally. If there is any clinical indication, concern or risk to the health and welfare of the child, mental health professionals will intervene to support and treat the mother's illness while ensuring the child's safety needs are met. For women who have experienced post-natal mental health difficulties, subsequent pregnancies are managed in collaboration with local mental health services and occasionally it is possible to begin a treatment regime before the delivery with due regard to the impact of medication on the developing foetus.

Under the Child Care Act, 1991 the Health Service Executive (HSE) is responsible for promoting the welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care and protection. One of the major principles underlying policy in this area is that a child should, in so far as possible and having regard to his or her safety and welfare, be cared for within their own home. Family support programmes are provided by services such as the Community Mothers, Family Support Workers, Teen Parents Support Projects, and Springboard Projects and encompass specific interventions such as Parents Plus programme and the Family First Parenting Initiative, as well as a range of general parenting programmes and supports.

Under the Child Care Act, 1991 children can be taken into the care of the HSE, and placed in foster care or residential care, in accordance with the Child Care Regulations, 1995. In the case of women with post-natal mental health difficulties where clinical indication suggest any significant risk to the baby or other children, HSE child care services may provide for short term fostering with supervised access until the mother's mental health has been restored.

Human Rights Issues.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

614 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will impose all international regulations relating to the welfare of a child and its rights; and when he will put them in practice. [2201/07]

I take it the question refers to the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Convention is the most widely ratified of the six core United Nations human rights treaties and the global support for it is a compelling demonstration of the international commitment of governments to the promotion and protection of children's rights.

Ireland ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child without reservation in September 1992 and submitted its Second report in July 2005 to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. On 20th September, 2006 Ireland appeared before the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child in Geneva to outline the progress that has been achieved in relation to the increased and enhanced development of policies and services for children since Ireland's last appearance before the Committee in 1998.

The UN Committee welcomed Ireland's comprehensive Second report. The Committee commented on the fruitful and open dialogue with the Irish State delegation and welcomed the many new developments since Ireland's last report was examined in 1998, including a Minister for Children who sits at the Cabinet table, the establishment of the Office of the Minister for Children, the publication of the National Children's Strategy, and the establishment of the Office of the Ombudsman for Children, to name but a few.

Ireland's implementation on each and every aspect of children's rights under the Convention is outlined in the report. Implementation takes the form of legislative, policy and administrative provisions across the range of policy areas.

The Child Care Act, 1991 sets out the statutory framework within which child welfare and protection services for children aged 0-18 years are provided in Ireland. The emphasis of the Act is on supporting children and families in their own communities having regard to the principle that it is generally in the best interests of the child to be brought up in their own family. The dominant focus in child care services since the early 1990s has been on the protection and care of children who are at risk. This policy has shifted in recent times to also include a preventive approach to child welfare involving support to families and individual children, the aim being to avoid the need for further more serious interventions later on. The 1991 Act places statutory responsibility for the provision of child welfare and protection and family support services on the (Health Service Executive) HSE. Regulations and standards have been introduced on the placement of children in residential care, in foster care and with relatives. Inspections are carried out on the basis of those regulations by the Social Services Inspectorate.

The United Nations committee hearings provide a useful opportunity for us to measure our progress and take stock of what has been achieved and identify priorities for the next stage of our development. As I acknowledged to the committee in Geneva, although there have been huge advances made in the position of children during the last ten years in Ireland, there are areas which need further development and investment. The United Nations committee highlighted areas where further progress could be made, such as advancing the rights of the child in the Constitution.

The Taoiseach announced on Friday 3rd November, 2006 that a referendum on children's rights should take place and asked me as Minister for Children to initiate a process of consultation and discussion with the other Dáil parties and with all relevant interest groups. I have engaged in a series of discussions with political party representatives, the Ombudsman for Children, non-governmental organisations (represented by the Children's Rights Alliance) and faith-based groups. Based on these discussions I will be bringing forward proposals for consideration by Cabinet.

The Government will use the UN Committee's concluding observations to help decide our priorities as we work to improve the lives of children in Ireland going forward. Ireland's third and fourth consolidated Report is due to be submitted by 27th April, 2009. My Office continues to highlight those areas to which the UN Committee has drawn attention and has asked Departments to note and examine the concluding observations in the context of business and strategic planning processes.

Family Support Services.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

615 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will acknowledge that the increase in juvenile crime and lack of morality is due to not having a functional Government structure in place for children from broken homes and lack of services for youth to help cope with the trauma of their parents’ separation. [2202/07]

The Government is committed to improving the lives of all children in Ireland under the National Children's Strategy and in order to bring greater coherence to policy making for children, the Government has established the Office of the Minister for Children (OMC). The OMC is an integral part of the Department of Health and Children.

The OMC focuses on harmonising policy issues that affect children in areas such as early childhood care and education, youth justice, child welfare and protection, children and young people's participation, research on children and young people and cross cutting initiatives for children. Children now have a stronger voice on issues that affect them, through my attendance at Cabinet meetings.

In relation to juvenile crime there has been no increase in the rate of offending by young people in recent years. All young people suspected of committing an offence are referred to the Garda Diversion Programme. The number of young people referred to the Programme in recent years has remained stable at approximately 17,500 young people each year since 2002. The 2005 figure of 17,567 actually represents a decrease of 0.5% over 2004. The percentage of children considered unsuitable for the Programme and sent forward to be considered for prosecution has also been falling since 2002.

The Government is committed to tackling the problems in the youth justice area. Following a review of the system completed in December 2005, a series of reforms has been initiated including the establishment of the Irish Youth Justice Service, the development of new community alternatives to detention and the investment of considerable resources to support the process. Under the National Development Plan, €224 million has been committed to youth justice programmes over the lifetime of the plan.

In relation to child welfare and protection services family support programmes are provided by services such as the Community Mothers, Family Support Workers, Teen Parents Support Projects, and Springboard Projects and encompass specific interventions such as Parents Plus programme, the Family First Parenting Initiative as well as a range of general parenting programmes and supports.

The Family Support Agency provides, under the Scheme of Grants for Marriage, Child and Bereavement Counselling Services, funding for Child counselling in relation to Parental Separation and funding for relationship counselling.

The Family Support Agency also provides a Direct Mediation Service. Parents may elect to go to mediation, which can help in these circumstances. The Family Mediation Service is a free professional service. Mediation helps couples who have decided to separate, or who have already separated to negotiate their own terms of agreement, taking into account the needs and interests of all involved. Mediation assists parents in working out a parenting plan for their children. A parenting plan is a carefully devised schedule which lays out how to share time with the children, how to manage responsibilities, and how to make decisions about the children. When a couple has reached agreement, a session is offered to parents with their children to discuss their new family arrangements in an encouraging and positive way.

Mental Health Services.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

616 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced by pupils in having assessments carried out by a service (details supplied). [2321/07]

Emmet Stagg

Question:

856 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the waiting times for assessment by a service (details supplied); if her attention has been further drawn to the fact that same prevents early intervention in relation to the provision of a special needs assistant for the pupil involved; and the action she will take to reduce such waiting lists. [2324/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 616 and 856 together.

The Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, entitled ‘A Vision for Change', was launched on 24th January 2006. It provides a framework for action to develop a modern, high quality mental health service over the next 7 to 10 years.

In 2006, a sum of €26.2 million was allocated for the development of mental health services in line with ‘A Vision for Change'. A further sum of €25 million has been allocated in 2007 to continue this development. A significant amount of this year's funding — €7.95m — is for the development of child and adolescent psychiatric services. This funding will bring about significant improvements in community, hospital-based and early intervention services. Existing multidisciplinary teams will be enhanced and new child and adolescent mental health teams developed.

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, therefore, 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.

Social Welfare Benefits.

David Stanton

Question:

617 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the breakdown of the number of people in receipt of infectious diseases maintenance allowance, blind welfare allowance, domiciliary care allowance, mobility allowance, motorised transport grant and rehabilitation training allowance respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3106/07]

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.

Paudge Connolly

Question:

618 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Government will introduce pneumococcal vaccination for children in line with routine pneumococcal vaccinations commencing in Britain and Northern Ireland from 1 April 2007 to minimise the instance of the potentially pneumococcal meningitis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3312/07]

Finian McGrath

Question:

623 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that Ireland does not leave its young people at risk from pneumococcal meningitis; and if she will introduce this vaccination onto the childhood immunisation schedule without delay. [43732/06]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

648 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans in place or envisaged to introduce an immunisation scheme for pneumococcal meningitis similar to the UK, US and Canada; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1030/07]

John McGuinness

Question:

676 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if pneumococcal meningitis vaccination will be introduced on the childhood immunisation schedule; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1195/07]

Jerry Cowley

Question:

785 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children when she expects the National Immunisation Advisory Committee to have made a decision on the introduction to the routine childhood immunisation schedule of the vaccine for pneumococcal disease; her views on whether this immunisation is necessary, leaving children here in a vulnerable position; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1908/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 618, 623, 648, 676 and 785 together.

Ireland's recommended immunisation programme is based on the guidelines of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (NIAC). 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; and 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.

Child Care Services.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

619 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Health and Children the criteria for funding under the national childcare investment programme; the timeframe for and the details of the programme; if the staffing grants will continue to be funded under the programme; if EOCP funding will continue until the NCIP is in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43696/06]

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

The NCIP came into effect from 1 January 2006, with an allocation of €575 million for the 5 year period of 2006 to 2010. The NCIP is a key element of the National Childcare Strategy 2006-2010, the aim of which is to deliver a more comprehensive approach to early years care and education. The NCIP is designed to deliver 50,000 additional childcare places, with a greater focus on pre-school places for 3 to 4 year olds and school age childcare. Childcare places are provided either through community based/not for profit childcare groups or by private providers. Capital grant applications under the NCIP are assessed under a number of criteria; chiefly the nature and extent of the need locally for the service proposed, the applicant's capacity to deliver the project proposed and value for money. All proposals are expected to demonstrate how they will increase the supply of quality childcare, and furthermore, community projects are expected to have a focus on disadvantage.

Under the EOCP support is provided towards the staffing costs of employing childcare workers in community based childcare centres in disadvantaged areas, ensuring that less advantaged parents in those areas have access to quality childcare in order to facilitate access to education, training and employment opportunities. Staffing grants under the EOCP have been extended to the 31 December 2007 for all groups who are meeting the terms of their existing staffing grant contracts. A new programme of staffing grants under the NCIP is expected to be announced in 2007 and will be informed by the outcome of a Value for Money Review of the EOCP which is currently in progress. The Review is expected to be completed in the first half of 2007 following which the procedures and criteria governing the new grant scheme will be made available both generally and to existing staffing grant recipients.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Richard Bruton

Question:

620 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the present rate of investment in new residential places for persons with a disability served by St. Michael’s House is lower than before the five year programme was announced and is not sufficient to prevent continuing expansion in the numbers waiting for residential accommodation; if this is a general feature of the Government’s investment programme in such facilities or only a problem in the area served by St. Michael’s House; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43718/06]

Richard Bruton

Question:

719 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that cutbacks have been imposed on the budget of St. Michael’s House allegedly for efficiency reasons; if she will investigate the justification for these cutbacks; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that the number of residential places constructed for St. Michael’s House in recent years are much lower than the level of 71 reached about four years ago which is the figure necessary in order to prevent their waiting list increasing; and is she will investigate the reason the construction of places for St. Michael’s House have been reduced. [1497/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 620 and 719 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 these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Services.

Pat Breen

Question:

621 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on establishing a midwife led maternity unit operating at Ennis General Hospital, a Health Service Executive Clare home birth service based at a midwife led maternity unit in Ennis, the provision of satellite anti-natal clinics throughout County Clare, the establishment of a Domino scheme birth option for Clare mothers, the extension of current post-natal services, including an increased number of post-natal care home visits and more post-natal groups and clinics; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43719/06]

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

Richard Bruton

Question:

622 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the commitment she made when publishing the Estimates 2005 that a second MRI scanner would be provided in Beaumont Hospital; and the reason same has not happened. [43723/06]

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.

My Department is advised by the Executive that the tendering process for the second MRI scanner at Beaumont Hospital is nearing completion. Arrangements with a private provider have been in place since February 2006 pending the provision of the second MRI.

My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the expected commissioning date of the second MRI at Beaumont Hospital.

Question No. 623 answered with QuestionNo. 618.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Richard Bruton

Question:

624 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the frequent lengthy delays in Temple Street Hospital for x-rays due to the lack of the scheduling of sufficient radiographers to deal with the demand outside of office hours; and if arrangements will be made to review same. [43745/06]

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.

National Minimum Wage.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

625 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff in her Department currently earning the national minimum wage; the number of staff in her Department currently earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff in her Department’s agencies currently earning the national minimum wage; the number of staff in her Department’s agencies currently earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff who are employed by contractors to her Department currently earning the national minimum wage; the number employed by contractors of her Department currently earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff in her Department currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by Sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; the number of staff in her Department’s agencies currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by Sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; the number of staff who are employed by contractors to her Department currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by Sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43758/06]

There are no staff in my Department currently earning the National Minimum Wage i.e. €8.30 per hour or lower. There are also no staff currently earning less than €1.00 per hour more than the National Minimum Wage i.e. €9.30 per hour.

The position regarding staff employed by companies providing services for my Department was examined last year following a specific request on the matter from the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment. The companies concerned gave me written assurance that they comply with all the statutory terms and conditions of employment in respect of their staff and I am satisfied with the current situation. In relation to payments above the statutory terms this would be a matter for the companies concerned.

There are no staff in my Department's agencies (excluding the Health Service Executive) currently earning the National Minimum Wage or lower. There are also no staff in my Department's agencies (excluding the Health Service Executive) currently earning less than €1.00 per hour more than the National Minimum Wage.

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 in relation to its employees. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Cancer Screening Programme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

626 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that persons who have had treatment for breast cancer are being dropped from the BreastCheck system when they reach the age of 64; and if she will review the protocols that permit this to happen which are not in accord with good principles of preventative health strategy. [43767/06]

I am committed to ensuring that the BreastCheck service is rolled out to the remaining regions in the country as quickly as possible. I have allocated additional revenue funding of €8 million for this year to meet the additional costs involved. I have also made available an additional €26.7m capital funding for the construction of two new clinical units and five additional mobile units and state of the art digital equipment. The first round of screening will commence in the South and West in the spring which will take around 27 months to complete. The BreastCheck Programme is designed to offer repeat screening within an interval of 21-27 months.

The expert advice from BreastCheck and from the National Cancer Forum, as contained in its a Strategy for Cancer Control, is that following the national extension of the current programme, the upper age limit should be extended to women aged 69 years. Accordingly, when the national roll-out of the programme is sufficiently developed and it is assured that a quality service is being delivered at national level, I will consider extending the upper age limit as recommended. Any woman irrespective of her age or residence who has immediate concerns or symptoms should contact her GP who, where appropriate, will refer her to the symptomatic services in her area.

General Medical Services Scheme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

627 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will review the arrangement whereby GMS cover for medicines prescribed by a private consultant is only accepted if there is a repeat prescription by the patient’s general practitioner. [43769/06]

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

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

Health Services.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

628 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of rehabilitation beds available in Cuan Dara and other centres here for recovering drug addicts; the occupancy levels for the beds; and the criteria for accessing the recovery programme; the amount of people on and the length of the waiting lists for each of the residential recovery centres. [43790/06]

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.

Richard Bruton

Question:

629 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the service plan that has been put in place for a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if she requested and received a report on this person’s plight which was illustrated in a recent RTÉ programme. [43797/06]

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.

I received representations in relation to the case mentioned by the Deputy. My Department made enquiries with the Health Service Executive who provided a report. The HSE has been asked to provide an updated report.

Hospital Staff.

Damien English

Question:

630 Mr. English asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will approve the recruitment of a post of radiologist for Our Lady’s Hospital in Navan, in order that a DXA scanner, a low dosage x-ray machine which is invaluable for patients with osteoporosis and other conditions, can be put to use as a matter of urgency; when the appointment process will take place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43810/06]

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.

Hospital Charges.

Joan Burton

Question:

631 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the situation in relation to a disability payment received by an in-patient in a care centre and relating to Health Regulations 2005 S.I. No. 276; if this disability payment goes towards the cost of the residential care; if so, the percentage of the payment left to the person; when this new arrangement came into effect; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43835/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

735 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has received correspondence from organisations or individuals objecting to the application of the Health Regulations 2005 (details supplied) governing the charges for in-patient services to residents of centres for people with an intellectual disability; her plans to address this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1557/07]

Liz McManus

Question:

840 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the fact that Health Regulations 2005 S.I. No. 276 of 2005 allows centres with long stay in-patients who may receive disability allowance of €168.50 to deduct €120.00 which leaves a patient with only €48.50 to cover the cost of personal clothing, outings or annual holiday and so on, she will amend this regulation to exclude people with intellectual disabilities who are in long stay in-patient centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2234/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 631, 735 and 840 together.

My Department has received correspondence on aspects of the charges from a number of organisations and individuals.

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 may 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.

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.

Medical Cards.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

632 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties faced by substance abusers in registering with general practitioners, which in turn prevents them from obtaining a medical card and receiving dental treatment; and if will she bring forward proposals to make it easier for those substance abusers who are entitled to a medical card to obtain one. [43845/06]

The assessment of eligibility to medical cards is statutorily a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE) and is determined following an examination of the means of the applicant and his/her dependants. Under Section 45 of the Health Act 1970 medical cards are provided for persons who, in the opinion of the HSE, are unable without undue hardship to arrange general practitioner medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants. Section 58 of the Health Act, 1970, as amended, provides for GP visit cards for adult persons with limited eligibility for whom, in the opinion of the HSE, and notwithstanding that they do not qualify for a medical card, it would be unduly burdensome to arrange GP medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants. Persons aged 70 and over are statutorily entitled to a medical card, regardless of their means. In all other cases an assessment of means is undertaken.

In assessing eligibility, the HSE use guidelines based on people's means, which includes their income, certain allowable outgoings and the effect of factors such as medical need. These guidelines are not statutorily binding and a decision to refuse an application or renewal of a medical card may be appealed to the Executive for further consideration.

The General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme provides for a choice of doctor for medical card holders. Where a person fails to secure their GP of choice, s/he may be assigned to a GMS contracted GP by the HSE.

As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for these benefits, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Care of the Elderly.

Bernard Allen

Question:

633 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate a situation where a person (details supplied) in County Cork, who lives alone, applied for and was refused an upgrade in their home help supports despite the fact that their consultant psychiatrist supported their application. [43923/06]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Services.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

634 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the procedure in place to facilitate public patients who may have lost confidence in the hospital where they are being treated to change to another hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43924/06]

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.

International Agreements.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

635 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide copies and a short explanation of agreements which exist between the Irish and UK Government to supply medical services, such as a medical card, to British citizens residing here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43925/06]

Regulation (EC) 1408/71 provides for the coordination of social security systems, including healthcare, among EU member states. Under its provisions persons who are residing in one member state but who are pensioners of or employed in another member state, are entitled to receive, inter alia, healthcare in the member state of residence provided on behalf of the member state of employment or the member state paying the pension (the “competent state”). In Ireland, those residing here who are covered by EU Regulations receive an EU medical card.

Under these provisions, a UK pensioner residing in Ireland or a UK-employed person who resides in Ireland receives an EU medical card. Dependants are also covered by these provisions. These provisions apply between Ireland and the UK as between Ireland and all other EU member states. The Regulation provides for costs to be reimbursed by the member state on whose behalf the healthcare is provided. Because of the traditional close links between Ireland and the UK, and the considerable movement between the two countries, a bilateral reimbursement agreement is in place to deal with reimbursement for healthcare provided under EU Regulations on a lump-sum basis.

Medical Cards.

Finian McGrath

Question:

636 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if an Irish Citizen living abroad can return home; and the medical care that they will be entitled to. [43927/06]

Where an Irish national returns to Ireland and is not covered by any of the arrangements made under EU regulations, he/she should be regarded as ordinarily resident here if he/she: is employed or self-employed here; or satisfies the HSE that it is his/her intention to remain in Ireland for a minimum period of one year.

Where an Irish national is working abroad on a short-term contract but satisfies the HSE that it is not his/her intention to take up residence outside of Ireland on an indefinite basis, the status of ordinarily resident and eligibility for Irish health services may be retained. The HSE may take account of the nature and duration of the contract as well as evidence such as proof of property purchase, lease or rental, or evidence of transfer of funds, bank accounts or pensions in arriving at its decision.

Where an Irish national has been resident abroad for a period of up to three years but the HSE is satisfied that the person did not establish an entitlement to health services in any other country, the HSE should (if the circumstances as outlined above do not apply) regard the person as "ordinarily resident" in Ireland if he or she requires treatment on returning to Ireland. This is intended to ensure, in particular, that persons who emigrate do not lose their health services eligibility on residence grounds before they have been able to establish eligibility elsewhere. It would not apply where a person is covered by EU Regulations and, in particular, it would not entitle a person temporarily resident in another EU country to have the HSE extend the European Health Insurance Card beyond the normal period.

An individual living in Ireland for at least one year is considered by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to be ‘ordinarily resident' and is entitled to either full eligibility (Category 1, i.e. medical card holders) or limited eligibility (Category 2) for health services. Dependants of an ‘ordinarily resident' person who themselves have not been in Ireland for a period of one year must declare themselves to be the dependants of that person to the HSE, and seek to satisfy the HSE that they intend to remain in Ireland for a period of at least one year.

Medical cards are issued to persons who, in the opinion of the Health Service Executive are unable to provide general practitioner, medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants without undue hardship, with the exception of persons over the age of seventy years, who are automatically entitled to a medical card. Persons in Category 1 are medical card holders and they are entitled to a full range of services including general practitioner services, prescribed drugs and medicines, all in-patient public hospital services in public wards including consultants services, all out-patient public hospital services including consultants services, dental, ophthalmic and aural services and appliances and a maternity and infant care service. Determination of eligibility for medical cards is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive.

Persons not entitled to a medical card, but with an income below a certain threshold (50% above the medical card income guidelines) may be entitled to a GP visit card. A GP visit card entitles the holder to free GP services. For those who do not qualify for a medical card, a number of schemes exist which provide assistance towards the cost of medication. Under the Drug Payment Scheme a person and his/her dependants do not have to pay more than €85 in any calendar month for approved prescribed drugs, medicines and appliances.

Persons in Category 2 (non medical card holders) are entitled, subject to certain charges, to all in-patient public hospital services in public wards including consultant services and out-patient public hospital services including consultant services. The current public hospital statutory in-patient charge is €60 per night, up to a maximum of €600 in any twelve consecutive months. Attendance at accident and emergency departments is subject to a charge of €60 where the patient does not have a referral note from his/her doctor. A maternity and infant care service is provided during pregnancy and up to six weeks after birth.

Further information on eligibility for health services can be obtained from the HSE National Information Line on 1850 24 1850, which operates from Monday to Saturday between the hours of 8.00 a.m. and 8.00 p.m., or on www.hse.ie.

Health Services.

Finian McGrath

Question:

637 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will put a long-term care plan in place for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if she will give them the maximum support. [43928/06]

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 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 Insurance.

Finian McGrath

Question:

638 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding and clarification of the BUPA issue. [43929/06]

I regret BUPA's decision to leave the Irish market and have endeavoured to achieve a solution that would enable BUPA to remain, but would also protect the fundamental principles of the regulatory framework, and in particular, community rating.

Following the High Court decision last November, a meeting was arranged between BUPA senior management and myself in an attempt to facilitate the company remaining in the Irish market. Since that initial meeting further discussions have taken place with BUPA. Unfortunately, it did not prove possible to reach an agreement which BUPA would accept would allow them to stay in the market. However, BUPA has advised that its members will be covered for the duration of their existing contracts and I acknowledge BUPA's commitment to their members in this regard.

Subscribers who are unable to renew their cover with BUPA are entitled, under open enrolment regulations, to move to another insurer without penalty for a similar level of cover to that held with BUPA. They will not be subject to any additional waiting periods before cover takes effect and will not have to re-serve any waiting periods already served, whether in respect of initial cover or in respect of pre-existing conditions as long as the break in cover does not exceed 13 weeks.

It is important that we have a healthy and competitive market for health insurance. The objective of the legislative and regulatory framework which the Government has put in place is to ensure that competition in the market works to the benefit of all health insurance subscribers. The Government is committed to ensuring that this remains the case. To that end, I have appointed a three person group to carry out a business appraisal of the health insurance market in Ireland. The group is to provide their view as to whether an adequate rate of return is available in the Irish health insurance market to insurance undertakings in the current conditions, whilst maintaining community rating. I have asked the Group to report back to me by the end of March.

In the meantime I have just received the views of the Competition Authority and the Health Insurance Authority on the issue of sustaining fair competition in the market. The proposals contained in the Reports will be given careful consideration by Government with a view to advancing competition in the market and addressing any barriers identified.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

639 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children when she will grant approval to the Health Service Executive South East to appoint a design team in regard to the planning brief for Waterford Regional Hospital submitted to her Department on 30 January 2003 with a request for approval of a design team; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43945/06]

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 €559.5 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 Staff.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

640 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children when the position of director of midwifery at Cork University Hospital will be filled; if the position will be independent of the director of nursing at CUH; her views on the concerns of midwives in the Cork area that if the position is not independent and without its own budgetary control, it will hamper initiatives to extend midwifery led care into the community, may create a situation where midwives could be moved to the general wards when the hospital is busy and undermines the assurances that the new maternity unit will have self governance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43946/06]

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.

Ambulance Service.

Dan Neville

Question:

641 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide funding for the ambulance service for south Limerick as outlined in Health Service Development Plan. [43962/06]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Pat Breen

Question:

642 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be taken off the waiting list for orthodontic services and receive treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43963/06]

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.

Ambulance Service.

Damien English

Question:

643 Mr. English asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the current ambulance service provisions for the Clonmellon area of County Westmeath; if her attention has been drawn to deficiencies in the provision of this service; and her plans to improve this service. [43964/06]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Finian McGrath

Question:

644 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will put a long-term care package in place for a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make it a priority case. [43967/06]

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

Mental Health Services.

Finian McGrath

Question:

645 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Government has in the past eleven months begun implementing A Vision for Change; and when will an implementation plan be published by the Government. [43968/06]

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. The Group is to submit its first annual report in mid 2007.

Implementation of the individual recommendations of "A Vision for Change" is a matter primarily for the HSE. The HSE established an implementation group in July 2006 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.

The Chairs of the implementation group and the monitoring group are meeting in the near future and following that meeting the HSE will publish a Progress Report and outline the proposed implementation programme over the 10 year life of "A Vision for Change".

Both of these groups will play an important role in ensuring that the recommendations are implemented in a co-ordinated and timely manner.

In 2006, a sum of €26.2 million was provided for the development of our mental health services in line with "A Vision for Change". A further sum of €25 million has been allocated for 2007 to continue this development.

Nursing Homes.

Pat Breen

Question:

646 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 a nursing home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1015/07]

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 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.

Tony Gregory

Question:

647 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will intervene with the Health Service Executive with a view to resolving the crisis whereby 4,000 children are awaiting eye examinations at a clinic (details supplied) in Dublin 7 and sanction the appointment of two community ophthalmologists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1029/07]

Child health examinations are provided by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to children under 6 years of age and children attending national school in accordance with Section 66 of the Health Act, 1970. Under Section 67 of that Act, such children are eligible for HSE ophthalmic services in respect of problems noted at child health examinations. The Clinic at Rathdown Road provides these services to children living in north Dublin City and County.

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

Question No. 648 answered with QuestionNo. 618.

Medicinal Products.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

649 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to reports that certain medications, in particular some anti-depressants, may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviours; her views on whether this risk is adequately highlighted in the information packets of these medications; if further legislation is needed in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1031/07]

I am aware of concerns that have been raised in recent years concerning the safety of the class of medicines known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) which are used to treat depression.

The Irish Medicines Board is the statutory body responsible for the regulation of medicinal products in Ireland. The Board, in consultation with its European counterparts, has continuously monitored the safety of this class of medicines since they were first licensed for the Irish market. The Board has taken regulatory action on these products when deemed necessary.

In 2004 the Board took part in a Europe wide review of medicinal products containing paroxetine, which is one of the group of SSRIs which is used to treat mild to moderate depression. This review was undertaken on the basis of safety concerns relating to these products. The Board actively participated in this review, which involved a complete benefit/risk re-assessment, and concluded that the benefit/risk profile of products containing paroxetine remains positive.

The documentation used for these products includes special warnings and precautions for use, particularly in relation to the need for close monitoring of patients using these products who may be at risk of suicidal behaviour.

The Board and its European counterparts will continue to actively monitor the safety of all medicinal products licensed for use in Ireland, evaluate all new scientific data that emerges and take any regulatory action deemed appropriate.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Denis Naughten

Question:

650 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 746 of 27 September 2006, if core funding has been provided to the Irish Wheelchair Association to mainstream services currently provided by community employment participants; the plans there are to mainstream CE participants in other areas of the health sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1063/07]

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.

Denis Naughten

Question:

651 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 203 of 30 May 2006, if she will fulfil a written commitment to establish a no fault compensation scheme for psychiatric nurses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1073/07]

I can confirm that the Government decided on 17th January 2007 to authorise the Health Service Executive (HSE) to source personal injury insurance cover for nurses employed in mental health services. This insurance would provide a fixed tariff of compensation for particular physical injuries resulting from assault by a patient. This would be in addition to the benefits available under the existing Serious Physical Assaults Scheme.

The HSE has also been asked to examine the procedures in place to reduce the level of assaults on staff by patients/clients and to report to me.

My Department has advised the HSE of the Government decision and has requested that the matter be progressed as quickly as possible.

Health Services.

Denis Naughten

Question:

652 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has satisfied that the diabetic services in the west of Ireland are adequate in view of the fact that people in the region have the highest prevalence of diabetes; her plans to develop the existing services and introduce new services in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1074/07]

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.

Palliative Care Services.

Denis Naughten

Question:

653 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will increase the funding available in 2007 to Roscommon and Mayo Hospice for the provision of palliative care services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1076/07]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that an additional €5m has been provided for palliative care developments nationally in 2007. The Health Service Executive will work with the newly established Development Committees to determine priorities and allocations throughout the country.

Care of the Elderly.

Denis Naughten

Question:

654 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason there is such a delay in distributing Section 65 funding to voluntary groups providing services to the elderly; the reason they must wait until December to receive half of their annual funding; if her attention has been drawn to the financial pressures which this puts on many organisations; the plans she has to address this problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1080/07]

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 case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Services.

John Perry

Question:

655 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that a person (details supplied) is called for their operation in Sligo General Hospital as their condition has deteriorated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1084/07]

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.

Hospital Accommodation.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

656 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of places for long stay geriatric patients both public and private in County Mayo; the number of such patients who receive a subsidy towards their cost; the number who receive no subsidy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1103/07]

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.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

657 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Health and Children when she expects to receive the capital funding plan or programme for 2007 from the Health Service Executive; when the plan or programme will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1156/07]

My Department received the Health Service Executive's Capital Plan for 2007 on 17 January 2007. The Plan is being evaluated with a view to its approval by my Department and the Department of Finance. The Health Service Executive will announce details of the approved capital programme following this process.

Health Repayment Scheme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

658 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans she has to extend the nursing home refund to patients in private, non-contracted, nursing home beds, who were in receipt of a medical card and could not avail of a public bed due to the lack of capacity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1170/07]

The Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006 provides a clear legal framework to repay recoverable health charges for publicly funded long term residential care. All those fully eligible persons who were wrongly charged and are alive will have their charges repaid in full. The estates of all those fully eligible persons who were wrongly charged for publicly funded long term residential care and died since 9 December 1998 will have the charges repaid in full. The scheme does not allow for repayments to the estates of those who died prior to that date.

Recoverable health charges are charges which were imposed on persons with full eligibility under the Health (Charges for In-patient Services) Regulations 1976 as amended in 1987 or charges for in-patient services only, raised under the Institutional Assistance Regulations 1954 as amended in 1965.

Persons who were in publicly contracted beds in private nursing homes are covered by the terms of the Supreme Court judgment. The provisions of the judgment do not apply to individuals in private nursing homes who have entered these homes under the Nursing Home Subvention Scheme. In the case of private nursing home care the contract is between the individual and the private nursing home owner.

Ambulance Service.

Denis Naughten

Question:

659 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress she has made in the establishment of an all-Ireland helicopter emergency medical service as recommended by the feasibility study consultants' report published on 30 April 2004; if there has been recent meetings held in relation to establishing this service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1171/07]

Jerry Cowley

Question:

763 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children when the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service will be rolled out here; her views on whether this is an essential service and is necessary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1738/07]

Pat Breen

Question:

816 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to provide a comprehensive air ambulance service for County Clare that would cover areas more than one hour’s driving time from the Mid Western Regional Hospital, Limerick, such as west Clare, north Clare and parts of east Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2106/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 659, 763 and 816 together.

A consultancy study jointly commissioned by my Department and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Belfast (DHSSPS) on the costs and benefits associated with the introduction of a dedicated Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) for the island of Ireland was published in 2004 and is available on my Department's website. The study concluded that the introduction of a dedicated inter-hospital air ambulance service would be appropriate in an all-island context.

In considering the report, the DHSSPS advised that its priority at present is the need for further investment to improve the ground ambulance service. On foot of the report my Department had detailed discussions with the Department of Defence regarding the future provision of air ambulance services by the Air Corps. Arising from these discussions, a detailed Service Level Agreement has been prepared and signed. The signatories to the agreement are the Department of Defence, the Department of Health and Children, the Health Service Executive, the Defence Forces and the Air Corps.

The agreement sets out the range services to be provided by the Air Corps, specifically:

Inter-hospital Transfer for spinal and serious injury and illness

Air Transport of Neonates requiring immediate medical intervention in Ireland

Air Transport of patients requiring emergency organ transplant in the UK

Air Transport of Organ Harvest Teams within Ireland

Air Transport of patients from offshore islands to mainland hospitals where the Coast Guard service is not available.

A Steering Group comprising representation from each of the signatories to the Service Level Agreement has been established. The Group is monitoring the operation of the agreement and will amend, if necessary, the provisions of the agreement to take account of service developments, including the new fleet replacement programme currently being put in place by the Air Corps. The Air Corps introduced two new EC 135 helicopters into service in 2006 and intends to introduce four AB 139 helicopters into service in 2007. Each of the new helicopters has a specific air ambulance capability. The new fleet will also have a far greater flying capacity than was previously available.

Health Service Staff.

Denis Naughten

Question:

660 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 98 of 23 March 2006, if she will ensure that an agreement between the Health Service Executive and SIPTU to abolish zero hour contracts for home helps is implemented in full; the steps she is taking to ensure that the Health Service Executive complies with the Conditions of Employment Act 1944 and the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 when employing home helps; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1175/07]

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.

My Department does not set employment quotas at national level for any grade in the public health service. 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.

National Treatment Purchase Fund.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

661 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the provision of orthodontic treatment under the national treatment purchase fund to help clear public waiting lists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1179/07]

My Department, in 2002, arranged with the National Treatment Purchase Fund to provide treatment for persons on the orthodontic waiting list. If proposals are made to me by the Health Service Executive regarding a further use of the Fund towards this waiting list it will be considered. However, no decision can be taken on such a proposal until it is fully assessed.

Home Care Packages.

John Perry

Question:

662 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children the exact eligibility for home care packages; the person to apply to in the Sligo/Leitrim area; the person who ranks applications in the Sligo/Leitrim area; the criteria for same; if you can apply for partial packages and supplement by private sources; and what a typical package contains. [1180/07]

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.

Primary Care Strategy.

John Perry

Question:

663 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of primary care teams in 2005 and 2006; the locations of these; the population the teams cover; the new projects in 2006; the numbers served by these; and the spending on them. [1181/07]

The Primary Care Strategy aims to develop services in the community to give people direct access to integrated multi-disciplinary teams of general practitioners, nurses, home helps, physiotherapists, 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.

The HSE received an additional €10m in funding in 2006 to enable the establishment of up to 100 Primary Care Teams in development; a further €22m is being provided in 2007 to meet the full year costs of the 2006 developments and to enable a further 100 Primary Care Teams in development to be established. The Government has committed under the Towards 2016 agreement to the establishment of 300 Primary Care Teams by 2008; 400 by 2009; and 500 by 2011. A review of these targets will be undertaken in 2008.

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

Health Services.

Michael Noonan

Question:

664 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Health and Children if a service to provide insulin pumps to persons with diabetes together with the appropriate training in their use will be provided at the diabetes unit at the Mid-West Regional Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1182/07]

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

Health Service Staff.

John Gormley

Question:

665 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans, in view of her statement in a radio interview on Budget Day 2007 that many newly qualified physiotherapists are unemployed, to address this situation; and if she will provide employment for the 150 graduates expected to graduate in May 2007. [1183/07]

Phil Hogan

Question:

740 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the number of people who are qualified but unemployed as physiotherapists and the need for improvements to be carried out to services for people requiring physiotherapy; if she will allocate additional funding from her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1614/07]

Liam Aylward

Question:

845 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the number of physiotherapists currently unemployed; the action she is taking to alleviate the present situation in view of the number of people in need of this service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2244/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 665, 740 and 845 together.

I am aware that an issue has arisen around the availability of employment opportunities for recently qualified physiotherapists and I have asked the Health Service Executive to give the matter its urgent attention.

Let me say at the outset that it is a matter for the Health Service Executive, as part of the management of its employment ceiling, to determine the appropriate staffing mix required to deliver its service plan priorities.

It is important to note that there is not an oversupply of physiotherapists in Ireland. The Bacon Report (Current and Future Supply and Demand Conditions in the Labour Market for Certain Professional Therapists) March 2001 recommended an increase in physiotherapy training places, following which additional training places were provided. There continues to be a growing demand for physiotherapy services and this is likely to continue as was highlighted in the Healthcare Skills Monitoring Report (FAS, August 2005) and as evidenced by the number of development posts planned for the physiotherapy profession in the coming years.

At present, it is acknowledged that there is a higher demand for senior physiotherapists but, less opportunities for newly qualified graduates. I am advised that the Health Service Executive has a number of panels in place from which basic grade physiotherapist vacancies will be filled. A further national competition to employ basic grade physiotherapists was advertised this month and a number of recently graduated physotherapists were contacted by the Health Service Executive to advise them of this opportunity to broaden their employment options.

The provision of additional physiotherapy services through developments in a number of service areas has been prioritised in recent years. A number of physiotherapists will be employed as a result of the additional funding allocated in both 2006 and 2007 to extend the home care package scheme. An additional €55m (full year cost) was allocated to the scheme in 2006 with a similar amount in 2007 providing 2,000 extra packages in both years, benefiting some 4,000 people.

Home care packages deliver a wide range of services, including the services of physiotherapists and are aimed at older people who need more assistance to continue to live in their community. As part of the development of primary care there has been a very significant increase in resources and capacity for delivery of physiotherapy services in primary care settings, with 77.5 new physiotherapy posts being created with the funding made available in 2006. The Primary Care Strategy aims to develop services in the community to give people direct access to locally-based integrated multi-disciplinary teams which include physiotherapists. It is anticipated that physiotherapy capacity will be further expanded in 2007 as a result of the planned establishment of a further 100 Primary Care Teams.

Funding was provided in 2006 to support the provision of clinical training in physiotherapy and will result in the recruitment of 18 Physiotherapy Practice Tutors. In the 2007 Budget a sum of €75m for revenue purposes was provided to the Health Service Executive for the Disability Services and represents the 2007 element of the Government's multi-annual investment programme for the National Disability Strategy. The Strategy is committed to enhancing the level and range of multi-disciplinary support services, including physiotherapy, and will require the recruitment of a significant number of physiotherapists.

My Department and the Health Service Executive are continuing to take steps, in consultation with relevant stakeholders which include the physiotherapy professional body and the physiotherapy managers, to find a satisfactory and sustainable approach to the allocation of posts between senior and other grades that will lead to greater employment opportunities for newly qualified graduates in both the short and longer term. 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.

My Department does not set employment quotas at national level for any grade in the public health service. 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.

John Gormley

Question:

666 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of sanctioned posts for basic grade physiotherapists in the Health Service at dates (details supplied). [1184/07]

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.

My Department does not set employment quotas at national level for any grade in the public health service. 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.

John Gormley

Question:

667 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of non-EU physiotherapists employed in the Irish Health service. [1185/07]

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 Health Service Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

John Gormley

Question:

668 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children the total of fees paid to agencies and so on for the recruitment of non-national nurses in each of the years 2003 to 2006. [1186/07]

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.

John Gormley

Question:

669 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm that non-national nurses are paid on the same scales as nurses recruited locally. [1187/07]

I can confirm that in the public health service overseas nurses are paid on the same salary scales as Irish nurses. All nurses regardless of nationality are given incremental credit for relevant nursing service gained anywhere in the world. Employers in the private health sector are not obliged to adhere to the Consolidated Salary Scales issued by my Department. However, they must comply with employment legislation, including the Employment Equality Acts 1998 and 2004 which prohibit discrimination on grounds of nationality.

John Gormley

Question:

670 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the statement made by a person (details supplied) on radio recently that some newly qualified Irish nurses are unable to find employment as nurses in the Irish health service. [1188/07]

The first cohort of students from the new four year degree programme graduated and registered as nurses in 2006. I understand that the overwhelming majority of these newly qualified nurses have taken up employment in the Irish public health service.

There are vacant positions in the health service available for nurses on an ongoing basis to replace staff who have retired or resigned and in cases where new or enhanced services are being rolled out. The Health Service Executive advertises nursing and midwifery posts in the local and national media and on the website www.careersinhealthcare.ie. It is recognised that the geographic location of vacant posts or the specific requirements for particular posts may not match the profile of nurses seeking employment.

Health Repayment Scheme.

Dan Neville

Question:

671 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children when payment under the national repayment scheme will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [1189/07]

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.

Medical Cards.

John McGuinness

Question:

672 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if an application for a full medical card which was refused for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be reviewed; if a full medical card will be issued to them in view of their medical condition and the fact that they are on doctors certificates and require on-going care and medication; and if she will expedite an appeal on their behalf. [1191/07]

John McGuinness

Question:

769 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if an application for a full medical card which was refused in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be reviewed; if a full medical card will be issued to them; and if she will expedite an appeal on their behalf. [1775/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 672 and 769 together.

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, childcare 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 therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputies.

John McGuinness

Question:

673 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a full medical card will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny, based on the medical evidence supplied by their general practitioner; and if she will expedite a positive response. [1192/07]

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, childcare 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 therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Nursing Home Subventions.

John McGuinness

Question:

674 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite an appeal for continued subvention for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny in view of the age and medical circumstances of the patient; if she will ensure that the patient continues to be cared for at this location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1193/07]

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 case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

John McGuinness

Question:

675 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the reasons for the delay in approving a grant under the housing aid for the elderly scheme for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if grant approval will be expedited in view of the fact that the house has been inspected by the Health Service Executive and the work required is urgent and not costly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1194/07]

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 the 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.

Question No. 676 answered with QuestionNo. 618.

Health Services.

John McGuinness

Question:

677 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in establishing a centre of care for people with autism at a vacant property owned by the Health Service Executive at Myshall, County Carlow; if a service provider has been sourced for the project; if the capital costs of the project have been established; if a timeframe for commencement of the service has been agreed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1196/07]

As of January, 2003 the property at Myshall has been the responsibility of the Health Service Executive.

Therefore, 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 Schemes.

John McGuinness

Question:

678 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if an occupational therapist’s report will be provided immediately in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny, relative to their application for a grant under the DPG scheme; if the matter will be expedited in view of the urgency of the works required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1197/07]

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.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

John McGuinness

Question:

679 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the reasons for the delay in approving an application under the housing aid for the elderly scheme for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if the application can be assessed and approved in order that the works required which are urgent can be carried out; if the delay being experienced is due to lack of funding; the number of applicants waiting to be approved; the length of time they have been waiting; if funding will be made available to clear this backlog; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1198/07]

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.

Medical Cards.

John McGuinness

Question:

680 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a full medical card will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if their appeal will be expedited based on the medical evidence submitted by their general practitioner and the fact that not having a full medical card is causing financial hardship, poor healthcare and stress; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1199/07]

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, childcare 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 therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Service Staff.

John McGuinness

Question:

681 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a national group has been put in place to consider applications from employees of the Health Service Executive who wish to transfer within the organisation; the names of those who make up this group; the contact details; if HSE employees have been given the contact details; if immediate contact will be made with those employees who have already applied for transfer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1200/07]

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 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 the Actual 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 to the Deputy.

Medical Cards.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

682 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people in County Kerry in possession of a full medical card; the way this compares with the number in December 2002; the number of people in County Kerry in possession of a doctor only medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1201/07]

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, childcare 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 arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

General Practitioner Services.

Pat Breen

Question:

683 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress that has been made in enabling general practitioners to carry out warfarin blood tests; the timetable she envisages for the provision of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1203/07]

The monitoring and appropriate care of patients receiving anti-coagulation therapy with Warfarin comes within the scope of competence of general practice.

In late 2005, under the chairmanship of the Labour Relations Commission, a comprehensive review of the contractual arrangements for the provision by GPs of primary care services was commenced. The new contractual framework to be devised must ensure 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 the review.

Hospital Services.

Pat Breen

Question:

684 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the revenue requirement for the proposed CT scanner at Ennis General Hospital; the technical specification of the CT scanner; the number of radiologists who will be employed in the context of the CT scanner service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1206/07]

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

Health Service Staff.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

685 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she has taken to provide the finance for the necessary staff at a nursing home (details supplied) in Galway City where seven beds are closed in this nursing home despite the fact that there is a long waiting list of patients waiting for admission to this very central nursing home in Galway City; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1278/07]

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.

Community Pharmacy Services.

Paddy McHugh

Question:

686 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that the Irish Pharmaceutical Union are afforded the right to negotiate on behalf of their members in relation to fees payable for services provided under the publicly funded community drugs scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1279/07]

Liam Aylward

Question:

687 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the Irish Pharmaceutical Union are no longer allowed to negotiate fees on behalf of their members with the Health Service Executive; if her Department supports this move; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1280/07]

Richard Bruton

Question:

693 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the existing fees and mark up available to chemists under the various community drug schemes; if the Irish Pharmaceutical Union have sought to open negotiations on the fee levels with her or with her representatives; and if there is a mediation or arbitration process in place to deal with the apparent deadlock on the issue. [1364/07]

Denis Naughten

Question:

749 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the Irish Pharmaceutical Union cannot negotiate on behalf on its members with the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1665/07]

Denis Naughten

Question:

750 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the Health Service Executive is planning new arrangements for the provision of wholesale pharmaceutical services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1666/07]

Michael Noonan

Question:

764 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason she will not negotiate with the Irish Pharmaceutical Union for fees for services which its members provide under the community drug schemes; if she envisages supporting a compromise to overcome the difficulty; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1739/07]

Michael Ring

Question:

774 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will allow a trade union (details supplied) to negotiate on behalf of its members for services provided. [1808/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

776 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has received correspondence in her Department regarding fees for services under public community drug schemes from various individuals or pharmacies; her plans to address this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1813/07]

Dan Neville

Question:

820 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the Government’s policy in relation to the role of the Irish Pharmaceutical Union to negotiate fees for services provided for its members under the public funded community drug scheme; and if she will respond to correspondence from a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [2140/07]

Richard Bruton

Question:

830 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the Irish Pharmaceutical Union have been debarred from negotiations on behalf of their members with the Health Service Executive regarding fees to be provided under the publicly funded community drugs schemes; if her Department has received representations from the Irish Pharmaceutical Union in relation to this matter; her views in relation to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2212/07]

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

831 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason her Department and the Health Service Executive is refusing to negotiate with the Irish Pharmaceutical Union in the matter of setting fees for services provided by pharmacists under the community drugs scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2213/07]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

841 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the changes envisaged in negotiating fees with pharmacists for their community drug scheme; the reason such changes are being entertained in view of her Department’s repeated assertion that the current system best serves the public interest; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2235/07]

John Deasy

Question:

906 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will request the Health Service Executive to review its decision not to negotiate with the Irish Pharmaceutical Union regarding fees being paid to pharmacists for services they provide under public funded community drug schemes; her views on whether this negotiation is not an attempt by the IPU to fix the price of drugs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2589/07]

Róisín Shortall

Question:

915 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the action she is taking to ensure that the concerns of pharmacists are properly heard in respect of their contract negotiations. [2819/07]

Róisín Shortall

Question:

916 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department recognises the Irish Pharmaceutical Union as the negotiating body for pharmacists. [2820/07]

Beverley Flynn

Question:

926 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the reported decision by the Health Service Executive to discontinue the practice of negotiating pharmacists fees with the Irish Pharmaceutical Union; her views on whether the HSE is justified in its decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2945/07]

Tony Gregory

Question:

927 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Health and Children her response to the concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied) from pharmacists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2946/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 686, 687, 693, 749, 750, 764, 774, 776, 820, 830, 831, 841, 906, 915, 916, 926 and 927 together.

In 2005, a process was begun to examine all aspects of the drugs supply chain, with a view to achieving greater value for money in the pricing and supply of drugs and medicines to the health services and the GMS and community drugs schemes, consistent with patient safety and continuity of supply. This process was agreed by the Cabinet Committee on Health. A joint HSE/Department of Health and Children negotiating team was put in place to advance this process.

In mid-2006, the negotiating team reached agreement with the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) and the Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers in Ireland (APMI). Discussions then began with the wholesaler representative body, the Pharmaceutical Distributors' Federation (PDF), as part of the agreed process.

Early in discussions, PDF advised the State that a legal issue precluded it from negotiating a new margin for distribution to community pharmacies. The negotiating team then obtained legal advice, which subsequent legal advice to the Department confirmed. This issue also had implications for negotiations with community pharmacists.

The position is as follows:

Section 4(1) of the Competition Act, 2002 prohibits all agreements between undertakings, decisions by associations of undertakings and concerted practices which have as their object or effect the restriction or distortion of competition, including agreements to fix prices, unless the agreement, decision or concerted practice meets certain conditions. Those conditions are not met in this case.

Wholesalers and pharmacy contractors are undertakings. PDF and the IPU are associations of undertakings under Section 4(1) of the Act.

The coming together of wholesalers under PDF or pharmacy contractors under the IPU to negotiate prices would be a breach of Section 4(1).

Entering into an agreement, making a decision or being involved in a concerted practice in contravention of Section 4(1) is a criminal offence and would expose those parties, their directors, managers and officers to the risk of criminal prosecution.

In light of this advice, it is not possible for the HSE to engage in negotiations with PDF or the IPU in relation to fees or margins.

In the interim, in order to determine new arrangements for wholesale services and remain in compliance with competition legislation, the negotiating team has begun a public consultation process, which includes an invitation to make submissions, coupled with an independent economic analysis of the Irish and EU markets. This process is based on an assumption of continuation of current service levels.

The negotiating team will consider, following completion of the wholesale sector review, how best to address this issue for pharmacy contractor services. It is noted that the competition issues do not preclude negotiation on contractual arrangements by the IPU other than in relation to fees.

The HSE has written to all community pharmacy contractors setting out the position in relation to these issues in detail.

Information regarding fees and mark ups paid to community pharmacists in the year ending December 2005, the latest date for which this information is available, is contained in the Statistical Analysis of Claims and Payments 2005, which is compiled by the HSE National Shared Services Primary Care Reimbursement Service. This report is available on the HSE website under publications.

There is, and will continue to be, ongoing dialogue with the IPU, within the constraints of the legal advice provided. I wish to see that dialogue continuing in a constructive manner.

Hospital Hygiene Audit.

Richard Bruton

Question:

688 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has directed the Health Service Executive that it should include Dublin’s mental hospitals in her audit of hygiene; the latest report that she has of the assessment of hygiene in Dublin’s mental hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1281/07]

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. 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.

Water Fluoridation.

Marian Harkin

Question:

689 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the recent guidance given by the American Dental Association advising parents to mix powdered infant formula with fluoride-free water, she has plans to make a similar statement to Irish parents; and if not the reason for same. [1282/07]

John Gormley

Question:

835 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the interim advice from the American Dental Association informing mothers not to use fluoridated water to reconstitute infant formula; if, in view of this advice she will reconsider the policy of water fluoridation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2223/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 689 and 835 together.

The Irish Expert Body on Flourides and Health (known as the Expert Body) was set up in 2004. The terms of reference for the Expert Body are:

to oversee the implementation of the recommendations of the Forum on Fluoridation;

to advise the Minister and evaluate ongoing research — including new emerging issues — on all aspects of fluoride and its delivery methods as an established health technology as required;

to report to the Minister on matters of concern at his/her request or its own initiative.

I have been advised that the Expert Body is aware of the interim guidance statement from the American Dental Association in relation to the use of tap water to reconstitute powdered infant formula.

In the United States, drinking water may contain fluoride at levels up to 4mg/litre, and thus there is a possibility of infants receiving a larger than optimal amount of fluoride through infant formula that has been mixed with water containing high levels of fluoride.

It has been established that the appropriate amount of fluoride in tap water is effective in controlling tooth decay. However, fluoride intake above optimal amounts can create a risk of enamel fluorosis in teeth. Enamel fluorosis has no known adverse health consequences.

Because water in the USA may contain fluoride in varying amounts, up to 4mg per litre, parents in the USA have been advised by the American Dental Association (ADA) to only use water that is fluoride-free or contains low levels of fluoride to reconstitute powdered or liquid concentrate infant formula. Parents and caregivers have been advised to consult by the ADA with their pediatrician, family physician or dentist on the most appropriate water to use in their area to reconstitute infant formula.

In Ireland, 1.0 mg per litre is the current limit for artificially fluoridated tap water. Therefore, the Expert Body continues to advise that infant formula should be reconstituted with boiled tap water in accordance with manufacturers' instructions, and they consider that fluoride in Irish tap water in the concentrations used poses no known medical problems for infants or the population in general.

Care of the Elderly.

Joan Burton

Question:

690 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children when the new arrangements announced under the package of care for the elderly on 11 December 2006 will come into force; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1283/07]

I assume the Deputy is referring to the new Nursing Home Support Scheme "A Fair Deal" which comes into effect from January 1st 2008. The new scheme will ensure that care is affordable for all and that there is the same level of support for public and private nursing home residents. It means that older people will not have to sell or re-mortgage their home during their lifetime in order to meet the costs, and that they can plan ahead, secure in the knowledge that an equitable, affordable system is there for them should they need it.

In the interim, the Minister announced an initiative to make the existing subvention scheme fairer. The standard subvention has been increased to a maximum of €300 a week. In addition, the HSE may pay an enhanced subvention to people who cannot afford to meet the cost of care. An extra €30 million has been provided in 2007 for this purpose.

EU Health Insurance.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

691 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the entitlements Irish citizens can now enjoy in Bulgaria under the European health insurance card; and when the country information for Bulgaria and Romania will be provided on ehic.ie. [1284/07]

Regulation (EC) 1408/71 provides for the coordination of social security systems, including healthcare, among EU member states. Under its provisions, inter alia, those who are covered by the healthcare system of one member state and who become ill or injured while staying temporarily in another member state, are entitled to receive treatment in the public healthcare system of the member state of stay. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) provides evidence of such entitlement. The aim is to ensure that a person who becomes ill or injured can continue his or her stay as planned under safe medical conditions. The EHIC does not provide evidence of entitlement to planned treatment in another member state.

EHIC holders are treated on the same basis as any covered person living in the member state of stay and the treatments available and charges, if any, will depend on the public healthcare system in question. As some costs may be incurred, as the Card does not cover the cost of repatriation, and as illness abroad may result in other unforeseen costs that are not medical costs, all those planning a visit to another member state may wish to consider taking out insurance.

The same rules apply for Irish visitors to Bulgaria and Romania as for all EU member states. It is intended that information about the public healthcare systems of Bulgaria and Romania will be made available on the ehic.ie website very shortly.

Health Service Staff.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

692 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of physiotherapists working directly or indirectly in the health service under her administration; the ratio of patients to physiotherapists; if her attention has been drawn to the excessively long waiting lists for patients needing access to physiotherapy; the plans she has in conjunction with the Minister for Education and Science to increase the supply of trained qualified physiotherapists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1323/07]

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.

A particular priority for my Department and the Department of Education and Science in recent years has been the expansion of the supply of therapy graduates, including physiotherapists. In response to concerns regarding labour shortages, my Department commissioned a report from Dr. Peter Bacon and Associates on current and future supply and demand conditions to 2015 in the labour market for speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists (Bacon Report). The report was published in 2001 and arising from its recommendations an additional physiotherapy course providing 25 places was established in the University of Limerick in 2002. This investment built on increases, in 2000, of approximately 50 training places. The total number of physiotherapy training places now stands at 152, the level at which the Bacon Report recommended as being sufficient to meet current and future demand to 2015 for physiotherapists. The current priority in terms of graduate supply is to match the skills of these highly trained graduates with the demand for physiotherapy practitioners within the Health Service Executive.

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.

Question No. 693 answered with QuestionNo. 686.

Health Services.

Dan Neville

Question:

694 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children when a knee replacement operation will be completed for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [1365/07]

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.

Cancer Incidence.

Enda Kenny

Question:

695 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of women who died of breast cancer in areas (details supplied) for each of the years 2000 to 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1366/07]

The Central Statistics Office has informed my Department that under the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9), malignant neoplasm of the female breast is included in code 174. The number of deaths with this underlying cause in the last 6 years is as follows:

Year

Number of deaths

Number of deaths

In Dublin

Outside Dublin

2000

179

489

2001

180

491

2002

185

419

2003

158

488

2004

188

475

2005

195

483

Quarter 1 2006

57

151

Quarter 2 2006

42

117

Figures provided for 2005 and 2006 are by year of registration and are provisional.

The National Cancer Registry provides detailed information on the incidence and mortality for cancer in Ireland. Cancer survival is improving in Ireland for all of the major cancers, including breast cancer. In the case of breast cancer in women this increase in survival in recent years is statistically significant.

The Registry compared five year survival from cancer for the period 1998 — 2000 with that for 1995 — 1997 and found that, for women, breast cancer survival improved from 73% of women surviving five years after diagnosis to 78%.

Enda Kenny

Question:

696 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of women who died of cervical cancer in areas (details supplied) for each of the years 2000 to 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1367/07]

The Central Statistics Office has informed my Department that under the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9), malignant neoplasm of the cervix uteri is included in code 180. The number of deaths with this underlying cause in the last 6 years is as follows:

Year

Number of deaths

Number of deaths

In Dublin

Outside Dublin

2000

19

46

2001

16

51

2002

18

58

2003

20

46

2004

28

65

2005

15

62

Quarter 1 2006

8

23

Quarter 2 2006

9

16

Figures provided for 2005 and 2006 are by year of registration and are provisional.

Ireland's relative 5 year survival rate for women diagnosed with cervical cancer is improving with the percentage survival rate increasing from 59.6% between 1994 — 1997 to 69% for the period 1998 — 2002.

An effective national cervical screening programme will result in a substantial reduction in the incidence of cervical cancer. It is my objective to have such a programme rolled out, beginning late this year, based on an affordable model. For that purpose, on the 1st January 2007 I established a National Cancer Screening Service which amalgamates BreastCheck and the Irish Cervical Screening Programme. This will maximise the expertise in both programmes, ensure improved efficiency and develop a single governance model for cancer screening. I have allocated additional funding of €5m for 2007 to the Service to commence roll out of the Cervical Screening Programme. The total allocation to the new Service is €33m, this is a 71% increase in the 2006 allocation to these Programmes. Significant preparatory work is well underway involving the introduction of new and improved cervical tests, improved quality assurance training and the preparation for a national population register. The plan is to have cervical screening managed as a national call/recall programme via effective governance structures that provide overall leadership and direction, in terms of quality assurance, accountability and value for money. All elements of the programme, call/recall, smear taking, laboratories, colposcopy and treatment services must be quality assured, organised and managed to deliver a single integrated service.

Hospital Services.

Enda Kenny

Question:

697 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the reasons for the decision to close St. Luke’s Hospital transferring the cancer care services provided there to St. James’s Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1368/07]

The decision to transfer St. Luke's Hospital was taken by the Government in the context of its consideration of the National Plan for Radiation Oncology Services. The decision is based on expert advice and is designed to ensure that radiation oncology, one element of cancer care, is integrated with all other aspects of care, including surgery and medical oncology. This is in line with best international practice. I am convinced that this model will provide better patient centred treatment with improved quality of service and outcome for patients. The Board of St. Luke's Hospital and its Executive Management Team are fully committed to supporting the Government's decision in relation to the development of radiation oncology. A transfer on similar lines took place last year in Northern Ireland when radiation oncology services transferred to Belfast City Hospital, a major academic teaching hospital.

In progressing the transfer, I will build on the expertise and ethos of St. Luke's. I have ensured that experts at St. Luke's are centrally involved in the planning and delivery of the National Plan. The plan consists of large centres in Dublin (at Beaumont and St. James's Hospitals), Cork and Galway and two integrated satellite centres at Waterford Regional Hospital and Limerick Regional Hospital. The Chief Executive at St. Luke's will lead the management team of the new facility at St. James's. I also appointed the Chairman of St. Luke's to chair a National Radiation Oncology Oversight Group to advise me on progress on the implementation of the plan.

Discussions on transfer, facilitated by the HSE, are taking place involving the Chief Executives of both hospitals. A working group is in place to develop close working relationships and ensure a smooth transition. In addition and in recognition of the role for St. Luke's in the new facility at St. James's, I will pursue discussions with the Boards of both Hospitals about its governance and a re-configuration of the Boards. The twin goals are to ensure continuity of expertise and ethos in the care of cancer patients and the effective integration of multi-disciplinary patient care at the one site.

The tender has recently been awarded for two additional and two replacement linear accelerators at St. Luke's to provide much needed interim capacity pending the roll out of the national plan. I expect these services to commence late this year.

Health Services.

James McDaid

Question:

698 Dr. McDaid asked the Minister for Health and Children the situation regarding the primary health care centre in Letterkenny, County Donegal. [1369/07]

James McDaid

Question:

699 Dr. McDaid asked the Minister for Health and Children the situation regarding the Newtowncunningham primary health care centre in County Donegal. [1370/07]

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

706 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will hold special discussions with the Health Service Executive to ensure that there are no further delays in respect of the long overdue redevelopment of the Millbrook Lawns health centre, Tallaght, Dublin 24; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1434/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 698, 699 and 706 together.

The Primary Care Strategy aims to develop services in the community to give people direct access to integrated multi-disciplinary teams of general practitioners, nurses, home helps, physiotherapists, 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.

The provision of the appropriate infrastructure for the effective functioning of the Primary Care Teams is 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.

As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for Primary Care services, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular matters raised by the Deputies. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to have replies issued directly to the Deputies.

Tony Gregory

Question:

700 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3 was refused a mobility allowance; and if she will re-examine this severely disabled person’s case. [1372/07]

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.

Departmental Programmes.

Denis Naughten

Question:

701 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 751 of 27 September 2006, the progress to date on implementing the recommendations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1391/07]

The Working Group that I established to examine the nature and extent of haemochromatosis and to advise on the actions necessary to address problems caused by haemochromatosis presented its report to me in June, 2006.

A key issue highlighted in the report was that blood from persons with haemochromatosis was being not being used by the Irish Blood Transfusion Service(IBTS). The IBTS has re-examined its policy on this issue and has decided to establish a pilot venesection programme for haemochromatosis patients in one of its clinics. Subject to the usual screening protocols, blood from haemochromatosis patients will be used by the IBTS. It is anticipated that the programme will commence in the coming months.

Arising from the publication of the report, the Irish Insurance Federation has agreed to investigate any complaint about life or health insurance cover linked to diagnosis with haemochromatosis.

My Department has asked the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive to advise the Deputy of progress that it has made in relation to the recommendations relevant to its area of responsibility.

The Irish Haemochromatosis Association, for its part, continues to increase awareness among both clinicians and patients of the issues related to the condition.

Health Services.

Denis Naughten

Question:

702 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 271 of 7 November 2006, her plans to implement the report of the universal neonatal hearing screening group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1396/07]

The report referred to in the question was commissioned by the former Health Boards and its implementation is a matter for the Health Service Executive.

I understand that the implementation of this report is currently under consideration by the Health Service Executive.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Denis Naughten

Question:

703 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 171 of 20 June 2006, when she will make available the findings of the strategic review of specialist health service provision for people with disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1398/07]

The commitment to carrying out a strategic review of disability services was contained in Sustaining Progress which was agreed in 2003. Since then, the National Disability Strategy has been published, including the enactment of the Disability Act 2005 and the EPSEN Act 2004. The Health Sectoral Plan on Disability was published in 2006.

There was an extensive consultation process as part of the strategic review, which was an important input to the National Disability Strategy and to the Health Sectoral Plan. My Department will be reviewing the Sectoral Plan this year and will further reflect the valuable inputs from the Strategic Review consultation process in this context. In the circumstances it is not the intention to publish a report arising from the Strategic Review.

I have allocated €100m in 2006 and a further €100m in 2007 for the continuing development of services for people with a disability. I am also working to ensure that all necessary structures will be in place to implement Part 2 of the Disability Act for the under-5 age group from 1 June 2007.

In these circumstances, my priority in 2007 will be to secure implementation of the Disability Act and to ensure that the planned developments in services for people with a disability are put in place.

Hospital Services.

Denis Naughten

Question:

704 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans and that of the Health Service Executive for the St. Luke’s Hospital site in Rathgar following the transfer of services to St. James’s Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1400/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

777 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to current discussions with the Health Service Executive and hospital board regarding the future use of the site and facilities at St. Luke’s to ensure that these resources are utilised in the best interests of the health services, as referred to in Parliamentary Question No. 333 of 5 December 2006, with reference to the proposed closure of St. Luke’s Hospital, Rathgar, Dublin 6; 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 them 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. [1814/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 704 and 777 together.

The decision to transfer St. Luke's Hospital was taken by the Government in the context of its consideration of the National Plan for Radiation Oncology Services. The decision is based on expert advice and is designed to ensure that radiation oncology, one element of cancer care, is integrated with all other aspects of care, including surgery and medical oncology. This is in line with best international practice. I am convinced that this model will provide better patient centred treatment with improved quality of service and outcome for patients. The Board of St. Luke's Hospital and its Executive Management Team are fully committed to supporting the Government's decision in relation to the development of radiation oncology. A transfer on similar lines took place last year in Northern Ireland when radiation oncology services transferred to Belfast City Hospital, a major academic teaching hospital.

In progressing the transfer, I will build on the expertise and ethos of St. Luke's. I have ensured that experts at St. Luke's are centrally involved in the planning and delivery of the National Plan. The plan consists of large centres in Dublin (at Beaumont and St. James's Hospitals), Cork and Galway and two integrated satellite centres at Waterford Regional Hospital and Limerick Regional Hospital. The Chief Executive at St. Luke's will lead the management team of the new facility at St. James's. I also appointed the Chairman of St. Luke's to chair a National Radiation Oncology Oversight Group to advise me on progress on the implementation of the plan.

Discussions on transfer, facilitated by the HSE, are taking place involving the Chief Executives of both hospitals. A working group is in place to develop close working relationships and ensure a smooth transition. In addition and in recognition of the role for St. Luke's in the new facility at St. James's, I will pursue discussions with the Boards of both Hospitals about its governance and a re-configuration of the Boards. The twin goals are to ensure continuity of expertise and ethos in the care of cancer patients and the effective integration of multi-disciplinary patient care at the one site.

The tender has recently been awarded for two additional and two replacement linear accelerators at St. Luke's to provide much needed interim capacity pending the roll out of the national plan. I expect these services to commence late this year.

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 following progress on the governance issues to which I have referred.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

Pat Breen

Question:

705 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children if the appellate body for housing aid for the elderly grants in the Health Service Executive Midwest area is separate to the grant body; the plans there are to establish a separate body if such a one does not already exist; if separate appellate bodies exist for the disbursal of this grant in other HSE areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1411/07]

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.

Question No. 706 answered with QuestionNo. 698.

Health Services.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

707 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate a request made to the Southern Health Service Executive to supply equipment to a person (details supplied) in County Cork who is in ill health; and if her attention has been drawn to the fact that despite this request being made by this Deputy to the HSE on 7 September 2006 and a further request being made on 9 October 2006, no contact has been made with this person. [1436/07]

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

Finian McGrath

Question:

708 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support persons (details supplied) in Dublin 5 in their efforts to get the domiciliary care allowance; if she will re-examine the psychological report; and if she will work with the persons on getting proper services. [1443/07]

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.

Infectious Diseases.

Richard Bruton

Question:

709 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of cases detected of hospital acquired infections, distinguishing the type of infection (details supplied) in each hospital across the country. [1444/07]

Most acute hospitals collect information on health care associated infections (HCAIs) in their institution at a local level. Currently there is no national surveillance scheme that collects comparable data on health care associated infections at a national level. However, the appointment of the SARI infection control nurses, surveillance scientists and antibiotic pharmacists who are due to be recruited in early 2007 will provide extra staffing required to commence a national surveillance programme. Once these staff are in place, national surveillance of HCAIs will commence, in line with SARI recommendations and international best practice.

However, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) collects data on MRSA bacteraemia 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 435 reported cases in the first three quarters of 2006.

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. In 2006 the Hospital Infection Society (HIS) UK carried out its Third Prevalence Survey of Health Care Associated Infections in acute hospitals. The survey covered Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales between March and May 2006, and the preliminary results have been published. 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%. Clostridium difficile infection was examined in this survey and it was found that thirty-six patient had clostridium difficile representing 0.85% 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.

Infection due to norovirus (also known as NLV, Small Rounded Structured Virus (SRSV) or "Winter Vomiting Disease") is extremely common within the community and the outbreaks in health care settings are simply a reflection of what is happening in the community. Outbreaks due to the norovirus are not eradicable but they are controllable and having an agreed hospital/residential home outbreak plan in place is the best method for ensuring uniformity and effectiveness of response. Norovirus infection was also examined in the Third Prevalence Survey of Health Care Associated Infection (HCAIs) in acute hospitals in 2006. The survey found that seven patients had norovirus infection representing 0.4% of patients studied.

The results for the HIS prevalence survey are currently being validated in the UK and once this is completed a final report on the Irish results will be published.

Health Services.

Finian McGrath

Question:

710 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will put in place a long-term care plan with the consent and support of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if she will work with the family on this matter. [1447/07]

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.

Nursing Education.

Paul McGrath

Question:

711 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if there is grant aid available from her Department or the Health Service Executive for nurses who have previously obtained their primary degrees in nursing and who wish to further their studies to masters level. [1457/07]

There is no funding available from my Department for nurses who have previously obtained their primary degree in nursing and who wish to further their studies to master level. Responsibility for the funding of nursing education is now the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE).

In 2006 arrangements for the transfer of midwifery and children's nursing to the third level sector were agreed. Under these arrangements nurse teachers teaching on those programmes at the time of the transfer and who had registered to undertake a masters degree before the commencement of the academic year 2006/07 are entitled to have their fees paid in full by the HSE. This arrangement also applied previously to nurse teachers employed in the general, psychiatric and intellectual disability schools of nursing when those programmes transferred to the third level sector in 2002.

The payment of fees for Masters degree courses for all other nurses is not the subject of a national initiative but is a matter for individual employers. In this context 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.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

712 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the condition of selective mutism in children and if so the assistance her Department or the Health Service Executive is providing to families with such children; the support groups nationally that could offer assistance or support to a family with a member with selective autism; if the Government will investigate the extent of selective autism in the State and provide a list of consultants that publish a list of selective mutism experts here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1462/07]

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:

713 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the strategic plan that is in place to address the inadequate rheumatology service currently being provided from the Mid-Western Regional Hospital in Limerick; the proposed timeframe involved in putting in place a proper multidisciplinary team to cater for the growing list of arthritis sufferers in the mid-west region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1463/07]

Dan Neville

Question:

755 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the strategy for developing rheumatology services at Mid-West Regional Hospital, Limerick. [1706/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 713 and 755 together.

In September 2002, Comhairle na nOspideal initiated a review of Rheumatology Services. Its report, which was published in December 2005, examines the provision of services and makes recommendations on the organisation and development of rheumatology services in the future.

Responsibility for the implementation of these recommendations rests with the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Cancer Screening Programme.

Tony Gregory

Question:

714 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Health and Children the measures being taken for cervical cancer screening throughout the country; the quality of the testing involved; the length of time involved in providing results to tests carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1464/07]

Richard Bruton

Question:

720 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to reports that there have been long delays in getting the results of cervical smear tests; if she will issue benchmarks to the Health Service Executive in respect of the performance of this screening programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1498/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 714 and 720 together.

An effective national cervical screening programme will result in a substantial reduction in the incidence of cervical cancer. It is my objective to have such a programme rolled out, beginning late this year, based on an affordable model. For that purpose, on the 1st January 2007, I established a National Cancer Screening Service which amalgamates BreastCheck and the Irish Cervical Screening Programme. This will maximise the expertise in both programmes, ensure improved efficiency and develop a single governance model for cancer screening. I have allocated additional funding of €5m for 2007 to the Service to commence roll out of the Cervical Screening Programme. The total allocation to the new Service is €33m, this is a 71% increase in the 2006 allocation to the Programmes. Significant preparatory work is well underway involving the introduction of new and improved cervical tests, improved quality assurance training and the preparation of a national population register. The plan is to have cervical screening managed as a national call/recall programme via effective governance structures that provide overall leadership and direction, in terms of quality assurance, accountability and value for money. All elements of the programme, call/recall, smear taking, laboratories, colposcopy and treatment services will be quality assured, organised and managed to deliver a single integrated service.

I am aware of reports of delays in obtaining results of cervical smears. These delays have not arisen under the Irish Cervical Screening Programme but relate to smears referred by General Practitioners to hospital laboratories, 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 the matter in question examined and to respond directly to the Deputies.

Youth Services.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

715 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the division of the southern Health Service Executive that is dealing with the distribution of funding for the establishment of youth cafés as recently announced. [1481/07]

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 Office 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.

It might also be noted that the National Recreation Policy for Young People, which is to be published in the near future, recognises that Youth Cafés offer great potential for providing a wide range of developmental, educational and information programmes to young people and that the provision of such services within these settings will require a cross-Departmental and inter-Agency collaborative approach through a partnership process.

Health Services.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

716 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist in having a person (details supplied) in County Cork called to attend hospital; and if her attention has been drawn to the fact that they have been told there is a waiting list of four years. [1482/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive. 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.

Patients waiting more than three months on a surgical waiting list may qualify for treatment under the National Treatment Purchase Fund. It is open to the person in question in this case, or anyone acting on his behalf, to contact the Fund directly.

Child Care Services.

Dan Neville

Question:

717 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children when a grant will be awarded under the equal opportunities child care programme 2000 to 2006 and the national child care investment programme 2006 to 2010 to a group (details supplied) in County Limerick. [1495/07]

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

The Group in question has recently been approved €10,274 in capital grant assistance under the EOCP. I understand the Childcare Directorate of my Office has informed the Group of this decision.

The Group has also been approved €80,700 in staffing grant assistance, for the period to 31 December 2007. The Group requested a review of this decision and I understand this review is in the final stages of the appraisal process. The Group will be informed of outcome in due course.

My Office is not aware of any application for funding by the Group under the NCIP.

Departmental Reports.

Dan Neville

Question:

718 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children when the report of the review of the committee on orthodontics is expected to be issued in view of the fact that most of the recommendations are made by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children in its reports of 2002 and 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1496/07]

I have been advised that the Orthodontic Review Group has completed its report. The report is currently under consideration by the HSE. I look forward to receiving the report shortly.

Question No. 719 answered with QuestionNo. 620.
Question No. 720 answered with QuestionNo. 714.

Health Services.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

721 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount her Department will give to a clinic (details supplied) in County Cork; if she is committed to providing extra funding to the clinic in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1519/07]

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.

School Staffing.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

722 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason her Department does not recognise the need for special needs assistants in mainstream pre-schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1520/07]

The employment of Special Needs Assistants comes under the remit of the Department of Education and Science.

Health Services.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

723 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Health and Children the situation regarding an application for funding on behalf of a group (details supplied) in County Cork; the reason there was a reduction in funding during 2006 for this organisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1521/07]

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.

Departmental Staff.

Seamus Kirk

Question:

724 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of administrative personnel employed in her Department and the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1522/07]

The whole time equivalent number employed in the Department of Health and Children, based on the figures given to the Department of Finance Census Section for September 2006 (the last Census returned to the Department of Finance) was 610.98.

This figure includes staff employed in:—

the Department of Health and Children, including the recently expanded Office of the Minister for Children

the General Register Office

the Adoption Board

the Social Services Inspectorate and

the Office of the Ombudsman for Children.

The figure also includes staff that transferred from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to the Office of the Minister for Children. It does not, however, include seconded-in staff.

The Health Service Personnel Census shows a total of 17,341 wholetime equivalent (WTE) staff classified as Management/Admin at September 2006. The Deputy may wish to note that the classification of Management/Admin consists of staff who provide a direct service to the public and includes Consultants' Secretaries, Out-Patient Department Personnel, Medical Records Personnel, Telephonists and other staff who are engaged in front-line duties. It also includes non-frontline staff in areas such as Payroll, Human Resource Management, IT and General Management Support.

Medical Cards.

John McGuinness

Question:

725 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a full medical card will be approved in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny, in view of their overall medical circumstances and the fact that they have a long-term illness which requires them to be on long term expensive medication; and if she will expedite a positive response. [1523/07]

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, childcare 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 therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

John McGuinness

Question:

726 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 29 of 10 October 2006 and the Health Service Executive reply of 30 November 2006, if she will now expedite the operation needed in this case in view of the fact that the person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny is 81 years of age and their general practitioner has written requesting priority for the case; if she will urge the HSE to answer the parliamentary question rather than obfuscate further; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1524/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive 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.

Patients waiting more than three months on a surgical waiting list may qualify for treatment under the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). It is open to the person in question or anyone acting on his behalf to contact the Fund directly.

John McGuinness

Question:

727 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if an earlier appointment than May 2007 can be arranged in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny for the audiology department, Kilkenny Clinic, in view of the patient’s urgent need for a hearing aid; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1525/07]

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

Medical Cards.

John McGuinness

Question:

728 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 306 of 14 November 2006 regarding a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny, if she will now review the decision of December 2006 to grant a general practitioner-only card and approve a full medical card for the applicant as requested based on their medical circumstances and the fact that they have a long term illness. [1527/07]

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, childcare 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 therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Infectious Diseases.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

729 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children her proposals in regard to hospital acquired infections; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1532/07]

A Strategy for the control of antimicrobial Resistance in Ireland (SARI) was launched in 2001 and includes recommendations such as hospital hygiene practice, appropriate antibiotic prescribing, active surveillance for the detection of MRSA and corporate/clinical governance structure in the area of infection control. The appointment of the SARI infection control nurses, surveillance scientists and antibiotic pharmacists who are due to be recruited in 2007 will provide the extra staffing required to commence a national surveillance programme. Once these staff are in place, national surveillance of health care associated infections (HCAIs) will commence, in line with SARI recommendations and international best practice.

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.

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 measure in controlling and preventing healthcare-associated infection, including that caused by MRSA, both in hospital and in community health care units. While many HCAIs are not preventable, we can make every effort to reduce the rates of infection and to treat them promptly when they occur.

Hospital cleanliness, while not always an immediate hazard to patients, is part of an overall picture whereby multi-resistant infections are acquired in our hospitals. To date, two National Hygiene Audits have been carried out in acute hospitals under the auspices of the National Hospitals Office. The Irish Health Services Accreditation Board (IHSAB) is due to carry out a third Hygiene audit this year.

Last year, Ireland participated in the Hospital Infections Society's "Prevalence Survey of Health Care Associated Infections" 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 the HSE must continue to work with hospitals to control HCAIs.

Budget Submissions.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

730 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has received a submission from a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if she will favourably consider their submission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1552/07]

My Department received a pre-budget submission from this organisation which was sent to the Health Service Executive. 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, therefore, 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.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

731 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when speech therapy will be offered in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; the steps she will take by way of policy initiative to compel or enable the Health Service Executive to make the necessary provision to meet the speech and language therapy requirements of this child of similarly affected children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1553/07]

As the Deputy may be aware a sum of €75m for revenue purposes was provided to the Health Service Executive for Disability Services in the 2007 Budget. This sum incorporates the 2007 element of the Government's multi-annual investment programme for the National Disability Strategy. This Strategy is committed to enhancing, among other services, the level and range of multi-disciplinary support services to adults and children with an intellectual, physical and sensory disability and those with autism.

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.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

732 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a review will be undertaken of an application for domiciliary care allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1554/07]

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.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

733 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when surgery will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1555/07]

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.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

734 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1556/07]

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, childcare 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 therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Question No. 735 answered with QuestionNo. 631.
Question No. 736 answered with QuestionNo. 606.

Health Services.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

737 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she proposes to take to ensure that students living away from the family home for long periods and who have to register for a second or subsequent pharmacy or general practitioner under the medical card-GP visit card and drug payment scheme can do so; if she will make this regulation to make it possible for them to do this; if she will introduce a centralised database of the drug payment scheme for medical card and GP visit card service providers and service users; and if this centralised database would remove the geographical barrier to accessing health care here. [1594/07]

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 asked the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

738 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she is taking to improve the universal access to crisis pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections clinics; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1599/07]

The Crisis Pregnancy Agency was established in October 2001 under the Health (Corporate Bodies) Act, 1961, with a statutory remit to prepare a strategy to address the issue of crisis pregnancy, the strategy to provide, inter alia for:

a reduction in the number of crisis pregnancies by the provision of education, advice and contraceptive services;

a reduction in the number of woman with crisis pregnancies who opt for abortion by offering services and supports which make other options more attractive; and

the provision of counselling and medical services after crisis pregnancy.

The Strategy was published in 2003 and a follow-on Strategy will be prepared in 2007.

Since the Agency's establishment significant resources have been committed towards improving services and supports to women experiencing crisis pregnancy. Approximately 80% of the Agency's funding programme has been devoted to this.

The Agency has funded the expansion of crisis pregnancy counselling services by approximately 50% so that there are now thirteen counselling service providers operating in just over 50 towns/cities nationwide. It has put particular emphasis on spreading services across the country and in some cases to more remote locations. Much of this has been achieved by forming effective partnerships with the Health Service Executive. The Agency has also ensured that all crisis pregnancy counselling is provided free to women regardless of their income, age or where they live.

The Agency has also funded the expansion of post abortion counselling and medical supports nationally. Such counselling is provided free of charge by all thirteen service providers in just over 50 towns and cities nationwide. The Agency also funds seven services to provide free post abortion medical check-ups and contraceptive advice. It is the Agency's intention to focus more on post abortion counselling and services in 2007.

In relation to STI services, over €7m additional funding has been made available to the former health boards and the Health Service Executive since 1997 to address the treatment of STIs and HIV/AIDS. This year alone has seen €1m of this additional funding allocated to HIV and STI service developments.

The additional funding has resulted in a substantial increase in the facilities in place. At present there are seven consultants specialising in the treatment of HIV/AIDS and STIs in Ireland. Five of these are in Dublin (one of which deals with children), one in Cork and one in Galway. The Care and Management sub-committee of the National AIDS Strategy Committee (NASC) has reviewed the development of HIV/AIDS and STI treatment services throughout the country and published a report with a number of recommendations in relation to these services.

On foot of a recommendation of the NASC, my Department and the Crisis Pregnancy Agency commissioned the Irish Study of Sexual Health and Relationships (ISSHR) in 2003. The information in this study, and the three sub-reports still to be published, will inform our approach to sexual health policy in the future.

Finian McGrath

Question:

739 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will resolve the doctor issues regarding a person (details supplied) in Dublin 13; and if she will put in place a long-term care package for this person. [1603/07]

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.

Question No. 740 answered with QuestionNo. 665.

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

Seamus Kirk

Question:

741 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the nursing homes repayment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1623/07]

The Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006 provides a clear legal framework to repay recoverable health charges for publicly funded long term residential care. All those fully eligible persons who were wrongly charged and are alive will have their charges repaid in full. The estates of all those fully eligible persons who were wrongly charged for publicly funded long term residential care and died since 9 December 1998 will have the charges repaid in full. The scheme does not allow for repayments to the estates of those who died prior to that date.

Recoverable health charges are charges which were imposed on persons with full eligibility under the Health (Charges for In-patient Services) Regulations 1976 as amended in 1987 or charges for in-patient services only, raised under the Institutional Assistance Regulations 1954 as amended in 1965.

The repayment scheme was launched publicly by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the scheme administrator KPMG/McCann Fitzgerald in August 2006. The Scheme Administrator has commenced scanning the records of long stay facilities around the country and to date 160 locations have been visited for this purpose.

In relation to dates of repayments to applicants, the HSE has informed the Department that over 24,000 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 14,000 people within this category. Queries in relation to individual applications should be referred to the scheme administrator.

In addition, the Health Service Executive has put arrangements in place whereby it can make applications on behalf of living persons in long stay institutions where there is no other connected person to make an application and where the applicants are unable to apply themselves due to ill health, or mental or physical disability.

The HSE has advised that offers of repayment commenced in November and that the first payments have already issued with further payments continuing on an ongoing basis. It is expected that the bulk of payments to estates will commence in the Spring. Provision has been made for applications to be received up to 1 January 2008. It is anticipated that final repayments will be made by mid-2008.

A dedicated website www.repay.ie, an information phone line 1890 886 886 and an e-mail facility queries@repay.ie have been established by the scheme administrator to assist the public in accessing claim forms and general information on the scheme. The information line operates between the hours of 8.00 am and 9.00 pm from Monday to Saturday.

Medicinal Products.

Pat Carey

Question:

742 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that drugs, both prescription and non prescription, are considerably more expensive here compared to other EU countries, for example Spain and so on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1624/07]

EU member states are the main purchasers of medicines in their domestic markets. They naturally seek to control drug prices, but the extent of this control varies widely. Higher priced countries, such as the UK and Germany, rely more on market forces to set prices. Spain and Portugal, on the other hand, closely regulate and control prices. Ireland's pricing policy is somewhere in the middle of the European league as, with its relatively small market, it must seek to balance value for money in state drug spending with reliability and continuity of supply for essential products.

Price comparison in different markets is difficult. Patent protection in Ireland allows originator companies exclusive rights to the market for ten years for new medicines. In Spain, until 1992 there was no intellectual property protection for medicines and no patent protection for new products. This kept prices down, but may change with patent and intellectual property exclusivity. In addition, some products that are prescription-only in Ireland are available without prescription in some other states. While the removal of prescription-only status for certain products may produce lower prices in Ireland, these products would no longer be reimbursed by the State.

The Deputy will be pleased to know that my Department and the Health Service Executive concluded negotiations in 2006 with pharmaceutical manufacturers on important new agreements setting out the pricing and supply of medicines for the Irish health service.

These agreements provide increased value for money for the State and the consumer through a reduction in the price of existing drugs and medicines coming off patent and through the use of a wider basket of countries for pricing new drugs. Over the period of the agreements, which run to 2010, it is expected to achieve savings of the order of €300 million across the GMS and community drugs schemes, and in the cost of drugs to hospitals, through off-patent price cuts of 35% for drugs with substitutable alternatives. In addition to the savings quantified, there will be further savings as generic manufacturers respond to the lower price of branded drugs.

There will also be savings through the use of a wider basket for pricing new medicines, along with two price reviews for new medicines over the term of the agreements. The new basket includes some traditionally lower priced countries, including Spain and Belgium, which will benefit the consumer over the medium term. Finally, for the first time, reimbursement of new drugs in Ireland can now be informed by pharmacoeconomic assessment, in line with other EU countries.

These agreements are the first stage in a process approved by the Cabinet Committee on Health to examine all aspects of the drug delivery system, from the manufacturer to the patient, in order to achieve greater value for money from the State's spending on drugs and medicines and in the operation of the drugs schemes, consistent with patient safety and continuity of supply.

I must stress that no single measure will contain the rate of increase in expenditure on medicines and drugs. Indeed, international experience has shown that this is a very difficult task, as the sophistication and range of treatments continue to increase along with increased expectations on the part of patients.

Medical Cards.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

743 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to the application for renewal of a medical card in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1629/07]

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 therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

744 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1630/07]

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 therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

745 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when speech therapy will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1631/07]

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.

Pat Breen

Question:

746 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be taken off the waiting list for orthodontic services and receive treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1638/07]

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

Michael Lowry

Question:

747 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of orthodontists engaged by the Health Service Executive in public practice in the mid-western region; the number of vacancies in the region; the number operating private clinics in the region; the number operating both public and private practices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1639/07]

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

Michael Lowry

Question:

748 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Health and Children if all children in each Health Service Executive region are treated equally and assessed equally for orthodontic treatment; the category of rating that qualifies for orthodontic treatment in each HSE region; the length of time patients are waiting under each category in each region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1640/07]

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.

Questions Nos. 749 and 750 answered with Question No. 686.

Proposed Legislation.

Denis Naughten

Question:

751 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans for the publication and enactment of the Pharmacy Bill No. 1 and No. 2; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1667/07]

The first Pharmacy Bill is at a very advanced stage. I expect to bring it to Cabinet in the next few weeks for approval to publish, and for forwarding to the Oireachtas for their consideration. Work will commence on the second Pharmacy Bill when the first Bill has been enacted.

Medical Cards.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

752 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children if medical card holders are entitled to a dental hygiene service; if a dentist may request a €50 deposit from such patients when they book this service; if there is a statutory or regulatory basis for this charge; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1670/07]

Under the Dental Treatment Service Scheme (DTSS), adult medical card holders are entitled to a range of treatments, including scaling and polishing. In relation to this entitlement under the DTSS there is no charge to the medical card holder.

Dan Neville

Question:

753 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children when payment under the national repayment scheme will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [1704/07]

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 Services.

Dan Neville

Question:

754 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the discontinuance of the rheumatology clinic at Ennis, County Clare and Nenagh, County Tipperary; and the plans to recommence same. [1705/07]

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

Question No. 755 answered with QuestionNo. 713.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Finian McGrath

Question:

756 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if the lands and site at Dundrum Hospital were considered for the new Children’s Hospital. [1713/07]

In late 2005, the Health Service Executive (HSE), at my request, undertook a review of tertiary paediatric services. McKinsey & Company were engaged by the HSE to advise on the future strategic organization of tertiary paediatric services in line with best practice and in the best interests of children.

The resulting report — "Children's Health First" — International best practice in tertiary paediatric services: implications for the strategic organization of tertiary paediatric services in Ireland — included a number of key recommendations:

The population and projected demands in this country can support only one world class tertiary paediatric hospital;

It should be in Dublin, and should ideally be collocated with a leading adult academic hospital;

It should also provide all the secondary (i.e. less complex) hospital needs of children in the Greater Dublin area;

It should be supported by a strategically-located urgent care service.

A joint HSE / Department of Health and Children Task Group was established to advise on the optimum location of the proposed new hospital. As a key recommendation of "Children's Health First" was that the new paediatric facility would ideally be collocated with an adult academic teaching hospital in Dublin, the Task Group invited six major adult hospitals to make submissions.

Proposals were also received from a number of private hospitals, property developers and site owners. None of the proposals presented by the private interests satisfied the requirement of collocation with an adult academic teaching hospital. The site of the Central Mental Hospital at Dundrum was also brought to the attention of the Task Group. However, as this site similarly does not include an adult academic teaching hospital, it was not considered suitable by the Task Group as a possible site for the new National Paediatric Hospital.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

757 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that some older persons, living alone and without immediate family are experiencing difficulties with applying for or availing of the special housing aid for the elderly schemes as they have not got the insight or ability to obtain quotations and so on from builders; her views on whether hands-on help and assistance is needed in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1719/07]

The HSE has informed my Department that it is aware of the problems referred to by the Deputy. The HSE tries, at all stages of the process, to reduce or eliminate the problem. The current high level activity in the construction sector poses obvious challenges in getting contractors for small jobs.

As early as the application stage many HSE staff — social workers for older persons, community welfare officers, environmental health officers and public health nurses — are involved in the process, initiating applications and acting as advocates for the client. In the case of every approved application, the approval letter invites the client, if they have any difficulties in having the work carried out, to contact a named member of staff. At the time of initial assessment staff will often identify that assistance is needed and will, where necessary, help the client to source a contractor after the application is approved.

Health Services.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

758 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether there is an urgent need to fast track psycho-geriatric assessment services in view of the fact that 25% of patients are inappropriately placed in nursing homes whilst waiting for assessment; the improvements planned in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1721/07]

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.

Ambulance Service.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

759 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children when the parameters of the ambulance transport system will be extended to include persons living in rural areas without transport of their own and without access to public transport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1726/07]

Jerry Cowley

Question:

762 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department has reviewed the ambulance transport system as promised by her in the latter part of 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1737/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 759 and 762 together.

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. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issues raised by the Deputy.

I am aware that, in 2006, the HSE commenced a review of the non-emergency transport needs of patients attending HSE facilities. The National Ambulance Office, the National Hospitals Office and the Primary,Community and Continuing Care Directorate of the HSE are involved in the review. This group will also develop proposals on how best to support patients who have to travel to access specialist services.

My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the HSE to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Mental Health Services.

Enda Kenny

Question:

760 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the criteria governing the determination of child and adolescent mental health areas here and the appointment of child and adolescent mental health teams; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1730/07]

Enda Kenny

Question:

761 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of child and adolescent mental health teams covering the country; the reason such discrepancies exist in terms of population and geographical areas to be covered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1736/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 760 and 761 together.

The Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, entitled ‘A Vision for Change', was launched in January 2006. It provides a framework for action to develop a modern, high quality mental health service over the next 7 to 10 years. It recommends the provision of two child and adolescent community multidisciplinary mental health teams per 100,000 of the population.

In September 2006 there were 45 child and adolescent mental health teams spread throughout the country.

In 2006, a sum of €26.2 million was allocated for the development of mental health services in line with "A Vision for Change" and a further sum of €25 million has been allocated in 2007 to continue this development. This additional funding included provision in 2006 for the development of eight additional child and adolescent community multidisciplinary mental health teams and in 2007 for a further eight teams to be developed.

Question No. 762 answered with QuestionNo. 759.
Question No. 763 answered with QuestionNo. 659.
Question No. 764 answered with QuestionNo. 686.

Enda Kenny

Question:

765 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the child and adolescent mental health team in respect of County Mayo is expected to cover a geographical area more than twice that recommended by her Department and the Irish College of Psychiatrists; if arising from the population of the county her attention has been drawn to the fact that this situation has lead to long waiting times and waiting lists for assessment; if her attention has further been drawn to the distress and pressure that same causes for parents and children; her views on the need for additional child psychiatrists and multi disciplinary teams to meet the outstanding mental health needs of the county as a consequence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1740/07]

The Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, entitled ‘A Vision for Change', was launched in January 2006. It provides a framework for action to develop a modern, high quality mental health service over the next 7 to 10 years. It recommends the provision of two child and adolescent community multidisciplinary mental health teams per 100,000 of the population.

In 2006, a sum of €26.2 million was allocated for the development of mental health services in line with ‘A Vision for Change'. A further sum of €25 million has been allocated in 2007 to continue this development. This additional funding included provision in 2006 for the development of eight additional child and adolescent community multidisciplinary mental health teams and in 2007 for a further eight teams to be developed.

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 HSE is also responsible for the implementation of the recommendations of ‘A Vision for Change'. The Executive is, therefore, 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 Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

766 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of civil servants and other staff employed in her constituency office; and the grade and remuneration of each. [1751/07]

The following table details the number of civil servants and other staff employed in my constituency office and the grade and remuneration of each staff member.

Grade

Civil Servant/Other

Remuneration

Personal Assistant

Other

56,352

Personal Secretary

Other

50,918

Clerical Officer

Civil Servant

32,327

Paul McGrath

Question:

767 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of civil servants and other staff in her press office and the grade and remuneration of each staff member. [1766/07]

The following table details the number of civil servants and other staff in my Department's press office and the grade and remuneration of each staff member.

Grade

Civil Servant/Other

Remuneration

Press Officer

Other

114,203

Higher Executive Officer

Civil Servant

51,278

Executive Officer *

Civil Servant

47,039

Executive Officer

Civil Servant

33,906

Executive Officer **

Civil Servant

40,363

Clerical Officer

Civil Servant

33,382

Clerical Officer

Civil Servant

33,276

*This member of the Press Office staff is currently on loan to another section within my Department.

**This staff member working for the Office of the Minister for Children is based in my Department's press office but only deals with matters relating to the Office of the Minister for Children.

Ambulance Service.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

768 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of trained paramedics who work within the ambulance service in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1771/07]

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 again 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. 769 answered with QuestionNo. 672.

Health Services.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

770 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of public nursing home beds available in County Mayo; the number available five years ago and 10 years ago; the locations of these beds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1781/07]

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.

Cancer Screening Programme.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

771 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress of the construction of the BreastCheck in the west of Ireland; the number of staff recruited; the expected opening date of the unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1782/07]

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 allocated additional revenue funding of €8 million for this year to meet the additional costs involved. I have also made available an additional €26.7m capital funding for the construction of two new clinical units and five additional mobile units and state of the art digital equipment. The first round of screening will commence in the South and West in the Spring which will take around 27 months to complete. The BreastCheck Programme is designed to offer repeat screening within an interval of 21-27 months.

In relation to the progress on the construction of the static unit in Galway the recruitment of staff, my Department has requested the Chief Executive Officer of the Service to respond directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

772 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of contracted nursing home beds the Health Service Executive has in County Mayo; the locations of these beds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1785/07]

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.

Michael Ring

Question:

773 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of money awarded in 2006 for a package (details supplied) in County Mayo; the number of applicants approved for this package in County Mayo; the number of people who actually got paid in County Mayo before the end of 2006; and the amount each person was paid individually. [1801/07]

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.

Question No. 774 answered with QuestionNo. 686.

Michael Ring

Question:

775 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the costing of a publication by the Health Service Executive (details supplied). [1811/07]

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.

Question No. 776 answered with QuestionNo. 686.
Question No. 777 answered with QuestionNo. 704.

National Treatment Purchase Fund.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

778 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare can be referred for treatment under the treatment purchase scheme for back surgery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1815/07]

The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) was established to expedite the provision of treatment for patients on public hospital waiting lists who have been waiting longest for surgery. The NTPF purchases procedures for public patients predominantly from private hospitals in Ireland.

My Department has asked the Chief Executive of the Fund to outline for the Deputy the protocols and procedures in relation to referring patients for treatment.

Grant Payments.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

779 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide information on the last review of domiciliary care allowance and the qualifying criteria attaching to this payment; if it is the case that parents of autistic children are deemed ineligible; if so, the reason for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1826/07]

The Department established the National Allowances Review Group on Disability related allowances in November 1999. This Working Group presented its submission to my Department in 2002, which in turn led to the circulars that currently exist which came into effect on the 1st July 2002.

The Working Group was maintained by the Health Service Executive and my Department and is currently in the final stages of preparing a submission to my Department which contains draft new circulars for the various disability related allowances which come under the remit of the Department of Health and Children, one of which is Domiciliary Care Allowance.

DCA may be paid, as the Deputy is aware, in respect of eligible children from birth to the age of 16 who have a severe disability requiring continual or continuous attention which is substantially in excess of that normally required by a child of the same age. Eligibility is determined primarily by reference to the degree of additional care and attention required rather than to the type of disability involved.

As a result of a Government decision to transfer the allowances to the Department of Social and Family Affairs an Interdepartmental Working has been established to carry oversee this transfer.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

780 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the breakdown of the number of children covered by the payment of domiciliary care allowance in each community care area according to the latest available information; the proportion of children this represents in each of those community care areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1827/07]

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

Health Services.

Pat Breen

Question:

781 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the increase in the number of beds at Ennis General Hospital envisaged as part of its capital development project; if there has been any change in that number proposed in recent months; the envisaged timetable for the provision of these beds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1828/07]

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

National Children’s Hospital.

Finian McGrath

Question:

782 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will progress the children’s hospital at the Mater site. [1839/07]

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 to proceed with the development at the Mater has recently been reaffirmed by the Government.

The next stage of the process, which is being overseen by a joint Department of Health and Children/Health Service Executive Transition Group, involves the preparation of a high level framework brief for the new hospital. The brief is being developed for the Transition Group by Rawlinson Kelly & Whittlestone Ltd (RKW), an established UK-based health care planning company. RKW will be advising on a range of issues which will help to inform the design of the new hospital. They will be advising, for example, on the preferred model of care, on the core services to be delivered at the new hospital, and on the additional range of services to be provided outside of the main hospital. RKW have also been requested to advise, as a priority, on the range of services which should be provided outside of the main hospital through the urgent / ambulatory care service, taking account of international best practice in the planning of children's hospital services.

RKW will be consulting widely in the course of its work, and the input of stakeholders will be of benefit in ensuring the delivery of our shared objective of providing a world-class hospital for the children of this country.

Health Services.

Finian McGrath

Question:

783 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the situation regarding a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will put a long-term residential care package in place. [1840/07]

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.

Long-Term Illness Scheme.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

784 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on amending the Health Act 1970 to include persons with acute rheumatoid arthritis in the long term illness scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1907/07]

Under the 1970 Health Act, the Health Service Executive may arrange for the supply, without charge, of drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances to people with a specified condition, for the treatment of that condition, through the Long Term Illness Scheme (LTI). The LTI does not cover GP fees or hospital co-payments. The conditions are: mental handicap, mental illness (for people under 16 only), phenylketonuria, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, haemophilia, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophies, parkinsonism, conditions arising from thalidomide and acute leukaemia. There are currently no plans to extend the list of eligible conditions.

Products which are necessary for the management of the specified illness are available to LTI patients. Other products are available according to the patient's eligibility.

People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the Health Service Executive can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. Those who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP card, which covers the cost of general practice consultations.

Non-medical card holders and people whose illness is not covered by the LTI can use the Drug Payment Scheme, which protects against excessive medicines costs. Under this scheme, no individual or family unit pays more than €85 per calendar month, or approximately €20 per week, towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme is easy to use and significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines.

In addition, the Deputy will be aware that non-reimbursed medical expenses above a set threshold may be offset against tax.

Question No. 785 answered with QuestionNo. 618.

Pharmacy Regulations.

Tom Hayes

Question:

786 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children when Irish pharmacists who have qualified in another jurisdiction can work here without the requirement for a supervising pharmacist to be present. [1909/07]

I presume the Deputy is asking about the removal of the derogation under Article 2.2 of Council Directive 85/433/EEC which gives Member States the option of not recognising the qualification of any EU/EEA-qualified pharmacist in relation to the ownership, management or supervision of a pharmacy that is less than three years old or for the establishment of a new pharmacy. This derogation will be removed when the first Pharmacy Bill is enacted. This Bill is at a very advanced stage and I expect to bring it to Cabinet in the next few weeks for approval to publish, and for forwarding to the Oireachtas for their consideration.

Health Services.

Michael Ring

Question:

787 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a question (details supplied) previously placed has not been responded to in full by the Health Service Executive; and when a response will issue in this regard. [1910/07]

The Deputy will be aware from my reply to his previous question that the matter was referred to the Health Service Executive at that time. My Department has forwarded the Deputy's latest request to the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive for follow up directly with the Deputy.

Michael Ring

Question:

788 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive additional home help hours. [1911/07]

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 case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Service Staff.

Michael Ring

Question:

789 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of occupational therapists employed in the Health Service Executive west region; the plans the HSE has to recruit additional occupational therapists to ensure that all referrals are acted on more promptly; the average length of time a person in County Mayo must wait for an assessment appointment with an occupational therapist; the number of people in County Mayo waiting on an assessment appointment with an occupational therapist; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1912/07]

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.

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.

Health Services.

Michael Ring

Question:

790 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has not been given an assessment appointment with an occupational therapist in view of the fact that they have been waiting for some time and in view of the severe medical condition that this person has. [1913/07]

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

Nursing Home Charges.

Michael Ring

Question:

791 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of claims verified for the repayment of nursing homes charged to date; the number of claims received to date; the number of those claims that relate to those living; the number of them which relate to the estates of deceased persons; the average repayment to date; the total amounts paid out; and the number who have subsequently appealed the repayment figure. [1914/07]

Michael Ring

Question:

868 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the estimated claims for the repayment of nursing home charges currently awaiting verification; the estimated numbers awaiting payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2409/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 791 and 868 together.

The Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006 provides a clear legal framework to repay recoverable health charges for publicly funded long term residential care. All those fully eligible persons who were wrongly charged and are alive will have their charges repaid in full. The estates of all those fully eligible persons who were wrongly charged for publicly funded long term residential care and died since 9 December 1998 will have the charges repaid in full. The scheme does not allow for repayments to the estates of those who died prior to that date.

Recoverable health charges are charges which were imposed on persons with full eligibility under the Health (Charges for In-patient Services) Regulations 1976 as amended in 1987 or charges for in-patient services only, raised under the Institutional Assistance Regulations 1954 as amended in 1965. The repayment scheme was launched publicly by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the scheme administrator KPMG/McCann Fitzgerald in August 2006. The Scheme Administrator has commenced scanning the records of long stay facilities around the country and to date 160 locations have been visited for this purpose.

In relation to dates of repayments to applicants, the HSE has informed the Department that over 24,000 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 14,000 people within this category. Queries in relation to individual applications should be referred to the scheme administrator.

In addition, the Health Service Executive has put arrangements in place whereby it can make applications on behalf of living persons in long stay institutions where there is no other connected person to make an application and where the applicants are unable to apply themselves due to ill health, or mental or physical disability.

The HSE has advised that offers of repayment commenced in November 2006 and that the first payments have already issued with further payments continuing on an ongoing basis. The HSE has indicated that over €17 million has been repaid to date and that the average repayment is approximately €21,000. It is expected that the bulk of payments to estates will commence in the Spring. Provision has been made for applications to be received up to 1 January 2008. It is anticipated that final repayments will be made by mid 2008.

A dedicated website www.repay.ie, an information phone line 1890 886 886 and an e-mail facility queries@repay.ie have been established by the scheme administrator to assist the public in accessing claim forms and general information on the scheme. The information line operates between the hours of 8.00 am and 9.00 pm from Monday to Saturday.

In relation to the number of appeals, no appeals have been received by the Appeals Office to date. The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and specific 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.

Question No. 792 answered with QuestionNo. 608.

Health Service Staff.

Michael Ring

Question:

793 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will appoint a consultant rheumatologist in County Mayo. [1918/07]

The appointment of medical consultants to the health service is the responsibility of 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 this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Michael Ring

Question:

794 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the average waiting list, on a county basis, for an appointment with a rheumatologist; the average time people have to spend on a waiting list before being seen by a consultant rheumatologist; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1919/07]

Michael Ring

Question:

795 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to increase the number of consultant rheumatologists particularly in view of the high number of people who currently have arthritis here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1920/07]

Michael Ring

Question:

796 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to undertake an agenda to implement the Comhairle na nOspidéal report regarding rheumatology services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1921/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 794 to 796, inclusive, together.

In December 2005, Comhairle na nOspideal published a report on Rheumatology Services which included recommendations on the organisation and development of rheumatology services in the future. Responsibility for the implementation of these recommendations rests with the Health Service Executive. 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.

Medical Cards.

Richard Bruton

Question:

797 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if discussions have taken place between the Health Service Executive and her Department regarding the revision of the medical card guidelines which were due on 1 January 2007; and when she plans to make an announcement on same. [1943/07]

Since the beginning of 2005 the medical card assessment guidelines have been increased by a cumulative 29%. Other significant changes which I have introduced are that applications are now considered on the basis of income net of tax and PRSI and that allowance is made for reasonable expenses incurred in respect of mortgage/rent, child care and travel to work. 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 used in respect of medical cards.

My Department and the HSE are at present considering whether any further changes to the guidelines are required, having regard to factors such as changes in income levels generally, the nature of typical household outgoings and also changes to the various social welfare schemes.

Health Service Property.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

798 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will establish the difficulties that have arisen with the title of a property and its lands (details supplied) in County Cork in its transfer from the former North Cork Health Authority via the Southern Health Board and Health Service Executive south as a delay has arisen. [1944/07]

The Health Service Executive has responsibility for its estate management, including the matter 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.

Health Services.

Pat Breen

Question:

799 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive orthodontic treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1964/07]

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.

Pat Breen

Question:

800 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. [1965/07]

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.

Ambulance Service.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

801 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of ambulances in Limerick; and if statistical information is available as to the number of occasions on which ambulances are not available when requested. [1966/07]

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.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Seán Crowe

Question:

802 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm that patients in Tallaght Hospital have to wait four years for an MRI scan, while if they pay €400 in Smithfield or €637 in Blackrock they only have to wait two days and one week respectively; and if this is the case, the measures she is taking to reduce the waiting list times for an MRI scan in Tallaght Hospital. [1967/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Service Capital Expenditure.

Michael Ring

Question:

803 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when the first floor of a building (details supplied) in County Mayo will be refurbished for use; the long-term proposals in place for this building; if it is proposed to use it as a full-time day care and respite centre; if so the proposed timeframe for same; the position regarding the capital allocation sanctioned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1974/07]

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 €559.5 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 asked 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 Disputes.

Michael Ring

Question:

804 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has met with representatives of the nursing unions (details supplied); if she has taken on board the concerns of these unions; and the steps she will take to avert possible industrial action. [1975/07]

Michael Ring

Question:

807 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has met with representatives of the nursing unions (details supplied); if she has taken on board the concerns of these unions; her proposals for these unions in relation to the issues they have raised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2005/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

857 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to the review of pay and conditions for nurses in the Irish Nurses Association and the Psychiatric Nurses Association; if her Department has received reports or submissions from these nursing organisations; her plans in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2325/07]

John Deasy

Question:

907 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of negotiations with the Irish Nurses Organisation and the Psychiatric Nurses Association in respect of their claim for improvements in their pay and conditions; if she will urge the Health Service Executive to deal urgently with this claim with a view to reaching an agreement that will avoid a disruption to hospital services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2590/07]

Denis Naughten

Question:

929 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she is taking to address the grievances of nurses as outlined by the Irish Nurses Organisation and the Psychiatric Nurses Association; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2958/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 804, 807, 857, 907 and 929 together.

The Irish Nurses Organisation (INO) and the Psychiatric Nurses Association (PNA) are pursuing a number of cost increasing claims in respect of pay and conditions, including a reduction in working hours from 39 to 35 hours per week. The claims were heard by the Labour Court on 20 June 2006 and a recommendation (LCR 18763) issued on 9 November 2006. This Recommendation has been accepted by health service employers.

In its recommendation the Labour Court noted that the social partnership agreements have brought significant benefits to workers, employers and to the economy overall and they provide a fair mechanism within an agreed framework by which workers can obtain improvements in pay and conditions of employment. The Court did not recommend concession of the major cost increasing pay claims. Instead the Court urged the Unions concerned to reconsider their position with regard to Benchmarking so as to have their pay claims examined through that process.

In relation to the claim for a reduction in working hours the Court stated 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 the parties explore the possibility of initiating an appropriate process aimed at achieving a major reorganisation of working arrangements within the health service generally. Such a process would have to involve representatives of a variety of grades and professions across the health service.

As Minister for Health and Children I would like to place on record that I hold the nursing and midwifery professions in high esteem and view the care they provide to patients as a critical component of our health services. I believe that a solution to the current dispute can only be found within the context of the Labour Court Recommendation and the prevailing national agreements. In this regard I arranged for exploratory discussions to be held between all the parties concerned at the offices of the HSE-Employers Agency on 19 January 2006.

While I understand the discussion provided clarity as to the respective positions of the parties the meeting adjourned without agreement on the way forward. However, I remain hopeful that a resolution to this dispute can still be found and I believe it remains open to the INO and PNA to enter the Benchmarking process and have their pay claims processed through this forum. Two other unions, SIPTU and IMPACT, which also represent nurses are currently participating in the Benchmarking process and have made a submission for improvements in pay and conditions on behalf of their members. In addition the INO and PNA could also decide to accept the national agreement, Towards 2016. If they accept this agreement their members would be eligible for pay increases of 10%.

I believe that industrial action by the unions concerned would not be in the interests of patients, staff or employers and I would urge the Unions to give further consideration to the proposals contained in the Labour Court Recommendation.

Ambulance Service.

Michael Ring

Question:

805 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will further clarify the response to a previous parliamentary question (details supplied); the amount being spent in County Mayo for ambulance services; if this figure is known; the amount being spent in each county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1976/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Service Information and Quality.

Marian Harkin

Question:

806 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will elaborate on one of the areas of responsibility of the Health Information and Quality Authority, that is, accessing the benefits of new treatment and technologies and insuring the best outcome for resources available to the Health Service Executive; if this could involve the authority limiting access by patients to expensive drugs or technologies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1988/07]

The Health Bill 2006, published in December 2006, which is being debated in the Dáil, provides for the establishment of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) and the Office of the Chief Inspector of Social Services with specific statutory functions. The Authority will incorporate the Irish Health Services Accreditation Board. HIQA's main role will be to reinforce internal quality within the health system and at the same time to bring external quality assurance to bear in an objective manner.

However, it should be noted that the Health Bill 2006 does not give authority to HIQA to limit access by patients to expensive drugs or technologies. One of the functions of HIQA, as outlined in the Health Bill 2006, is to evaluate the clinical and cost effectiveness of health technologies, including drugs and provide advice arising out of this evaluation to the Minister for Health and Children and the Health Service Executive.

Clinicians have always had to make decisions on the basis of both clinical need and resources available. However, as regards resources available to the services it might be noted that in the past six years (excluding the Office of the Minister for Children) gross current funding for the health services has increased by over €7 billion to €13.8 billion in 2007, or an increase of over100%. It is, of course, important that the health services are using these resources in an efficient and effective manner and, in that context, one of HIQA's functions will be to carry out reviews and make recommendations as the Authority thinks fit in respect of the services, to ensure the best outcomes/value for money for the resources available to the HSE.

Question No. 807 answered with QuestionNo. 804.

Hospital Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

808 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if a transfer can be arranged for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare to Maynooth Community Care Hospital in Maynooth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2058/07]

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 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 Subventions.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

809 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if increased nursing home subvention can be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2059/07]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the basic rate of subvention has been increased to a maximum of €300 per week. In addition the Health Services Executive may pay an enhanced subvention to people who cannot afford to meet the cost of care and I have provided extra funding of €30m in 2007 for this purpose. It is open to the person concerned to apply directly to the HSE.

Mental Health Services.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

810 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a clinic (details supplied) which undertakes psychological assessments of children, wrote in November 2006 asking parents if they would still like their child to be seen, confirming that there is a waiting time of about three years from the time of receiving a referral and stating that they have no control over this situation; if she will immediately increase the allocation of funds and personnel to the clinic in order to reduce the waiting time; if this cannot be done the immediate action she will take to pay for private psychological and psychoeducational assessments having regard to the importance of early intervention in a child’s educational and career life; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2070/07]

The Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, entitled ‘A Vision for Change', was launched in January 2006. It provides a framework for action to develop a modern, high quality mental health service over the next 7 to 10 years. In 2006, a sum of €26.2 million was allocated for the development of mental health services in line with ‘A Vision for Change'. A further sum of €25 million has been allocated in 2007 to continue this development. This additional funding included provision in 2006 for the development of eight additional child and adolescent multidisciplinary mental health teams and in 2007 for a further eight teams to be developed.

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, therefore, the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Services.

Pat Breen

Question:

811 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the provision being made for the installation of a helipad at Ennis General Hospital under the capital development project or under other proposals; the current arrangements for the airlifting of patients from the hospital to other locations; the estimated time for the transportation of patients from the hospital to a helicopter before being airlifted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2082/07]

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

Health Services.

Michael Ring

Question:

812 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the Health Service Executive proposed to cut the home help provision to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that this is what is keeping them from needing a long-stay bed in a nursing home. [2088/07]

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 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.

Crisis Pregnancy.

Finian McGrath

Question:

813 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the reform of the Crisis Pregnancy Agency; and the position regarding this matter. [2098/07]

The Crisis Pregnancy Agency was established in October 2001 under the Health (Corporate Bodies) Act, 1961, with a statutory remit to prepare a strategy to address the issue of crisis pregnancy, the strategy to provide, inter alia, for:

a reduction in the number of crisis pregnancies by the provision of education, advice and contraceptive services;

a reduction in the number of woman with crisis pregnancies who opt for abortion by offering services and supports which make other options more attractive;

and the provision of counselling and medical services after crisis pregnancy.

The Strategy was published in 2003 and a follow-on Strategy will be prepared in 2007.

I am satisfied that to date the Agency has successfully and appropriately carried out its functions in line with its statutory remit and that it has worked effectively to develop high-quality supports and services for women who experience a crisis pregnancy. I appointed a new Board of the Agency with effect from 1 December 2006, the first Board having completed its term of office. I look forward to the Agency, under its new Board, continuing to fulfil its remit in line with its statutory mandate.

Hospital Staff.

Enda Kenny

Question:

814 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason persons who have been employed as hospital attendants and who have completed successfully a carers course are not given recognition for such achievement and are not paid accordingly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2099/07]

Enda Kenny

Question:

815 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons who have graduated through hospital attendants positions to qualified carers in hospital situations; when it is intended to remunerate these persons at their new level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2100/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 814 and 815 together.

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.

My Department does not set employment quotas at national level for any grade in the public health service. 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.

Question No. 816 answered with QuestionNo. 659.

Hospital Services.

Jack Wall

Question:

817 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Carlow will be supplied with an earlier appointment date for Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2111/07]

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 Repayment Scheme.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

818 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the refund of nursing home charges under the national repayment scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [2112/07]

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.

Ambulance Service.

Pat Breen

Question:

819 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in the provision of a 24 hour, seven day a week ambulance service based in Scariff, County Clare and as included in the Ambulance Service Development Plan 2005 to 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2139/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to address the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Question No. 820 answered with QuestionNo. 686.

Medical Cards.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

821 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if a full review will be undertaken in respect of an application for a full medical card in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who is in urgent need of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2154/07]

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 therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

822 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a medical card has not issued in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2155/07]

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 therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Ambulance Service.

Jack Wall

Question:

823 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason funding has been stopped in relation to the provision of first responders schemes in Kildare south in view of the fact that such schemes provide such an important back up to the ambulance service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2156/07]

Jack Wall

Question:

824 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason training has been stopped for the first responders schemes in Kildare south in view of the fact that such schemes provide such an important back up to the ambulance service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2157/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 823 and 824 together.

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to address the particular issues raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Jack Wall

Question:

825 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of budget 2007, there has been an increase in the allocation to a group (details supplied) in Dublin 7 in view of the work this group carries out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2158/07]

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.

Dan Neville

Question:

826 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will explain the apparent contradiction in approving funding to AMNCH Tallaght of €298,000 to put in place services based on the National Working Group on Cystic Fibrosis services to support on additional 4.1 staff; and introducing two caveats which prevent this taking place. [2160/07]

Dan Neville

Question:

827 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason, having allocated funding for the development of cystic fibrosis services she introduced a condition that in order to implement the CF development plan each hospital must achieve break-even for the year and comply with staff ceiling controls which ensures that the necessary clinical appointments cannot take place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2161/07]

Finian McGrath

Question:

855 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will end the staff ban on the €7 million spending required services to help cystic fibrosis patients. [2309/07]

Catherine Murphy

Question:

941 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Health and Children the action she will take to ensure funding provided to upgrade services for patients with cystic fibrosis are used as intended; if staff ceilings will be relaxed in order to accommodate the employment of additional staff to cater for this area of need; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3063/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 826, 827, 855 and 941 together.

I have identified the enhancement of services for people with cystic fibrosis as a key priority in 2006 and again in 2007. Development funding of €4.78 million was provided to the Health Service Executive in 2006 to facilitate the recruitment of additional medical, nursing and allied health professional staff to improve services for cystic fibrosis patients. Additional funding of €2 million has been allocated this year to build on the investment provided in 2006.

Over 120,000 people work full-time or part-time in our public health services. Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the HSE has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, in accordance with Section 22(4) of the Health Act 2004, my Department notified the HSE of a revised employment ceiling for the health service to end-2006 taking account of approved service developments. 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.

I understand the specific issue relating to AMNCH Tallaght was raised at a recent meeting of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children and the HSE advised that approval issued in 2006 to the Hospital for the recruitment of the additional staff.

Health Service Staff.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

828 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will address the problem of social workers being found to be lacking in their professional skills; if and when she will rectify this problem; the way she will rectify this problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2187/07]

The Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 provides for a new regulatory system for twelve health and social care professionals, including social workers. The establishment of this system of statutory registration is essential to the delivery of the quality and accountability objectives of the Health Strategy and will ensure that members of the public are guided, protected and informed, so that they can be confident that health and social care professionals providing services are properly qualified, competent and fit to practise. This is the first time that fitness to practise procedures will be put in place for these professionals on a statutory basis and will provide a modern structure to deal effectively with complaints and other disciplinary matters.

The legislation provides for the establishment of a Health and Social Care Professionals Council, whose object will be to protect the public by promoting high standards of professional conduct and professional education, training and competence among registrants of the designated professions.

I will shortly be announcing the membership of the Council which is provided for in the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005. Following the appointment of the Council, work will commence on the establishment of each of the registration boards including the Social Worker Registration Board. It will be a matter for the Council, having regard to the establishment of the individual boards, to put in place the fitness to practise structure.

Health Services.

Pat Breen

Question:

829 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 197 of 8 November 2006, when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be taken off the waiting list for orthodontic services and receive treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2206/07]

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.

Questions Nos. 830 and 831 answered with Question No. 686.

Hospital Services.

John McGuinness

Question:

832 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a bed at Beaumont Hospital will be arranged immediately in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who is awaiting an urgent brain procedure; the reason there was no bed available on 21 January 2007 in view of the fact that the appointment was set for that day; if she will expedite an early appointment and ensure a bed is available. [2217/07]

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.

Departmental Expenditure.

John Gormley

Question:

833 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost to date of the expert body set up to implement the Fluoridation Forum report; the breakdown of all the costs incurred; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2220/07]

In total, €988,955.86 was paid by my Department to the Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health, of which €868,455.86 was paid directly and €120,500 was paid by the Eastern Region Health Authority on behalf of the Department. A more detailed breakdown is not currently available, but I will arrange to have it sent separately to the Deputy.

Proposed Regulations.

John Gormley

Question:

834 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will explain the way she can introduce regulations under the Fluoridation Act 1960 if no health studies have been carried out under section 6 of the Act; her views on whether such studies are first required if regulations to change the fluoride level are to be introduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2222/07]

Regulations are made under the Health (Fluoridation of Water Supplies) Act 1960 in accordance with sections 2 and 4 of the Act. I have recently laid before the Houses a survey in advance of the proposed new regulations under Section 2 of the Act. I propose to lay these Regulations before the Houses this week.

Question No. 835 answered with QuestionNo. 689.

John Gormley

Question:

836 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the expert body which was set up to implement the recommendations of the Fluoridation Forum report has not implemented the central recommendation of reducing the fluoride level to 7 ppm; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2224/07]

I intend laying regulations before the Houses this week to reduce the level of fluoride in the public water supplies to between 0.6 parts per million (ppm) fluoride and 0.8 ppm, based on the advice of the Fluoridation Forum and following consultation with the Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health.

National Treatment Purchase Fund.

John McGuinness

Question:

837 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason an appointment at Waterford Regional Hospital in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny was cancelled on 11 January 2007; the reason a further appointment on 18 January 2007 at 8 a.m. was not honoured; the reason the person was allowed to wait all day for attention finally having to leave the hospital at 5 p.m. without any consultation or information; if a further and immediate appointment will now be made for them in view of the level of pain they are in; if this case can be dealt with under the National Treatment Purchase Fund; if she will expedite the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2225/07]

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.

I would like to advise the Deputy that patients waiting more than three months on a surgical waiting list may qualify for treatment under the National Treatment Purchase Fund. It is open to the person in question, or anyone acting on his behalf, to contact the Fund directly for advice and assistance.

John McGuinness

Question:

838 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the immediate action she will take to produce services for attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder patients in Carlow and Kilkenny; if she will arrange for each of the patients (details supplied) to be seen privately with follow up treatment and care in view of the length of time each has been without support or proper medical care and services; if this urgent issue can be dealt with under the National Treatment Purchase Fund; if she will insist that the Health Service Executive make contact with each family to assess their needs and inform them as to the long term plans of the HSE and the way they will be helped; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2226/07]

The Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, entitled ‘A Vision for Change', was launched on 24th January 2006. It provides a framework for action to develop a modern, high quality mental health service over the next 7 to 10 years.

In 2006, a sum of €26.2 million was allocated for the development of mental health services in line with ‘A Vision for Change'. A further sum of €25 million has been allocated in 2007 to continue this development. A significant amount of this year's funding — €7.95m — is for the development of child and adolescent psychiatric services. This funding will bring about significant improvements in community, hospital-based and early intervention services. Existing multi-disciplinary teams will be enhanced and new child and adolescent mental health teams developed.

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 matters raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) was established to expedite the provision of treatment for patients on public hospital waiting lists who have been waiting longest for surgery. I have no plans to expand the remit of the NTPF to the type of treatment referred to by the Deputy.

Hospital Services.

John McGuinness

Question:

839 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in arranging an appointment for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny at Waterford Regional Hospital; if an MRS scan can also be arranged for this patient in view of the fact that their general practitioner has confirmed that both matters are extremely urgent; and if she will expedite the matter. [2227/07]

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. 840 answered with QuestionNo. 631.
Question No. 841 answered with QuestionNo. 686.

Nursing Home Subventions.

Michael Ring

Question:

842 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if the enhanced subvention is still in place in County Mayo for new as well as existing applicants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2236/07]

Enhanced subvention remains in place throughout the country and I am pleased to inform the Deputy that an extra €30m has been provided in 2007 for this purpose.

Health Services.

Finian McGrath

Question:

843 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will put in place more support for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if she will ensure their maximum safety. [2237/07]

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 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 Estimates.

Liz McManus

Question:

844 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children the population in each of the eight Health Service Executive regional areas in the last Census and in the most recent preliminary figures of the 2006 Census in view of the stated increases in expenditure in the Health Estimates 2007; the population change in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2238/07]

The information requested by the Deputy is provided in the following table.

Population of each Health Service Executive (HSE) Area 2002 and 2006

HSE Area

2002

2006*

Population Change

Eastern Regional Area

1,401,441

1,498,564

97,123

Midland Area

225,363

251,380

26,017

Mid-Western Area

339,591

360,651

21,060

North-Eastern Area

344,965

393,292

48,327

North-Western Area

221,574

236,656

15,082

South-Eastern Area

423,616

460,474

36,858

Southern Area

580,356

620,525

40,169

Western Area

380,297

413,383

33,086

Ireland

3,917,203

4,234,925

317,722

* Preliminary data.

Source: Central Statistics Office.

Question No. 845 answered with QuestionNo. 665.

Health Services.

M. J. Nolan

Question:

846 Mr. Nolan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Carlow will be called for assessment by the Health Service Executive in view of the difficulties being encountered and highlighted by the school authorities in a number of communications with the HSE on the person’s behalf; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2259/07]

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, therefore, 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.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Pat Breen

Question:

847 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children if the plans for the upgrading of St. Joseph’s Hospital, Ennis include refurbishing bathroom and toilet facilities; the other improvements envisaged; the funding being made available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2260/07]

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 €559.5 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.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

Pat Breen

Question:

848 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of an appeal application for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2261/07]

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.

Pat Breen

Question:

849 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of an application for the housing aid for the elderly for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2262/07]

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.

Hospital Services.

Pat Breen

Question:

850 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 617 of 27 September 2006, when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated with a rheumatologist appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2263/07]

I understand that a reply has issued from the Health Service Executive directly to the Deputy dated 29th January 2007.

Consultant Contracts.

M. J. Nolan

Question:

851 Mr. Nolan asked the Minister for Health and Children the state of negotiations with hospital consultants with regard to a new contract; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2280/07]

As the Deputy may be aware talks on a new contract commenced on 24 November 2005 under the independent chairmanship of Mr. Mark Connaughton SC. These talks were adjourned following the meeting on 9 February 2006.

In January 2006, management tabled a position paper outlining proposals on a new employment contract for consultants working in the public health system. These proposals include a public-only contract, 24/7 provision of services by consultants, a move from a consultant-led to a consultant-provided service, improved research, education and training, and greater accountability for consultants.

Talks resumed in November 2006 on the basis of a formula devised by the Chairman. Further documents were tabled by management. Difficulties were encountered, however, in these negotiations due to objections by the medical organisations to arrangements adopted by the Health Service Executive in relation to Category 2 Consultant appointments. Because of this, a further plenary meeting has not been convened.

The chairman has recently issued a report to the parties which conveys his opinion that in order for constructive talks to take place:

there should be an unequivocal agreement between the parties that there would be unconditional negotiations for a defined period of time;

an agreed agenda must be drawn up by the parties;

outline responses must be exchanged in writing between the parties on the various issues;

a mechanism must be established to deal with issues arising in relation to the current contract;

the parties should be represented by smaller teams;

confidentiality should be observed by all parties;

the framework within which any agreement could be concluded should be worked out in greater detail.

The chairman's report is currently receiving active consideration.

National Treatment Purchase Fund.

M. J. Nolan

Question:

852 Mr. Nolan asked the Minister for Health and Children the proposals in place to deal with the increasing problem of patients who are awaiting assessment by consultants prior to being considered by the National Treatment Purchase Fund; if her attention has been drawn to the undue hardship being caused for individuals who cannot apply to be considered under this scheme due to the long lists to see consultants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2281/07]

The management of out-patient waiting lists is a matter for the Health Service Executive and the individual hospitals concerned. However, in 2005, at my request, the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) set up a number of out-patient pilot projects. The pilot programme operated successfully and 4,500 out-patients were seen in that year. In 2006, a further 6,250 patients were provided with out-patient appointments. The NTPF expects to increase the number to 9,000 in 2007. I am very pleased with the success to date of the out-patient programme.

Proposed Legislation.

Liam Aylward

Question:

853 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that the restrictions on pharmacists educated in other EU countries is addressed in the proposals for a new Pharmacy Bill in view of the fact that if such restrictions were abolished it would address the current shortage of pharmacists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2291/07]

I presume the Deputy is asking about the removal of the derogation under Article 2.2 of Council Directive 85/433/EEC which gives Member States the option of not recognising the qualification of any EU/EEA-qualified pharmacist in relation to the ownership, management or supervision of a pharmacy that is less than three years old or for the establishment of a new pharmacy. This derogation will be removed when the first Pharmacy Bill is enacted. This Bill is at a very advanced stage and I expect to bring it to Cabinet in the next few weeks for approval to publish, and for forwarding to the Oireachtas for their consideration.

Paul McGrath

Question:

854 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the present status of the Bill to regulate pharmacies here; the expected date of the Second Stage of the Bill; and if she expects the Bill will be signed into law before June 2007. [2303/07]

The first Pharmacy Bill is at a very advanced stage. I expect to bring it to Cabinet in the next few weeks for approval to publish, and for forwarding to the Oireachtas for their consideration. I am treating this Bill as a priority and, subject to the overall set of legislative priorities as determined by the Oireachtas, expect to have it signed into law by June 2007.

Question No. 855 answered with QuestionNo. 826.
Question No. 856 answered with QuestionNo. 616.
Question No. 857 answered with QuestionNo. 804.

Medical Cards.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

858 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a family medical card will be reviewed in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2326/07]

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, childcare 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 therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

859 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children if 30 acres of Health Service Executive land at Ballydribeen, Killarney, will be made available to accommodate social housing along with facilities for a number of voluntary, social care and sporting organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2338/07]

The Health Service Executive has responsibility for its estate management, including the matter 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.

Ambulance Service.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

860 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a private ambulance service cannot have their ambulance inspected by the Health Service Executive until contracts have been awarded by the HSE in view of the fact that this group have been informed that the September 2005 contracts have yet to be approved and acknowledging the fact that this group cannot avail of VHI or VIVAS payments until the HSE have approved; her views on whether this is an unacceptable waiting time; the actions this group can take to speed up the process in view of the large investment already made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2340/07]

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.

Hospital Services.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

861 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children when the sanction and installation of a digital X-ray computer system for Mayo General Hospital will materialise; her views on the need for this picture archiving and communications system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2363/07]

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

Health Services.

John McGuinness

Question:

862 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a long stay bed will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if both cases will be assessed; and if she will expedite the matter. [2375/07]

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.

Garda Investigations.

John McGuinness

Question:

863 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if the investigation into the management of funds by the Health Service Executive in Waterford has been concluded by the gardaí; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2376/07]

My Department has made enquiries with the Health Service Executive, which has operational responsibility in relation to this matter. It has been informed that, following an internal investigation, An Garda Síochána were notified of a misappropriation of funds, in line with the "Procedures in cases of fraud or theft by health board employees". The matter is now in the hands of the Gardaí.

An Teanga Ghaeilge.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

864 D’fhiafraigh Mr. Sargent den Aire Sláinte agus Leanaí cá fhad ar an meán a thógann sé uirthi litir a fhreagairt as Béarla i gcomparáid leis an méid ama a thógann sé uirthi litir a fhreagairt as Gaeilge. [2388/07]

Braitheann an t-am a thógtar chun freagra ar aon litir a eisiúnt ar ábhar na litreach agus aon fhiosrúcháin atá riachtanach.

Hospital Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

865 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of reports she has received from the Health Service Executive on progress in the implementation of the plan for development of radiation oncology services; the date of those reports; the action she has taken on foot of the reports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2406/07]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

891 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in relation to negotiations with the British Government regarding the locating of a satellite radiotherapy unit based in Letterkenny General Hospital to service cancer patients in the north west cross-border region. [2475/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 865 and 891 together.

On 31 July, 2006 I received a report from the Health Service Executive (HSE) on progress in implementing the Government's National Plan for Radiation Oncology. Significant progress is being made supported by substantial additional investment, both revenue and capital. The main developments are as follows:

The procurement of additional capacity (2 linear accelerators) for St. Luke's Hospital Rathgar. This is scheduled to be delivered around the end of 2007.

The provision of interim facilities at Beaumont Hospital (2 linear accelerators) and St. James's Hospital (2 linear accelerators). These facilities will be delivered by early 2009. The capital requirements amount to €45m.

A Clinical Output Specification Group has completed an assessment of population needs, linear accelerator requirements by site, bed issues, specialty distribution, supplier mix, equipment specification, functional specification and contract flexibility.

The HSE has appointed a Project Director. A project team was also established comprising representatives from the HSE, National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) and the Hospital Planning Office. The team meets twice monthly and is progressing all procurement and planning issues.

Four leading international experts have been appointed to validate the population needs assessments, technical specifications, process mapping and other outputs.

A Project Board has been appointed by the HSE to provide overall governance and resolution of policy issues as they arise. It includes HSE, NDFA and Departmental participants as well as expertise from outside the State. The Project Board meets six weekly.

The Project Director is working with the HSE National Hospitals Office to ensure appropriate integration of the privately operated facility in Limerick.

A Senior Project Manager in HR/Workforce Planning has been appointed to deal with recruitment, training and retention issues.

The HSE has contracted an international Radiation Oncology Expert to advise on process re-engineering and improved workforce efficiencies. The HSE is to utilise the opportunities presented by the Social Partnership Agreement, Towards 2016 to progress more flexible working arrangements including an extended working hours model, to improve the delivery of radiation oncology.

The Project Team is establishing nationally standardised operating and ICT systems and national data and Quality Assurance systems will be developed.

Additional revenue funding of €3.25m has been provided in 2007 to support the implementation of the National Plan. This funding will support the appointment of five additional Consultant Radiation Oncologists, 7 Specialist Registrars and five support staff. The funding will also support the two linear accelerator capacity expansion at St. Luke's Hospital.

In December, 2006 I met with the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the HSE and I agreed that the Executive should examine options to speed up the pace of delivery. The Executive will make recommendations to me shortly on the earliest delivery of the Plan in the best interests of cancer patients throughout the country.

As regards the referral of patients from Donegal to Belfast City Hospital (BCH), a Service Level Agreement is now in place for the referral of about 50 radiation oncology patients annually and a number of patients have already been referred for treatment. It has also been agreed that the number will be increased if there is sufficient demand from patients in Donegal. In November 2006, I met with the Minister for Health for Northern Ireland and we discussed progressing consideration of a satellite centre in the North West linked to BCH. Further discussions will take place at official level involving both Departments.

Cancer Screening Programme.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

866 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will report on progress in the roll-out of BreastCheck; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2407/07]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

892 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is in a position to reassure women in Donegal that BreastCheck will be rolled out here in 2007. [2476/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 866 and 892 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 allocated additional revenue funding of €8 million for this year to meet the additional costs involved. I have also made available an additional €26.7m capital funding for the construction of two new clinical units and five additional mobile units and state of the art digital equipment. The first round of screening will commence in the South and West in the Spring which will take around 27 months to complete. The BreastCheck Programme is designed to offer repeat screening within an interval of 21-27 months.

I understand that the Director of BreastCheck wrote to the Deputy on 14 December 2006 in relation to roll out in Donegal and he has undertaken to keep the Deputy apprised of developments.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

867 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the position of her private hospital co-location plan; the number of contracts which have been agreed; the hospital sites involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2408/07]

The Health Services Executive (HSE) is currently undertaking a procurement exercise to select consortia to build and operate private hospitals on 8 public hospital sites. The hospitals involved are:

Limerick Regional Hospital

Waterford Regional Hospital

Cork University Hospital

St James' Hospital

Beaumont Hospital

Connolly Hospital (Blanchardstown)

Adelaide & Meath Hospital Incorporating the National Children's Hospital (Tallaght)

Sligo General Hospital.

The shortlisted bidders for each site are currently engaged in the competitive dialogue phase of the process with the HSE and the relevant hospitals.

The key objective of the competitive dialogue phase is to explore different options for meeting the core requirements identified in respect of each public hospital site. The preferred bidders will then be invited to tender to build and operate private hospitals in accordance with the specifications determined. The HSE envisages that the Invitation to Tender will issue in early March.

Question No. 868 answered with QuestionNo. 791.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Michael Ring

Question:

869 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will get a bed in Beaumont Hospital. [2410/07]

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.

Health Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

870 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the average waiting time for children’s orthodontic services in Dublin. [2411/07]

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.

Cardiovascular Strategy.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

871 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the situation regarding achieving the targets outlined in the National Cardiovascular Strategy; if any of the targets have been met within the timeframe set; if so, if she will outline same; and if not, when these targets will be achieved. [2412/07]

Since the launch of ‘Building Healthier Hearts' in 1999, my Department has published two reports, the most recent being ‘Ireland's Changing Heart', in March 2003. I understand that the Health Service Executive is currently conducting a review of the Strategy and it is expected that this will be completed by April.

National Cancer Strategy.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

872 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the situation regarding achieving the targets outlined in the National Cancer Strategy; if any of the targets have been met within the timeframe set; if so, if she will outline same; and if not, when these targets will be achieved. [2413/07]

The aim of the National Cancer Control Strategy, which was published in June 2006, is to reduce our cancer incidence, morbidity and mortality rates relative to other Member States of the European Union. The Strategy encompasses all aspects of cancer control, including prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, supportive and palliative care. This Government is committed to investing significantly in the implementation of the Strategy. I have made available an additional €20.5m this year for cancer control. This is an increase of 74% on the comparable 2006 investment.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) is establishing a National Cancer Control Programme to manage, organise and deliver cancer control on a whole population basis. The Programme will have a strong emphasis on prevention and early detection, integrated across primary, hospital, supportive and palliative care.

Evidence based population based screening programmes are an essential element of the Strategy. I established a National Cancer Screening Service Board on 1 January this year. It takes over responsibility for BreastCheck and the Irish Cervical Screening Programme. The total allocation to the new Service is €33m, a 71% increase on the funding available in 2006. This includes €8m for the roll out of the national breast screening programme to the West and South which will commence this Spring and €5m to commence the roll out of a national cervical screening programme later this year. The Service will also advise on the implementation of a national colorectal screening programme, specifically on the population to be screened, at what intervals screening should take place, and the requirements for a quality assured and well organised cost effective symptomatic service.

Obesity Strategy.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

873 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the situation regarding achieving the targets outlined in the National Obesity Strategy; if any of the targets have been met within the timeframe set; if so, if she will outline same; and if not, when these targets will be achieved. [2414/07]

Obesity is a major public health problem both for Ireland and for our European neighbours. 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. It is proposed to utilise social inclusion structures already established as well as other working groups as required to facilitate this.

I understand that the Health Service Executive has established a Working Group to implement those recommendations of the Task Force on Obesity for which the HSE has the lead responsibility and for which €3 million has been allocated. In 2006 eight additional posts focussed on obesity were secured and a number of new initiatives commenced and are continuing. In conjunction with the Irish Sports Council, the HSE is supporting local sports partnerships. Research and surveillance are progressing through partnerships with Irish Universities Nutrition Alliance, the National Nutritional Surveillance Centre, UCD and NUI Galway. At present a North — South conference is being planned on this issue and a new obesity campaign for 2007 is being developed by the HSE.

Hospital Staff.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

874 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the hospitals in the Dublin region that have vacant consultant posts; the number of vacancies that exist; and the number of these posts that have been advertised to date. [2415/07]

The detailed information required by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive to examine this matter and reply directly to Deputy.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

875 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of vacant nursing posts in the Dublin region. [2416/07]

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.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

876 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of vacant posts for all allied health professionals in hospitals in the Dublin region. [2417/07]

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 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.

Primary Care Strategy.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

877 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of posts unfilled to date for the roll-out of the next phase of the Primary Care Strategy; and the number of posts that will be required for allied health professionals in the Dublin region in order to roll-out the next phase of the Primary Care Strategy. [2418/07]

The Primary Care Strategy aims to develop services in the community to give people direct access to integrated multi-disciplinary teams of general practitioners, nurses, home helps, physiotherapists, 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.

The HSE received an additional €10m in funding in 2006 to enable the establishment of up to 100 Primary Care Teams in development; a further €22m is being provided in 2007 to meet the full year costs of the 2006 developments and to enable a further 100 Primary Care Teams in development to be established.

The Government has committed under the Towards 2016 agreement to the establishment of 300 Primary Care Teams by 2008; 400 by 2009; and 500 by 2011. A review of these targets will be undertaken in 2008.

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

Mental Health Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

878 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made regarding the provision of hospital beds for minors with acute mental health problems in the Dublin region. [2419/07]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

879 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made regarding the provision of community based mental health services for people of all ages in the Dublin region. [2420/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 878 and 879 together.

Increased investment in mental health services has accelerated the move from institutionally provided services to community-based services and has provided for increases in the number of consultant psychiatrists in the public health service. The Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, entitled ‘A Vision for Change', was launched on 24th January 2006. It provides a framework for action to develop a modern, high quality mental health service over the next 7 to 10 years.

In 2006, a sum of €26.2 million was allocated for the development of mental health services in line with ‘A Vision for Change'. A further sum of €25 million has been allocated in 2007 to continue this development. A significant amount of this year's funding — €7.95m — is for the development of child and adolescent psychiatric services. This funding will bring about significant improvements in community, hospital-based and early intervention services. Existing multi-disciplinary teams will be enhanced and new child and adolescent mental health teams developed.

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, therefore, the appropriate body to consider the particular matters raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

880 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made regarding the provision of step-down facilities for the Dublin region. [2421/07]

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.

Diabetes Strategy.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

881 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in regard to a national diabetes strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2422/07]

The Report of the Working Group on Diabetes was published in early 2006 and the Health Service Executive has been working actively to progress the recommendations of the Working Group.

Following the publication of the Report, the recommendations have been considered by the Management Team of the Primary, Community and Continuing Care Directorate. The Management Team have identified the following priorities for Primary, Community and Continuing Care Services:-

To audit and assess current provision in the local health areas and the Administrative Areas.

To identify Best Practice

The Development of local registers

The identification of high risk patients

Development of the working arrangements between the HSE and the voluntary sector

The further roll-out of the screening programme for diabetic retinopathy.

The Chief Executive of the HSE has identified the establishment of Expert Advisory Groups as a major step in the Reform programme which is about making things better for the people using our services. The purpose of the Expert Advisory Groups (EAG) is to bring the expertise of the clinical and health community and the voice of patients, clients and service users to a more influential role within the HSE. These EAGs will play an influential role in crafting a strategic vision of their areas of focus.

The HSE established an Expert Advisory Group on Diabetes in October 2006. This group has identified a number of priority issues which it will focus on initially and that will be incorporated into a wider strategy for implementation in relation to Diabetes Care.

In addition my Department and the HSE are working to put in place a series of measures to manage the health impacts of chronic disease generally in the population.

These measures include:—

The development of a comprehensive, integrated chronic disease policy framework which will view chronic disease as a continuum with "stream" action on the avoidable cause of disease, disability and premature death as well as "downstream" action to improve the health and quality of life of those already suffering from the condition;

Comprehensive patient registration systems;

The development of shared care models for each condition under a disease management programme;

The development and use of evidence-based clinical guidelines for each condition

A Self-Care Management Programme

Evaluation Protocols.

Health Services.

Michael Ring

Question:

882 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if transport will be provided to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [2425/07]

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.

Billy Timmins

Question:

883 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if they will be seen as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2429/07]

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.

Billy Timmins

Question:

884 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the waiting time for speech therapy and orthodontic treatment in the Health Service Executive area of counties Wicklow and Carlow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2437/07]

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.

Billy Timmins

Question:

885 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the situation with regard to the roll out of the first community responders scheme as outlined in the Task Force Report on Sudden Cardiac Death; the reason the scheme as developed in County Wicklow is no longer receiving assistance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2438/07]

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.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

886 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in Dublin 16 will receive an appointment for a clinic; and if she will make a statement on the matter [2457/07]

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.

Primary Care Strategy.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

887 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if there are plans to relocate a health centre (details supplied) in Dublin 14 to new premises; if so, if a new premises has been located; if rent is being paid; and when the existing health centre will move into this new building. [2462/07]

The Primary Care Strategy aims to develop services in the community to give people direct access to integrated multi-disciplinary teams of general practitioners, nurses, home helps, physiotherapists, 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.

The provision of the appropriate infrastructure for the effective functioning of the teams is 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.

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

Health Services.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

888 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason children in secondary school in Achill Island, County Mayo have to attend a hygienist in Westport, County Mayo when there are full facilities in Achill to carry this out in order to save children having to travel and miss additional unnecessary hours from school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2467/07]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal 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 regarding dental hygiene investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

889 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department has allocated the necessary funding to the Health Service Executive to enable the immediate construction of a modular unit at Letterkenny General Hospital providing for 31 beds and the extra staff required. [2473/07]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

890 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide a firm commitment as to when the modular unit at Letterkenny General Hospital, providing for 31 beds, will be operational to give urgent relief to the ongoing beds crisis at that hospital. [2474/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 889 and 890 together.

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 €559.5 million.

The HSE has responsibility for the planning and management of capital projects in the health sector, including the developments 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. 891 answered with QuestionNo. 865.
Question No. 892 answered with QuestionNo. 866.

Health Repayment Scheme.

Niall Blaney

Question:

893 Mr. Blaney asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will put in place the necessary resources to allow applications under the health repayment scheme to be dealt with as quickly as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2477/07]

The Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006 provides a clear legal framework to repay recoverable health charges for publicly funded long term residential care. All those fully eligible persons who were wrongly charged and are alive will have their charges repaid in full. The estates of all those fully eligible persons who were wrongly charged for publicly funded long term residential care and died since 9 December 1998 will have the charges repaid in full. The scheme does not allow for repayments to the estates of those who died prior to that date.

Recoverable health charges are charges which were imposed on persons with full eligibility under the Health (Charges for In-patient Services) Regulations 1976 as amended in 1987 or charges for in-patient services only, raised under the Institutional Assistance Regulations 1954 as amended in 1965.

The repayment scheme was launched publicly by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the scheme administrator KPMG/McCann Fitzgerald in August 2006.

The Scheme Administrator has commenced scanning the records of long stay facilities around the country and to date 160 locations have been visited for this purpose.

In relation to dates of repayments to applicants, the HSE has informed the Department that over 24,000 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 14,000 people within this category. Queries in relation to individual applications should be referred to the scheme administrator.

In addition, the Health Service Executive has put arrangements in place whereby it can make applications on behalf of living persons in long stay institutions where there is no other connected person to make an application and where the applicants are unable to apply themselves due to ill health, or mental or physical disability.

The HSE has advised that offers of repayment commenced in November 2006 and that the first payments have already issued with further payments continuing on an ongoing basis. It is expected that the bulk of payments to estates will commence in the Spring. Provision has been made for applications to be received up to 1 January 2008. It is anticipated that final repayments will be made by mid 2008.

A dedicated website www.repay.ie, an information phone line 1890 886 886 and an e-mail facility queries@repay.ie have been established by the scheme administrator to assist the public in accessing claim forms and general information on the scheme. The information line operates between the hours of 8.00 am and 9.00 pm from Monday to Saturday.

Niall Blaney

Question:

894 Mr. Blaney asked the Minister for Health and Children if an application for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal under the health repayment scheme will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2478/07]

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 Services.

Willie Penrose

Question:

895 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the roll-out of the home care package for the elderly; if there is a uniform application of same across the country; if there is a uniform needs assessment form; if so, if she will furnish this Deputy with a copy of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2487/07]

Additional funding of €55 million was allocated to the Home Care Package Scheme, for 2007, which will benefit some 4,000 people. This is in addition to the €55m (full year cost) that was provided for the Scheme in Budget 2006. In 2006 a total of 2,000 extra packages were provided.

In relation to the application of the home-care package scheme, 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.

Martin Ferris

Question:

896 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person in receipt of disability allowance and who has a medical card is covered for root canal surgery by their card. [2488/07]

A range of dental services for adult medical card holders are available under the Dental Treatment Service Scheme (DTSS) from participating dentists holding contracts with the Health Service Executive (HSE). The treatments provided include examinations, fillings, extractions, dentures, x-rays and certain root canal treatment.

A DTSS Review Group has been established to undertake a comprehensive review of Primary Care Oral Health Services provided under the DTSS. Represented on the Review Group are the HSE, the Department of Health and Children, the Department of Social and Family Affairs, the Department of Finance, the Irish Dental Association and the HSE's Employers Agency. The schedule of services provided for under the DTSS will be examined as part of the review, as well as monitoring and evaluation procedures.

Billy Timmins

Question:

897 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to the payment from the community welfare officer for people who have diabetes; the amount of this payment; the way a person recently diagnosed can apply for this payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2497/07]

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 Repayment Scheme.

Phil Hogan

Question:

898 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be made in respect of nursing home rebate for a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2515/07]

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.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

John McGuinness

Question:

899 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children further to previous parliamentary questions if a grant under the housing aid for the elderly scheme will be awarded to a person (detail supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will expedite the matter. [2563/07]

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 the 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.

Hospital Services.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

900 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will explain the treatment a person (details supplied) in County Mayo received at Mayo General Hospital between 27 November and 6 December 2006; her views on whether changes are needed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2564/07]

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. The HSE have already been requested to reply to the representation referred to by the Deputy. My Department has again 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.

Dan Neville

Question:

901 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the investment made by the Health Service Executive in the western area language scheme. [2566/07]

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.

Nursing Home Charges.

John Cregan

Question:

902 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Limerick who was referred to a nursing home for convalescence under the winter initiative scheme was asked to pay for their stay; the further reason the person was referred to a nursing home that did not accept VHI payment; and if the Health Service Executive will offer a refund of fees in this case. [2567/07]

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 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.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

903 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be made on a medical card review in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2582/07]

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, childcare 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 therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Mental Health Services.

M. J. Nolan

Question:

904 Mr. Nolan asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive will have waiting lists in child and adolescent psychiatry dealt with under the National Treatment Purchase Fund or the employment of locum staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2583/07]

The Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, entitled ‘A Vision for Change', was launched on 24th January 2006. It provides a framework for action to develop a modern, high quality mental health service over the next 7 to 10 years.

In 2006, a sum of €26.2 million was allocated for the development of mental health services in line with ‘A Vision for Change'. A further sum of €25 million has been allocated in 2007 to continue this development. A significant amount of this year's funding — €7.95m — is for the development of child and adolescent psychiatric services. This funding will bring about significant improvements in community, hospital-based and early intervention services. Existing multidisciplinary teams will be enhanced and new child and adolescent mental health teams developed.

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.

The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) was established to expedite the provision of treatment for patients on public hospital waiting lists who have been waiting longest for surgery. I have no plans to expand the remit of the NTPF to the type of treatment referred to by the Deputy.

Accident and Emergency Services.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

905 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether a ticketing system in overcrowded accident and emergency departments here would eliminate some of the confusion and panic which currently exists within these departments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2584/07]

My Department has asked the Health Service Executive to consider the Deputy's suggestion in the context of its management of Accident and Emergency services. The Deputy will appreciate that a triage system operates in A & E departments to ensure that patients are prioritised on the basis of clinical need.

Question No. 906 answered with QuestionNo. 686.
Question No. 907 answered with QuestionNo. 804.

Primary Care Strategy.

Michael Collins

Question:

908 Mr. Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position of a primary care centre (details supplied) in Glin, County Limerick; if the Health Service Executive has received planning permission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2591/07]

The Primary Care Strategy aims to develop services in the community to give people direct access to integrated multi-disciplinary teams of general practitioners, nurses, home helps, physiotherapists, 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.

The provision of the appropriate infrastructure for the effective functioning of the teams is 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.

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

Health Services.

Liz McManus

Question:

909 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons waiting for orthodontic treatment, broken down on a county basis and giving the average waiting time for such treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2696/07]

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.

Liz McManus

Question:

910 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the audiology test suite in Beaumont Hospital does not meet the ISO8253-1 standard and as a result the validity of results cannot be guaranteed; if this situation applies to audiology test suites in other parts of the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2697/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Repayment Scheme.

Bernard Allen

Question:

911 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children when the nursing homes payments which were demanded from a person (details supplied) in County Cork, will be repaid to her under the Repayment Scheme. [2714/07]

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.

Infectious Diseases.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

912 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children if hospitals will employ permanent cleaning staff in place of using contract cleaners in an effort to contain MRSA; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2730/07]

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.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

913 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Health and Children the action she will take to ensure that persons (details supplied) in County Monaghan receive physiotherapy as a matter of urgency; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the 2006 class of physiotherapists could not get employment with the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2736/07]

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.

David Stanton

Question:

914 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the instance of Homocystinuria here; the support and treatment available for children with this condition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2743/07]

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.

Questions Nos. 915 and 916 answered with Question No. 686.

Michael Ring

Question:

917 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be reassessed for orthodontic treatment. [2825/07]

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

Michael Ring

Question:

918 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans of the Health Service Executive in view of the fact that a community physiotherapist employed by the HSE has left areas in County Mayo, to provide treatment for the people the physiotherapist had been seeing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2826/07]

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.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

919 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the information sought in a parliamentary question dated 8 December 2006 has not been provided; and the amount spent on consultants in each of the years 1997 to 2006. [2849/07]

The information originally requested by the Deputy in PQ 43228/06 for written answer on 13 December, 2006 involved a considerable amount of work by all units in my Department. This work has now been completed.

Expenditure on consultancy services by my Department over the period concerned is set out in the table below.

Year

Total Cost of Consultancies

1997

127,100

1998

452,500

1999

1,390,300

2000

1,645,900

2001

2,578,000

2002

3,766,900

2003

5,466,000

2004

4,704,400

2005

2,084,300

2006

1,443,700

The period concerned was one of considerable development and reform across the broad spectrum of the health services. Generally, expenditure related to consultancies of an economic, accountancy, actuarial, communications, organisational change, evaluation, research and scientific nature. It included significant consultancy input to national health awareness initiatives and surveys over the decade concerned.

Health Services.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

920 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the weekly cost to the State for keeping a young person in care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2850/07]

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

Health Service Allowances.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

921 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be made on an application from a person (details supplied) in Dublin 16 for domiciliary care allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2884/07]

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:

922 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite arrangements for heart surgery at St. James’ Hospital Dublin for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny in view of the urgency of this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2892/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive 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.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

923 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department will release the necessary €450,000 to bring the Ballinrobe Community Nursing Unit, County Mayo to the planning and development stage as it is presently being signed over from Mayo County Council to the Health Service Executive west and in view of the length of time the people of south Mayo are awaiting this facility; if she will provide a fully detailed plan for this facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2893/07]

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 €559.5 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.

Michael Ring

Question:

924 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the position of a project (details supplied) in County Mayo; the capital funding provided for same; the overall projected development costs; the estimated project timeframe to completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2899/07]

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 €559.5 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 asked 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 Aids and Appliances.

John Cregan

Question:

925 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in having a wheelchair issued to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; if a date will be given for the provision of this wheelchair; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2907/07]

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.

Questions Nos. 926 and 927 answered with Question No. 686.

Health Services.

Jack Wall

Question:

928 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application by persons (details supplied) in County Kildare to have their daughter receive a day care placement at a facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2947/07]

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. 929 answered with QuestionNo. 804.

Vaccination Programme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

930 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 147 of 2 November 2006, the outcome of an examination into the feasibility of introducing the vaccine damage compensation scheme; when such a scheme will be put in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2959/07]

In its report on Childhood Immunisation, the Joint Oireachtas committee on Health and Children recommended that legislation be drawn up to provide for a no-fault National Vaccine Injury Compensation Scheme. The issue of vaccine damage, including a compensation scheme, is being considered by the Department at present. The Vaccine Damage Steering Group has now been established and will meet shortly to further examine the issues involved.

Departmental Funding.

Denis Naughten

Question:

931 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding provided to a charity (details supplied) in County Galway for 2007; the corresponding figure for 2006; the funding which will be provided to address existing service deficits and to develop new services in the Ballinasloe area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2961/07]

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

Mental Health Services.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

932 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in the context of the recent anniversary of the Vision for Change document that has been made to have music therapy defined and recognised in order that it can actively be offered as one of the creative therapies in the multi-disciplinary team which was recommended in the strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2973/07]

The establishment of new grades within the public health service, including the grade of music therapist, is a human resource management matter which is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. In accordance with section 22 of the Health Act 2004, establishment of new grades requires the approval of the Minister for Health and Children given with the consent of the Minister for Finance.

My Department has written to the Health Service Executive advising that if, on the basis of service need and effective use of resources, the Executive wishes to progress the establishment of a grade of music therapist, a detailed business case on the introduction of the grade should be prepared and submitted to my Department for consideration in conjunction with the Department of Finance.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Tony Gregory

Question:

933 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Health and Children the breakdown of the waiting list for cancer treatment on the northside of Dublin. [2974/07]

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 respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the matter raised.

Community Care.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

934 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children further to the recent publication of the National Development Plan, the amount of funding being set aside for State community care units; the criteria for the building of same in distinct areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2996/07]

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 €559.5 million and over the period of the NDP the figure is €4.9 billion.

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. This includes responsibility for considering new capital proposals or progressing those in the health capital programme. 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.

Care of the Elderly.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

935 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people in receipt of home help in Kildare and the west Wicklow area in 2006; and the number of hours of home help allocated to these people in 2006. [3006/07]

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.

Medical Cards.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

936 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons covered on medical cards and doctors visit cards in County Kildare on 31 December 2006. [3008/07]

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 arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Service Staff.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

937 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children if the two additional speech and language therapists approved for County Kildare have been recruited; and the health centres in the county they will work from. [3010/07]

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.

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.

Cancer Screening Programme.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

938 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is incapable of both extending BreastCheck to the southern and western regions and at the same time extending it to women age 65 to 70 in the other regions in view of the fact that the cost is only €7 million and in 2006 the Government ended up with a surplus of €2.9 billion rather than a deficit of €2.2 billion. [3014/07]

The expert advice from BreastCheck and from the National Cancer Forum, as contained in its National Strategy for Cancer Control, is that following the national extension of the current programme, the upper age limit should be extended to women aged 69 years. The priority of BreastCheck is to screen women who have not yet been screened and accordingly it is fully focussed at present on the commencement of the first round of screening in the West and South. I will consider extending the age limit, as recommended, when the national roll-out of the programme is sufficiently developed and it is assured that a quality service is being delivered. Any woman irrespective of her age or residence who has immediate concerns or symptoms should contact her GP who, where appropriate, will refer her to the symptomatic services in her area.

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 allocated additional revenue funding of €8 million for this year to meet the additional costs involved. I have also made available an additional €26.7m capital funding for the construction of two new clinical units and five additional mobile units and state of the art digital equipment. The first round of screening will commence in the South and West in the Spring which will take around 27 months to complete. The BreastCheck Programme is designed to offer repeat screening within an interval of 21-27 months.

Health Services.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

939 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the waiting time for children for eye tests in Naas and Maynooth Health Centres in County Kildare. [3016/07]

Child health examinations are provided by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to children under 6 years of age and children attending national school in accordance with Section 66 of the Health Act, 1970. Under Section 67 of that Act, such children are eligible for HSE ophthalmic services in respect of defects noted at child health examinations.

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

Emmet Stagg

Question:

940 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children awaiting orthodontic treatment in County Kildare as of 31 December 2006. [3019/07]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal 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. 941 answered with QuestionNo. 826.

Drug Treatment Services.

Enda Kenny

Question:

942 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of methadone clinics in the Dublin area; her plans for the future of such clinics; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3075/07]

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.

Enda Kenny

Question:

943 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the numbers of persons receiving methadone treatment in areas (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3076/07]

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.

Child Care Services.

David Stanton

Question:

944 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide details of what is included in the pre-school standardisation project 2006; if this project has been completed; if not, when it will be completed; the findings of the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3093/07]

The implementation of the Pre-School Regulations is a key component in the overall implementation of the related commitments contained in Towards 2016 — Ten Year Framework Social Partnership Agreement 2006-2015. As well as the publication of these new Regulations these commitments include:

training of pre-school staff to ensure uniformity of inspection across the HSE

establishing improved administrative systems to facilitate a national standardised inspection service and

ensuring that standardised inspection reports are publicly available.

As the HSE is ultimately responsible for the standardisation project, 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.

David Stanton

Question:

945 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people currently registered on the National Intellectual Disability Database and the National Physical and Sensory Disability Database; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3097/07]

David Stanton

Question:

946 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on making enrolment on the various national disability databases compulsory for people with disabilities who are currently in receipt of services; the monitoring or auditing arrangements in place for the databases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3098/07]

David Stanton

Question:

947 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people with intellectual disabilities here; the number of those who are on the National Intellectual Disability Database; the number who are not on the NIDD; the number who are on the NIDD and on a waiting list for places; the number who are on the NIDD and not on a waiting list; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3099/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 945 to 947, inclusive, together.

There are 25,518 people registered on the National Intellectual Disability Database for 2006. There are 24,511 people registered on the National Physical and Sensory Disability Database for 2005. The Deputy should note that the 2006 Report for the National Physical and Sensory Disability Database will be published in the next few weeks. However, given that entry on both databases is voluntary the total number of people with disabilities (intellectual or physical and sensory) is not available.

Under current registration criteria entry onto the databases is voluntary. The Department of Health and Children has currently no plans to amend the registration criteria. The Department of Health and Children has allocated funding to the Health Research Board to audit the National Intellectual Disability Database. It is envisaged that this will be carried out in 2007.

The Deputy's question in relation to waiting lists 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.

David Stanton

Question:

948 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people who have been removed or are expected to be removed in 2007 from the National Intellectual Disability Database waiting list for residential places as a result of new places created in 2006 and the further places created as a result of the Budget 2007 improvements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3100/07]

David Stanton

Question:

949 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people who have been removed or expect to be removed in 2007 from the National Physical and Sensory Disability Database waiting list for residential places as a result of the new places created in 2006 and the further places created as a result of the Budget 2007 improvements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3101/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 948 and 949 together.

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:

950 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff who will be involved in the implementation of Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005; the number of new staff who have been or will be recruited as a result of the commencement of the assessment process; the additional training provided to these professionals to assist them in conducting assessments; if the staff involved will be from the public or private sector; the breakdown of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3102/07]

David Stanton

Question:

951 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department is on target to begin assessments under Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 in July 2007; the timescale for the commencement of assessments for the different age groups and the number involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3103/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 950 and 951 together.

The €900 million Multi-Annual Investment Programme announced in 2005 demonstrates that the needs of people with disabilities are a priority for the Government. The publication of the Sectoral Plan in July 2006 is further evidence of this commitment. The plan outlines the future direction of investment in services for people with disabilities. Specifically the plan outlines the arrangements for the implementation of Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which provides for an independent assessment of need and a service statement, a complaints and an appeals system.

The arrangements for Part 2 of the Disability Act 2004 cannot be considered in isolation from the arrangements for the implementation of the EPSEN Act 2004 which is the responsibility of the Department of Education and Science and provides for educational services for people with disabilities. Part 2 of the Disability Act will commence for children aged under 5 with effect from 1st June 2007. Part 2 will be commenced in respect of children aged 5-18 in tandem with the implementation of the EPSEN Act 2004 and the statutory requirement of Part 2 will be extended to adults as soon as possible but no later than 2011. Regulations are currently being drafted by my Department to give full effect to Part 2 of the Act and I expect to sign the commencement order in this regard in the near future. From June 1st 2007 an independent assessment of need may be applied for in respect of all children under the age of 5 with a disability.

The operational aspects of Part 2 of the Disability Act are a matter for the Health Service Executive. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Services for People with Disabilities.

David Stanton

Question:

952 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the arrangements in place for monitoring and supervising the expenditure by service providers on services for people with disabilities and quality of services provided; if financial funding allocations are directly linked to same; the accountability and review measures in place regarding services provided for people with disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3104/07]

As part of the monitoring procedures under the Multi-annual Disability Investment Programme 2006-2009, a protocol was agreed between the Health Service Executive and the Department of the Health and Children, to ensure that the specific targeted service provisions, as listed in the investment programme for each year, are achieved.

It is a matter for the Health Service Executive to monitor and supervise the use of the monies allocated by it (the HSE) to the services providers.

As 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.

David Stanton

Question:

953 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the average time it is taking Cork University Hospital gynaecological cytology service to process a smear test; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3108/07]

David Stanton

Question:

954 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of smear tests and diagnostic samples respectively processed by the Cork University Hospital gynaecological cytology service in 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007; the number of tests currently awaiting results; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3109/07]

David Stanton

Question:

955 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the backlog of smear tests and diagnostic samples carried over from 2005 to 2006 and from 2006 to 2007 in the Cork University Hospital gynaecological cytology service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3110/07]

David Stanton

Question:

956 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the outsourcing arrangements currently in place, as announced in the Health Service Executive south press statement of 29 November 2006, to address the processing of the backlog of cervical smear tests in the Cork University Hospital gynaecological cytology service; the location where the tests are being processed; the number of tests selected for outsourcing; the number of these that have been processed to date; the average amount of time the outsourced tests are being processed in; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3111/07]

David Stanton

Question:

957 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children if, with reference to the Health Service Executive south press statement of 29 November 2006, the three contract posts for the Cork University Hospital gynaecological cytology laboratory have been filled; if so, when; if not, when they are expected to be filled; the job description and grade of these staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3112/07]

David Stanton

Question:

958 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of new staff and their grade levels who have been appointed to the Cork University Hospital gynaecological cytology service in the past 12 months; the number of staff and their grade levels who are undergoing training; the number of same who have completed training; the number of new posts created as a result; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3113/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 953 to 958, inclusive, 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 respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the matters raised.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

Michael Ring

Question:

959 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if the special housing aid for the elderly scheme is a means tested grant scheme; if so, the qualifying income levels for it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3127/07]

The Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme is administered by the HSE on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The primary aim of the scheme is to provide financial assistance to older people who reside alone and who, from their own resources are not in a position to carry out urgent necessary repairs to their own homes. Basically, aid is made available for repairs to make a dwelling suitable for the older person, by providing a warm, safe, secure and healthy environment for the lifetime of the older person, thereby enabling older people to continue living in their own homes for as long as possible.

The type of works carried out include the following: replacement of windows/doors, roof repairs, provision of heating and sanitary facilities and necessary electrical works. Applications for Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme are assessed by HSE personnel. Whilst the means of the applicant and spouse/ partner may be considered, eligibility for this scheme is not based on means only — the following are the guidelines for the scheme:

Be aged 65 years or over

Be living on their own or with another older person or person with a disability

Be living in unfit or unsanitary conditions

Have no able bodied person available to carry out essential repairs

The Housing Aid Scheme applies to privately owned accommodation only.

Due to the nature of the client group, their individual circumstances and the extent of need, considerable latitude is taken in applying the guidelines. The works that may receive grant aid may be undertaken by private contractors engaged by the applicant or by voluntary organizations working in conjunction with HSE staff.

The budget allocation received by the HSE from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has been increasing substantially year on year over the past number of years. In 2006 the Task Force on Special Housing Aid for the Elderly in the Department allocated a total of €17.02 million for the operation of the scheme by the HSE regions. This has allowed the HSE to increase the number of grants being made available under the scheme.

Hospital Services.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

960 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the temporary ward situated at Mayo General Hospital for oncology services is causing distress for patients as there is no privacy available to patients while waiting for treatment; when a permanent oncology ward will be opened at Mayo General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3128/07]

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 respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the matter raised.

Cancer Screening Programme.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

961 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children when the national cervical screening programme will be rolled out to the women of County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3129/07]

An effective national cervical screening programme will result in a substantial reduction in the incidence of cervical cancer. It is my objective to have such a programme rolled out, beginning late this year, based on an affordable model. For that purpose, on the 1st January 2007, I established a National Cancer Screening Service which amalgamates BreastCheck and the Irish Cervical Screening Programme. This will maximise the expertise in both programmes, ensure improved efficiency and develop a single governance model for cancer screening. The total allocation to the new Service is €33m, a 71% increase in the 2006 funding levels for the Programmes. This includes funding of €5m to commence roll out of the Cervical Screening Programme. Significant preparatory work is well underway involving the introduction of new and improved cervical tests, improved quality assurance training and the preparation of a national population register. The plan is to have cervical screening managed as a national call/recall programme via effective governance structures that provide overall leadership and direction, in terms of quality assurance, accountability and value for money. All elements of the programme, call/recall, smear taking, laboratories, colposcopy and treatment services will be quality assured, organised and managed to deliver a single integrated service.

In relation to the roll out to specific counties, my Department has requested the Chief Executive Officer of the National Cancer Screening Service to respond directly to the Deputy.

Departmental Staff.

Enda Kenny

Question:

962 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons engaged in project management in her Department that have recognised qualifications in that area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3221/07]

A total of twenty three officers in my Department have received formal training in Project Management. In addition to this, a number of people have developed Project Management Skills either through work experience or through training outside the organisation. These individuals are engaged in a wide variety of work areas within my Department for which it is considered that Project Management skills are relevant and useful.

Decentralisation Programme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

963 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the timetable for the decentralisation of his Department to Cavan; the number of staff at each grade to be decentralised; the number of applications made at each grade under the CAF for decentralisation to Cavan; the timetable for the decentralisation of an advanced party; if temporary accommodation has been obtained; the number of staff at each grade which will be facilitated in this phase of the decentralisation; if a permanent site has been obtained; the timetable for the completion of this facility; the number of staff it will cater for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1061/07]

My Department's move to Cavan is scheduled to take place at the end of 2009.

An advance party of 20 staff is already working in Cavan since last October and preparations are well advanced for a second phase advance of an extra 13 staff in the coming weeks. A further advance party is being actively considered and the Department is also in consultation with OPW in relation to additional accommodation in Cavan to increase staff numbers to 50 this year.

The acquisition of sites and property for decentralisation is a matter for the Office of Public Works (OPW). Interaction with OPW on these elements is well established in my Department, informed by site visits and a thorough ongoing consultative process. In that regard I am happy to confirm that OPW has acquired a landmark site on the Farnham Road in Cavan Town to facilitate the decentralisation project. My Department has already provided an outline specification of our accommodation requirements to OPW and is currently preparing a detailed brief in this regard.

The following table details the number of posts advertised on CAF to relocate to Cavan along with of the latest summary of valid applications based on information received from the Central Applications facility to date.

Grade

Cavan — Decentralisation — Number of Posts advertised on CAF

CAF Applications

PO

18

0

AP

47

13

AO/HEO

61

19

EO

59

26

SO

6

3

CO

89

37

Head Service Officer

1

1

Asst. Head Service Officer

1

0

Service Officer

15

0

Storekeeper/Service Officer

1

0

Service Attendants

2

0

Visually Impaired Telephonists

2

0

Cleaner

1

0

Total

303

99

Assistant Superintendents of Cartography

3

0

Director GSI

1

1

Assistant Director of GSI

1

0

Cartographers

2

0

Chief Superintendent of Mapping

1

0

Chief Technical Advisor

1

0

Chief Technologist

1

0

Executive Engineers

2

0

Laboratory Technicians (Driller)

2

1

Petroleum Exploration Specialists

2

0

Principal Geologists

4

2

Professional Accountant Grade 1

1

0

Senior Laboratory Technicians Class II

2

0

Senior Geologists

15

0

Staff Engineers

2

0

Superintendents of Cartography

2

0

Superintendents of Mapping

2

1

Technical Assistants

7

0

Geologists (temporary)

10

3

Total

61

8

Overall Total

364

107

Alternative Energy Projects.

Tony Gregory

Question:

964 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if there is grant assistance available to resident groups of apartment complexes for solar panels designed to power the generation of electricity similar to the grants for solar panels for water heating purposes; and his views on grant aid for a pilot scheme to generate electricity in an apartment complex. [1460/07]

The Greener Homes Scheme currently concentrates on thermal applications and does not support electricity generation.

We are committed to developing domestic scale renewable electricity and in the context of the ongoing analysis of all issues involved I have asked Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) to advise on the particular issues inherent in renewable energy initiatives by residents in apartment complexes. I will forward SEI's advice to the Deputy when received.

Fishing Fleet Modernisation.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

965 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if tonnage is recoverable for a boat (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43705/06]

The function of the Licensing Authority for sea-fishing boats was transferred under the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2003 to the Registrar General of Fishing Boats. The Act provides that the Licensing Authority is independent in the exercise of its functions under the Act, subject to the law for the time being in force and policy directives in relation to sea-fishing boat licensing.

The Registrar General has informed me that an application under a scheme for replacement capacity for vessels lost at sea was received in 2001 from the individual in respect of a vessel lost in 1989. The applicant had been requested to provide additional information in support of his application and failed to respond. The scheme is now closed and no further capacity can be awarded under its terms.

National Minimum Wage.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

966 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of staff in his Department currently earning the national minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department currently earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department’s agencies currently earning the national minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department’s agencies currently earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff who are employed by contractors to his Department currently earning the national minimum wage; the number employed by contractors of his Department currently earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by Sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; the number of staff in his Department’s agencies currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by Sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; the number of staff who are employed by contractors to his Department currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by Sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43750/06]

All of the staff in my Department are paid above the national minimum wage. I can also confirm that any contract staff in my Department are paid on or above the national minimum wage.

Rates of pay in State companies and agencies under my Department's remit are a matter for the companies and agencies themselves, and I do not have a function in this matter.

My Department has, however, requested the relevant State bodies under its aegis to confirm that they have procedures in place to ensure all contractors and subcontractors employed by them are compliant with labour law and are abiding by terms as may be covered by relevant industry agreements.

Departmental Expenditure.

Damien English

Question:

967 Mr. English asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will provide a breakdown by percentage of the budget spend from his Department on a county basis for each of the years 2002 to 2005 and to date in 2006 in tabular form. [43802/06]

In the time available, it has not been possible to identify and assemble the information requested. My Department is compiling data sought by the Deputy in this regard and I shall forward it to him as soon as possible.

Inland Fisheries.

Damien English

Question:

968 Mr. English asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of fishing licences that have been held within the Coole, Kells, Navan and Trim electoral areas from 2002 to date in 2006 in tabular form. [43815/06]

Under the Fisheries Acts primary responsibility for the allocation and recording of fishing licences is an operational matter for the relevant Regional Fisheries Boards.

Post Office Network.

Damien English

Question:

969 Mr. English asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of post office closures for each electoral area in County Meath and in the Coole electoral area for each of the past 10 years in tabular form; and if he will provide the names of these post offices. [43816/06]

Post office closures are in the first instance a matter for the board and management of An Post and one in which I have no statutory function. However, the following appendix lists those post offices closed in Counties Meath and Westmeath for each of the past 10 years. The information is not broken down by electoral area, as this information is not readily available from An Post.

Year

Location

County

1997

Bracklyn

Westmeath

1998

Castlerickard

Meath

Rathcore

Meath

1999

Meath Hill

Meath

Crookedwood

Westmeath

2000

Drumone

Meath

Garadice Naas

Meath

Fore

Westmeath

2001

Donaghpatrick

Meath

Fardrum

Westmeath

Gaybrook

Westmeath

2002

N/A

N/A

2003

Ross

Meath

Bunbrosna

Westmeath

Castletown, Mullingar

Westmeath

Monilea

Westmeath

2004

Castletown, Navan

Meath

Wilkinstown

Meath

The Pigeons

Westmeath

2005

Loughran, Kells

Meath

Rathfeigh

Meath

Coralstown

Westmeath

2006

Drumcree

Westmeath

To date in 2007

N/A

N/A

Damien English

Question:

970 Mr. English asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of post offices that have been downgraded for each of the past 10 years for each electoral area in County Meath and in the Coole electoral area. [43817/06]

The conversion of post offices is in the first instance a matter for the Board and management of An Post and one in which I have no statutory function. However, the following appendix lists those post offices converted in Counties Meath and Westmeath for each of the past 10 years. The information is not broken down by electoral area, as this information is not readily available from An Post.

No. post offices were converted in Counties Meath or Westmeath in the years 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 or 2001 or to date in 2007.

Year

Location

County

2002

Ballingore

Westmeath

Dalystown

Westmeath

Drumraney

Westmeath

Horseleap

Westmeath

Lismacaffrey

Westmeath

2003

Beauparc

Meath

Carlanstown

Meath

Kilmainhamwood

Meath

Knockdrin

Westmeath

2004

Finea

Westmeath

2005

Kildalkey

Meath

Mount Temple

Westmeath

2006

Milltownpass

Westmeath

Robinstown

Meath

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

971 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if, in view of the fact that he has received the response of Waterford County Council to the draft specific conditions for the Checkpoint sewerage scheme, he will expedite the issuing of the foreshore licence for the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1013/07]

The draft specific conditions to be included in the Foreshore Licence to be issued for Cheekpoint Sewerage Scheme have not yet been agreed by Waterford County Council. Agreement of the specific conditions is a prerequisite to the issue of any Foreshore Licence.

There has been an exchange of correspondence between the Council and the Department in the matter since the middle of October 2006.

Waterford County Council wrote to the Department on 20 December 2006 disputing some of the conditions which had been sent to them for their agreement on 15 November 2006.

The Council's response was referred back to the Marine Licence Vetting Committee (an expert group that advises the Department on proposals of this nature). The Committee suggested some further amendments to the draft specific conditions with a view to progressing this scheme. The revised draft specific conditions were sent to Waterford County Council on 23 January for acceptance.

Telecommunications Services.

Michael Collins

Question:

972 Mr. Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when it is expected that broadband will be provided in the town of Croom, County Limerick. [1141/07]

Michael Collins

Question:

1007 Mr. Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when broadband will be available in Patrickswell, Crecora, Croom and Tournafulla, County Limerick in view of the fact that business and industry are being placed at a competitive disadvantage due to the non-delivery of broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2151/07]

Michael Collins

Question:

1021 Mr. Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when it is envisaged that broadband will be available in the townlands of Bruff and Granagh, County Limerick. [2875/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 972, 1007 and 1021 together.

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

My priority remains that there will be broadband coverage across the entire country and accordingly I recently announced my intention to introduce a scheme to ensure broadband is available throughout Ireland. This Scheme, which will supersede the Group Broadband Scheme, will, when it is fully rolled out, ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband from houses and premises in rural areas are met. A Steering Group comprising officials from my Department and ComReg is currently considering all elements of the proposed scheme. This scheme will be confined to areas of the country that are not yet served by any broadband service provider, currently thought to be 10-15% of the population.

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

Departmental Investigations.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

973 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the Interdepartmental Working Group on the Effects of Electromagnetic Radiation has reached a conclusion; if that conclusion has been published; if not, when it is expected that the working group will reach a conclusion and publish same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1363/07]

The Inter-departmental Committee on Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields is concluding its considerations, based on the report of the Expert Group on Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields, completed at the end of 2006. I intend to present the report to my Government colleagues shortly and then publish the report.

Inland Fisheries.

Denis Naughten

Question:

974 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the overall budget in the National Development Plan within the Border Midland Western region for the development of the angling sector; the amount spent up to 31 December 2006; the projected spend for 2007; the promised spend under the NDP up to the end of 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1390/07]

I am advised that originally, an indicative budget of €21.4million of Exchequer funding was identified for the Tourism and Recreational Angling Measure (TRAM) for the Border, Midland and Western Regional Operational Programme of the National Development Plan (2000-2006). The launch of the measure was delayed pending State aids clearance from the EU Commission, which was received in March 2002.

I understand that a decision was made during 2002 in the context of other budgetary priorities to curtail the actual allocation to the measure. There was, however, a limited call for applications where over 60 applications were received. A number of these projects were approved for funding by the Tourism Product Selection Board and expenditure of €504,025 for the BMW region was incurred towards the end of 2002.

The mid term evaluation by the ESRI of the NDP 2000-2006 in respect of the Marine Tourism sub-measure recommended that the indicative budget for this scheme be reallocated to other priority tourism measures. As a result there was no further expenditure for the remainder of the term of the programme.

Post Office Network.

Denis Naughten

Question:

975 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 256 of 20 June 2006, if he has received a report from An Post on the pilot project to automate a selected number of non-automated offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1395/07]

The matter of the automation of post offices is, in the first instance, an operational matter for the Board and management of An Post and one in which I have no statutory function.

I have received no report to date on the pilot automation project. However, I understand that a review of the data and an assessment of the impact of the trial at the offices concerned is currently under way, focussing on the various factors such as additional costs of automation, additional levels of business and revenues generated, as well as displacement of business. I have been informed that the results of the project will be available early this year.

Communications Masts.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

976 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he proposes to require communications companies or their agents who erect communications antenna, masts or aerials on roofs of upper portions of buildings in built up areas to formally communicate to the local authority the nature of the antenna, masts or aerial, the purpose for which it has been erected, the strength of the signal and any other technical information related to such apparatus in view of the fact that local authorities are not able to inform residents adjacent to such buildings where these masts are located as to the nature and content or composition of the signals being transmitted and have no idea as to what the environmental or medical impacts and side effects there may be; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1417/07]

Matters relating to planning policy, including requirements regarding telecommunications installations are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

The Inter-departmental Committee on Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields is concluding its considerations, based on the report of the Expert Group on Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields, completed at the end of 2006. I intend to present the report to my Government colleagues shortly and then publish the report.

Post Office Network.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

977 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will assist in arranging to have an agency (details supplied) located at a Post Office in County Cork. [1428/07]

The provision of specific services at individual post offices is a matter for the Board and management of An Post and one in which I have no statutory function.

Regulatory Accounts.

Fiona O'Malley

Question:

978 Ms F. O’Malley asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will enquire of the ESB to explain the reason they have failed to publish regulatory accounts since 2004; and if he will obtain a commitment from them to do so immediately. [1474/07]

The Regulatory Accounts for 2005 were prepared by ESB and submitted to the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) by 31 March 2006, as required by Regulation 27 of Statutory Instrument 445 of 2000. The summary accounts were published on ESB's website, but have been unavailable recently due to technical difficulties. These difficulties have been resolved and the summary accounts are currently available on the company's website.

Telecommunications Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

979 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extra television channels that will become available on the DTT pilot scheme in March 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1547/07]

The Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Pilot in Ireland was launched on 16 August 2006. It is planned that this pilot will continue over a two-year timeframe, during which time DTT broadcasts will transmit from the Three Rock site in Dublin and the Clermont Carn site in County Louth.

Phase 1 of the pilot comprises a "soft trial" and is expected to run until March 2007. This phase is being used to test the stability of the network and the technologies involved at a network and user level.

Content on the pilot has initially been provided by the RTÉ 1, RTÉ2, TV3 and TG4 TV channels, and RTÉ Radio 1, RTÉ 2 FM, RTÉ Lyric FM, RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta and Today FM radio channels.

Phase 2 of the pilot will involve a closed public trial which is due to commence in March 2007. During this phase, set top boxes will be distributed to up to 1000 selected trial participants. Content is expected to be provided by successful applicants to the selection process for Multiplex Programme Content Managers, which was run jointly by my Department and the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland.

The successful applicants to the process were: Channel 6 Television Limited, Chellomedia Services Limited, Communicorp Group Limited, Magnet Networks, eircom & RTÉ, Sky Ireland, and USP Ireland Limited. It is expected that content on the public trial will include some UK mainstream channels, local or niche content and a range of Irish radio stations.

Oil Refining Operations.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

980 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to a problem with the diesel which is being imported from Russia through a refinery (details supplied); if he has received correspondence from Dublin Bus who had difficulties with this product, which lead to increased maintenance of engines on their bus fleet; his plans to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1548/07]

The Irish oil market is fully privatised and deregulated. In these circumstances and as the matter referred to by the Deputy is a private contractual one between the parties concerned I have no function in regard to it.

Harbours and Piers.

James Breen

Question:

981 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 20 of 15 June 2006, if the 75% grant aid of the total cost for the development of Doonbeg Pier will be put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1573/07]

Doonbeg Pier is owned by Clare County Council and responsibility for its repair and maintenance rests with the local authority in the first instance.

In 2005 the Department, on behalf of the County Council, undertook a study to examine and report on hydrodynamic conditions at Doonbeg Pier and the effect of various pier and breakwater development options and to outline the estimated costs associated with the various options. The study is now complete and is being examined by the Department's Western Engineering Division at present. A report outlining the best way forward for the development of Doonbeg Pier will be available by end February 2007. In advance of this report being completed the Department intends to meet with Clare County Council and the local pier users as a possible phasing of the various options would have to be considered.

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.

Inland Fisheries.

Eamon Ryan

Question:

982 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the preventative measures that have been taken in both Lough Foyle and Lough Swilly to ensure that infected oysters are not released into the loughs and to ensure that trawlers, that may be carrying infected oysters, are not alternating between the two loughs; and the monitoring mechanism in place within his Department to ensure that all oyster seed are free from the bonamiosis disease. [1661/07]

The situation currently in relation to Lough Swilly and Lough Foyle is that they are both formally designated as Restricted Areas for the movement of molluscan shellfish following the confirmation of the presence of Bonamia ostreae in both Loughs. All requests for movement licences for molluscan shellfish considered susceptible to Bonamia ostreae for re-immersion outside the Loughs in bonamia free areas are refused by the Department. All such requests for movement are also subject to scrutiny by the Fish Health Unit of the Marine Institute. However, the harvesting of molluscan shellfish from the Loughs for human consumption is not affected.

All registered operators within both Loughs were circulated with copies of Guidelines for the Management of Shellfish Operations within the Loughs which outline best practises to prevent the transmission and spread of the parasite Bonamia ostreae and to prevent the transmission and spread of the parasite from the Loughs to other bonamia free areas. Incorporated within the Guidelines is the requirement that all fishing boats operating in both Loughs must be cleared of all shellfish and decks, holds, dredges and equipment must be cleaned with freshwater prior to their leaving the Loughs, for a bonamia free zone.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

983 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the person who issued the order for the implementation of the official movement restrictions after the recent outbreak of bonamia ostreae in Lough Swilly; the way this order was communicated to the relevant parties; the measures taken to ensure that this recent outbreak is confined to the areas within Lough Swilly in which it has been discovered; his Department’s advice on oyster sales from bays affected by the outbreak of bonamia ostreae; the options available for Lough Swilly in view of the fact that mortalities due to bonamiasis can be reduced using suspension culture and lower stocking densities; if he will comprehensively review the oyster situation in Lough Swilly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1669/07]

The Department received notification from its scientific advisors, the Marine Institute, on October 27 th 2006, of a possible positive test for Bonamia ostreae in Lough Swilly. Bonamia osteae is a disease which affects oysters, but consumption of oysters affected by the disease has no human health impacts. Following the Marine Institute notification, as a precautionary measure, it was decided that any applications made to move native oysters and other shellfish susceptible to Bonamia ostreae originating in Lough Swilly for on-growing in areas free of the disease would be refused.

When results of tests on samples forwarded to the Community Reference Laboratory, La Tremblade, France, confirmed the initial suspicion on 15 November 2006, this ban on movements of susceptible species from L. Swilly to Bonamia free areas was made permanent. Lough Swilly was formally designated as a Non-Approved Zone for the parasite B.ostreae.

On December 3rd 2006 the Department forwarded, by post, to operators in the Lough, Guidelines for the Management of Shellfish Operations in Lough Swilly. The objectives of these measures were to restrict the transmission and spread of the parasite Bonamia ostreae within the native oyster stocks in Lough Swilly and to prevent the transmission and spread of the parasite from native oyster stocks in Lough Swilly to other bonamia free areas. Incorporated within the Guidelines is the requirement that all fishing boats operating in Lough Swilly must be cleared of all shellfish and decks, holds, dredges and equipment must be cleaned with freshwater prior to their leaving the Lough, for a Bonamia free zone. However, the Guidelines do not affect the harvesting of molluscan shellfish from Lough Swilly for human consumption.

Statutory Instrument No. 614 which added Lough Swilly to the Schedule 11 of the European Communities (Aquaculture Animals and Fish) (Placing on the Market and Control of Certain Diseases) Regulations 1966, S.I. 253 of 1996, was signed into law by Minister Dempsey on 11 December 2006.

While the presence of the parasite Bonamia ostreae has been confirmed within Lough Swilly, to date, no reports of actual mortalities in the oyster stock due to the parasite have been reported to the Department or to our scientific advisors. However, scientific advice suggests that should attempts be made to increase stocking rates from present levels it could contribute to increasing the risk of mortalities occurring however given that the native oyster beds in Lough Swilly are wild beds stocking densities are not likely to change appreciably.

Fishing Quotas.

Martin Ferris

Question:

984 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will make a statement on the terms governing the carrying over of herring quota for fishermen based in the south east as opposed to those operating out of the north western ports. [1703/07]

The Department administers two principal herring fisheries, the Celtic Sea Herring Fishery and the North West Herring Fishery. The management arrangements in place for those two fisheries have been developed in consultation with industry representatives and differ only in the length of the fishing periods allowed.

In the case of both fisheries, vessels wishing to participate notify their interest in advance and are allocated catch limits for a set fishing period. Any quantity not caught within that fishing period remains part of the national quota and is allocated in subsequent fishing periods to vessels participating. Port of origin is not a consideration for participation in either fishery.

Offshore Exploration.

John Perry

Question:

985 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the areas a company (details supplied) are licensed to attempt to exploit gas; if their attempts yielded results; when this licence was granted; the location where the company is based; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1733/07]

Two onshore Petroleum Exploration Licences were granted to the company in November 2005. Each licence is for a period of six years. The licences relate to areas in parts of Counties Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Roscommon and Mayo, in the Northwest Carboniferous Basin. The licences give the licensee the right only to explore for oil and gas. If the licensee makes a discovery and wishes to exploit it, an application must to be made to my Department for a Petroleum Lease. No such application has been received. The company in question is based in Sandyford, Co. Dublin.

Ministerial Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

986 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of civil servants and other staff employed in his constituency office; and the grade and remuneration of each. [1743/07]

The number of civil servants and other staff currently employed in my constituency office, and information in relation to the grade and remuneration of these staff, is set out in the following table.

Title

Number

Grade/ Grade Equivalent

Remuneration

Personal Assistant

1

Higher Executive Officer

HEO salary scale (Modified PRSI) €43,445 (min) to €55,147 (2nd long service increment)

Personal Secretary

1

Secretarial Assistant

Secretarial Assistant salary scale €21,632 (min) to €41,737 p.a. (2nd long service increment)

Executive Officer

1

Executive Officer

EO salary scale (full PRSI) €30,027 (min) to €47,641 (2nd long service increment)

Clerical Officer

2

Clerical Officer

CO salary scale (full PRSI)€22,766 (min) to €36,913 (2nd long service increment)

Both the Executive Officer and the Clerical Officer are permanent civil servants.

Paul McGrath

Question:

987 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of civil servants and other staff in his press office and the grade and remuneration of each staff member. [1758/07]

The number of civil servants and other staff currently employed in the press office (which covers the Minister, Minister of State and Department generally), and information in relation to the grade and remuneration of these staff, is set out in the following table.

Title

Number

Grade/ Grade Equivalent

Remuneration

Press Advisor

1

Principal Officer

PO salary scale (Modified PRSI ) €80,408 (min) to €99,457 (2nd long service increment)

Administrative Officer

1

Administrative Officer

AO salary scale (full PRSI) € 32,783 (min) to €58,052 p.a. (2nd long service increment)

Temporary Research Assistant

1

Executive Officer

EO salary scale (Modified PRSI) €28,523 (min) to €45,262 (2nd long service increment)

Clerical Officer

1

Clerical Officer

CO salary scale (full PRSI) €22,766 (min) to €36,913 (2nd long service increment)

Both the Administrative Officer and the Clerical Officer are permanent civil servants.

Harbours and Piers.

Michael Ring

Question:

988 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when a site investigation and feasibility study referred to in a previous parliamentary question will be completed; and when he will make a decision on whether or not he will provide funding for the pier in question. [1796/07]

Porturlin Pier is owned by Mayo County Council and responsibility for its repair and maintenance rests with the local authority in the first instance.

Under the 2006 Small Harbours Programme I approved grant aid of €112,500 to Mayo County Council towards a Site Investigation and Feasibility Study at Porturlin at a total cost of €150,000. I understand the Feasibility Study is practically complete and a report will be available shortly. The site investigation was not completed in 2006. Funding to undertake the Site Investigation in 2007 will be considered in the context of the amount of funding available for works at fishery harbours generally and overall national priorities.

Inland Fisheries.

John Perry

Question:

989 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason the Barrow and the Nore are currently closed for fishing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1860/07]

Phil Hogan

Question:

1008 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the present conservation programme in relation to salmon stocks on the Rivers Barrow and Nore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2251/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos 989 and 1008 together.

The Standing Scientific Committee of the National Salmon Commission has advised that stocks of salmon in the Rivers Barrow and Nore are below conservation limits. For this reason no killing of salmon by any method in the River Barrow is permitted during the 2007 season in accordance with the Conservation of Salmon and Sea Trout Bye-Law No C.S. 287, 2006. Fishing on a catch-and-release basis only is permitted by the Conservation of Salmon and Sea Trout Bye-Law No. 815, 2006 on the waters of the river Nore. This reflects the relative status of the stocks of both rivers.

The regional Fisheries Board and the Marine Institute will monitor the stocks in developing a management plan for each of the rivers with a view to identifying the extent of the recovery, if any, arising from the cessation of the mixed stock commercial fishery and any stock rehabilitation works undertaken. The application of the above by-laws will be kept under constant review.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Pat Breen

Question:

990 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when a company (details supplied) will receive a response to an AER 6 contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1861/07]

The Renewables Directive (2001/77/EC) obliges Ireland to develop and implement a programme capable of increasing the amount of electricity from renewable energy sources to 13.2% of total consumption by 2010. The target of 13.2% approximates to 1450 megawatts (MW). The reserve lists in the onshore categories of the AER VI are closed. Last year I launched a new support mechanism, the Renewable Energy Feed In Tariff (REFIT). Any capacity withdrawn from the AER V and onshore categories of the AER VI competitions was allocated to REFIT to ensure that the overall target of 1450 MW is delivered.

Natural Gas Issues.

Michael Ring

Question:

991 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason queries to an email address provided in a previous parliamentary question have not been responded to. [1862/07]

As the Deputy's question relates to the internal business workings of Bord Gáis Éireann (BGÉ), this is a matter over which I have no statutory function. I understand that a response to the Deputy's query with regard to Ballinrobe was issued by BGÉ on 25 January.

Coastal Erosion.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

992 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if funding will be made available by his Department to prevent coastal erosion of a stretch of the R561 road at Inch, Annascaul, County Kerry and the bridge known as the Trench Bridge, The Maharees, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1864/07]

Responsibility for coast protection rests with the property owner whether it is a local authority or a private individual, in this instance it would rest with Kerry County Council. Under the Department's Coastal Protection Programme for 2006 funding was allocated to coast protection works at the locations in Kerry set out at Appendix A.

We are currently in the process of assembling the Coastal Protection Programme for 2007. Regarding coastal erosion at Inch, the Department has recently received an application for funding from Kerry County Council and are currently considering this application. As yet, the Department has not received any application for funding in respect of Trench Bridge, however, should this Department receive an application it will be considered based on Exchequer funding and overall national priorities in 2007.

Appendix A. Coast Protection Project Allocation, County Kerry, 2006

Location

Description

Total Cost

DCMNR Contribution

Kerry

Rossbeigh (DCMNR)

Cliff & road protection studies and design

20,000.00

15,000.00

Kerry

Maharees (DCMNR)

Revetment works

18,000.00

13,500.00

Kerry

Baile an Rannaig (DCMNR)

Protection to sand dunes in Smerwick Harb.

70,000.00

26,250.00

Kerry

Cooncrome

Protection works to car park

50,000.00

18,750.00

Kerry

Gleesk

Repairs and strengthen sea wall

30,000.00

11,250.00

Kerry

Ballyteigue/Dromatoor

Cliff road protection works

500,000.00

375,000.00

Kerry

Rossbeigh (DCMNR)

Cliff & road protection studies and design

20,000.00

15,000.00

Harbours and Piers.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

993 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when work is expected to begin on Screggane Pier, Castlegregory, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1865/07]

Scraggane Pier is owned by Kerry County Council and responsibility for its repair and maintenance rests with the local authority in the first instance.

The Department, in association with Kerry County Council, have prepared a report on a proposed development at Scraggane Pier. Local fishermen and other pier users were consulted on an ongoing basis and expressed satisfaction with the finalised development proposals. Kerry County Council are about to submit the development proposals for planning permission and other statutory permits in the near future. The proposed development includes the provision of additional pier berthage of 64 metres, a working area of 2,300 square metres, an extension to the existing slipway (for fishery use) and a new slipway which would be dedicated for leisure use thereby alleviating pressure on the existing slipway.

A programme for the funding of small harbours within the overall 2007 Fishery Harbour Development Programme is under preparation at the moment and funding for Scraggane Pier will be considered under this programme taking into account the amount of Exchequer funding available and overall national priorities.

Television Licences.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

994 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the measures he will put in place to overcome the problem whereby television licence holders bring their home television to their holiday home or mobile home for a number of weekends throughout the summer holiday period and where they are expected to purchase a television licence for this holiday residence. [1942/07]

There are no immediate plans to change the TV licensing regime as it currently relates to holiday or mobile homes. However, I have recently submitted proposals for new broadcasting legislation to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources for the purposes of holding a public consultation on the proposals under the eConsultation initiative. I propose to introduce a Broadcasting Bill into the Houses of the Oireachtas in 2007 in the light of the outcome of the consultation process.

Marine Works.

Enda Kenny

Question:

995 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent of moneys being made available from his Department in 2007 for marine works in County Mayo; the breakdown of such allocations and the works involved; when same are expected to be carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1961/07]

This Department is currently in the process of compiling the applications for funding for 2007, both under the Fishery Harbour Development Programme and the Coast Protection Programme. The question of providing funding for any proposed works, including those in County Mayo, will be considered in the context of the amount of Exchequer funding available for these works generally and overall national priorities. Under the Department's Fishery Harbour Development Programme and Coastal Protection Programme for 2006 funding was allocated to Mayo County Council for the projects listed below in Appendices 1 and 2.

Appendix 1: Fishery Harbour Project Approvals County Mayo 2006

Location

Description

DCMNR Cost

DCRGA Cost

TOTAL Cost

Purteen

New development options study

75,000

100,000

Newport

Repairs to quay and dredging

37,500

50,000

Roigh Pier

New slipway

75,000

75,000

200,000

Cloghmore

Re-deck old pier and structural improvements

56,250

56,250

150,000

Porturlin

SI & Feasibility Study

112,500

150,000

Totals

243,750

131,250

500,000

Appendix 2: Coastal Protection Project Approvals County Mayo 2006

Location

Description

DCMNR Cost

DCRGA Cost

TOTAL Cost

Mulranny Beach

Repairs to causeway and bridge

37,500

37,500

100,000

Inland Fisheries.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

996 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will allow the fishermen of the River Feale, County Kerry, five tags before 12 May 2007, in view of the fact that the river is a recognised spring fishery and the additional tags have been proposed by the Shannon Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2044/07]

As the Deputy is aware, the Conservation of Salmon and Sea Trout Bye-Law No. 814, 2006, which came into operation on 1 January 2007, provides for an annual bag limit of 10 fish for 2007 and a season bag limit of 1 fish during the period 1 March to 12 May in those rivers open for salmon fishing this year including the river Feale.

The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board has reviewed the available scientific data and has recommended that a relaxation on the bag limit could be introduced on the river Feale. I am considering the recommendation of the regional board along with advice obtained independent of the board and in the context of the clarity of the regulation if this measure was applied. I will make a decision on this matter before the angling season commences on the River Feale on 1 March.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Willie Penrose

Question:

997 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will review the application by a company (details supplied) in County Westmeath for a licence for the MOT excise relief scheme and consider the granting of such licence in view of the work that has been done to date by this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2054/07]

The Biofuels MOT Relief Scheme II was publicly advertised as a competitive call for proposals open to anyone who could fulfil the criteria laid out in the Guidance Note relating to the scheme which was provided to all prospective applicants. There were 102 applications received overall under the scheme. The range and quality of applications was exceptionally high. The assessment panel comprised officials from my Department, Sustainable Energy Ireland and Enterprise Ireland. Each application was marked individually in accordance with the evaluation criteria outlined in the Guidance Note provided to all applicants for the Scheme.

My officials recently met with representatives of the company in question to give them feedback on the scoring of the application they submitted under the scheme. While the application from the company was of high quality, the project did not score as highly as the successful applicants in the category and as with all other categories demand exceeded availability.

European Fisheries Fund.

Martin Ferris

Question:

998 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the stage the design of Ireland’s operational programme for the implementation of the European Fisheries’ Fund 2007 to 2013 is at. [2073/07]

On the 28th January 2007 An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern T.D, launched the Government's new National Seafood Strategy Report. This report entitled "Steering a New Course" was produced by an independent review group chaired by Mr Noel Cawley. This report will now form the basis for Ireland's Operational Programme under the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) 2007-2013. The National Strategic Plan as required under the EFF, and the new Operational Programme are currently being finalised in accordance with this report and in the context of the new National Development Plan.

Aquaculture Development.

Michael Ring

Question:

999 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the steps he will take to ensure the continued viability of the shellfish industry in an area (details supplied); and if an incident has been investigated by his Department officials to ensure that due process took place and that there is no threat to this industry as a result. [2084/07]

The Department has overall responsibility for the implementation of the Shellfish Waters Directive (79/923/EEC). This directive has been enacted through SI 268/2006 and Clew bay is designated as a Shellfish Water under these regulations. As a designated water, an ongoing action plan has been implemented to protect and improve these waters, consisting of a testing regime and ongoing analysis of the pressures on the bay. This protection extends to the listed parameters in schedule 2 of the regulations.

The Department became aware of the discharge of leachate through the Westport Waste Water Treatment plant on the 18th December 2006. An investigation was instigated, which determined that this discharge was licensed by the EPA as a temporary measure in response to an emergency situation at Derrinumera landfill site, due to the volume of rainfall in December 2006. This discharge commenced on 7/12/06 and ceased on 20/12/06.

Local Authorities and the EPA are listed in the regulations (SI 268/2006) as relevant Public Authorities and therefore were aware of their duties in regard to the protection of the shellfish waters in Clew Bay when deciding on the discharge of the leachate. The Department contacted the EPA on 18/12/2006 and were assured that the leachate did not exceed any of the parameters in SI 268/2006, from which Shellfish waters are protected.

EU Directives.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1000 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the activities licensed by his Department since the introduction of S.I. No. 378 of 2005 bringing the Fisheries Acts under the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations; and the assessments undertaken as a result of this legislation. [2122/07]

The Department has responsibility for the licensing of aquaculture activities in accordance with the terms of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1997 as amended. Aquaculture licences have continued to be granted and renewed since the introduction of the Statutory Instrument referred to by the Deputy.

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is a statutory consultee in relation to all applications for an aquaculture licence under the Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1997. That Department considers all such applications from an archaeological and nature conservation perspective taking into account the proximity of the proposed aquaculture operation to an area designated, or a candidate area for designation, under the EU Habitats Directive.

All applicants for fish breeding installations with a proposed output in excess of 100 tonnes per annum or 1 million smolts and all seawater salmon farming proposals, irrespective of production limit, are required to prepare an environmental impact statement and an environmental impact assessment must also be carried out. In addition to fulfilling the requirements of the EU EIA Directive, any statement must also encompass the requirements of the EU Habitats Directive where the location of the proposed aquaculture operation lies within a Natura 2000 Site or a candidate area for designation. Applicants for land based aquaculture licences are also required to obtain planning permission from the relevant local authority in the first instance. In the case of applications for shellfish aquaculture licences, where a potential impact on a Natura 2000 site or a candidate site is identified, the Department engages the Marine Institute to carry out an assessment of the potential impact on the site in accordance with Article 6 of the EU Habitats Directive.

In addition the Department has established a Working Group to develop a methodology that can be used to assess at the outset those shellfish aquaculture licence applications that may have a potentially significant impact on a designated Natura 2000 site or a candidate site and may therefore require further detailed assessment. This Working Group comprises officials from this Department, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and relevant State agencies.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1001 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the activities licensed by his Department since the introduction of S.I. No. 378 of 2005 bringing the Gas Acts under the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations; and the assessments undertaken as a result of this legislation. [2123/07]

I can confirm that my Department licensed no petroleum production activities under the Gas Act 1976 as amended since the introductions of SI No 378 of 2005. I would advise the Deputy that I have no statutory function with regard to the licensing of downstream gas pipelines (i.e. pipelines used for the transmission of processed gas). Responsibility for such licences was transferred to the Commission for Energy Regulation under the Gas (Interim)(Regulation) Act 2002.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1002 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the activities licensed by his Department since the introduction of S.I. No. 378 of 2005 bringing the Foreshore Acts under the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations; and the assessments undertaken as a result of this legislation. [2124/07]

The Department has responsibility for the granting of licences and leases in relation to activities on the Foreshore. Leases and licences have continued to be granted since the introduction of the Statutory Instrument referred to by the Deputy. Leases and licences are granted, as appropriate, for a wide variety of structures and activities on or uses of the foreshore.

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is consulted in relation to all applications for foreshore leases and licences. That Department considers all such applications from, inter alia, an archaeological and nature conservation perspective taking into account the proximity of the proposed aquaculture operation to an area designated, or a candidate area for designation, under the EU Habitats Directive.

Applications for development on the foreshore, not being exempted development, also require planning permission where the proposed development adjoins the functional area of a planning authority or any reclaimed land adjoining such functional area. Applications in respect of proposed projects which require an Environmental Impact Statement are also examined by the Marine Licence Vetting Committee (MLVC). The MLVC is a body of technical, scientific, marine, safety and engineering experts which advises the Minister regarding the appropriateness of issuing a lease or licence in respect of cases referred to it.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1003 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the activities licensed by his Department since the introduction of S.I. No. 378 of 2005 bringing the Dumping at Sea Act 1996 under the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations; and the assessments undertaken as a result of this legislation. [2125/07]

The Department has responsibility for the granting of Dumping at Sea Permits in accordance with the terms of the Dumping at Sea Act 1996, as amended by the Dumping at Sea Act 2004. Dumping at Sea permits have continued to be granted and renewed since the introduction of the Statutory Instrument referred to by the Deputy. The issue of dumping at sea permits is now largely confined to the disposal of dredged spoil. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is a statutory consultee in relation to all applications for Dumping at Sea Permits. That Department considers all such applications from an archaeological and nature conservation perspective taking into account the proximity of the proposed aquaculture operation to an area designated, or a candidate area for designation, under the EU Habitats Directive.

All applications for permits are subject to a rigorous assessment of their possible effects on the environment. Applicants are routinely required to submit detailed sediment analyses of the material proposed for dumping, and to prepare impact hypotheses and any other assessments considered necessary having regard to the nature and location of the proposed dumping.

All applications for a Dumping at Sea permits are referred to the Marine Licence Vetting Committee for evaluation. The MLVC is a body of technical, scientific, marine, safety and engineering experts which advises the Minister regarding the appropriateness of issuing a permit in respect of cases referred to it. The Committee's evaluation takes account, inter alia, of all relevant environmental considerations and issues, including the requirements of the EU Habitats Directive and the Regulations referred to by the Deputy, as appropriate. The conditions and requirements attached to a permit would, as necessary, require further monitoring, or specify the times at which, or the manner in which, dredging or dumping may take place.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1004 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the activities licensed by his Department since the introduction of S.I. No. 378 of 2005 bringing the Minerals Development Act 1999 under the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations; and the assessments undertaken as a result of this legislation. [2127/07]

The Minerals Development Act 1999 makes no provision for licensing of any activities to which the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations would apply, and there is no reference to that Act in SI No. 378 of 2005.

No State Mining Facilities (Leases or Licences) have been issued over areas which include sites specified in the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations (i.e. Special Areas of Conservation or SACs). At present, minerals exploration is carried out under about 280 Prospecting Licences issued under the Minerals Development Act 1940. Of these, about 50% contain, in whole or in part, either SACs or Special Protection Areas (SPAs) designated under the Birds Directive.

Applicants are advised of the existence of any SACs or SPAs in a Prospecting Licence area before it is granted and may not undertake any restricted activity in such an area without the written permission of my Department. Any such permission will only be given following consultation with the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) and will be subject to any conditions recommended by the NPWS in order to ensure that there is no adverse impact on the habitat in question.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1005 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the activities licensed by his Department since the introduction of S.I. No. 378 of 2005 bringing the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act 1960 under the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations; and the assessments undertaken as a result of this legislation. [2128/07]

S.I. 378 of 2005 is concerned with the conservation status of natural habitats and species referred to in Article 2 of the Habitats Directive with particular regard to areas of priority habitat types and priority species — also known as European sites. The following table provides details of the activities that have been carried out since 2005 under authorisations issued by my Department pursuant to the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act 1960, relating to exploration for hydrocarbons. None of these activities took place within areas of priority habitats types or priority species.

In keeping with best practice my Department carried out a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) over the Slyne, Erris and Donegal Basin in conjunction with the licensing round held in that area in 2006. The SEA informed the conditions attached to the licences awarded. This year a licensing round will be held over the Porcupine Basin and an SEA will be carried out in advance of that licensing round. My Department is at present conducting a public procurement process to engage consultants to carry out the SEA.

Activity

Area

Seismic surveys

Celtic Sea, St. George’s Channel

North East Rockall Basin

South Porcupine Basin

Goban Spur

East Rockall Margin

North Celtic Sea/St. George’s Channel

North Celtic Sea/St. George’s Channel

North Celtic Sea/St. George’s Channel

North Celtic Sea/St. George’s Channel

Appraisal/ development well

North Celtic Sea Basin

Exploration wells

North Celtic Sea Basin

Donegal Basin

Fisheries Protection.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1006 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will provide an assurance that environmental non-Governmental organisations here will be represented on the statutory consultative committee of 14 persons representing stakeholders of An tÚdarás um Chosaint Iascaigh Mhara, The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, in view of the key role environmental non-Governmental organisations play in the formation and development of fisheries policy at European level. [2129/07]

Section 48 of the Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 (No. 8 of 2006) provides for the appointment of the Sea-Fisheries Protection Consultative Committee to represent the interests of the sea-fisheries and seafood sectors as well as marine environment and marine research interests.

The legislation provides that the Consultative Committee shall consist of not more than 14 members comprising—

a. Representatives of the following sectors: Sea-fishing catching; Inshore fishing; Seafood processing; Aquaculture

b. Other persons with particular expertise or experience in: Marine environment; Marine research;

Or other persons with relevance to the functions of the Authority.

I have invited nominations from a wide range of organisations including relevant marine related environmental non-Governmental organisations. The Deputy can be assured that marine environment interests will be taken into consideration in the composition of the Committee.

Question No. 1007 answered with QuestionNo. 972.
Question No. 1008 answered with QuestionNo. 989.

Alternative Energy Projects.

James Breen

Question:

1009 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if Ireland has met its target of 1.14% in use of biofuels and other renewable fuels in the Member States of the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2252/07]

James Breen

Question:

1010 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the measures he is taking or proposes to take to promote the development of biorefinery industries seeking to develop the use of lignocellulose crops and certain wastes which provide chemicals that can be used to replace the national dependency on imported petroleums, diesels and petroleum based fuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2253/07]

James Breen

Question:

1014 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason he has kept targets for the use of biofuels and other renewable fuels at a minimum level, the lowest in Europe, and still failed to reach the 2005 target in view of the fact that this Country has ample agriculture capacity; the reason no targets have been set for 2009 and 2010 unlike many other EU countries; the steps he will take to improve Ireland’s record in this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2273/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1009, 1010 and 1014 together.

The EC Biofuels Directive establishes indicative targets of 2% market penetration of biofuels for Member States by end 2005 and 5.75% by end 2010. The targets are not mandatory. Member States combined set targets of 1.4% for 2005 but the overall market penetration in Europe reached in 2005 was actually 1%. Figures are not yet available for the actual market penetration of biofuels for 2006. Ireland has reported a target of 2.2% market penetration of biofuels by 2008 and this has been accepted by the European Commission.

The Government is firmly committed to the development of an Irish biofuels market and to the increased development of bio-energy generally in Ireland. A range of initiatives are in place to support the development of a biofuels sector in Ireland. The 2005 pilot mineral oil tax relief scheme for biofuels has resulted in eight projects being awarded excise relief for a two year period under the scheme. Building on the success of this scheme a further Biofuels Mineral Oil tax Relief Scheme II was introduced in 2006, valued at over €200m. Under this scheme sixteen projects have been awarded excise relief to the period 2010. The scheme will enable us to reach the initial target of 2.2% market penetration of biofuels by 2008. When fully operational the relief is expected to support the use and production of some 163 million litres of biofuels each year.

In addition to the support programmes in place for current technologies, my Department will continue to support research and development in this area. The resulting biofuels and bio-products, while not yet at a commercial stage, will have significant economic potential once fully developed.

In tandem with the roll-out of the Schemes, my Department has been working on further initiatives to stimulate the development of biofuels in Ireland. The Bio-energy Ministerial Task Force has been considering options for the development of future Biofuels policy initiatives. The National BioEnergy Action Plan will be published shortly. The forthcoming White Paper on Energy Policy will also set out actions and targets to 2020 having regard also to EU developments.

Fish Quotas.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

1011 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the weight of herring catch that can be landed at a non-designated fishing port; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2270/07]

Under EU regulations, landings of pelagic species (e.g. herring, mackerel, horse mackerel) in excess of 10 tonnes may only be permitted into designated ports. Landing restrictions for quantities below this amount are subject to national rules whereby such landings, other than by-catches, must also be into designated ports.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

1012 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that small fishing boats in the south east are being excluded from fishing their herring quota due to navigating difficulties when carrying herring catches at night and being allowed to land their catches at designated ports only and that same can result in them losing their licences (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2271/07]

The designation of ports for landing of pelagic species (herring, mackerel, etc.) is necessary in order to satisfy EU requirements and also for the purpose of appropriate control of landings.

Ireland's list of designated ports for the Celtic Sea Herring fishery was revised in late 2006 to include Baltimore and Dunmore East, bringing the total number of designated ports around our coastline to nine. Furthermore, in view of the adverse weather conditions in recent weeks and the tragic events off the south-east coast, I have instructed that Duncannon be designated to receive landings of herring of under 10 tonnes from vessels under 50 feet in length.

All vessels under 65 feet in registered length in the polyvalent segment are allowed to participate in the Celtic Sea Herring fishery. Vessels are required to book into the fishery at a stipulated time in advance of the fishing period, and vessels booked in are given an allocation of quota for that fishing period. A vessel booking in will not normally be refused an allocation because of previously unused allocations; at the same time the objective of the booking-in system is to ensure that vessels that can and will participate successfully in the fishery are allocated a viable quota.

I would point out that it is a matter ultimately for the master of each individual vessel to determine the type of fishing operation that is appropriate having regard to the capability of the vessel and the operational and navigational conditions it will have to contend with in order to participate in any given fishery. At the same time, I am satisfied that, regardless of the legal framework governing the landings of fish, whether demersal or pelagic, there are no circumstances where the control authorities would give precedence to their regulatory responsibilities over consideration for the safety of a fishing vessel or its crew.

Petroleum Plants.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

1013 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the sale arrangement by the State of Whitegate Oil Refinery and Whiddy Oil Terminal; and the proceeds of sale arising therefrom to the Exchequer, indicating the gross amount and the net amount, with particulars of the deductions leading to same. [2272/07]

The Irish National Petroleum Corporation Limited (INPC) business and commercial assets were sold on 16 th July 2001. An undertaking by the purchaser, and its successors, to operate the facilities on a fully commercial basis for at least 15 years was a key element of the transaction. This undertaking is underpinned by a Deed of Guarantee. While the headline figure was $100 million (€117 million) for the 2001 transaction, it was always accepted that the net cash return arising from the transaction would be considerably less as, for example, the INPC had to use some of the proceeds to discharge the Company's significant debt (circa €88 million). After taking account of all the Company's matured liabilities it was estimated that the INPC would have funds of the order of €30 million.

The INPC has paid €20 million to the Exchequer (2002) but is not in a position to pay over remaining balances as, under Company Law, it must retain sufficient assets to meet potential liabilities. The INPC retains both rights and obligations under the terms of the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) relating to the 2001 transaction.

Question No. 1014 answered with QuestionNo. 1009.

Communications Masts.

James Breen

Question:

1015 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the way he can claim not to have anything to do with the location of mobile phone masts in view of the fact that An Bord Pleanála in granting planning permission for the erection of telecommunication masts has stated that not to do so would be in contravention of Government telecommunication strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2274/07]

My Department has no function in this matter. Matters pertaining to decisions of An Bord Pleanála are a matter for the Board. Matters relating to planning policy, including requirements regarding location of mobile phone masts, are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Telecommunications Services.

Willie Penrose

Question:

1016 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the Governments plans to ensure the availability of broadband in rural areas which have not been successful to date in obtaining broadband; if in this context he will take steps to investigate the relevant companies for the provision of broadband facilities in Milltownpass and the surrounding areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2366/07]

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

It continues to be a priority of the Government that there will be broadband coverage across the entire country. However, despite Government investment, I am aware that there are still some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband. I would like to see the roll-out of broadband to these remaining areas that cannot receive a commercially viable service. To that end, I recently announced my intention to introduce a scheme which will ensure that there is broadband coverage available throughout Ireland. It is intended that this scheme will be confined to areas of the country that are not yet served by any broadband service provider, currently thought to be 10-15% of the population. This scheme will ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband from houses and premises in rural areas are met. A Steering Group comprising officials from my Department and ComReg is currently considering all elements of the proposed scheme and work on the design of an appropriate tender will commence in the coming weeks.

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

Comhfhreagras Ranna.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1017 D’fhiafraigh Mr. Sargent den Aire Cumarsáide, Mara agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha cá fhad ar an meán a thógann sé air litir a fhreagairt as Béarla i gcomparáid leis an méid ama a thógann sé air litir a fhreagairt as Gaeilge. [2397/07]

Geallann an Roinn seo an caighdeán is airde de sheirbhís do chustaiméirí a sholáthar trí Bhéarla nó trí Ghaeilge. Sa Chairt Chustaiméirí geallaimid admháil go bhfuaraimid gach uile fhreagairt taobh istigh de thrí lá agus déanaimid ár ndícheall freagra iomlán a thabhairt taobh istigh d'fhiche lá. Nuair nach féidir é seo a dhéanamh, eisimid freagra eatramhach a léiríonn stádas na ceiste agus ag insint cathain a thabharfar freagra críochnaitheach.

Inland Fisheries.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

1018 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals to provide counters in the Suir, More, Barrow and Munster Blackwater rivers in order that the salmon stocks can be scientifically assessed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2592/07]

I expect the Southern Regional Fisheries Board and the Marine Institute to consider the options for monitoring the changes in stocks arising from the adjustments in the salmon management regime introduced this year. I expect they will make recommendations with a view to ensuring that future management decisions are based on the best available information and to overcome the challenges presented for the installation of effective counters in large rivers.

In so far as real time monitoring and management of stocks is concerned, counters are only one method by which the assessment is made. Reliance is also placed on the expert analysis of catch data and surveys by fisheries officers and research officers of spawning areas, fish populations and habitat etc.

Coastal Protection.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

1019 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason the amount to be spent on the coastal protection sub-programme under the National Development Plan 2007 to 2013 is substantially less than the amount provided under the previous NDP; the further reason no provision has been made to assist coastal counties, with low commercial rate bases that have serious coastal erosion problems and have difficulty meeting 25% local contribution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2680/07]

The National Coastal Protection Strategy Study (NCPSS) was initiated by this department in 2003 and moves coastal protection planning from a year to year to a more long-term strategic basis. Underlying this study is the recognition that coastal erosion and flooding cannot be eliminated but must be managed going forward in an economically, environmentally and technically sustainable way. The study is nearing completion and its findings will be examined in detail at which stage any resource limitations will be addressed. Responsibility for coastal protection lies with the individual property owner whether it is a Local Authority or private individual. All requests for funding from Local Authorities are considered on a case by case basis and subject to Exchequer funding requirements. Where funding is provided to the Local Authorities they are required to contribute 25% of the total cost.

Drift Net Fishing.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

1020 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when the hardship fund for former drift net fishermen will be established and operational; if primary legislation or regulations will be required for the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2695/07]

Details of the hardship fund are being finalised at present and will be widely advertised in the national press in the near future. The fund will be managed on an administrative basis by BIM and the Regional Fisheries Boards and therefore no legislation is required.

Question No. 1021 answered with QuestionNo. 972.

Harbours and Piers.

John Deasy

Question:

1022 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the status of the project for the redevelopment of Dunmore East Harbour in County Waterford which is expected to cost in the region of €50 million; if funding has been provided for the project by his Department under the National Development Plan 2007 to 2013; when funding will be made available; the planned commencement and completion dates for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2877/07]

Following a lengthy public consultation process in 2004 on development options for Dunmore East Harbour, a planning application for a harbour development, together with an environmental impact statement, were prepared and submitted to Waterford County Council. Planning permission for the development of the Fishery Harbour Centre was received in late 2005.

The cost of providing the new harbour facility is estimated at between €50 and €60 million depending on final scheme selection and tendering. In 2006 funding was provided for further design and site investigation to progress the development. This year the Department is planning to complete the site investigation and other surveys/modelling and tender the project with a view to construction in 2008. Tender documents are currently being prepared for a Cost Benefit Analysis. Dunmore East has been identified in the National Development Plan 2007-2013 as a harbour for development. The Department is currently drawing up the 2007 Harbours programme and the extent of the funding for 2007 will be addressed at that stage.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

1023 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding the proposed development of Dunmore East Fishery Harbour; the proposals he has to provide the funding to have the urgently needed dredging carried out at Dunmore East Fishery Harbour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2937/07]

Following a lengthy public consultation process in 2004 on development options for Dunmore East Harbour, a planning application for a harbour development, together with an environmental impact statement, were prepared and submitted to Waterford County Council. Planning permission for the development of the Fishery Harbour Centre was received in late 2005.

The cost of providing the new harbour facility is estimated at between €50 and €60 million depending on final scheme selection and tendering. In 2006 funding was provided for further design and site investigation to progress the development. This year the Department is planning to complete the site investigation and other surveys/modelling. The project will be sent for tender with a view to construction in 2008. Tender documents are currently being prepared for a Cost Benefit Analysis. With regard to the issue of dredging, the Department is currently evaluating the situation problem in consultation with the consulting engineers for the main harbour development and will be formulating views on how best to deal with this issue.

Dunmore East has been identified in the National Development Plan 2007-2013 as a harbour for development. The Department is currently drawing up the 2007 Harbours programme and the extent of the funding for 2007 will be addressed at that stage.

Electricity Generation.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1024 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the most up to date research on the safety of overhead powerlines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3064/07]

The Inter-departmental Committee on Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields is concluding its considerations, based on the report of the Expert Group on Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields, completed at the end of 2006. I intend to present the report to my Government colleagues shortly and then publish the report. The report will provide a review of the most up to date scientific research and international scientific consensus regarding potential health effects of electromagnetic fields, including those emitted from overhead power lines.

Telecommunications Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1025 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the steps that can or will be undertaken regarding telecommunication difficulties at the Black Valley, County Kerry; if he will arrange, attend, organise or otherwise facilitate a meeting between all interested groups, including service providers and applicants for broadband and telephone services with a view to facilitating agreement whereby the region can avail of the proposals put forward by local, regional authority report, Kerry County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3082/07]

The provision of broadband and other telecommunications services is, in the first instance, an operational issue for the service providers concerned. Responsibility for the regulation of electronic communication service providers rests with the independent regulator, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), in accordance with the requirements of the Communications Regulation Act 2002 and the Regulations, which transpose the EU Regulatory Framework for Electronic Communications. Accordingly, I have no function in this matter.

Fishing Vessel Licences.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

1026 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the certificate of registry issued by his Department in July 2000 in respect of a fishing vessel (details supplied) had incorrect engine details, that this certificate was returned to his Department for amendment and, despite numerous letters and telephone calls in the meantime, the correct certificate of registry was not issued until July 2005; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that as a result of this situation it was impossible for the owners of this vessel to fish legally between 2000 and 2005; the reason, having complied fully with both SI No. 245 of 2005 and SI No. 464 of 2005, an authorisation to conduct scallop fishing was not issued in respect of this vessel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3084/07]

The function of the Licensing Authority for sea-fishing boats was transferred under the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2003 to the Registrar General of Fishing Boats. The Act provides that the Licensing Authority is independent in the exercise of its functions under the Act, subject to the law for the time being in force and policy directives in relation to sea-fishing boat licensing.

The Registrar General has informed me that his files show that the individual was issued with licence and registration certificates in July 2000. The incorrect engine power on these documents was based on a survey report submitted in support of the application. Following the matter being brought to attention, an amended licence showing the correct figure was issued in 2002. A subsequent amended licence also showing the correct figure was issued to the individual in 2005 on the re-measurement of the vessel. It was not the practice at the time to keep copies of registration certificates on file, however there appears to be no reason why amended registration certificates should not have issued along with the amended licences in 2002 and 2005. The individual contacted the Registrar in August 2006 for a further copy registration certificate which was issued to him.

The owner of the vessel concerned has raised the issue of his scallop entitlement and has requested the Department to review his vessel's eligibility. This review will be conducted as a matter of urgency.

Departmental Staff.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1027 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of persons engaged in project management in his Department that have recognised qualifications in that area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3245/07]

There are 55 staff members working at various levels of project management in my Department. Three of these staff members have relevant recognised third level qualifications and a further 51 have had formal training in project management. My Department operates an ongoing staff development programme to build up and enhance skills and competencies in-house in order to meet the challenges of delivering on its diverse policy and development mandate.

The Department also seeks to avail of skills and experiences of other Departments or other parts of the public sector, particularly from State Bodies under our aegis, where appropriate. External support may be considered, and engaged, in line with value for money imperative and public sector guidelines.

National Minimum Wage.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1028 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of staff in his Department currently earning the national minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department currently earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department’s agencies currently earning the national minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department’s agencies currently earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff who are employed by contractors to his Department currently earning the national minimum wage; the number employed by contractors of his Department currently earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by Sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; the number of staff in his Department’s agencies currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by Sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; the number of staff who are employed by contractors to his Department currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by Sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43757/06]

All staff employed in Ireland by the Department of Foreign Affairs, or by bodies under its aegis, currently earn more than one Euro per hour above the national minimum wage. This also applies to staff on posting at Irish Missions abroad. The practice followed by the Department in relation to locally employed staff abroad is to provide salaries and conditions of employment in accordance with local legal requirements, and on terms which correspond to the prevailing market rate for such forms of employment. Salaries are set at levels which comply with any local statutory minimum wage requirements, where such provisions apply, and are usually benchmarked against remuneration paid by other EU Embassies in the relevant capital.

Bearing in mind the breadth of its activities worldwide, the Department does not have specific details on the remuneration of staff employed by contractors to it but would emphasise that, through its public procurement activities, it will comply fully with Section 20 of the Social Partnership Agreement "Towards 2016" to support the maintenance of employment standards, including in respect of wage levels, while also ensuring competitive tendering and value for money in public expenditure.

Human Rights Issues.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

1029 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is evidence that Chinese Embassy officials in Canada and Australia have been monitoring Falun Gong practitioners outside of China; if he will ask the Chinese Embassy here the degree to which it is watching Falun Gong practitioners here; the position he will take if it is found that Chinese Embassy officials have been breaking Irish laws; if he is willing to meet with the Irish Falun Gong Association to discuss this issue. [43858/06]

Officials of the Chinese Embassy, in common with all diplomats accredited to Ireland, are under the Vienna Conventions obliged to respect the laws of Ireland. I am not aware of any reason to believe that the conduct of officials at the Chinese Embassy is not fully in conformity with their obligations. The Government takes seriously concerns about human rights in China, including the situation of Falun Gong members, and my Department has had regular contacts with representatives of the Falun Gong in Ireland to hear to their concerns.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

1030 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Canadian Government has stopped its closed door annual human rights dialogue with China because it was not seen to be making sufficient progress on human rights; his views on the positive results made to date in view of the fact that the EU-China human rights dialogue has been continuing for a number of years; and if it can be judged as a successful dialogue. [43859/06]

Any decision by the Canadian Government to end its annual human rights dialogue with China is a matter for the Canadian authorities and it would not be appropriate for me to comment. The EU cooperates closely with Canada in seeking to promote respect for human rights throughout the world.

The EU-China Human Rights Dialogue (HRD), which was established in 1996, has served as the main forum for discussion of human rights issues at the European Union level. However, human rights are a constant point of discussion with the Chinese authorities, both at the national and at the EU level.

The HRD, the most recent round of which took place in Beijing in October 2006, has allowed the EU to engage with China on such issues as freedom of expression, the death penalty, the independence of the judiciary and freedom of religion. The EU has used the Dialogue to press its case for Chinese ratification of such international instruments as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and, in that context, reform of the criminal justice system. The EU has also urged China to continue cooperation with, and to implement the recommendations of, the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, including in particular the abolition of the "re-education through labour" system. The EU continues to use the HRD to raise significant individual human rights cases.

Equally, the EU provides support for the Dialogue process, for example through regular EU-China Human Rights Seminars, the most recent of which took place in Beijing in October. These seminars give EU human rights experts, including Irish representatives, the opportunity to share their expertise on human rights related topics with Chinese representatives. Seminars have focused on issues such as labour rights, freedom of access to information, human rights education and implementing the recommendations of human rights mechanisms. An expert level meeting of the Ireland-China Human Rights Academic Exchange took place in Galway on 31 March/1 April 2006, with the participation of six Chinese academic experts.

In our view, the process allows for genuine dialogue and a constructive and pragmatic approach to improving human rights standards. Obviously major concerns remain, but I believe that in the case of China it is only through dialogue that genuine pressure for change can be sustained. The EU keeps the functioning of the Dialogue under review to seek to ensure the greatest possible effectiveness.

On a bilateral level, of course Ireland continues to raise human rights issues with China at every possible opportunity. In a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing on 12 May, during a visit to Beijing, I brought up our concerns in the area of human rights. Foreign Minister Li referred in particular to China's commitment to the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue. Most recently, the Tánaiste held official talks on 25 September with visiting Chinese Vice-Premier Zeng Peiyan in the course of which he also raised human rights issues and concerns.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

1031 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action he has taken to protect or condemn the hosting by Iran of a conference to deny that the Holocaust occurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43922/06]

The Government has made its position very clear on this issue, both publicly and directly to the Iranian authorities. As the Deputy will be aware, I have strongly condemned a series of statements by President Ahmadinejad calling for the destruction of the State of Israel and claiming that the Holocaust is a historical fabrication. The Government, together with our EU partners, unreservedly condemned the recent Holocaust conference in Tehran, together with all attempts to deny or question the Holocaust in any way.

To emphasise the strength of the Government's concern, the Chargé d'Affaires of the Iranian Embassy in Dublin was called in to the Department of Foreign Affairs on 13 December 2006. He was informed that the Government unreservedly condemned the efforts of the Government of Iran to cast doubt on the events of the Holocaust, and to connect this issue to the repeated and totally unacceptable remarks of President Ahmadinejad in relation to Israel. He was reminded that there is no reputable historical opinion which questions the Holocaust, and that Resolution 60/7 adopted by the UN General Assembly in November 2005 rejects any denial of the Holocaust as a historical event. The Chargé was asked formally to convey the Government's clear views to his authorities.

On 12 December 2006, the Finnish EU Presidency issued a strong statement condemning the Conference on behalf of the European Union. On 14 December, the meeting of the European Council, which I attended with the Taoiseach, issued a Declaration condemning any denial of the Holocaust as a historical fact, whether in whole or in part, and firmly rejecting the underlying premise and the objectives of the conference organised by the Iranian authorities.

Finian McGrath

Question:

1032 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise the plight of the 5 Cuban political prisoners known as the Miami Five in the US at EU and UN levels. [1160/07]

Finian McGrath

Question:

1041 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will actively support the United Nation Working Group on Arbitrary Detentions which have ruled that the Miami Five are unfairly detained in the US. [2017/07]

Finian McGrath

Question:

1042 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will meet a person (details supplied) to discuss the Miami 5 case. [2093/07]

Finian McGrath

Question:

1044 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support Amnesty International in their call to the United States for visas to be granted to the wives of the Miami 5; and to support their civil, legal and human rights. [2097/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1032, 1041, 1042 and 1044 together.

The case to which the Deputy refers relates to five Cuban citizens who were convicted in the US in 2001 on charges ranging from espionage to first degree murder. A panel of three judges from the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta overturned the 2001 convictions on 9 August 2005 and ordered a retrial based on new evidence. The Miami District Attorney duly filed an appeal against the decision of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. Following an appellate hearing on 14 February 2006, a 10-2 decision to uphold the 2001 convictions was issued on 9 August 2006.

As regards the question of unfair detention, the Deputy will be aware that, in its 2005 Report on this aspect, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention stated that its determination does not imply a consideration regarding the innocence or guilt of the concerned person, and that the Working Group does not substitute itself for the domestic courts. It is my understanding that a number of appeals lodged on behalf of the defendants remain under active judicial review within the framework of the US domestic legal system.

I am aware of the Amnesty International call for temporary visas to be granted to the wives of two of the accused. However, visa applications from members of the families of the accused in order to visit the accused are a matter for the US authorities, and it would not be appropriate for me to raise the matter with those authorities.

Although the report of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention is a matter of concern, the Government has no standing in this matter. As I have previously informed the House on a number of occasions, this is a bilateral consular question between the US and the Cuban authorities and, consequently, I do not intend to raise this matter at EU or UN level, nor otherwise to pursue this issue, including through meeting the individual referred to by the Deputy.

Finian McGrath

Question:

1033 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs Ireland’s position regarding capital punishment in Iraq; and if he will come out stronger in support of the UN position. [1161/07]

John Gormley

Question:

1045 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason the Government failed to condemn the execution of Saddam Hussein and the subsequent posting of video images of the hanging on the internet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2218/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1033 and 1045 together.

I have consistently set out very clearly the Government's firm opposition to the use of the death penalty in all circumstances.

Far from failing to condemn the execution of Saddam Hussein, I actually strongly condemned both the fact and the manner of his execution, and the subsequent grotesque posting of images on the internet. Furthermore, on 15 January, I condemned the execution of two of his associates, Barzan Al Takriti and Awad Hamed Al Bandar. I expressed regret that the Iraqi Government had not listened to appeals from the UN Secretary General and others for a stay of execution. I also stated that it is in the interests of justice and reconciliation in Iraq that the Iraqi authorities take the step of ending executions.

Passport Applications.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1034 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in instances whereby passport applicants will reach the age of 65 prior to the expiration of their 10 year passport, provision may be made for the issuance of a passport with a shorter period of validity and an accordingly reduced application fee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1276/07]

Perhaps I should first set out the background. In 2005, the Government decided that, building on the existing free transport, television licence, phone and electricity schemes for older people, passports should also be available free to persons aged 65 and over. This was warmly welcomed at the time.

The reality now is that, if this attractive scheme is to work satisfactorily, there clearly has to be a fixed starting date and fixed qualifications for persons to benefit under it. In addition, and unless a passport holder has immediate travel plans, new passports do not have to be applied for on, or be valid from, the date when the previous passport expired. A person approaching 65 years may well wish, therefore, to wait until he or she reaches that age and then apply for a free passport.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

1035 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will allow five year passports from age 60 on, as the €70 10 year requirement places a heavy and unreasonable cost on this age group who at age 65 will be entitled to a free passport. [1277/07]

Perhaps I should first set out the background. In 2005, the Government decided that, building on the existing free transport, television licence, phone and electricity schemes for older people, passports should also be available free to persons aged 65 and over. This was warmly welcomed at the time.

The reality now is that, if this attractive scheme is to work satisfactorily, there clearly has to be a fixed starting date and fixed qualifications for persons to benefit under it. In addition, and unless a passport holder has immediate travel plans, new passports do not have to be applied for on, or be valid from, the date when the previous passport expired. A person approaching 65 years may well wish, therefore, to wait until he or she reaches that age and then apply for a free passport.

Human Rights Issues.

Finian McGrath

Question:

1036 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if it is correct that 3,000 Falun Gong practitioners have been killed in China; and if he will give an accurate update on the situation. [1446/07]

I am deeply concerned by the situation of Falun Gong practitioners in China, including the number of documented cases of deaths in custody. Ireland, with our EU partners, takes this matter very seriously, and the situation of the Falun Gong, within our wider concerns about human rights in China, is a constant and important point of dialogue with the Chinese authorities at both bilateral and European Union levels.

On a bilateral level, Ireland has taken every opportunity to raise human rights issues with the Chinese authorities, including my meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing in Beijing last May where I stressed the importance we attach to freedom of speech and freedom of religion. The Tánaiste raised human rights issues and concerns during his meeting with Chinese Vice-Premier Zeng Peiyan during official talks in Dublin last September.

The EU-China Human Rights Dialogue is the agreed formal framework through which the EU raises human rights issues and concerns with China. Through this dialogue, the EU has raised issues such as the protection of freedom of religion and expression, which have a particular impact on Falun Gong practitioners. The EU has also raised its strong concerns about the persecution of persons on grounds of their peaceful expression of belief, in particular members of the Falun Gong.

At the latest round of the Dialogue in Beijing in October, the EU took note of the commitment of China to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as soon as possible and, in that context, to reform its criminal justice system. The EU urged China to continue cooperation with, and implementation of the recommendations of, the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, including the rapid abolition of the "re-education through labour" system. The EU expressed its deep concern over the continuing restrictions on freedom of expression in China, including on the use of the internet. The EU further expressed concern at the high number of human rights defenders, lawyers and journalists in prison and urged China not to harass or punish individuals exercising their right to freedom of expression in a peaceful manner.

The EU continues to raise the individual cases of a number of Falun Gong practitioners with the Chinese side.

Departmental Records.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

1037 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason he has refused to release the Departmental file on a person (details supplied); his views on whether putting such information into the public domain would contribute to an accurate historical record of this important period in the history of the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1636/07]

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

1040 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason requested information was withheld from the producers of a television documentary (details supplied) by his Department; if the information will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1906/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1037 and 1040 together.

Under the National Archives Act, the Minister for Foreign Affairs has no involvement in determining which files should be withheld; that is entirely a matter for the authorised officer of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The Department is committed to meeting its statutory obligations in regard to its historic files under the National Archives, the Data Protection and the Freedom of Information Acts. In this regard, its annual deposit of files to the National Archives is much the largest of any Government Department and it also sponsors the "Documents in Irish Foreign Policy" series, published by the Royal Irish Academy.

In carrying out its archival duties, the Department must nevertheless comply with the provisions of the National Archives Act governing the withholding from inspection of certain records. In this regard, it should be noted that only a small proportion of these are actually withheld.

The files which are the subject of the Deputies' questions were part of a series of consular files originally withheld from the National Archives in 1992; all of them deal with named individuals and contain personal details. They were withheld under Section 8 (4) of the National Archives Act, 1986 on the basis that (a) to make the records available for public inspection would or might constitute a breach of good faith on the ground that they contain information supplied in confidence, or (b) would or might cause distress or danger to living persons on the ground that they contain information about individuals. In accordance with the provisions of the Act, the decision to withhold was certified by the authorised officer in the Department of Foreign Affairs and was consented to by an officer in the Department of the Taoiseach.

In September 2006 a request from the media was received to make the material available for public inspection. The relevant files were again reviewed by the authorised officer in my Department. It was concluded that there was no basis to change the original decision withholding these files. In addition, it was further determined that the files in question contained information of a personal nature about individuals, to which the provisions of the Data Protection Act, 1988 may also apply. For these reasons, the authorised officer decided to uphold the original decision taken in 1992.

In handling Departmental files that are over 30 years old, I am conscious that there ought to be an appropriate balance between the need to release material that is of public and historic interest and the right of individuals to be protected from distress or danger that the release of personal information might cause. In this regard, I have now asked my officials to carry out a further review of the historic files in question. In carrying out this review, my officials will consult, as appropriate, with other relevant bodies, including the Department of the Taoiseach and the National Archives.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

1038 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of civil servants and other staff employed in his constituency office; and the grade and remuneration of each. [1750/07]

The following table sets out the number of personnel in my constituency office, their grades and remuneration:

Grade / Position

Number

Remuneration

Personal Assistant (non-established; based in Constituency)

1

Higher Executive Officer Standard Scale €43, 445–€55, 147

Executive Officer

1

Executive Officer Standard Scale — PPC €30,027–€47,641

Clerical Officer (based in Constituency)

1

Clerical Officer Higher scale €22, 633–€35, 830

Clerical Officer (including one who job shares)

2

Clerical Officer Standard Scale — PPC €22,766–€36,913

Total

5

The employment contract of the non-established officer referred to in the table is coterminous with my appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs. Overtime, travel and subsistence expenses are paid in accordance with normal civil service regulations.

Personal Pension Contribution (PPC) scales apply where officers were employed since 6 April 1995, pay class A rate of PRSI and make a personal pension contribution.

Paul McGrath

Question:

1039 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of civil servants and other staff in his press office and the grade and remuneration of each staff member. [1765/07]

Press relations in the Department of Foreign Affairs generally are handled by 6 staff, as set out in the table below. I do not have a separate Ministerial press office.

Grade / Position

Number

Remuneration

Press Adviser (Non-established)

1

Principal Officer Standard Scale €80,408–€99,457

First Secretary

1

First Secretary Standard Scale €61,755–€77,003

Third Secretary

2

Third Secretary Standard Scale — PPC €32,783–€58,052

Executive Officer

1

Executive Officer Standard Scale €28,523–€45,262

Clerical Officer

1

Clerical Officer Standard Scale — PPC€22,766–€36,913

Total

6

The employment contract of the non-established officer referred to in the table is coterminous with my appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs. Overtime, travel and subsistence expenses are paid in accordance with normal civil service regulations.

Personal Pension Contribution (PPC) scales apply where officers were employed since 6 April 1995, pay class A rate of PRSI and make a personal pension contribution.

Question No. 1040 answered with QuestionNo. 1037.
Questions Nos. 1041 and 1042 answered with Question No. 1032.

Diplomatic Representation.

Finian McGrath

Question:

1043 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the person who represented Ireland at General Pinochet’s funeral in Chile in 2006. [2094/07]

Ireland was not represented at the funeral of General Pinochet.

Question No. 1044 answered with QuestionNo. 1032.
Question No. 1045 answered with QuestionNo. 1033.

Passport Applications.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

1046 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make recommendations to put measures in place to overcome the problems which frequently arise when Irish citizens travelling abroad for business purposes, frequently arrive at airports here without their passport. [2240/07]

I am pleased to say that there are already effective measures in place to deal with such situations. The Passport Office in Molesworth Street, Dublin and at South Mall in Cork provide an Emergency Service whereby members of the public, who upon arrival at the airport have mislaid their passports, whose passports have been lost or stolen or who find at the last minute that they are out of date, can have a passport issued to them that day or the following day, provided they have proof of travel. This is not an "on demand" service and is subject to a fee. This service operates Monday to Friday from 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.

The Duty Officer services provided by the Passport Office were extended in June 1999 and the then Minister for Foreign Affairs, David Andrews T.D., wrote to all members of the Oireachtas on 25 June of that year outlining the features of the new scheme. The Department operates two services whereby passport facilities are provided outside of working hours (a) by the Passport Duty Officer Service in Dublin and Cork and (b) by the Diplomatic Duty Officer Service.

(a) The Passport Duty Officer Service is provided on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays year round (except on Christmas Day and New Years Day). It operates from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays and public holidays. During the peak travel season, April to August inclusive, the service is extended in Dublin and operates from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays and public holidays. The Passport Duty Officer provides full facilities to persons who have mislaid their passports, whose passports have been lost or stolen or who find at the last minute that they are out of date.

(b) The Department's Diplomatic Duty Officer, who also has other duties, continues to attend to applications for passports outside these hours but only in genuine emergencies. Genuine emergencies are (i) situations of genuine and substantial distress such as the death or funeral of a relative or a relative dying abroad; (ii) urgent business abroad, particularly where Ireland is a beneficiary; or (iii) marriage abroad or a couple going on honeymoon when one of them finds a passport to have been lost or stolen. The Diplomatic Duty Officer is not authorised to issue passports in other circumstances.

For reasons to do with security and with the legal position of minors, the Diplomatic Duty officer is not authorised to issue passports to minors or first-time applicants outside of normal hours except in situations of genuine emergency as outlined above. Since the introduction of the Passport Duty Officer Service, in excess of 7000 passport have been issued through this service.

I wish to acknowledge the commitment and dedication of both the Passport office staff and the Diplomatic Duty Officers in providing this highly valued service to the travelling public.

Northern Ireland Issues.

Finian McGrath

Question:

1047 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will request a special summit with the British Government on the collusion issue. [2306/07]

The Government has made the issue of collusion a constant theme of our discussions with the British Government. It is consistently raised by both the Taoiseach and myself, and in meetings at official level. As recently as last evening, the Taoiseach discussed the issue with Prime Minister Blair at their meeting in London. It has also been raised in all recent meetings which I have had with Secretary of State Hain. Given the importance of the issue, a single summit meeting on the issue does not seem the most appropriate way to proceed.

The discussions with the British Government have focussed in particular on the findings of the Barron and Oireachtas Reports and, in recent days, on the deeply disturbing findings of the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman's report into the circumstances surrounding the murder of Raymond McCord junior. The Government will also take into account in these discussions the Report of the MacEntee Commission of Investigation into the Dublin-Monaghan bombings, scheduled to be presented on 14 February next. We will continue to press the British Government to address the serious issues to which these reports give rise, and to stress the absolute importance of ensuring that the recommendations in the Police Ombudsman's report are implemented in full.

Foreign Conflicts.

Finian McGrath

Question:

1048 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason the Middle East section of his Department refused to view a film containing evidence of Israeli brutality directed against Palestinian pilgrims and Irish observers at a checkpoint in Bethlehem in October 2006. [2308/07]

The video the Deputy refers to was filmed by a member of a group of Irish citizens who travelled on a fact-finding visit to the Occupied Palestinian Territories in October 2006. The group was in contact with officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Representative Office in Ramallah and the Embassy in Tel Aviv during and after the visit. They have maintained contact with the Department, which is providing advice in relation to possible future visits to Israel and the Occupied Territories.

The video records incidents at an Israeli Army checkpoint near Bethlehem on 13 October 2006. Officials from my Department have met with members of the group to discuss the incident, and they have viewed the video. The Government's concerns in relation to this particular incident have been drawn to the attention of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs by our Ambassador in Tel Aviv. More broadly, I have continued to make very clear the Government's strong concerns about the effects on the Palestinian population of security operations by the Israeli Army in the Occupied Territories.

The Government and our EU partners have consistently called on all parties to abide by their obligations under the Quartet Roadmap and under international law. We are particularly concerned about the continued construction of the separation barrier on occupied Palestinian land, the expansion of settlements and a series of Israeli activities and policies in and around East Jerusalem which are in contravention of international law and which threaten to undermine the prospects for a negotiated two-State solution.

Chomhfhreagras Roinne.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1049 D’fhiafraigh Mr. Sargent den Aire Gnóthaí Eachtracha cá fhad ar an meán a thógann sé air litir a fhreagairt as Béarla i gcomparáid leis an méid ama a thógann sé air litir a fhreagairt as Gaeilge. [2389/07]

Braitheann an fhad a thógann sé chun freagra a thabhairt ar litir atá faighte agam ar (i) ábhar na litreach agus (ii) an méid oibre atá i gceist chun gach eolas a bhaineann leis an ábhar a fháil. Is í mo bharúil gur cuma cé acu Gaeilge nó Béarla ina n-eisítear an freagra.

Deinim iarracht i gcónaí freagra a thabhairt ar chuile litir chomh tapaidh agus is féidir.

Tá mé cinnte go dtuigfidh an Teachta go mbraitheann sé seo uile ar an oiread oibre a ghlacann sé chun an t-eolas a fháil agus nach bhfuil teanga na litreach i gceist ar chor ar bith.

Human Rights Issues.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

1050 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will seek an assurance that a person (details supplied) will not be tortured. [2816/07]

The Embassy in Madrid and the Consular Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs has been monitoring developments in the case of the person mentioned by the Deputy since August, 2004. The Embassy has provided consular assistance and support to him since becoming aware of his case.

Subsequent to the decision of the Tribunal Constitutional court in Spain (equivalent to our Supreme Court) turning down his appeal against extradition to Algeria, the Embassy contacted the person in question and provided him with a translation of the Spanish court judgement.

The Embassy was informed by his lawyer that one of the arguments against extradition which was put forward by them was the possible risk of torture if returned to Algeria. This argument was not accepted by the Spanish Court. Our Embassy in Madrid has also informed by his lawyers that there are no further legal grounds of appeal open to this person in Spain.

Our Embassy in Berne, which is accredited to Algeria, has also been fully briefed on the case. I can assure the Deputy that the Embassy will raise the concerns expressed, including that of possible torture, with the Algerian authorities and will continue to provide all possible consular assistance to the person concerned in the future.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1051 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he raised the human rights situation in the western Sahara during 2006; and if he will raise the situation in the western Sahara at EU and UN level in 2007. [2943/07]

The Government has consistently been a strong supporter of the right to self-determination of the people of the territory of Western Sahara. Ireland played a prominent role in seeking a solution to the Western Sahara dispute during its term on the UN Security Council. The Government has remained closely engaged on the issue, at the United Nations and in discussions at EU level. Ireland played a leading role in working with our EU partners and all interested parties to ensure the adoption of the resolution on Western Sahara at the UN General Assembly in December 2006.

We continue to monitor the human rights situation in the Western Sahara in cooperation with our EU partners, and we maintain contact on the issues involved with representatives of the Sahrawi people and with the Moroccan authorities.

The Government will continue to support actively the efforts of the United Nations to broker a political solution in the Western Sahara, based on the principle of self-determination. We continue to believe that the plan presented in 2003 by the former US Secretary of State, James Baker, acting as the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary General, represents the best framework available for a negotiated settlement. The plan has been endorsed by the UN Security Council, but has not been implemented. It envisages a preparatory phase under UN supervision, leading to a referendum to determine the future of the territory. The Government strongly supports the continuing role of the UN in working to encourage the parties towards an agreement, under the Special Representative of the Secretary General, Peter Van Walsum.

Irish Citizens Abroad.

Tony Gregory

Question:

1052 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the circumstances in which the body of an Irish citizen was eventually discovered in Bosnia, he is satisfied that the concerns of members of her family that adequate searches had not been carried out by the authorities there were fully justified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2944/07]

I am very satisfied with the assurances given to us by the Bosnian authorities, including those in Medjugorje and the surrounding districts, that everything possible was done to locate the body of the person mentioned by the Deputy.

A number of large scale searches were undertaken since the deceased person went missing while on a pilgrimage to Medjugorje in early September. The last such search was timed to coincide with the growing back of vegetation and the resultant much enhanced visibility for the searchers.

The Hunting Clubs in the Region supported the search effort in every way possible, and indeed it was a hunter who eventually located the remains of the missing person earlier this month.

Members of an Garda Síochána and of our Defence Forces on EU service in Bosnia and Herzegovina also participated actively in the searches for the deceased person.

The husband of the deceased person has expressed his warm appreciation for the extensive efforts of the Department and the Embassy, both in Dublin and on the ground in Medjugorje, and for the widescale searches that were undertaken in an effort to find his wife. The Department was particularly touched that its efforts were warmly recognised from the pulpit, on behalf of the family, at the funeral.

Departmental Staff.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1053 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of persons engaged in project management in his Department that have recognised qualifications in that area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3220/07]

Within Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs) of my Department, there are no projects of sufficient size underway at present to require the engagement of personnel with formal project management qualifications.

As regards Vote 29 (International Cooperation), there is a substantial number of bilateral aid programmes in operation under the aegis of Irish Aid. To help with the implementation of these development-related programmes, my Department employs development specialists. At present there are 21 development specialists at headquarters, who have a wide variety of qualifications in the development field.

National Minimum Wage.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1054 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of staff in his Department currently earning the national minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department currently earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department’s agencies currently earning the national minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department’s agencies currently earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff who are employed by contractors to his Department currently earning the national minimum wage; the number employed by contractors of his Department currently earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by Sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; the number of staff in his Department’s agencies currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by Sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; the number of staff who are employed by contractors to his Department currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by Sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43749/06]

There are no staff in my Department currently earning the national minimum wage or less than the national minimum wage (or the sub-minimum wage as defined by Sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000). There are no staff in my Department currently earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage.

All of the non-commercial agencies under the aegis of my Department have confirmed that there are no staff currently earning the national minimum wage or less than the national minimum wage (or the sub-minimum wage as defined by Sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000). However, a total of 11 members of staff in one of my Department's agencies and 1 in another are currently earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage. It should be noted that the 11 members of staff, who have recently been recruited, are at the minimum point of their pay scale. The other member of staff referred to is on the second point of his pay scale. All will, through incremental progression, exceed the threshold mentioned by the Deputy.

Contractors employed by my Department have confirmed that their employees receive at least the national minimum wage. My Department requires any potential contractors to comply with statutory terms and conditions applicable to all workers in Ireland.

The pay and conditions of the staff in my Department and in the agencies under the aegis of my Department are as sanctioned by the Minister for Finance.

Sports Capital Programme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1055 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of applications submitted from Counties Roscommon and Leitrim respectively under the sports capital programme 2007; the amount of funding sought in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1068/07]

The sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis. Applications for funding under the 2007 programme were invited through advertisements in the Press on October 15th and 16th last. The closing date for receipt of applications was November 24th 2006. All applications received before the deadline, including the 23 from County Leitrim seeking €3.36 million and the 29 from County Roscommon seeking €5.80 million, are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1056 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will approve funding for a project (details supplied) under the sports capital grant 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1079/07]

The national lottery-funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.

Applications for funding under the 2007 programme were invited through advertisements in the Press on October 15th and 16th last. The closing date for receipt of applications was November 24th 2006. All applications received before the deadline, including one from the organisation in question, are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.

John Perry

Question:

1057 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will ensure that funding is allocated for the further development of Strandhill Community Park (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1082/07]

The national lottery-funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.

Applications for funding under the 2007 programme were invited through advertisements in the Press on October 15th and 16th last. The closing date for receipt of applications was November 24th 2006. All applications received before the deadline, including one from the organisation in question, are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

1058 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will award funding under the sports capital funding programme to a club (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1154/07]

The national lottery-funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.

Applications for funding under the 2007 programme were invited through advertisements in the Press on October 15th and 16th last. The closing date for receipt of applications was November 24th 2006. All applications received before the deadline, including one from the organisation in question, are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

1059 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will award funding under the sports capital funding programme to a club (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1155/07]

The national lottery-funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.

Applications for funding under the 2007 programme were invited through advertisements in the Press on October 15th and 16th last. The closing date for receipt of applications was November 24th 2006. All applications received before the deadline, including one from the organisation in question, are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.

John Perry

Question:

1060 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has received an application from a club (details supplied) for an allocation of funding to develop a gaelic football pitch, soccer pitch, two training areas and a dressing room complex on the lands in Altvelid Ballintogher that are used extensively and caters for a wide range in age group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1333/07]

The national lottery-funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.

Applications for funding under the 2007 programme were invited through advertisements in the Press on October 15th and 16th last. The closing date for receipt of applications was November 24th 2006. All applications received before the deadline, including one from the organisation in question, are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.

John Perry

Question:

1061 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will provide a list of all the applications in County Sligo that his Department has received applying for funding under the 2007 sports capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1334/07]

The national lottery-funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.

Applications for funding under the 2007 programme were invited through advertisements in the Press on October 15th and 16th last. The closing date for receipt of applications was November 24th 2006. All applications received before the deadline, including 28 applications received from sporting organisations in County Sligo, are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. While the deliberative process of the processing and assessment of applications is ongoing, it is not considered appropriate to provide a listing of applications or information relating to individual applications. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.

Decentralisation Programme.

Phil Hogan

Question:

1062 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress or otherwise being made in relation to the decentralisation of the Arts Council as promised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1402/07]

The Arts Council, one of the State Agencies under the aegis of my Department, is designated for transfer to Kilkenny under the Government's Programme of Decentralisation. In June 2004, a Decentralisation Implementation Plan was prepared by and in respect of the Arts Council and submitted to the Decentralisation Implementation Group (DIG) which is chaired by Mr. Finbar Flood.

There are currently 45 members of staff employed in the Arts Council and a total of 29 applications for transfer to Kilkenny have so far been received under the CAF (Central Application Facility).

The Arts Council has not been designated an early mover by the DIG but the Office of Public Works (OPW) is currently assessing a number of options regarding suitable locations and properties in Kilkenny. No decision has been made in this regard.

Arts Funding.

Phil Hogan

Question:

1063 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to the requirement in Kilkenny of an integrated culture facility and the proposals that have been submitted in this regard under the access fund; the progress or otherwise in respect of this application for funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1403/07]

I understand that an application in respect of the project in question was received.

An independent selection committee is currently assessing the applications received under ACCESS II. The Committee expect to provide me with recommendations by March 2007 and I hope to make an announcement regarding the scheme shortly thereafter.

Sports Capital Programme.

Phil Hogan

Question:

1064 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he received an application from Kilkenny County Council and Kilkenny Borough Council regarding grant assistance towards non-pool related elements of the proposed Kilkenny leisure centre at Scanlon Park, Kilkenny; if he will examine this application favourably in view of the costing associated with this element of the project amounting to €9.8 million; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1404/07]

The national lottery-funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.

Applications for funding under the 2007 programme were invited through advertisements in the Press on October 15th and 16th last. The closing date for receipt of applications was November 24th 2006. All applications received before the deadline, including one from the organisation in question, are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1065 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has received a capital grant application from Kildare Youth Services (details supplied) in County Kildare for a newly planned community centre; if he will favourably consider same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1546/07]

The national lottery-funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.

Applications for funding under the 2007 programme were invited through advertisements in the Press on October 15th and 16th last. The closing date for receipt of applications was November 24th 2006. All applications received before the deadline, including one from the organisation in question, are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.

Sports Funding.

Finian McGrath

Question:

1066 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount of taxpayers’ money granted to the IRFU in 2006. [1582/07]

The Irish Sports Council, which is the statutory body responsible for the promotion and development of sport, provided current funding of €3.6m to the IRFU in 2006 towards increasing participation by young people in sport and under the Women in Sport initiative. The element of grant-in-aid provided under my Department's Vote to the Irish Sports Council in respect of general assistance to National Governing Bodies of sport including the IRFU is funded by proceeds of the National Lottery.

In terms of sports capital funding administered by my Department, which is also funded by proceeds of the National Lottery, a once-off allocation of €65,000 was made in 2006 to the Irish Rugby Football Union towards the refurbishment of part of Lansdowne Road which had been affected by fire damage. Under my Department's sports capital programme, grants amounting to €3.706 million were provisionally allocated in 2006 to 34 clubs and provincial branches affiliated to the IRFU, towards the provision of sports facilities. In addition, also under the 2006 sports capital programme, grants totalling €2.5 million were provisionally allocated to three shared facilities catering for rugby and a number of other sports.

The Deputy will also be aware that the Government is also providing €191 million towards the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road Stadium.

Swimming Pool Projects.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

1067 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when is it expected that the local authority swimming pool programme will re-open for applications. [1602/07]

My Department is completing an Expenditure Review of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme at present. The Review is examining, among other things, how the programme has worked to date and what changes, if any, are required to ensure its effective and efficient delivery. The Review is currently being finalised and it is my intention to publish it as soon as possible. Following consideration of the recommendations in the review it is my intention to launch a new round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme. When the Programme is re-opened, it will be open to all local authorities to submit applications under the terms that will apply.

Sports Capital Programme.

Finian McGrath

Question:

1068 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the maximum support and assistance will be given to a club (details supplied) in Dublin 3 in 2007. [1712/07]

The national lottery-funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.

Applications for funding under the 2007 programme were invited through advertisements in the Press on October 15th and 16th last. The closing date for receipt of applications was November 24th 2006. All applications received before the deadline, including one from the organisation in question, are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

1069 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of civil servants and other staff employed in his constituency office; and the grade and remuneration of each. [1742/07]

There are currently 6 staff employed in my constituency office:

1 Executive Officer

1 Personal Secretary

4 Clerical Officers.

All of the above staff with the exception of my Personal Secretary are permanent civil servants and are paid at the appropriate civil service rates. My Personal Secretary who is a political appointee is paid at the Oireachtas Secretarial Assistant rate with a 10% attraction allowance in respect of her position.

The staffing of my constituency office is in line with Department of Finance guidelines on this matter.

Paul McGrath

Question:

1070 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of civil servants and other staff in his press office and the grade and remuneration of each staff member. [1757/07]

There are currently 2 staff employed in my Press Office:

1 Higher Executive Officer

1 Executive Officer.

Both are permanent Civil Servants and are paid at the appropriate civil service rates in line with Department of Finance guidelines.

Sports Funding.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

1071 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position of the capital application by a centre (details supplied) in County Mayo; his views on whether this is an important facility which will upgrade the current services offered by the centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1825/07]

My Department has previously provided this centre with a grant towards capital works of €177,763.

I understand that an application under the ACCESS II scheme was received in respect of the project in question. I cannot comment on the application at present as an independent selection committee is currently assessing the applications received under ACCESS II. The Committee expect to provide me with recommendations by March 2007 and I hope to make an announcement regarding the scheme shortly thereafter.

Arts Funding.

Jack Wall

Question:

1072 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if there is funding available for any agency within the remit of his Department that a group can seek funding from, in regard to a particular project (details supplied) in County Kildare. [1847/07]

My Department does not have any scheme under which this group could apply for funding. The main channel for the State's funding of the arts, including music, is through the Arts Council. It is my understanding that the Arts Council is currently considering putting in place a programme of support for community music, in partnership with Local Authorities, and it would be to this programme that projects like the one referred to in the question could look for funding. It is not anticipated that the programme will be in place before 2008.

Sports Funding.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

1073 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the completion of the Shamrock Rovers stadium in Tallaght; if it remains his position as set out in reply to an adjournment debate on 9 February 2006, that the stadium should be used primarily for soccer and that there would be considerable cost implications and further delays if the stadium had to be adjusted to cater for Gaelic games; the discussions he has had with either the FAI or the GAA with a view to resolving the current dispute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1852/07]

In supporting the provision of a soccer stadium at Tallaght, I am seeking to bring to completion a long-standing project that has been assisted under the Sports Capital Programme. €2.44m has already been provided between 2000 and 2002 towards the development of this facility. In response to approaches from South Dublin County Council, the FAI and Shamrock Rovers FC, I gave a commitment on behalf of the Government that funding would be provided towards the completion of this project as a soccer stadium and I stand over this commitment.

I am advised that a pitch larger than that required for soccer cannot easily be accommodated within the present site. In order to facilitate a pitch suitable for senior Gaelic Games in the stadium, some demolition of existing building work would have to take place or alternatively, the design of the stadium would have to be adjusted and capacity would be reduced. Either of these two paths would clearly lead to further delays and increased costs and some of the expenditure already incurred would be written off if demolition had to take place.

While the stadium is scheduled for completion as a soccer facility, I wish to make it clear once again that I would have no objections to South Dublin County Council, which will manage the facility, sanctioning its use by other sporting bodies compatible with it remaining available for senior soccer fixtures. I understand that the question of underage GAA activities at the completed stadium has been raised and I would welcome such activities, again subject to the compatibility of a soccer pitch with the requirements of the sporting body in question.

I have made my position clear to the GAA at both national and Dublin County Board level on more than one occasion. I am available to meet at any stage with representatives of the Association if it will help to bring this pointless dispute to an end but I will not countenance any dilution of my long-standing commitment to Shamrock Rovers FC. I am deeply disappointed at the continuing intransigence being displayed by a local GAA club which is persisting with legal action to overturn a decision taken by South Dublin County Council. It is clearly in the best interest of the harmonious development of all sports in the Tallaght area that the club in question should terminate immediately these legal proceedings.

Sports Capital Programme.

John Perry

Question:

1074 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will ensure that funding is approved on the application submitted by a company (details supplied) in County Sligo to allow them to complete their football pitch, provide proper lighting and sports equipment; when will it be sanctioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1993/07]

The national lottery-funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.

Applications for funding under the 2007 programme were invited through advertisements in the Press on October 15th and 16th last. The closing date for receipt of applications was November 24th 2006. All applications received before the deadline, including one from the organisation in question, are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.

Arts Funding.

Michael Ring

Question:

1075 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if funding will be sanctioned to a project (details supplied) in County Mayo; the funding available under this programme; the amount they can expect to get approval for; and when a decision will be made on their application. [2053/07]

I understand that an application in respect of the project in question was received.

I cannot, at present, comment on individual applications as an independent selection committee is currently assessing the applications received under ACCESS II. The Committee expect to provide me with recommendations by March 2007 and I hope to make an announcement regarding the scheme shortly thereafter.

Funding of €81m is available under the ACCESS programme over the life of the National Development Plan, 2008 to 2013. The level of funding for this round of ACCESS II will be determined by the quality and scope of the projects currently being assessed.

Sports Capital Programme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1076 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will approve funding under the sports capital programme 2007 for an institute (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2067/07]

The national lottery-funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.

Applications for funding under the 2007 programme were invited through advertisements in the Press on October 15th and 16th last. The closing date for receipt of applications was November 24th 2006. All applications received before the deadline, including one from the organisation in question, are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1077 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will approve funding under the sports capital programme 2007 for a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon; the status of the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2068/07]

The national lottery-funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.

Applications for funding under the 2007 programme were invited through advertisements in the Press on October 15th and 16th last. The closing date for receipt of applications was November 24th 2006. All applications received before the deadline, including one from the organisation in question in combination with another local organisation, are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

1078 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding a sports capital grant application on behalf of groups (details supplied) in County Cork for development at the regional track at Cork Institute of Technology; his views on the merits of this application; if he will look favourably on the application for funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2146/07]

The national lottery-funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.

Applications for funding under the 2007 programme were invited through advertisements in the Press on October 15th and 16th last. The closing date for receipt of applications was November 24th 2006. All applications received before the deadline, including one from the organisation in question, are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

1079 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will look favourably on a grant application under the 2007 sports capital programme for a club (details supplied) in County Cork; if their application has been assessed; and when a decision will be made on the grant applications. [2147/07]

The national lottery-funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.

Applications for funding under the 2007 programme were invited through advertisements in the Press on October 15th and 16th last. The closing date for receipt of applications was November 24th 2006. All applications received before the deadline, including one from the organisation in question, are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

1080 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount of money available for disposal in respect of the sports capital programme 2007; the number of applications received; and when the funding will be distributed. [2239/07]

The national lottery-funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.

Applications for funding under the 2007 programme were invited through advertisements in the Press on October 15th and 16th last. The closing date for receipt of applications was November 24th 2006. A total of 1,530 applications were received before the deadline, an increase of 192 on the 2006 sports capital programme, and these are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.

I will decide on the level of provisional grant allocations to be made this year having regard both to the quality of the applications received under the 2007 programme and the pattern of grant allocations and drawdowns on foot of earlier years' approvals.

An Teanga Ghaeilge.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1081 D’fhiafraigh Mr. Sargent den Aire Ealaíon, Spóirt agus Turasóireachta cá fhad ar an meán a thógann sé air litir a fhreagairt as Béarla i gcomparáid leis an méid ama a thógann sé air litir a fhreagairt as Gaeilge. [2390/07]

Laistigh de na spriocanna ama atá leagtha síos i gCairt Chustaiméirí na Roinne tugtar admháil ar gach cumarsáid scríofa laistigh de 5 lá oibre óna fháil agus tugtar freagra air ar a laghad 95% laistigh d'fhiche lá oibre agus baineann an Chairt seo le comhfhreagras as Gaeilge agus as Béarla.

Déantar gach iarracht cloí leis na cuspóirí atá leagtha síos sa Chairt Chustaiméirí agus tá sé seo amhlaidh maidir le comhfhreagras i nGaeilge nó i mBéarla.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

1082 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the specific responsibilities of a senior civil servant (details supplied) in his Department. [2399/07]

Paul McGrath

Question:

1083 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the outside bodies, committees and study groups to which a senior civil servant (details supplied) in his Department has been appointed; and the specific responsibilities associated with each. [2400/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1082 and 1083 together.

The specific responsibilities of the senior managers, including assistant secretaries, in my Department are set out in the Department's Organisation Structure which the Deputy can access on my Department's website, www.arts-sport-tourism.gov.ie.

In addition to membership of the normal committees and groups arising from his specific responsibilities, the senior civil servant referred to in the Deputy's question was appointed by me to the boards of the National Concert Hall and Culture Ireland.

State Airports.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

1084 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if, in respect of the question of a second Dublin airport since 1995 his Department has been consulted or has considered the use of Casement Aerodrome Baldonnel as a second commercial airport for Dublin; and the conclusion reached for same. [2453/07]

While I have no record of my Department being consulted on this issue, the matter referred to by the Deputy falls within the statutory responsibility of my colleague DeputyMartin Cullen, Minister for Transport.

Swimming Pool Projects.

John Curran

Question:

1085 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if, in view of the success of the previous swimming pool programme, he will introduce a new swimming pool programme which would enable places such as Lucan, County Dublin an opportunity to develop a swimming pool; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2479/07]

My Department is completing an Expenditure Review of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme at present. The Review is examining, among other things, how the programme has worked to date and what changes, if any, are required to ensure its effective and efficient delivery. The Review is currently being finalised and it is my intention to publish it as soon as possible. Following consideration of the recommendations in the review it is my intention to launch a new round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme. When the Programme is re-opened, it will be open to all local authorities to submit applications under the terms that will apply.

Sports Capital Programme.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

1086 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when a decision will be made on an application by a club (details supplied) in County Galway for a grant under the recreational facilities scheme; if his attention has been drawn to the work being carried out by this hurling club; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that both boys and girls use the pitch and there is a need to upgrade this facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2579/07]

The national lottery-funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.

Applications for funding under the 2007 programme were invited through advertisements in the Press on October 15th and 16th last. The closing date for receipt of applications was November 24th 2006. All applications received before the deadline, including one from the organisation in question, are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1087 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will approve funding for a project (details supplied) under the sports capital programme 2007. [2964/07]

The national lottery-funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.

Applications for funding under the 2007 programme were invited through advertisements in the Press on October 15th and 16th last. The closing date for receipt of applications was November 24th 2006. All applications received before the deadline, including one from the organisation in question, are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.

Departmental Staff.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1088 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of persons engaged in project management in his Department that have recognised qualifications in that area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3214/07]

Most of the major capital projects for which my Department has responsibility are managed by the Office of Public Works or by companies or bodies established for that purpose.

Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects, such as the development of the National Conference Centre, the National Theatre and the National Concert Hall, are being progressed in line with the Department of Finance "Guidelines for the Provision of Infrastructure and Capital Investments through Public Private Partnership" which are available on the Government PPP website — www.ppp.gov.ie. In advancing these projects the Department relies heavily on the Office of Public Works and the National Development Finance Agency who provide the appropriate technical and financial expertise, which is supplemented by consultancy support where necessary.

While I am not aware if any officers in my Department hold recognised qualifications in project management, several senior officers have taken part in project management training courses organised by my Department as part of its ongoing staff training and development programmes and many have considerable practical experience over the course of their careers in dealing with major capital projects.

Tax Code.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

1089 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason community and voluntary groups with limited company status are not entitled to avail of an audit exemption up to a certain amount; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1202/07]

The current position under the Companies Acts 1963 to 2006 is that every company must appoint an auditor to examine and report on the accounts of the company unless the company comes within a class of company entitled to avail of exemption from this requirement. A number of classes of company are currently entitled to avail of such exemption, subject to certain conditions being met. Companies pursuing community or voluntary activities tend not to fall within the scope of these classes of company.

Bearing in mind the role of the preparation and auditing of company accounts in providing assurance to interested stakeholders, I am not convinced that it would be in the public interest to extend further the current categories of audit exemption.

Question No. 1090 answered with QuestionNo. 171.

Health and Safety Regulations.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

1091 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the laws which protect public property in the vicinity of commercial explosive blasting at quarries; the distance the danger zone extends from the explosive blast; the distance at which people are safe from these blasts. [1895/07]

The handling, use and disposal of explosives are covered under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Extractive Industries) Regulations, 1997, the Mines and Quarries Act, 1965 and its related regulations, and the Explosives Act, 1875.

The Quarries (Explosives) Regulations 1971 as amended (S.I. No. 237 of 1971), which are made under the Mines and Quarries Act 1965, make provision for the storage, care, issue, transport and use of explosives in quarries. They regulate the duties of quarry managers and other persons involved in blasting operations and in firing explosives. They prescribe the type of equipment to be used and the safety measures to be adopted in using this equipment.

The Mines and Quarries Act provides that quarry managers ensure that quarrying operations are so carried on as to avoid danger from falls whether within or outside the quarry; thus the overall effect of compliance with the Act and the Regulations in protecting persons at work in a quarry would also be to ensure the safety of persons and property as a consequence.

The Regulations require quarry managers, for the purpose of securing the safety of all persons when shot-firing is being carried out, to make shot-firing rules allotting to competent persons and specifying the duties to be performed by them on any occasion on which shot-firing is about to be or is being carried out.

Those shot-firing rules must specify a suitable system to ensure by means of the posting of notices or sentries or otherwise that adequate warning is given to all persons within, near or approaching the danger zone that shot-firing is about to commence and must specify a suitable system to ensure that adequate signals are given for the purpose of notifying persons employed at the quarry that shot-firing has, for the time being, ceased.

Under the Regulations, it is the responsibility of the shot-firer to determine the danger zone required to be created and to ensure that the warning required by the relevant shot-firing rules has been given and that no person is in the danger zone without having taken proper shelter. The distance covered by the danger zone will depend on a number of factors, including the specification of the blast and the nature of the material being blasted, and must be determined as part of a hazard identification and risk assessment process. However, according to advice from the Health & Safety Authority, a danger zone should be as large as reasonably possible and should ensure that material from the blast is not projected beyond it.

A person posted as a sentry in pursuance of shot-firing rules may not leave the place to which he or she is posted until signals have been given or until directed to leave that place by the person who posted him or her there.

Quarry managers are required to take such steps as may be necessary to ensure that sufficient and suitable shelters are provided for the use of the persons employed at quarries who are within the danger zone likely to be created when shots are fired.

The Health and Safety Authority advises that, if during the course of an inspection of the blasted area, or at some later date, it is discovered that materials were projected beyond the defined danger zone for a blast and that persons, either employed at the quarry or other persons who may be affected, were placed at risk of injury then the details must be reported to the Authority as a specified "dangerous occurrence". As soon as is reasonably practicable, the explosives supervisor must investigate the cause of such projection of fly rock and ensure that all measures are taken to prevent recurrence at subsequent blasts.

The shotfiring rules referred to are intended to ensure that shotfiring operations at the quarry take place without endangering persons. They should take proper account of local circumstances, for example any risk of accidental initiation. The determination of the danger zone likely to be created by the firing of each shot, evacuation of the danger zone and the provision of effective shelters when a shot is tested or fired are all essential elements of the shotfiring rules. Furthermore, shotfiring and related activities should only be undertaken by competent persons.

International Trade Relations.

John Perry

Question:

1092 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the level of trade with Taiwan; his plans to open an Enterprise Ireland office in Taiwan; his plans to increase the level of trade with Taiwan in view of the opportunities available for Irish business in that country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2489/07]

Ireland's merchandise exports to Taiwan for 2005 were €333million and imports were €921million. Full year figures for 2006 are not yet available, but for the 10 months January — October, merchandise exports were €252million and imports were €822m. Statistics for services trade are not as well developed, but in 2004, the latest year for which data has been published, our services exports to Taiwan came to €297m but the figure for service imports for that year is not available.

I am conscious that Taiwan is a significant market for Irish exporters and, through Enterprise Ireland, the Government is facilitating developing our trade links there. Enterprise Ireland's work in relation to the Taiwan market is handled by their office in Hong Kong and the agency also uses the resources of a local consultant based in Taipei, when and as required. There are no plans to open an office in Taiwan in the immediate future.

Enterprise Ireland's strategy is to bring Taiwanese and Irish business communities into more regular contact, introducing Irish companies to export opportunities in Taiwan and raising the awareness of Ireland among the Taiwanese business community. The agency is proactively developing the sectors where clear opportunities have been identified for its Irish client base such as the education and IT sectors.

The Irish Education Services sector will again visit Taiwan this year when Enterprise Ireland will participate at a major Education fair in Taipei in November. It is hoped that a number of the Irish Universities and Colleges will attend.

Enterprise Ireland will continue to arrange individual itineraries for Irish companies interested in exploring opportunities in Taiwan — companies are assisted with setting up itineraries, logistics, sourcing interpreters, general business advice, introductions to local experts and partners and related issues.

Work Permits.

John Perry

Question:

1093 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the situation regarding obtaining a work permit for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2873/07]

Officials in the employment permit section of my Department have recently been in contact with the Employer in this case. The section is prepared to consider a work permit application in this case on the basis that there will be an employer/employee relationship. An extension of this permit will only be considered when the individual has successfully completed their adaptation period.

Services Sector.

Phil Hogan

Question:

1094 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will introduce measures to properly regulate professional services to allow for greater transparency in pricing, better representation of consumer interests where a conflict of interest exists and tougher fines compensation from service providers that fail to meet their responsibilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2754/07]

I would advise the Deputy that the statutory regulation of specific professional services is the responsibility of a number of different Government Departments and Agencies. For example the Deputy will be aware that the regulation of medical practitioners is the responsibility of the Minister for Health and Children and the regulation of financial services is the responsibility of the Minister for Finance and the Financial Regulator. The Deputy will appreciate that the activities of the various regulatory agencies are not the responsibility of my Department.

Notwithstanding this, all traders, including those providing professional services, are subject to consumer law. Specifically traders have particular obligations in relation to the information that they give to consumers and also in relation to the nature and quality of goods and services that they sell to consumers. Consumer law obliges that goods offered for sale must be of merchantable quality and that in the case of services, suppliers must have the necessary skill to render the service and that the service is supplied with due skill, care and diligence.

The Consumer Protection Bill 2007, which will be published in the next few days, in addition to establishing the new National Consumer Agency on a statutory footing, also includes a number of specific provisions strengthening the protections afforded consumers in their day-to-day transactions with traders, including in relation to the provision of transparent information on pricing. The Bill contains a general prohibition on unfair, misleading or aggressive practices. The Bill further prohibits traders from engaging in over 30 specific practices, which are forbidden in all circumstances. The type of practices prohibited by the Bill are:

Persistent cold calling of customers

Pyramid selling

Prize draw scams

Making false claims in relation to a product or service

Traders who engage in prohibited practices are liable on conviction to significant fines and terms of imprisonment. The Bill provides the National Consumer Agency with a number of additional enforcement options. For example, the Bill provides that the Agency may, where it considers it appropriate, issue fixed payment notices and compliance notices to errant traders. The Bill also provides that the Agency and individual consumers can seek injunctions to stop traders from engaging in prohibited practices. The Agency will be permitted under the Bill to seek compensation orders before the courts on behalf of consumers who have suffered as a result of a trader engaging in a prohibited practice.

The Bill will also require the new National Consumer Agency to enter into co-operation agreements with certain prescribed bodies, including other sectoral regulators, with a view to avoiding duplication of activities and guaranteeing effective protection of consumer welfare.

I am confident that the Consumer Protection Bill will provide significant additional protections for consumers in their day-to day transactions with traders, including traders providing professional services and that the new National Consumer Agency will have all the necessary powers to ensure that Irish consumers enjoy the highest level of protection.

Flexible Work Practices.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

1095 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of days a person who is working 10 hours per week are allowed in one year; if they have floating days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43734/06]

The Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 provides that the annual leave of an employee who works 10 hours per week is 8% of the total number of hours he or she works in a leave year subject to a maximum of four working weeks. These hours of annual leave are converted into days in accordance with the normal number of hours the employee works per day. The leave year means a year beginning on the 1st day of April. The working week expressed in days is the number of days an employee usually works in a week. Any leave in excess of the statutory limit is a matter for negotiation between the employee and his or her employer.

The 1997 Act also provides that a part-time employee who works at least 40 hours in the five week period ending immediately before a public holiday would be entitled to one of the following four options determined by his or her employer in respect of that public holiday:

(a) a paid day off on that day, or

(b) a paid day off within a month of that day, or

(c) an additional day of annual leave, or

(d) an additional day's pay.

There are nine public holidays as follows:

1. New Year's Day (January 1),

2. St. Patrick's Day (March 17),

3. Easter Monday,

4. The first Monday in May,

5. The first Monday in June,

6. The first Monday in August,

7. The last Monday in October,

8. Christmas Day (December 25),

9. St. Stephen's Day (December 26).

National Minimum Wage.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1096 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of staff in his Department currently earning the national minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department currently earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department’s agencies currently earning the national minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department’s agencies currently earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff who are employed by contractors to his Department currently earning the national minimum wage; the number employed by contractors of his Department currently earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by Sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; the number of staff in his Department’s agencies currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by Sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; the number of staff who are employed by contractors to his Department currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by Sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43754/06]

All staff currently employed by my Department earn above the national minimum wage.

There are 3 staff currently employed by my Department, earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage. These staff are on the first point of the Department of Finance payscale for the cleaner grade.

One agency of my Department has 1 student on work experience who earns the minimum wage and employs between 1 and 4 workers on a seasonal basis who earn not more than one euro per hour more than the national minimumwage.

There are no staff employed by my Department or by my Department's agencies earning less than the national minimum wage or earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by Sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000.

The employment of staff by contractors is a matter for the individual contractor. However all contractors employed by my Department are obliged by their contract agreement to comply with the national minimum wage legislation.

Debt Collection.

Richard Bruton

Question:

1097 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has studied the arrangements whereby small businesses can recover bad debts through the legal system; his views on quicker, cheaper and more effective methods which are operated in other jurisdictions such as the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43768/06]

There are well established procedures for enforcement of bad debts through the civil courts. Issues arising in relation to these procedures are a matter for my colleague Mr. Michael McDowell, T.D., Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

In addition, the Bar Council of Ireland has recently introduced a Small Claims Arbitration System, on a trial basis, for claims up to €7,500, which is aimed at reducing the administration costs for all parties involved. The cost of the arbitrator is limited to €750. This scheme allows businesses to claim small amounts, which might otherwise be written off, because of the time and costs associated with court proceedings. Under the scheme, the decision of an arbitrator, selected and agreed by both sides from a trained pool of barristers, is binding.

My Department is responsible for the European Communities (Late Payment in Commercial Transactions) Regulations 2002 (S.I. No. 388 of 2002). These regulations came into operation in 2002, on foot of EU Directive No. 2000/35/EC. The Regulations apply to all commercial transactions with the following exceptions:

Contracts made before 7th August 2002

Claims for payment of late interest of less than €5

Transactions with consumers

Debts that may be subject to legislation other than these Regulations.

In accordance with the Regulations, it is an implied term of every commercial transaction that where a purchaser does not pay for goods or services by the relevant payment date, the supplier shall be entitled to interest ("late payment interest") on the amount outstanding. Interest shall apply until such time as payment is made by the purchaser. (The current interest rate is 10.5% per annum or 0.028% on a daily basis. It is calculated at 7 percentage points above the European Central Bank interest rate to its most recent main refinancing operation carried out before 1st January and 1st July each year). In the absence of any agreed payment date between the parties late payment interest falls due after 30 days has elapsed. The 2002 Regulations also provide for compensation for debt recovery costs.

Site Acquisitions.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

1098 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the sale of IDA lands to Cork County Council particularly the lands in Kanturk, County Cork; and the reason this transaction is taking so long in view of a commitment given to Kanturk Chamber of Commerce at a special meeting with the county manager. [43792/06]

The management of IDA Ireland's industrial property portfolio, including the purchase and disposal of property, is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency as part of the statutory responsibility assigned to it by the Oireachtas and not a matter in which I have any function.

I understand that IDA Ireland is engaged in ongoing negotiations with Cork County Council regarding the sale of a number of plots of land and the plot in Kanturk is part of this overall sale. For a variety of reasons, including the issues of title and responsibility for services to the land, the discussions over this site took longer than anticipated.

The matter has finally been agreed in principle between the two parties and, in line with agreed procedures, IDA will shortly seek the approval of the Board's Property Sub Committee for the sale of these lands. This approval is expected to be in place by the end of February 2007.

Mobile Telephony.

Martin Ferris

Question:

1099 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the basis on which Regtel can describe itself as an independent regulator if as he stated in his reply of 14 December 2006 that the company is in fact a private limited company and one presumably funded by the companies which it is supposed to be regulating. [43864/06]

As advised in my reply to the Deputy on 14th December 2006, my Department does not have any function or responsibility in relation to Regtel. Regtel was not set up by statute and does not as far as I am aware derive any regulatory role on foot of any statute. I am not in a position to advise the Deputy as to how the Company is funded or as to how it should most appropriately be described.

Work Permits.

Finian McGrath

Question:

1100 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will re-examine the merits of the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will support their appeal on health and cultural grounds. [43917/06]

The Employment Permits Section of my Department has informed me that this application was refused.

The potential employer was notified of this decision in writing and of their right to appeal. To-date no such appeal was received, therefore, their fees were refunded to them.

World Trade Negotiations.

John Moloney

Question:

1101 Mr. Moloney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the EU will offer least developed countries a round for free under WTO talks; if the EU is making trade liberalisation requests of LDCs under the EPA negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43918/06]

Since 2001, the EU provides duty and quota free access for all products from least developed countries. At the WTO Ministerial meeting in Hong Kong in December, 2005, it was agreed that all products exported by least developed countries into developed countries would receive this treatment.

As provided for in the Cotonou Agreement of 2000, Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) are trade agreements under negotiation between the EU and the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of states. They seek to replace current unilateral trade preferences into the EU under the Lomé Conventions, which are in contravention of World Trade Organisation rules. They are intended to foster the gradual and smooth integration of ACP states into the world economy, which will promote sustainable development and contribute to poverty eradication.

With this objective in mind, the EPAs comprise a package of measures encompassing trade liberalisation, regional integration, development assistance and co-ordination of new rules. The EPAs will require a degree of trade liberalisation, including LDCs, but Article 37.7 of the Cotonou Agreement states that negotiations shall take account of the level of development and the socio-economic impact of trade measures on ACP countries and their capacity to adapt and adjust their economies to the liberalisation process. It outlines that negotiations will be as flexible as possible in establishing the duration of a sufficient transitional period, the final product coverage, taking into account sensitive sectors and the degree of asymmetry in terms of the timetable for tariff dismantlement, while remaining in conformity with WTO rules then prevailing. I have been working closely with my colleague Conor Lenihan, Minister for Development Cooperation and Human Rights to monitor progress on these and other Cotonou commitments as the negotiations proceed and we have been actively raising issues on behalf of LDCs and the other ACP countries with a view to supporting a pro-development outcome to this process.

It should be noted that if LDCs ultimately decide not to opt for the EPA package offering security, rules, regional integration, larger markets and solidarity with regional neighbours it will be open to them to retain their current duty and quota free access to the EU.

Work Permits.

Finian McGrath

Question:

1102 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reasons for a person (details supplied) in County Dublin being refused a work permit; if he will change this decision as the employer urgently needs this person; and if he will support their request as this person is an orphan. [43939/06]

The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that this application was refused on the basis that this position falls under the ineligible category.

Industrial Development.

Pat Breen

Question:

1103 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of IDA assisted companies in Clare and in Ennis; the number of employees in these companies; the number of employees in these companies in January 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1024/07]

The Forfás Annual Employment Survey reports on job gains and losses in companies that are clients of the industrial development agencies. Information is aggregated at county level. In 2005, the latest year for which such figures are available, the Survey records that there were nine IDA client companies located in Clare, six of which were located in the town of Ennis. In total there were 1,024 people employed in these client companies in 2005.

In Clare, Ennis is designated as a Hub town under the National Spatial Strategy and is a priority location for IDA. IDA has assured me they are committed to the development of Clare and are actively promoting the County for additional Foreign Direct Investment as part of an integrated Mid-West region consisting of Counties Clare, Limerick, North Tipperary and North Kerry.

IDA's strategy for the Mid-West region involves:

Winning new FDI in innovation driven, high value, high skills sectors

Working with their existing client base to expand their presence in Ireland by the addition of increased functions of scale and increased strategic functions

Pursuing balanced regional development

Ongoing influence of tailored property solutions and the supporting infrastructure to meets the needs of inward investors.

I am confident that the strategies and policies being pursued by IDA Ireland in Clare and in the Mid-West region generally are appropriate in terms of maximizing sustainable investment and jobs.

Enterprise Education.

Paddy McHugh

Question:

1104 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if an application for funding has been received from an organisation (details supplied); if the application has been assessed; if the funding requested will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1025/07]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1114 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise and Small Business had a presentation from a group (details supplied) in which a most impressive presentation was made outlining the extensive work in enterprise education which the group has been undertaking for some time; if following their application for increased funding in the 2007 Estimates under the various votes for his Department he will outline the section of the vote that would be empowered to make a financial contribution to the work of the group; the amount of money they can expect to receive; when they will be notified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2056/07]

Phil Hogan

Question:

1118 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will include a financial contribution to an organisation (details supplied) to allow them to continue their work in respect of developing entrepreneurship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2337/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1104, 1114 and 1118 together.

I am aware that Junior Achievement Ireland made a presentation to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise and Small Business in June 2006 outlining the range of enterprise education activities in which the group has been involved. I should also inform the Deputy that I met with Ms. Della Clancy, Executive Director of Junior Achievement Ireland in April, 2006 at which she outlined the work and objectives of the organisation.

Junior Achievement Ireland is already in receipt of funding from my Department. In 2006, the organisation was paid €70,000 under my Department's "Discover Science and Engineering Awareness Programme". Another €20,000 has been approved for payment this year while a further application for funding from Junior Achievement for its Science Challenge 2007 initiative is currently under consideration.

State funding for enterprise promotion at all levels is presently channelled through the relevant State Agencies. The County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs), funded by my Department, already have a well established role in the delivery of a wide range of enterprise education initiatives as part of their role in promoting and developing indigenous micro-enterprise potential and stimulating economic activity and entrepreneurship at local level.

As the Deputy may be aware the Report of the Enterprise Strategy Group (ESG) acknowledged the importance of education and training in contributing to the future strong economic development of Ireland. This was subsequently reiterated in the Report of the Small Business Forum. In this context, the present arrangements for the delivery of enterprise education are currently being reviewed. The role of Junior Achievement Ireland will be borne in mind in this context.

Work Permits.

John Perry

Question:

1105 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when a decision will be made on a work permit application for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1081/07]

The Employment Permits Section of my Department has informed me that this application was received in the Section on the 3rd of January 2007. The application is likely to be considered in the first two weeks of February.

Industrial Development.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1106 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, further to correspondence (details supplied), he will outline the progress to date on obtaining alternative employment in the facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1262/07]

I understand that it is intended to seek a new owner who will operate a food production activity at the facility in question. The Industrial Development agencies, particularly Enterprise Ireland which has responsibility for the food sector, are providing assistance in this regard. A detailed site and facility appraisal has been received by Enterprise Ireland and this information will be communicated to potential purchasers. At present, the agency is working to identify and support parties with an interest in purchasing the site and conducting business there.

Industrial Disputes.

Dan Neville

Question:

1107 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if further to his discussions, support and commitments to the former workers of the Castlemahon Group, County Limerick in relation to their dispute concerning their redundancy payments with a company (details supplied) he will outline details of discussions which have taken place between him and the company; the progress made in such discussions and other relevant information in relation to progress in obtaining a just resolution to this dispute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1351/07]

I, along with my colleagues the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mr Micheál Martin TD and the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture and Food, Mr Brendan Smith TD met with representatives of workers at Castlemahon Foods in October 2006.

Subsequently, talks were arranged at the Labour Relations Commission with Castlemahon's parent company regarding non-statutory redundancy payments. Two meetings were facilitated but the parties were unable to reconcile their differences.

The system of industrial relations in Ireland is essentially voluntary in nature with terms and conditions of employment of workers being determined in the main by a process of voluntary bargaining without the direct intervention of the State. Ultimately, responsibility for the resolution of trade disputes is a matter for the parties involved.

Compensation Payments.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

1108 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 382 of 3 October 2006, the reason the case of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is not nearer a resolution and his Department appears to be ineffectual in this regard; his views on whether there is a point in people taking a case when a poor response ensues; his further views on whether it is sending poor signals when people try to vindicate their rights and after doing so the legislation is ineffectual and useless; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1701/07]

There have been no developments in this case since my response to the Deputy's previous question. The Department referred the file in this case to the Chief State Solicitor's Office in October 2005 to institute legal proceedings against the employer. The Chief State Solicitor's Office in turn referred the file to the State Solicitor for the area in which the employer concerned normally resides.

As explained in my previous response the Department has no function in relation to the operation of the Chief State Solicitors' Office or in the services provided by the State Solicitors. The Department has, however, maintained contact with the Chief State Solicitors' Office and the relevant State Solicitor to monitor progress and developments.

In the circumstances I cannot accept the Deputy's assertion that the Department has been ineffectual in this case. Indeed, in 2006, my Department's Enforcement Unit successfully concluded over 60 enforcement cases and collected associated arrears of almost €200,000.

I am, however, aware that difficulties arise in certain cases in relation to the enforcement of determinations of the Employment Appeals Tribunal and the Labour Court. Indeed there is widespread recognition that compliance with legal requirements needs to be enhanced and underpinned by adequate enforcement.

In accordance with the commitment by the parties in Towards 2016, a New Compliance Model is being developed which seeks to maximise the effectiveness of the substantially increased compliance effort and simplify the adjudication and redress mechanisms available in the employment rights area. The general principles of the new compliance model will be that matters be resolved at the level of the workplace where possible; that interactions between employers and employees and trade union representatives, as appropriate, be supported by the enhanced employment rights promotional and educational efforts directed at them; and that initiation and ownership of cases will rest with the complainant, insofar as possible.

The legislative provisions necessary to provide for this and other commitments agreed in Towards 2016, in the area of employment rights, are currently being considered by the Department.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

1109 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of civil servants and other staff employed in his constituency office; and the grade and remuneration of each. [1747/07]

The staff of the Minister's Constituency Office is broken down as follows:

Civil Servants

1 Clerical Officer 1 Clerical Officer (on a 0.8% worksharing basis) 1 Executive Officer

Others

1 Personal Secretary 1 Personal Assistant (on a 0.6% worksharing basis) 1 Personal Assistant (on a 0.5% worksharing basis)

The table below sets out the remuneration for each staff member:

Grade

Remuneration (Pay Scale)

Personal Secretary

€28,523–€45,262

Personal Assistant No. 1

€22,766–€36,913 (60% of full pay), plus weekly allowance of €70.68

Personal Assistant No. 2

€22,766–€36,913 (50% of full pay)

Executive Officer

€28,523–€45,262

Clerical Officer No. 1

€22,766–€36,913, plus weekly allowance of €144

Clerical Officer No. 2

€22,766–€36,913 (80% of full pay)

Paul McGrath

Question:

1110 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of civil servants and other staff in his press office and the grade and remuneration of each staff member. [1762/07]

There are five Civil Servants and one Press Advisor employed in the Press Office broken down as follows:

The Civil Servants are 1 Principal Officer, 1 Higher Executive Officer, 1 Executive Officer and 2 Clerical Officers.

The table below sets out the remuneration for each staff member:

Grade

Remuneration (Pay Scale)

Press Advisor

€84,639–€104,691

Principal Officer

€80,408–€99,457

Higher Executive Officer

€43,445–€55,147

Executive Officer

€28,523–€45,262

Clerical Officer

€22,625–€35,071

Clerical Officer

€22,766 -€36,813

Work Permits.

Michael Ring

Question:

1111 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when a work permit renewal application will be approved for an employer (details supplied) in County Mayo. [1892/07]

The Employment Permits Section of my Department has informed me that the work permit has issued recently in this case.

Michael Ring

Question:

1112 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when a work permit will issue to a company (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the specialised post being recruited. [1893/07]

The Employment Permits Section of my Department has informed me that this application was refused.

Since then an Appeals Officer has received an appeal in this case and on receipt of requested information will consider the application further.

Personal Injuries Assessment Board.

John Perry

Question:

1113 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when an application for a person (details supplied) in County Sligo will be processed; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1996/07]

In the majority of cases an assessment of a claim is made within 9 months from the date the Respondent agrees to the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) process. The Deputy will appreciate that this is a day-to-day matter for the Board and that as Minister I have no powers to intervene in individual cases. Of course the Board welcomes direct contact with claimants and they may be contacted at Lo-Call 1890 829 121.

Question No. 1114 answered with QuestionNo. 1104.

Debt Collection.

Billy Timmins

Question:

1115 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of money owed to the unsecured creditors at a company (details supplied) in County Wicklow; when same will be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2185/07]

Billy Timmins

Question:

1116 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the money paid to date to the unsecured creditors at a company (details supplied) in county Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2245/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1115 and 1116 together.

The determination of any payments due to creditors of IFI is a matter solely for the liquidator. I understand that the liquidator has made considerable progress in realising the assets of the company and establishing the full extent of its liabilities. At this stage, the assets of the company have all been realised.

It is understood that all claims from secured and preferential creditors have been paid at this stage, while interim payments which amounted to 37.5% of their claims was made to unsecured creditors. I understand that it is hoped to resolve the small number of outstanding issues within a few months. At that stage, the liquidator will be in a position to determine the extent of any further dividends to unsecured creditors.

Industrial Development.

M. J. Nolan

Question:

1117 Mr. Nolan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the efforts being made by the IDA to secure a tenant for the Business and Technology Park in Carlow currently owned by the IDA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2290/07]

IDA Ireland is committed to the development of County Carlow and is actively promoting Carlow Town for new foreign investment in international services and high value manufacturing activities.

IDA's strategy for Carlow is to market the town's strategic location close to Dublin which provides all of the advantages of an urban location along with the additional advantages of a readily available pool of skilled workers and excellent quality of life. Carlow's two third level colleges, the Institute of Technology Carlow and St. Patrick's College are critical to ensuring that Carlow and the region has a supply of highly qualified graduates and continues to develop educational and research capabilities to support existing and new investment.

IT Carlow has been very proactive in terms of establishing links with industry in the region. For example, it has developed a customised funds administration module as part of a Bachelor of Business Studies course in close co-operation with PFPC in Wexford. This course is delivered on site at its outreach campus in Wexford. This is the kind of relationship that IDA is strongly encouraging in third level institutes in the region.

The continued commitment by IDA Ireland to Carlow is evidenced by the development of the Flagship Business and Technology Park on the Dublin road, an investment of almost €11.5m to date. The Technology Park is part of a national network of high specification business parks throughout Ireland developed by IDA that will enhance the attractiveness of the gateways, hubs and county towns for overseas investment. A 17,600 sq ft Advance Office Building on the Technology Park with 100% expansion capability was completed in November 2005.

IDA is actively marketing the building and park through its network of overseas offices and has hosted a number of prospective investor visits to Carlow town. The Agency continues to actively engage with potential investors in co-operation with Carlow County Council, IT Carlow and Carlow Chamber of Commerce. While these visits have not yet resulted in a project for Carlow, IDA continues to promote the town and the Technology Park to potential investors, particularly in the international services and life sciences sectors.

IDA Ireland is actively working with the existing overseas companies in Carlow. IDA is also working closely with local groups, utility providers and other agencies to ensure the County has the appropriate infrastructure to enable these companies to grow and develop and to make the area sufficiently attractive for new investment projects.

Question No. 1118 answered with QuestionNo. 1104.

An Teanga Ghaeilge.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1119 D’fhiafraigh Mr. Sargent den Aire Fiontar, Trádála agus Fostaíochta cá fhad ar an meán a thógann sé air litir a fhreagairt as Béarla i gcomparáid leis an méid ama a thógann sé air litir a fhreagairt as Gaeilge. [2391/07]

Faoi Chairt Chustaiméirí mo Roinne tá sé mar aidhm againn freagra iomlán a thabhairt ar litreacha laistigh de 15 lá oibre. Braithfidh an t-achar a thógfaidh sé litreacha a fhreagairt i nGaeilge i gcomparáid le litreacha a fhreagairt i mBéarla ar an ábhar a bheidh i gceist agus chomh casta is a bheidh na saincheisteanna inti. Sa chás gur ábhar simplí neamhchasta a bheidh i gceist leis an gcomhfhreagras, ba chóir nach mbeadh aon difríocht san achar ama a thógfaidh sé an litir a fhreagairt i nGaeilge. Sa chás go n-ardaítear saincheisteanna níos casta nó sa chás go dteastaíonn seirbhísí aistriúcháin sheachtraigh, b'fhéidir go dteastódh breis ama chun freagra a thabhairt i nGaeilge.

Proposed Legislation.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1120 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the Government will make a submission to the European Commission on its Green Paper on Labour Law Reform; the proposed content of that submission; when that submission will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2569/07]

The EU Green Paper currently under examination is of course a discussion document and a wide-ranging consultation is currently in train seeking the views, observations and comments on the matters raised from key stakeholders, including the Social Partners, with a view to the submission of a Government input, in due course, to the open consultation launched by the European Commission.

The context of the Government response, when formulated, will take into consideration the views received from interested parties and will be consistent with the policy perspective evidenced in the corpus of labour law legislation enacted in Ireland in recent years together with the commitments entered into in the Social Partnership agreement — Towards 2016. It will also have regard to the constant challenges of competitiveness and adaptability needed to enhance growth and employment in a modern economy.

Appointments to State Boards.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

1121 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the names and addresses of the members of a board (details supplied); when they were appointed; the duration of their appointment; and when their term of appointment is due to end. [2815/07]

Please see table below complete with details of names and addresses of the Board members of INAB and also when their terms of appointment are due to end.

Name

Appointed

Last Re-appointment

Term of Appointment to End

Dr. Maire Walsh (Chair), Newtown, Celbridge, Co. Kildare.

2006

2010

Mr. Tom Dempsey (ex-Officio), Manager, National Accreditation Board, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin 2.

Mr. Neil McGowan, Regulatory Affairs Executive, IBEC, Confederation House, 84/86 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2

2006

2010

Mr Tom Beegan, CEO, Health and Safety Authority, 10 Hogan Place, Dublin 1.

2002

2007

Mr. Pat O’Mahony, CEO, The Irish Medicines Board, Earlsfort Centre, Dublin 2

2003

2007

Dr. Fiona Kenny (Vice Chair), Consultant Microbiologist, Sligo General Hospital, The Mall, Sligo

2000

2005

2009

Mr. Michael Maloney, Director of Horticulture, Bord Bia, Clanwilliam Court, Lr. Mount Street, Dublin 2

2000

2006

2010

Mr. Vagn Anderson, Manager of International Affairs, DANAK, Dyregaardsvej 5B, Skovlunde 2740, Denmark

2005

2009

Mr. Richard Howell, Agricultural Inspector, Department of Agriculture & Food, Agriculture House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2

2004

2008

Dr. Nuala Bannon, Inspector, Dept. of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Custom House, Dublin 1

2005

2008

Mr. Tom O’Neill, Little Island API, Manufacturing Plant, Castle Road, Wallingstown, Little Island, Co. Cork

2006

2010

Dr. John O’Brien, CEO, Food Safety Authority of Ireland, Abbey Court, Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1

2004

2008

Industrial Relations.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

1122 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Section 4 (1) of the Competition Act, 2002 is being invoked by the Health Service Executive as a reason not to negotiate with the Irish Pharmaceutical Union; the action he will take to amend this section in order that unions of this type are recognised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2821/07]

I am aware that the Health Services Executive (HSE) is concerned that through its negotiations on the subject of professional fees with representative bodies, such the Irish Pharmaceutical Union (IPU), that it may be in breach of the Competition Act 2002.

The HSE's concerns appear to relate to its interpretation and application of the Competition Act, 2002, and in particular Section 4 of that Act which prohibits anti-competitive practices, such as price fixing, by "undertakings". An "undertaking" is defined in the Act as "a person being an individual, a body corporate or an unincorporated body of persons engaged for gain in the production, supply, or distribution of goods or the provision of a service". This definition has been in use in Irish competition law for some time and is supported by EU case law.

If the HSE is concerned that, through its negotiations with the IPU, it could be in breach of the Competition Act, it is a matter for the HSE to decide how to act so as to comply with the provisions of the Act. Under the 2002 Act, the Competition Authority is the independent statutory body responsible for enforcing competition law. While the Authority investigates and prosecutes breaches of the 2002 Act, it does not issue advice or opinions on individual cases which may arise under the Act. Occasionally and, in accordance with its mandate under section 30(1)(d) of Act, the Authority issues guidance of a general nature on how the Act may be complied with. For example, I understand the Authority recently issued guidelines in respect of collective negotiations relating to the setting of medical fees.

If the IPU disputes the HSE's interpretation of the Competition Act, it is open to that body to seek legal advice on the matter. Section 4(5) of the 2002 Act provides a defence to the prohibition on price-fixing contained in section 4(1). The IPU could consider making a submission to the Competition Authority that the defence provided for by section 4(5) applies in this instance. However, in a somewhat similar case, the Authority has previously found that self-employed persons are to be classed as "undertakings" for the purposes of the 2002 Act, that collectively bargained agreements concluded by trade unions on behalf of such persons are prohibited agreements under section 4 and that the section 4(5) defence did not apply in that instance.

In relation to that case, the Competition Authority view was, that while it was perfectly legal for a trade union to represent employees in collective bargaining with their employers, its trade union mantle could not exempt its conduct when it acts as a trade association for self-employed contractors.

In considering the question of whether an exemption from competition law should be provided for self-employed individuals, the consequences of such an exemption are significant. It would mean that almost any group of self employed contractors, such as barristers, publicans, doctors, by coming together, adding "union" to their name and getting a negotiating licence, could circumvent the protections afforded to consumers by the Oireachtas in the Competition Act. Consequently, I have no plans to amend the Competition Act to address this issue.

In any event, the decision the Deputy refers to is a decision of the HSE and as that body falls within the remit of the Minister for Health and Children, I have no function in this matter.

Proposed Legislation.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

1123 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position in relation to pyramid schemes; the law relating thereto; if further changes in the law are necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2846/07]

The current law on pyramid selling is the Pyramid Selling Act, 1980. The Act defines pyramid schemes and makes it an offence to induce anyone to become a member of such a scheme.

This law will, however, be updated significantly by the provisions of the new Consumer Protection Bill, 2007 which will be debated in the Oireachtas over coming weeks. This Bill will establish the new National Consumer Agency as well as transposing the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (Directive 2005/29/EC). The Bill contains a list of prohibited practices including that of "establishing, operating or promoting a pyramid scheme".

The Bill redefines pyramid schemes and makes it an offence to promote or participate in a scheme. The offence is punishable by fines of up to €150,000 or imprisonment for a period up to 5 years. Furthermore, the National Consumer Agency or a public body prescribed for the purpose or a private individual can apply to the Courts for an order to prohibit a trader or a person from engaging in pyramid schemes.

I am confident that the new legislation will provide a better protection for the consumer against this type of activity.

Community Employment Schemes.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

1124 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether there is a strong case to extend the time permitted for those on community employment schemes, who are in receipt of disability payments and who have obtained special social welfare rule 5 exemptions, to enable them to do up to twenty hours work per week as a rehabilitative measure; if he will therefore extend such time limits to coincide with the time limits allowed under social welfare rate 5 exemptions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2847/07]

Currently, participants on Community Employment (CE) may remain on the programme for the duration of their Department of Social & Family Affairs (DSFA) exemptions which are typically issued for a period of up to one year.

In order to participate on a CE project, those in receipt of a disability linked Social Welfare benefit must obtain a DSFA ‘exemption from the rules of behaviour' as referred to by the Deputy.

If a participant on CE is, on the expiry of the first year, offered a further year on CE, then DSFA will review and may extend the exemption.

To cater for those with a disability and older workers in particular, the position is that:

Those aged 55 years and over and with a disability avail of up to 7 years on CE (based on participation since 3rd April, 2000).

Those aged under 55 years and with a disability avail of up to 4 years on CE (based on participation since 3rd April, 2000).

Financial Services Regulation.

Joan Burton

Question:

1125 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the lack of competition in the credit card market as highlighted in the Herfindahl Hirschmann Index, which showed that the market here was uncompetitive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2886/07]

While I do not have any direct responsibility for this matter I understand that the question refers to a presentation given by the Consumer Director of the Financial Regulator to its Consumer Panel in November 2005. The presentation featured a table showing Herfindahl-Hirschman indices in key segments in the Banking and Insurance industries. The Herfindahl-Hirschman indices (HHI) are a measure of the size of different firms in relationship to their industry and are an indicator of the amount of competition among them. The Herfindahl-Hirschman indices are calculated by squaring the market share of each participant in a market and then summing the results. The higher the HH number, the more concentrated is market power. Increases in the index occur as the number of competitors in a market decreases and/or the disparity in size between firms increases.

I should firstly point out that the latest data in the table concerned relates to 2004. I agree that the concentration indices displayed in the table do show that the credit card market in Ireland is concentrated. However, the overall trend since 2000 shows that the market has become less concentrated and since the table was published a number of significant new entrants have also entered the Irish credit card market thereby further reducing concentration in the market-place. This trend is reflected in a further decrease in the HHI in 2005 (Annual Report of Financial Regulator 2005).

The Government firmly believes that a competitive credit card market benefits consumers through increased choice, innovative products, lower interest rates and charges and better service. Regulation of the financial services industry is, of course, primarily a matter for the Minister for Finance and the Financial Regulator.

Energy Resources.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

1126 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether it is time for his Department and for Government to address the issue of rising energy costs for industry here in view of the fact that since 2001 there has been a cumulative price increase of over 100% in electricity and 170% in gas and acknowledging that these increases cannot be passed on in an ever increasing market place; the options available for companies based here who hope to continue manufacturing despite the high costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2920/07]

Energy cost competitiveness is a vital aspect of national competitiveness. Global energy markets have seen sustained price increases in recent years and these have led to similar increases to energy users in free market economies. No consumer, whether industrial, commercial or personal is immune from the impact of higher oil, gas and electricity prices as a result of price changes on international markets. With 80% of our natural gas requirements and all our oil needs currently imported we are price takers in the market. The extent to which energy production and distribution costs are passed on to individual users is the function under legislation of the independent Commission for Energy Regulation.

My colleague the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources published a Green Paper on Energy in October 2006, setting out the three pillars of energy policy as being supply, sustainability and competitiveness. This, along with the forthcoming White Paper on Energy will help address energy cost developments faced by enterprise. Furthermore, considerable progress has been made in developing the all island electricity market that will provide a larger and more attractive market for new generating operators. The Single Electricity Market (SEM) will promote competition and with strengthened interconnectivity contribute to a more competitive energy regime on the island.

Enterprise Ireland (EI) operates the Competitiveness Improvement Programme (CIP) to help indigenous firms improve productivity. Energy projects may be supported under this initiative for EI clients on the CIP. Allied to this Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), through extensive funding by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, has been vigorously promoting and advising on energy efficiency through a range of programmes over the last number of years. It now has a strengthened and better resourced role in advising all energy users on the potential for conservation and efficiency measures to offset higher energy costs. SEI is anxious to provide its skills and experience to firms, particularly in the manufacturing sector, to find new ways to limit their energy costs and become more competitive in energy use. In addition, the recently announced National Development Plan will provide €270 million for sustainable energy initiatives as well as €149 million for energy research to help mitigate the long term impact of higher energy costs and improve security of supply.

The Government has been active in other areas. Incentives to the renewable energy sector over the past number of years are helping promote and expand indigenous energy sources. We have more than doubled the renewable generating capacity in the past two years and are now well on target towards having 15% of the electricity we consume coming from renewable sources by 2010. By the end of 2006 a further 55 new renewable powered electricity generating plants were approved for support under the Government's new Renewable Energy Feed In Tariff Programme.

Question No. 1127 answered with QuestionNo. 164.

Job Protection.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1128 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, in the course of the recent promotional trip to south east Asia, information was gathered with a view to addressing the issues causing the relocation of Irish jobs to such locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3035/07]

I presume the Deputy is referring to my participation on the recent trade Mission led by An Taoiseach, to the Gulf region — Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates — earlier this month. The Gulf region is not, in fact, an area to which Irish jobs relocate, this issue mainly arises in relation to some far eastern countries, principally China.

The Government's industrial policy concentrates on building up higher technology industry and the knowledge economy. Ireland's comparative advantage has therefore evolved to activities based on the generation and exploitation of knowledge based companies. In circumstances where there is a more attractive low cost environment abroad, it will inevitably attract some companies that are unable to produce in the high-wage environment of modern industrial economies. Where actual relocation has occurred to date, it should be noted that this has been largely limited to relatively low-technology, labour-intensive activities — those least suited to the economy that Ireland has become.

The continuing structural transformation of our economy is inevitable and indeed essential. The significant growth in trade in recent years has fundamentally contributed to our economic success and we are now one of the most open economies in the world. We are therefore a very strong supporter of the World Trade Organisation process to open up markets and we obviously support the strengthening of the multilateral trading systems and a further reduction in barriers to trade in goods and service. This policy has brought huge benefits to the Irish economy and while there are some inevitable difficulties in relation to sectors and jobs moving to lower wage economies in Asia, the overall process has, on balance, been hugely beneficial to Ireland. There is an inexorable and unstoppable trend toward more and more globalization of production and Ireland has to seize the opportunities this presents, despite the inevitable difficulties it generates in some areas.

To help address some aspects of this issue, Enterprise Ireland client companies are offered a range of supports of strategic importance as alternatives to outsourcing, including, automation, upskilling and product and process development. These initiatives assist companies to increase their exports, sales and employment, and develop a more competitive and self-sufficient industrial structure.

Question No. 1129 answered with QuestionNo. 164.
Questions Nos. 1130 to 1132, inclusive, answered with Question No. 153.

Work Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1133 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of work permits applied for in the past 12 months; the numbers approved, rejected or pending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3040/07]

The Employment Permits Section of my Department only records the number of valid Work Permit applications made. Some applications are rejected in a pre-screening process, for example, if they are evidently outside the criteria for granting a Work Permit or lack the required documentation and are not captured in the statistics.

The number of valid Work Permit applications received was 26,000, the number issued was 24,848 (which include 7299 new permits), the number rejected was 1,158 and the number of applications pending at 31st December 2006 was 3,380.

Questions Nos. 1134 and 1135 answered with Question No. 157.
Question No. 1136 answered with QuestionNo. 176.

Redundancy Payments.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1137 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason State level of redundancy was never awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin in view of the fact that all other employees of the firm in question received their payment excluding the person due to the fact that they were on sick benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3052/07]

There is no record of a redundancy claim having been received in this Department in the respect of the person concerned. Illness alone is not a valid reason for redundancy. However, if a redundancy situation obtains in the employment, it would be in order for the employer to make the person concerned redundant, although he is on sickness benefit. The person concerned should approach his employer for the appropriate statutory redundancy lump sum payment.

On making the person concerned redundant, it is up to the employer to pay the statutory payment in the first instance. If the employer is unable to pay the statutory amount but gives the employee the necessary documentation to claim the statutory lump sum from the Social Insurance Fund (completed RP50 Form) then the employee can be paid direct from the ‘Fund' on foot of the form RP50.

If the employer fails to give the necessary form to claim the lump sum, then it is open to the employee to bring a claim against his former employer before the Employment Appeals Tribunal for a decision in the matter. If the Tribunal decides in favour of the employee, then he can be paid his statutory lump sum out of the Social Insurance Fund on foot of the Tribunal order.

Form T-1A should be used for bringing a claim before the Tribunal. A copy of the form is available on the Tribunal's website at www.eatribunel.ie or on request from this Department.

Job Losses.

Michael Ring

Question:

1138 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs lost in 2006 in County Mayo; the number of jobs created in Mayo in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3121/07]

Michael Ring

Question:

1140 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs created by the assistance of the IDA in County Mayo in 2006 with a breakdown of the jobs that were lost in County Mayo for the same period; the companies that lost or increased jobs in 2006; and the number of people currently employed in IDA supported factories in County Mayo. [3123/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1138 and 1140 together.

According to figures supplied by IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland there were a total of 331 job gains and 240 losses in companies supported by the industrial development agencies in Mayo in 2006. A breakdown of these figures is supplied in the following table. In addition there were 110 net job gains in the micro enterprise sector supported by Mayo County Enterprise Board.

Specifically with regard to IDA Ireland activity in 2006, there were 19 IDA Ireland grant assisted companies employing 2,973 permanent positions and 441 contract positions in County Mayo. Within this period there were 37 new jobs and 122 job losses. As information on job gains and losses at company level is provided on a confidential basis it is not possible to provided details of job gains and losses at company level.

Job creation and job losses are a feature of economic development in all countries as various sectors expand and contract in response to market demand for goods and services, competitive forces, restructuring and technological change. IDA Ireland's current sectoral emphasis for Mayo is on attracting new knowledge intensive projects in the Medical Technologies, Life Sciences, Information Communications and Technology and International Services sectors.

A central goal for IDA Ireland is the achievement of balanced regional development. The National Spatial Strategy provides a framework for achievement of this goal through the prioritization of development and investment in the gateway and hub locations. On this basis, IDA Ireland seeks to attract Foreign Direct Investment into the gateway and hubs, as well as a small number of additional locations, throughout the West. In relation to Mayo, the Agency is actively promoting the linked hubs of Ballina and Castlebar for additional overseas investment and jobs.

To enhance the attractiveness of the county for new investment, IDA Ireland is presently developing a 37 acre world class Business & Technology Park in Westport. The Agency has had extensive discussion with Mayo County Council regarding the provision of a new Business & Technology Park on the Sligo Road in Ballina, and has obtained planning permission for the construction of a 2,000 sq metre Advance Technology Building and three office buildings from Mayo County Council for the IDA Business & Technology Park in Castlebar.

Enterprise Agency Supported Jobs

Agency

Job Gains

Job Losses

Net Change

IDA

37

122

-85

Enterprise Ireland

294

118+

176

Total

331

240

91

Job Creation.

Michael Ring

Question:

1139 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs created by the assistance of Enterprise Ireland in County Mayo in 2006 with a breakdown of the jobs that were lost in County Mayo for the same period; the companies that lost or increased jobs in 2006; and the number of people currently employed in Enterprise Ireland supported factories in County Mayo. [3122/07]

The issues of job losses and gains in Enterprise Ireland supported companies is a day-to-day matter for the agency itself, and not one in which I am directly involved.

The Forfás Annual Employment Survey is the indicator used to record jobs gained and lost in Enterprise Ireland in any one year. Provisional Forfás figures for 2006 show that Enterprise Ireland currently works with 120 client companies in County Mayo, providing 3,145 full time jobs. It is estimated that during 2006 Enterprise Ireland client companies in the County showed employment gains of 294 and losses of 118, leaving a net gain of 176.

A sectoral breakdown of gains and losses shows 14 job gains and 19 job losses in the international services sector; 219 job gains and 99 job losses in the manufacturing sector; and 61 job gains in the mining, quarrying and indigenous services sector.

As part of its strategy to facilitate the creation and retention of jobs, Enterprise Ireland continues to work with companies in its portfolio in County Mayo to help them grow their sales and exports and improve innovation in order that they can compete on world markets.

Question No. 1140 answered with QuestionNo. 1138.

David Stanton

Question:

1141 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of job losses and factory closures announced in Youghal and Fermoy, County Cork respectively since 2002; the efforts he is making to secure new enterprise and employment opportunities in these towns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3131/07]

During the period in question, there were five closures / major job loss announcements in agency-assisted companies in Youghal involving over 700 jobs. Earlier this month, a further agency-assisted firm in Fermoy announced its intention to close its operation with the loss of 253 jobs. However, the most recent Live Register figures for Fermoy and Youghal show increases of less than 100 people in each town as against the figures in August, 2002.

Overall, from 2000 to 2005, I am aware that employment in agency-supported enterprises in Co. Cork increased from 37,898 to 39,658 giving a net gain of 1,760 jobs. Foreign-owned firms accounted for 986 of these gains and indigenous firms accounted for 774.

The Industrial Development agencies are promoting Fermoy, Youghal and the greater Cork region for industrial development. Fermoy's attractiveness has been greatly enhanced by the opening of the bypass which has improved accessibility to Cork city and its airport. Youghal is marketed as part of the broader East Cork area which includes Little Island and Carrigtwohill among others. In the last two years alone, there have been a large number of project and job announcements for Co. Cork. The recent Amgen announcement of 1,100 new jobs at an €820m facility in Carrigtwohill is of particular importance, being a major global project that has chosen Cork as its development location.

In addition, North Cork Enterprise Board and South Cork Enterprise Board have been very active in Fermoy and Youghal respectively. Activities in Fermoy include business development programmes and start your own business programmes. South Cork is involved in the Youghal Socio Economic Group which is developing a Strategic Plan for the town and surrounding area.

Finally, the full services of the Industrial Training agency FÁS are of course available to all workers who wish to avail of the agency's services. I am satisfied that the combined efforts of the Industrial Development agencies and local interests will continue to attract employment opportunities to the region.

FÁS Training Programmes.

David Stanton

Question:

1142 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 99 of 11 October 2006, the take up of employer grants and schemes which support the employment of people with disabilities; the amount allocated to these services and schemes in 2006; the amount taken up; his plans to improve take up rates; if the review of the wage subsidy scheme has been completed by his Department and the findings of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3132/07]

The budget for FÁS programmes for people with disabilities during 2006 totalled approximately €67.71million. Expenditure amounted to approximately €64.83 million, or 95.74% of the total budget.

The following programmes were funded — the budget allocated to each in € million is in brackets:

Specialist Training Provision

49.37

(47.22)

Wage Subsidy Scheme

06.69

(10.25)

Supported Employment Scheme

07.68

(08.17)

Disability Support/Awareness

01.08

(02.07)

Total

64.82

(67.71)

The corresponding expenditure rate for FÁS programmes for people with disabilities in 2005 was 91.21%. The increase in take-up last year reflects both political and agency determination to better publicise information and more actively promote State supports to advance training and employment opportunities for this cohort of workers. A recent example of this activity took place last month when the organisation entitled People with Disabilities Ireland, working in cooperation with FÁS, organised a series of lunchtime conferences in 18 locations throughout the country — again with the objective of raising awareness amongst employers and so positively promoting the employment of a greater number of people with disabilities.

As the success of publicly funded interventions to improve the labour market prospects of people with disabilities, such as the Wage Subsidy Scheme, is largely dependent on the extent to which employers are aware of and avail of the employment incentives that they provide, such promotion and publicity will continue to be indispensable also in the future.

The Consultative Forum on the Employment Strategy, which is being established in line with provisions of my Department's Sectoral Plan for People with Disabilities, will add a significant and representative new dimension to this work.

Finally, the review of the Wage Subsidy Scheme will be finalised in the course of this year.

Departmental Staff.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1143 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons engaged in project management in his Department that have recognised qualifications in that area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3218/07]

Since 2002, twenty-five officers in my Department have attended training courses in project management which were funded from the Department's training budget. These courses were organised to enhance the competencies of the officers concerned and stem from discussions with their managers through the annual Performance Management and Development System (PMDS). The training provided enhanced officers' competencies to manage projects relating to the business activities of individual Units such as IT, HR and e commerce.

My Department's Training and Development Strategy 2006-2008 recognises the need to enhance competency development so that staff can continue to carry out their business objectives and meet the future challenges facing the modern civil service over the coming years. In accordance with this Strategy, further training in project management will be provided in response to identified needs.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Finian McGrath

Question:

1144 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the situation regarding carers allowance especially for families of people with a disability; and if she will end the means test for these families. [43936/06]

David Stanton

Question:

1191 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if all social welfare recipients who provide full time care for a person and satisfy the means test will be entitled to a half-rate carers allowance; if he will provide a listing of the social welfare schemes to which the half-rate payment will apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3088/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1144 and 1191 together.

Carer's Allowance is a social assistance payment paid to people who are providing full time care and attention to a person who needs such care. In order to qualify for the payment the person being cared for must need continuous supervision and frequent help throughout the day with their personal needs such as dressing, eating and drinking to continuous supervision to avoid danger to themselves and full time care and attention for at least 12 months. A carer may engage in employment, self-employment, education or training outside their home for up to 15 hours per week and still be considered to be providing full time care and attention.

In line with other social assistance schemes, a means test is applied to the carer's allowance so as to ensure that limited resources are directed to those in greatest need. This means test has been eased significantly over the years. Following Budget 2006, the earnings disregard for a couple has been set at €580 per week which is equivalent to gross average industrial earnings. As a result of further improvements which I announced in the Budget 2007 this disregard will increase to €640 per week for a couple from April 2007.

When this increase is in place a couple with two children will be able to earn up to €36,240 per year and still qualify for the maximum rate of carer's allowance as well as the associated free travel and household benefits. This measure exceeds the commitment in Towards 2016 to ensure that those on average industrial earnings can continue to qualify for a full carer's allowance.

In addition, I have increased the rates of carer's allowance to €200 per week for those aged under 66 and to €218 per week for those aged over 66.

From June 2005, the annual respite care grant was extended to all carers who are providing full time care to a person who needs such care regardless of their income. Those persons in receipt of other social welfare payments, excluding Jobseeker's assistance and benefit, are entitled to this payment subject to meeting the full time care condition. From June 2007 the level of the grant will increase by €300 per year to €1,500 per year in respect of each person being cared for.

It is estimated that complete abolition of the means test for carer's allowance would cost over €140 million in a full year. The view of some support organisations is that if this level of resources were available, it would be more beneficial to carers if it were invested in further increases to carers allowance and in the type of community care services which would support them in their caring role.

The primary objective of the social welfare system is to provide income support and as a general rule only one weekly social welfare payment is payable to an individual. Persons qualifying for two social welfare payments receive the higher payment to which they are entitled. I am aware that this has been a cause of particular concern to people in receipt of a social welfare payment when they become carers.

For that reason I was very pleased to introduce fundamental structural reforms in this area in Budget 2007. Under new arrangements which will come into effect in September 2007 people in receipt of certain social welfare payments other than carer's allowance or benefit who are providing someone with full time care and attention will be able to retain their main payment and receive another payment, depending on their means, the maximum of which will be equivalent to a half rate carer's allowance. Details as to how this arrangement will operate are currently being finalized and will be set out in legislation shortly.

Towards 2016 commits the Government to continuing to review the scope for further development of the carer's allowance, carer's benefit and the respite care grant. I am committed to working for, and with, carers to deliver increased benefits, supports, and services for them and their families. The improvements for carers which I announced in Budget 2007 are further evidence of this commitment.

Public Transport.

Seán Crowe

Question:

1145 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if all current and future private transport operators will have an obligation to carry people with free travel passes. [43949/06]

Brendan Howlin

Question:

1156 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if it is intended to provide taxi services for pensioners residing in remote rural areas which have no public transport service; when such services will become available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1306/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1145 and 1156 together.

The free travel scheme provides free travel on the main public and private transport services for those eligible under the scheme. These include road, rail and ferry services provided by companies such as Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann, as well as Luas and services provided by over 80 private transport operators. The vast majority of private contractors providing services under the scheme operate in rural areas.

I am always willing to consider applications from licensed private transport operators who may wish to participate in the free travel scheme. However, while my Department pays transport providers to operate the free travel scheme, it is not in a position to provide transport services where none currently exist or to compel operators to participate in the scheme.

Various alternatives to the existing system, including the use of vouchers, have been examined. A voucher type system, however, which would be open to a wide range of transport providers including taxis and hackneys, would be extremely difficult to administer, open to abuse and unlikely to be sufficient to afford an acceptable amount of travel.

The issue of access to public transport in rural areas is being addressed at present through the Rural Transport Initiative, which is being managed by Pobal, formerly Area Development Management (ADM) on behalf of my colleague the Minister for Transport. My Department contributed €500,000 to the initiative in 2004, €750,000 in 2005 and €850,000 in 2006, to ensure that free travel pass holders continue to have access to community based transport services.

I will continue to review the operation of the free travel scheme with a view to identifying the scope for further improvements as resources permit.

Decentralisation Programme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1146 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the timetable for the decentralisation of his Department to Carrick on Shannon; the number of staff at each grade to be decentralised; the number of applications made at each grade under the CAF for decentralisation to Carrick on Shannon; the timetable for the decentralisation of an advanced party; if temporary accommodation has been obtained; the number of staff at each grade which will be facilitated in this phase of the decentralisation; if a permanent site has been obtained; the timetable for the completion of this facility; the number of staff it will cater for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1055/07]

Under the Programme of Decentralisation, 220 posts in my Department are to be relocated to Carrick-on-Shannon.

The Office of Public Works (OPW) is charged with securing accommodation in Carrick-on- Shannon for this Department under the decentralisation programme. Following an examination of the availability of accommodation in Carrick-on-Shannon, it was decided that a building under construction would provide the most suitable solution in the short-term and would allow the Department progress its decentralisation programme. The construction of the building is now complete and the fit-out is underway and is on schedule for occupation in March 2007. The transfer of staff will commence immediately thereafter.

The most recent progress report from the Decentralisation Implementation Group indicates that this building will provide 186 accommodation spaces. Initially, it is proposed to transfer the following posts to Carrick-on-Shannon; 3 Principal Officers, 10 Assistant Principal Officers, 16 Higher Executive Officers, 22 Executive Officers, 7 Staff Officers, 66 Clerical Officers and 3 Service Officers

According to figures received from the Central Application Facility (CAF), through which all applications for decentralisation locations must be submitted, 273 applicants applied for Carrick-on-Shannon before the priority applicant date of 7 September 2004. Since this date, there have been 23 new applications and 14 applicants have changed their application to record Carrick-on-Shannon as their first preference location. The 273 priority applicants include 3 Principal Officers, 7 Assistant Principal Officers, 19 Higher Executive Officers, 1 Administrative Officer, 50 Executive Officers, 22 Staff Officers, 166 Clerical Officers and 5 at various other grades.

The Department is committed to completing the programme in Carrick-on-Shannon and will review the position when the initial moves have taken place.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

1147 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will arrange to thoroughly re-examine an application by a person (details supplied) in County Cork to the Southern Health Service Executive for supplementary welfare allowance in order to meet their additional heating needs; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this application has been refused on appeal and that the applicant has been in very ill health with multiple medical problems for a long number of years and has a supply of oxygen at home at all times which is constantly in use; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that both the applicant and their spouse are dependent on social welfare payments and that they have been refused on the grounds that they are over the income limit and should be able to meet the heating costs themselves; and if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that they have multiple demands on their social welfare payments each week and that the applicant is most genuine and deserving and should not be deprived of this source of financial support. [1437/07]

If a recipient of a social welfare or Health Service Executive (HSE) payment has exceptional heating costs due to ill health, infirmity or a medical condition which he/she is unable to meet out of household income, it is open to him/her to apply to the local community welfare officer for a special heating supplement under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. In addition, legislation also provides for a single payment — known as an exceptional needs payment — to be made to help meet essential, once-off exceptional expenditure. Both types of payment are subject to a means test.

The Southern Area HSE has advised that the person concerned initially applied for a heating supplement in February 2005. The application was refused in February 2005 and subsequently on appeal in July 2005 because the household income is considered adequate to meet their needs in this case.

The Southern Area HSE Executive has advised that the person concerned re-applied for a heating supplement in September 2006. The application was refused in September 2006. The person concerned was advised of his right to appeal and was requested to provide any additional details of his exceptional heating needs. The Executive has advised that the decision of the community welfare was upheld by the HSE Appeals Office in November 2006.

I understand that the Executive has written to the person concerned advising of entitlements under the supplementary welfare scheme. It is open to the person concerned to again make application for a supplement if their circumstances have changed since they last applied.

Flood Relief.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

1148 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans to compensate residents and farmers who were affected by flooding in the Shannon basin over the Christmas 2006 period; if it extends over the entire Shannon; the way claims for compensation may be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2332/07]

Jerry Cowley

Question:

1185 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the humanitarian aid provision his Department has put in place for the people of Crossmolina, County Mayo following the fall out of the December 2006 floods in the town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2900/07]

Jerry Cowley

Question:

1186 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the humanitarian aid provision his Department has put in place for the people of The Neale, Cross and Kilmaine areas of County Mayo following the fall out of the Christmas 2006 floods in those areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2901/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1148, 1185 and 1186 together.

The supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme, which is administered by the Community Welfare Division of the Health Service Executive (HSE), is designed to provide immediate and flexible assistance for those in need who do not qualify for payment under other State schemes. Under the legislation governing the scheme, the Health Service Executive (HSE) may make an exceptional needs payment to people on social welfare or health board payments. This is a once-off payment to meet an unforeseen or special need that cannot be met from a person's basic income.

Assistance in the form of an Urgent Needs Payment (UNP) can be also made to persons who would not normally be entitled to SWA, to assist, for example in cases of flood damage, with immediate needs, such as food, clothing, fuel, household goods and perhaps shelter. Assistance can be provided in cash or in kind.

My Department's role in supporting the response to the recent flooding will primarily involve supporting the community welfare service in the provision of ENP and UNP funding in the short term and other supports where applicable to cater for the long term effects of the flooding. Any support given will relate to damage to a person's home or loss of essential items. It will not extend to business or commercial losses.

My Department, working through the HSE, has a role in providing immediate humanitarian aid in response to serious flooding incidents. It has no role in providing compensation for losses arising from such incidents. Local community welfare officers are available to provide assistance on an individual basis where that is warranted. If any person is experiencing hardship as a result of the recent flooding, they should contact their local Community Welfare Officer in the first instance.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Billy Timmins

Question:

1149 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position in relation to rent allowance from the community welfare officer for a person (details supplied); if they will qualify for rent allowance when they return; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2823/07]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive, provides for the payment of a rent supplement to assist eligible people who are unable to provide for their immediate accommodation needs from their own resources and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The Executive can also provide assistance with rent deposits to enable people to secure private rented accommodation.

In order to qualify for a rent supplement a person must satisfy a number of conditions including a means test and a habitual residence condition. The Executive must also satisfy itself that the applicant has a genuine accommodation need, that the property being rented is suitable to those needs and that a bona fide tenancy exists between the applicant and their landlord.

Rent supplements are normally calculated to ensure that the person, after the payment of rent has an income equal to the SWA basic weekly payment rate, less €13. This €13 represents the minimum contribution which recipients are required to pay from their own resources.

In addition to the minimum contribution, applicants are required to contribute any assessable means which they have in excess of the appropriate SWA rate.

As there are a number of factors which need to be considered by the Executive when determining entitlement for assistance under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, it is not possible to say whether the person in question would qualify for assistance. Should the person in question decide to move to this country she should contact the Executive in the area in which they intend to live who will advise them in relation to any possible entitlements.

National Minimum Wage.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1150 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of staff in his Department currently earning the national minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department currently earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department’s agencies currently earning the national minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department’s agencies currently earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff who are employed by contractors to his Department currently earning the national minimum wage; the number employed by contractors of his Department currently earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by Sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; the number of staff in his Department’s agencies currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by Sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; the number of staff who are employed by contractors to his Department currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by Sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43760/06]

There are currently no staff in my Department and its Agencies who are earning the national minimum wage, or earning not more than €1 per hour more than the minimum wage. There are currently no staff in my Department and its Agencies who are earning the sub-minimum wage, as defined by Sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000.

Service contractors to my Department, under their terms of contract, are obliged to meet all statutory requirements with regard to relevant social welfare and employment legislation with regard to their employees.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

1151 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way entitlement to diet supplement payments under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme is assessed; if rates of diet supplement payments are laid down by his Department; if rates have been regularly reviewed; when they were most recently reviewed; his views on whether current levels of diet supplement payments are realistic in view of food cost inflation; if he will review the levels of payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43933/06]

Any person who is receiving a Social Welfare or Health Service Executive payment who has been prescribed a special diet as a result of a specified medical condition, and whose means are insufficient to meet their needs, may qualify for a diet supplement under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.

The amount of diet supplement payable in individual cases is calculated to ensure that a single person spends a maximum of one-third of their income on food. If the cost of their diet is more than one-third of their income, then a diet supplement will be paid.

The basis for calculating the amount of diet supplement remained unchanged between 1996 and 2004. In January 2004 the diet supplement scheme was restructured to take account of increases in both social welfare payment rates and the rate of food inflation since 1996. In April 2006, revised regulations on diet supplements came into effect. These regulations reflect the findings of the report of the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute (INDI), published in January 2006 and the objective that all social welfare recipients, including those with special dietary needs, should be able to purchase an appropriate diet at a cost of no more than one-third of their income or one-sixth in the case of a couple.

The diet report priced the cost of diets in a variety of outlets from the cheapest — large discount stores — to the more expensive local convenience stores. The reference cost of diets prescribed in regulations were set at the highest prices surveyed — those at convenience stores — in order to protect the position of those who, for whatever reason, are not in a position to shop around.

The Regulations prescribed a new range of specialised diets, as follows:

1. Low-lactose, milk-free, which costs €62.27 per week

2. Gluten-free, which costs €65.27 per week

3. High-protein, high calorie which costs €68.27 per week and

4. Altered consistency (liquidised), which costs €71.77 per week

The Regulations provided for a payment of a supplement where the cost of the diet as specified in the regulations is more than one-third of the applicant's income.

Regulations are currently being revised to take account of inflation over the twelve months to November 2006 and I hope to introduce these new Regulations shortly.

I am also mindful to ensure that people on low incomes generally can afford a healthy-eating diet even where they have not been prescribed a specialised diet. The record increases in weekly social welfare payment rates introduced in Budget 2007 which are well ahead of inflation, will help achieve this by ensuring that suitable food is now more affordable for people who are relying on social welfare payments.

Free Travel Scheme.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

1152 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo who is in receipt of disability allowance and who requires frequent hospital stays cannot use their travel pass to visit their spouse while they are in hospital; if this is a loophole in the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43966/06]

The free travel scheme is available to all people living in the State aged 66 years or over. All carers in receipt of carer's allowance and carers of people in receipt of constant attendance or prescribed relative's allowance, regardless of their age, receive a free travel pass. It is also available to people under age 66 who are in receipt of certain disability type welfare payments, such as disability allowance, invalidity pension and blind person's pension. People resident in the State who are in receipt of a social security invalidity or disability payment from a country covered by EU Regulations, or from a country with which Ireland has a bilateral social security agreement, and who have been in receipt of this payment for at least 12 months, are also eligible for free travel.

Spouses of travel pass holders may travel on the same journey with their partner at no cost to them. In addition, the free travel companion pass entitles the pass holder to have any one person, aged 16 years or over, to accompany him/her free of charge when travelling. Such companion passes are available to persons who qualify for free travel and who, on account of their disability, are unable to travel alone.

The main objective of the free travel scheme is to encourage older people and people with disabilities to remain independent and active in the community, thereby reducing the need for institutional care. The purpose of allowing pass holders to be accompanied while travelling is to facilitate further this mobility. The extension of the scheme to allow the pass holder's companion to travel alone would not be in keeping with this objective.

Social Welfare Benefits.

John Perry

Question:

1153 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if rent allowance for a person (details supplied) will be re-instated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1085/07]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme is administered on behalf of my Department by the Health Service Executive. The scheme provides for the payment of a weekly or monthly supplement in respect of rent to eligible persons in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation needs.

Under existing legislation the Health Service Executive may refuse, suspend or terminate payment of a rent supplement in the case of a person who has been required to deliver up possession of a dwelling provided by a housing authority or an approved body where the reasons for that requirement include anti-social behaviour or the interests of good estate management.

The Executive has been contacted and has advised that payment of a rent supplement in this case was refused on the basis that the person concerned had been required to give up possession of a dwelling supplied by a voluntary body, in this instance St Vincent De Paul, on the grounds of anti-social behaviour.

John McGuinness

Question:

1154 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will approve an increase in rent allowance for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny in view of the difficult ongoing financial circumstances of the applicant. [1301/07]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare Division of the Health Service Executive.

The Executive has advised that the person concerned is in receipt of her full entitlement to rent supplement for a person of her family composition and financial circumstances. If the person concerned is not satisfied with the decision of the Executive it is open to her to appeal the decision to the Executive's designated Appeals Officer.

The person concerned may also have an entitlement to family income supplement. In that regard she should contact her local community welfare officer who will advise her in relation to making application for this.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1155 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 is eligible for the back to education allowance operated by his Department; if this person is eligible for other funding which is offered by his Department with regard to their third level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1305/07]

The back to education allowance is a second chance education opportunities scheme designed to encourage and facilitate people on certain social welfare payments to improve their skills and qualifications and, therefore, their prospects of returning to the active work force.

To qualify for participation in the BTEA scheme an applicant must be, inter alia, in receipt of a relevant social payment for 12 months or 9 months if participating in the NEAP process immediately prior to commencing an approved third level course of study.

The person concerned has not made an application for participation in the BTEA scheme. However, from enquiries made in the matter it appears that she is not in receipt of a social welfare payment and does not, therefore, satisfy the eligibility criteria for participation in the scheme.

The Higher Education Grant Scheme and the Free Fees Initiative may be of interest in this case. These matters are appropriate to my colleague the Minister for Education and Science.

Question No. 1156 answered with QuestionNo. 1145.

Pension Provisions.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1157 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the plans he has to allow persons to continue to work and pay PRSI pension contributions beyond pension age to gain eligibility for an old age contributory pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1388/07]

Since taking Office this Government has made the needs of older people a priority and the commitment to ensure that as many people as possible can qualify for contributory pensions is at the core of this policy. In this context, changes have been made to the qualifying conditions for pensions which make it easier for people to qualify for pensions. These include the reduction in the yearly average number of contributions required for pension purposes from 20 to 10 and the introduction of pro-rata pensions and a number of special half-rate pensions for those who had marginally failed to qualify for contributory pensions.

I consider it important that those who wish to continue in employment after normal retirement age should, as far as is possible, be facilitated and supported. Longer working can play an important role in ensuring that our pensions system is sustainable in the future and can be beneficial to the individual. For this reason, and to improve income support for older people, the new enhanced State pension (non-contributory) for those over 66 years, which I introduced at the end of September 2006, featured an employment earnings disregard incentive of €100 per week for those who wish to earn extra income to continue in employment. I was happy to enhance this incentive to €200 per week in Budget 2007.

In a wider context, the National Pensions Review, published in January 2006, includes recommendations from the Pensions Board designed to encourage people to continue working after normal retirement age. The measures suggested involve allowing people to defer receiving their social welfare pension at normal pension age and to grant them an actuarially enhanced payment when they claim. The Pensions Board also considered that if this was combined with allowing those with less than full entitlements to count contributions made after age 65 or 66 in order to improve their contribution record, this would complete the incentives for longer working within the social welfare pensions system. I am in broad agreement with the suggestions and will be seeking to have them introduced as soon as is practical.

However, issues surrounding social welfare payments represent only one aspect of the problem. As I have said before, we require a change in attitudes in relation to longer working from both employers and employees. Employers must seek to retain older employees and create the conditions which will make longer working both attractive and feasible for older workers.

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 include an examination of the issues surrounding retirement age and the barriers faced by older workers who wish to remain in employment. It is expected that the Green Paper will be published by the end of March. A consultation process will then take place and the Government will subsequently publish a framework for future pensions policy.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Seán Crowe

Question:

1158 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; if he will investigate this case to ensure that the person receives urgent financial support; and if they will receive back dated payments to assist them in clearing their rent arrears amongst other debts. [1440/07]

The person concerned applied for Jobseeker's Allowance on 25 September 2006 and was requested to submit (a) proof of identity, (b) proof of address, (c) a letter of fitness from her doctor and (d) evidence that she was genuinely seeking work. A final request for these items issued on 4 October 2006 advising that failure to supply the details requested would result in her claim being closed. As she failed to submit the requested items the claim was closed.

The person concerned made a repeat application for Jobseeker's Allowance on 11 January 2007 and, on receipt of all the necessary information and documentation, payment was awarded with effect from 15 January 2007 (3 waiting days applied). The first payment issued on 19 January 2007 and all payments due to date have issued.

The person concerned did not apply for Supplementary Welfare Allowance during the months September 2006 to December 2006.

Departmental Staff.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

1159 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the Government’s plans to redeploy community welfare officers from the Health Service Executive to his Department; the implications of same for staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1501/07]

Michael Ring

Question:

1171 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the transfer of the community welfare service from the Health Service Executive to his Department has taken place; the meetings that have taken place during the implementation process with the relevant unions and other stakeholders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1981/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1159 and 1171 together.

In February 2006 the Government decided to transfer certain functions from the Health Service Executive (HSE) to my Department and also decided to consider transferring certain other functions from my Department to the HSE. This decision included transferring income support and maintenance schemes (including the supplementary welfare allowance scheme — SWA) together with associated resources to my Department, transferring the General Registrars Office (GRO) to my Department, and examining the mechanics of transferring the dental and other treatment benefits from my Department to the HSE.

The implementation of the transfer of functions is being overseen by a steering group chaired by my Department and including representatives from the Department of Health and Children, the HSE and the Department of Finance.

A programme of this magnitude has profound implications for important services and also affects, on a personal level, the staff delivering those services. Throughout the implementation programme, there will be direct and extensive consultation with the staff affected by the transfer of functions programme and with other stakeholders. My Department has already briefed superintendent community welfare officers (SCWOs) on two occasions, in July and November 2006. A series of regional briefings is now being organised jointly by the HSE and my Department for all staff in the HSE's community welfare service and will take place before the end of March. They will provide an opportunity for further constructive engagement and feedback on the implementation of this programme.

The programme has also been discussed at meetings held quarterly between my Department and the trade unions who represent the affected staff in the HSE. The HSE, as current employers of the staff in question, has also discussed the programme with those unions at its regular Joint Industrial Council meetings.

No date has been set for the completion of the transfer process. However I would intend that the transfer would take place as soon as possible when further detailed planning and consultation with stakeholders on this phase of the programme have been completed.

Separate to the transfer of functions programme, my Department recently published the report of the working group on the review of the supplementary welfare scheme. The review, undertaken as part of the Government's Expenditure Review Initiative, was an in-depth examination of all aspects of the scheme including the way it is delivered. The review makes a number of recommendations on the future of the scheme both in terms of its objectives and the way in which it is administered. In that regard the transfer of the CWS to my Department will allow for improvements envisaged in the report to be delivered.

The SWA scheme is delivered by some 700 community welfare officers (CWOs) and 59 superintendent community welfare officers (SCWOs) and supporting clerical staff in the Community Welfare Service of the HSE. The CWS provide a service that is responsive and flexible in meeting needs. These are attributes that will continue to be required into the future and I will be ensuring that they are preserved and built upon as part of the transfer process. In addition, there will be no diminution in conditions of service for the staff concerned.

The transfer of functions presents fundamental reform and developmental opportunities for a fully integrated and enhanced income support system, including the restructuring and integration of income and wider support services within one entity. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for those within the CWS and my own Department in delivering a service to a customer base who are most disadvantaged in society. In that regard I am confident that the transfer programme is seen as a positive way forward and will be embraced successfully by all as it progresses in the coming months.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

1160 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of applications submitted by successor tenants of rent controlled dwellings for rent supplement under Regulation SI 188 of 1998 as amended by SI 354 of 2002; the number of rent supplements granted; the average payment made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1620/07]

The regulations to which the Deputy refers concern rent allowance. The rent allowance scheme provides a rent subsidy in cases where the tenant's income is at or slightly above social welfare pension rates and where the rent charged for the property being rented was formerly controlled under the Rent Restrictions Acts.

The Rent Allowance scheme currently has 249 recipients of whom 65 are successor tenants since 1998. The average weekly payment is currently €55.78.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1161 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the back to education allowance is payable in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1648/07]

The back to education allowance is a second chance education opportunities scheme designed to encourage and facilitate people on certain social welfare payments to improve their skills and qualifications and, therefore, their prospects of returning to the active work force.

To qualify for participation in the BTEA scheme a person who is in receipt of illness benefit must, inter alia, be in receipt of that payment for at least 3 years immediately prior to commencing the first year of an approved second or third level course of study. In the recent budget I reduced the qualifying period for illness benefit recipients to 2 years. This new arrangement will come into effect from September 2007.

The person concerned has not made an application for participation in the BTEA scheme. However, from enquiries made in the matter it appears that she is in receipt of illness benefit only since October 2006 and is not, therefore, eligible for participation in the scheme.

Pension Provisions.

Paudge Connolly

Question:

1162 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan did not receive a full pension on their retirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1651/07]

The person concerned applied for State Pension Transition (formally called retirement pension) in March 2006.

A yearly average of at least 48 contributions per year is required to qualify for the maximum rate State Pension Transition (currently €209.30 per week). According to the records of my Department, the person concerned has a yearly average of 37 contributions per year over the 49 year period from 1957 to 2006. This entitles the person concerned to a reduced State Pension Transition. The person concerned is currently receiving €205.20 per week.

The person concerned has no social insurance contributions recorded from 1969 to 1980. He was self employed during this period but would not have been liable to pay PRSI contributions for this period. PRSI contributions for Self Employed persons were introduced from 6 April 1988.

Money Advice and Budgeting Service.

Michael Lowry

Question:

1163 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the level of funding provided to an organisation (details supplied) in each year for the past five years; the level given to each location of that organisation; if, in view of the fact that there has been an increase in the demand for services in that time, he will provide an increase for the recruitment of additional personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1660/07]

The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) provides assistance to people who are over-indebted and need help and advice in coping with debt problems. There are 52 independent companies nation-wide operating the service. MABS National Development Ltd was set up in 2004 to support and develop the network of services throughout the country. Many voluntary and statutory bodies such as the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, the Community Welfare Service, Citizens' Information Centres, Centres for the Unemployed and local authorities work closely with the programme. The credit union movement has been a key partner in MABS since its inception and its involvement and support is central to the development and success of the service.

In 2006, MABS provided services to some 12,300 new clients. The number of active cases at the end of the year was 14,600. The demand for the service can be attributed to the increase in the availability of credit generally and to the quality of the service provided by MABS advisors. The MABS is highly regarded and successful in meeting the needs of its clients.

There are some 230 staff employed at present by MABS companies throughout the MABS network. The requirement for additional staff by individual services is kept under review by my Department. In 2006, €16.4 million was provided to fund the MABS representing an increase of 20% on the previous year mainly in respect of additional staff costs. In 2007, I have further increased the annual allocation to €17.64 million to assist with the increasing workload.

I plan to bring proposals to the Government shortly to establish the MABS on a statutory basis. My proposals for legislation aim to build on best features of the MABS model of service to the public. The proposals will combine a continuation of local voluntary involvement with strong national leadership and ensure a high quality, coordinated budgeting and advice service for the future, in particular for people on low incomes.

They will take account of best practice in corporate governance for a customer focused service that provides value for money for the taxpayer's investment and meets the challenges posed by the rapidly changing face of debt in 21st century Ireland.

The Tables details the amount of funding allocated to MABS in each year since 2002 and the funding provided to each MABS company in the same period.

Table 1: MABS Funding 2002 to 2006

Year

Funding

No. of MABS Companies

2002

9,702,069

52

2003

9,867,000

52

2004

11,401,000

52

2005

13,620,000

52

2006

16,416,000

53

Table 2: Funding provided to each MABS company since 2002

MABS Company

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

Arklow

154,805

179,931

172,970

188,605

196,869

Athlone

86,105

92,117

90,160

107,775

106,282

Ballymun

218,822

224,535

227,260

278,602

301,737

Blanchardstown

174,503

187,902

186,008

220,576

271,972

Bray

169,241

202,021

219,816

257,367

288,572

Carlow

218,489

223,665

285,051

271,401

282,331

Cavan

196,136

197,577

191,299

210,243

260,675

Charleville

107,934

117,894

161,367

164,740

175,021

Clare

197,174

214,588

221,859

262,764

259,498

Clondalkin

211,207

243,866

235,719

267,916

286,189

COMAC (Cherry Orchard)

212,417

225,851

227,256

282,877

284,766

Cork

225,417

263,726

324,913

386,914

387,288

Drogheda

322,283

93,044

133,848

165,133

177,459

Dublin 12

148,981

165,175

178,152

286,907

221,090

Dublin North City

157,530

172,732

211,560

238,623

246,821

Dublin North East

111,419

177,527

167,876

193,356

231,082

Dublin South East

150,673

207,621

382,372

250,720

284,612

MABS Companies

2002

2003

20004

2005

2006

Dún Laoghaire

139,000

142,065

144,521

192,688

194,250

Dundalk/Oriel

146,461

171,359

179,944

212,948

230,176

Dundrum

135,411

147,579

157,649

199,462

317,839

Fingal

148,602

168,269

201,166

224,964

253,548

Finglas

239,562

300,186

341,025

245,299

298,341

Kerry

238,000

264,054

325,525

314,531

361,012

Kildare

282,512

296,715

335,571

364,395

397,181

Kilkenny

169,603

183,964

233,910

270,943

266,176

Laois

375,226

92,632

99,948

164,836

181,904

Leitrim

85,500

111,192

110,599

127,194

130,423

Liffey South West

167,499

168,692

280,643

292,649

309,602

Limerick

362,295

335,337

330,843

384,201

301,246

Longford

150,331

152,854

150,317

145,129

150,500

Meath

220,868

225,994

258,086

275,803

288,422

Monaghan

140,500

100,911

334,015

189,403

213,188

Mullingar

99,537

151,541

142,442

164,243

193,336

National Traveller

137,185

138,145

230,886

256,605

282,572

North Cork

159,590

169,558

201,322

198,082

223,748

North Donegal

167,220

179,409

301,074

297,012

313,815

North Galway

89,681

114,730

150,140

175,913

178,259

North Mayo

123,361

103,279

118,747

154,952

175,619

North Tipperary

170,093

178,274

242,309

207,340

237,195

Offaly

161,646

168,856

172,426

210,112

216,880

Roscommon

116,365

121,625

184,292

208,170

211,119

South Donegal

61,522

94,890

103,914

117,593

125,511

South Galway

250,734

263,700

323,890

386,240

356,130

MABS Company

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

South Mayo

105,096

115,115

141,691

177,949

190,935

South Tipperary

257,335

297,533

317,773

323,377

333,666

Sligo

94,701

99,084

101,679

113,109

103,316

Tallaght

210,723

218,970

258,005

249,462

250,432

West Cork

150,180

179,459

190,894

220,834

230,482

West Donegal

66,932

59,344

109,934

101,861

97,693

West Waterford

110,719

122,147

106,242

105,275

112,530

Waterford

250,222

304,123

297,972

340,688

352,866

Wexford

166,572

177,712

237,835

231,574

246,018

MABS NDL

238,573

569,000

836,174

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

1164 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of civil servants and other staff employed in his constituency office; and the grade and remuneration of each. [1753/07]

Paul McGrath

Question:

1165 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of civil servants and other staff in his press office and the grade and remuneration of each staff member. [1768/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1164 and 1165 together.

There are a total of six full-time administrative staff assigned to deal with matters in my constituency office. There are four established civil servants, one Executive Officer on a payscale of €28,523 to €45,262 and three Clerical Officers on a payscale of €22,766 to €36,913.

I have also appointed, on a contract basis for my term of office, two non-established civil servants, a Personal Secretary and a Personal Assistant. The annual salary for my Personal Secretary is €41,736. My Personal Assistant is on secondment from the Department of Education and Science. That Department will recoup from my Department on an annual basis the cost of a replacement teacher's salary, allowances, PRSI contributions and superannuation contributions. This will be in the region of €44,800.

There are three established civil servants assigned to my Department's Press Office, including the Press Officer who is a Higher Executive Officer on a payscale of €43,445 to €55,147 and two Executive Officers, one of whom is on a payscale of €28,523 to €45,262 and the other on a payscale of €30,027 to €47,641 (Class A rate of PRSI contribution applies as this person commenced employment after 6 April 1995).

I have also appointed a Press Adviser on a contract basis for my term of office. The Press Adviser is on a personal salary of €106,670 together with a private pension contribution of 11% of salary.

Waiver Schemes.

Michael Ring

Question:

1166 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will introduce a national waiver scheme for refuse services, in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government specifically targeted to help social welfare recipients and people on low incomes and those who have no option but to avail of refuse service from a private operator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1805/07]

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

The introduction of a national social welfare scheme to address the issue would be complex given the wide range of charging regimes and cost structures that exist in respect of waste management throughout the State. Charges vary across local authorities and within local authorities where there is more than one provider. In addition, some local authorities already operate waiver schemes.

My officials have discussed this issue with their counterparts in the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. While there are no plans at present for the introduction of a waiver scheme through the social welfare system, I intend to keep the issue under review.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Michael Ring

Question:

1167 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on extending the age limit regarding child benefit from 19 up to the age of 22 when that person is still attending college. [1809/07]

Child benefit is a universal payment, paid in respect of children up to the age of 16 years. It continues to be paid in respect of children up to age 19 who are in full-time education, or who have a physical or mental disability.

The policy of the Government over the past number of years has been to substantially increase the amount spent on child benefit for all families. Commitment to this policy is reflected in the significant resources invested in the scheme since 2001, increasing monthly payments to €160.00 for each of the first two children and €195.00 for the third and subsequent children from April 2007. According to figures collected by the Central Statistics Office under the Quarterly National Household Survey for the period June 2006 to August 2006, there were an estimated 93,500 students aged 19 to 22 years. Extending child benefit to this category would entail substantial cost, estimated to be in the region of some €187 million annually.

However, in recognition of the need to target limited available resources at persons on low incomes with children in full-time education, a number of provisions have been introduced, including the extension of entitlement to child dependant allowance to age 22 where the parent of a full-time student (including third level) is in receipt of either a long-term social welfare payment, or a short-term social welfare payment for six months or more (short-term schemes include such payments as Unemployment Benefit and Assistance, Disability Benefit and Supplementary Welfare Allowance).

In addition, in-work cash payments are provided to low-paid employees with families through the family income supplement (FIS) scheme. Under this scheme, a qualified child is any child under the age of 18 or aged 18 to 22 if in full-time education. This supplement is paid where a family's weekly income is below a specified income limit for the family size, and is calculated at 60% of the difference between the net family income (gross pay less tax, PRSI, health contribution, superannuation) and the relevant income limit.

Michael Ring

Question:

1168 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and awarded the carer’s allowance. [1810/07]

The person concerned applied for carer's allowance on 10 May 2006. The case has been referred to an Investigative Officer of my Department to determine that all the conditions for receipt of the allowance are satisfied in respect of both care recipients. On completion of the necessary investigations a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

Under Social Welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by Deciding Officers and Appeals Officers. These Officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.

Michael Ring

Question:

1169 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and awarded the one parent family allowance. [1957/07]

There is a statutory obligation on all claimants of a one-parent family payment to satisfy the conditions for entitlement to payment.

The person concerned applied for one-parent family payment on 30 March 2006. The Social Welfare Inspector tried unsuccessfully to contact her on a number of occasions. Her claim was finally investigated in October 2007. In response to the Social Welfare Inspector's report that he was not satisfied that the person concerned was in fact separated from her partner, the Deciding Officer communicated with the person concerned informing her of the Social Welfare Inspectors report and inviting her to clarify her position in this regard.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

1170 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons outside Dublin and the number inside Dublin who have indicated a willingness to move to the decentralised office in Carrick-on-Shannon; the number in each case who have to date been assigned to make the move; if the release in each case will be made prior to assignments to replace the moving staff; and the number who have been assigned to replace the moving staff in each case. [1972/07]

Under the Programme of Decentralisation, 220 posts in my Department are to be relocated to Carrick-on-Shannon.

According to figures received from the Central Application Facility (CAF), through which all applications for decentralisation locations must be submitted, 273 applicants applied for Carrick-on-Shannon before the priority applicant date of 7 September 2004. Since this date, there have been 23 new applications and 14 applicants have changed their application to record Carrick-on-Shannon as their first preference. Of the total of 310 applicants, 86 are Dublin based with the remaining 224 based outside of Dublin.

To date, 21 Dublin based staff have received offers of transfer under the programme of Decentralisation — 10 have accepted the offer, 10 have declined the offer and one person is currently considering the offer. 19 Officers have been assigned to Carrick-on-Shannon bound Sections, of whom 7 are Dublin based. Work continues on the assignment of the remaining officers.

A number of applicants were already serving in business units due to decentralise to Carrick-on-Shannon while other applicants were appointed to replace officers moving under the programme of decentralisation to other locations. Key trainers have been selected in each of the Sections decentralising and they will provide the necessary training for newly appointed staff.

Question No. 1171 answered with QuestionNo. 1159.

Pension Provisions.

Michael Ring

Question:

1172 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and granted the State non-contributory pension. [1982/07]

The pensioner in this case was awarded State Pension (Non-Contributory) at the reduced rate of €102.00 weekly from 8 December 2006. In addition to her pension she was awarded Living Alone Allowance of €7.70 weekly and Fuel Allowance of €14.00 weekly from 8 December 2006. From 5 January 2007 her pension has increased to €130.00 weekly and Fuel Allowance has increased to €18.00 weekly.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Michael Ring

Question:

1173 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an illness benefit appeal for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be finalised; and when an oral hearing will be scheduled in this case. [1983/07]

Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was discontinued from 28 August 2006 following an examination by a Medical Assessor of the Department on 15 August 2006 who expressed the opinion that the person was capable of work. The person appealed this decision and in that context he was examined by another Medical Assessor on 5 October 2006 who also expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. The papers have been referred to the Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in the case. The person concerned will be informed of the date and venue for this hearing when it is arranged. The person is currently in receipt of job seekers allowance pending the resolution of his appeal. Under Social Welfare Legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by Deciding Officers and Appeals Officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.

Michael Ring

Question:

1174 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason invalidity pension for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was not put into payment before Christmas 2006 in view of the fact that their appeal was determined on 24 November 2006 giving his Department ample opportunity to do this; the date their invalidity pension payment commenced; the arrears due in this case; and when did they ultimately issue. [1984/07]

The Appeals Officer's decision was notified on 14 December 2006 and the person concerned was awarded an invalidity pension effective from 30 June 2005. Due to the range of particular administrative arrangements which apply in the run up to the Christmas holiday period, it was not possible to commence payment of the invalidity pension until 11 January 2007. Arrears totalling €14,951.75 will issue to the person concerned on 1 February 2007.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Seán Crowe

Question:

1175 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the form of identification that was accepted as of 2006 when making an application for unemployment assistance. [2009/07]

There has been no change in the requirement for unemployed customers to prove their identity or in the method of doing so. A person making a claim for Job seekers Allowance must prove his/her identity by showing the following documentation: A current Passport or Driver's Licence and any of the following:

His/Her Birth Certificate (which must show the name of the mother)

Post Office, Bank, Building Society or Credit Union Book

Bank Card

Rent Book

Child Benefit Book

Depending on the circumstances of an individual case the customer may be requested to produce further items. The following items are not accepted as proof of identity:

Birth Certificate not bearing the mother's name

Baptismal Certificate

Bills or Personal Letters

Savings Accounts recently opened

All documents must be originals. Photocopies are not accepted.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Michael Ring

Question:

1176 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was not called for an oral hearing; and the reason he was refused unemployment assistance. [2080/07]

A claim for unemployment assistance (since renamed job seekers allowance) by the person concerned was disallowed by a Deciding Officer on the grounds that he was not genuinely seeking work and that he was not available for full-time employment. The person appealed this decision and an Appeals Officer made a summary decision disallowing the appeal. Summary decisions may be made where the Appeals Officer is of the opinion that a case is of such a nature that it can be properly determined on the basis of documentary evidence and without an oral hearing. Under Social Welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by Deciding Officers and Appeals Officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.

Social Welfare Benefits.

John Perry

Question:

1177 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the assistance available to persons living in rural areas to cover travel expenses when they have to travel to sign on for benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2081/07]

My Department does not make any contribution towards travel expenses in relation to customers attending at their Local or Branch Office. Besides attending the office in person at the time of making their initial claim, customers residing up to 16 km from their Social Welfare Local/Branch Office attend that Office once every 4 weeks for certification purposes and customers residing over 16 km self-certify every four weeks and attend that Office every 12 weeks. In these circumstances it is not considered unreasonable to require a customer who is actively seeking work, to make his/her own arrangements to travel to the Social Welfare Local Office.

John McGuinness

Question:

1178 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if rent allowance will continue to be paid in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny to allow them continue their education Monday to Friday while paying their accommodation at this private rented location. [2229/07]

The supplementary allowance (SWA) scheme, including rent supplement, is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE). People participating in approved courses under my Department's back-to-education allowance scheme receive a standard weekly rate of payment equivalent to the maximum rate of their previous social welfare payment and may, subject to certain conditions, retain any secondary benefits, such as rent supplement, which had been in payment prior to the commencement of their education course. These special provisions are in place to encourage and facilitate people to improve their skills and qualifications and, therefore, their prospects of returning to the active work force. The Health Service Executive has advised that it has not had any contact from the person concerned regarding his intentions to engage in full-time education. It has further advised that the person concerned should contact his local community welfare officer. He will receive comprehensive information advice and support in relation to his potential entitlements should he wish to pursue this option.

Departmental Correspondence.

Michael Ring

Question:

1179 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will instruct his Department’s officials to ensure that when applications are submitted by public representatives on behalf of constituents to his Department that the public representatives are informed when a decision is made on the relevant claim as a matter of courtesy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2365/07]

When a claim for social welfare benefit or pension is received by my Department, whether, directly from a claimant as in the normal practice or, alternatively, from somebody acting on their behalf, any enquiries in connection with the claim would be made directly with the claimant. Enquiries or representations from public representatives on behalf of constituents are acknowledged but when the claim has been decided, the practice is for the outcome to be notified to the customer. Where a public representative requests to be notified of the outcome, that representative is also, in the normal course, informed. Because of the volume of claims and the level of complexity which may be involved, a requirement to notify public representatives in all cases would add an additional layer of work and draw resources from claim processing. Enquiries or representations from public representatives in relation to individual claims are dealt with as promptly as possible. Having regard to operational requirements in the different scheme areas in my Department, I am satisfied that the current arrangements are working satisfactorily.

Comhfhreagras Ranna.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1180 D’fhiafraigh Mr. Sargent den Aire Gnóthaí Sóisialacha agus Teaghlaigh cá fhad ar an meán a thógann sé air litir a fhreagairt as Béarla i gcomparáid leis an méid ama a thógann sé air litir a fhreagairt as Gaeilge. [2392/07]

Deintear gach iarracht i mo Roinnse freagra a thabhairt chomh luath agus is féidir ar gach litir a fhaightear. Braitheann an t-am a chaitear ar an bhfreagra ar cé chomh casta is atá an cheist agus ar infhaighteacht an eolais atá ag teastáil don fhreagra. Chomh maith leis na toisceanna sin, braitheann an t-am a chaitear ar fhreagra ar litir i nGaeilge ar infhaighteacht baill foirne atá cáilithe an freagra a aistriú go Gaeilge. Má tá an freagra casta nó teicniúil féadfaidh sé a bheith riachtanach é a chur chuig aistreoir proifisiúnta taobh amuigh de mo Roinnse. Is féidir freagraí gearra a aistriú in aon lá amháin ach tógann freagraí fada nó casta níos mó ná sin. Mar sin, ní féidir a rá cén fhaid ar an meán a thógann sé freagra as Béarla a fhreagairt i gcomparáid leis an meíd ama a thógann sé litir a fhreagairt as Gaeilge.

Pension Provisions.

Liam Aylward

Question:

1181 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will allow farmers who had no taxable income and who, therefore, paid no PRSI contributions to buy their PRSI contributions even at this late stage to allow them qualify for old age pension and the benefits attached to such pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2448/07]

Self-employed persons, including farmers — aged between 16 years and 66 years and with reckonable income that exceeds the current insurable limit of €3,174 per annum must pay PRSI contributions at Class S. In general, payment of class S PRSI is made through the Office of the Revenue Commissioners who act as agents in the collection of PRSI. Self-employed persons return PRSI contributions through the self-assessment process to the Collector-General, along with their income tax and health contribution. The social insurance contribution is due at 3% of reckonable income, or €253, whichever is the greater, in addition to the health contribution — where applicable.

The basis of assessment for tax differs somewhat from that of social insurance and, as such, it is possible for a person to be without a taxable income while still having a liability for PRSI. In addition to those who are specifically provided for in legislation, these include cases where a self-employed person is deemed by the Revenue Commissioners not to have a tax liability. In such cases PRSI is not collected automatically by the Revenue Commissioners but referred to my Department to determine if a PRSI liability exists. Where a PRSI liability exists, social insurance contributions are collected by the Self-Employment Section of my Department. Where a self-employed person ceases compulsory social insurance or where his or her income falls below the €3,174 limit, an application may be made to become a voluntary contributor to maintain his or her social insurance record for pension purposes. To become a voluntary contributor after self-employment, a person must have worked and paid PRSI for at least 260 weeks and must apply within 12 months after the end of the tax year in which he or she last paid PRSI. There is no provision in legislation to collect PRSI contributions from those who are not insured and in circumstances where they are not properly due. Where a person should have been paying PRSI contributions in their own right but did not, there is scope for the collection of outstanding contributions to establish entitlement to a contributory pension.

Decentralisation Programme.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

1182 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of the 118 staff members in his Department proposed to relocate to Buncrana under the Government’s decentralisation plan who have indicated a preference to do so; and if the 118 have not indicated such a preference, the way he proposes to achieve that number for the promised completion date of 2009. [2472/07]

Under the Government's Programme of Decentralisation 118 posts in my Department are to be relocated to Buncrana. According to figures received by the Department from the Central Applications Facility (CAF), through which all applications for decentralisation must be submitted, the number of first preference applicants for Buncrana is 34, of which 17 currently work in the Department. The agreed protocols for the assignment of staff to the positions designated to move to Buncrana, is that offers of transfer are made, in the first instance, to first preference priority applicants on the CAF. Where there is a shortfall in numbers, priority applicants who applied to the CAF before 7 September 2004 and who have included Buncrana as a second or subsequent preference will be given an opportunity to change their first preference to Buncrana. Thereafter, applicants who applied after 7 September 2004 will be considered. Accordingly, it is not possible at this stage to say how many people will eventually exercise the option to relocate to Buncrana. The CAF will remain open for new applications until the full decentralisation programme is complete.

Social Welfare Code.

Richard Bruton

Question:

1183 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason such a long contribution record is required before insured workers become eligible for treatment benefit. [2565/07]

To qualify for PRSI treatment benefits persons under 25 years of age must have at least 39 weeks PRSI paid since starting work and 39 weeks PRSI paid in the relevant tax year — the tax year before they claim. The requirement for persons aged 25 years and over is a minimum of 260 weeks paid contributions. In recognition of the difficulties that persons younger than 25 would have in meeting the standard conditions, the contribution condition for those under 25 was reduced in July 1992 to 39 paid contributions. Previously this reduced contribution requirement had applied only to those under 23 years of age. Any further relaxation in the conditions for receipt of treatment benefits would have financial implications and would be a matter for consideration within the constraints of budgetary policy and the best targeting of available resources.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

1184 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason child benefit for which application was made in March 2006 is not in payment in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Wexford; if entitlement to child benefit has been established in this case; if he will ensure that entitlement to child benefit in this case, including arrears, is awarded without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2818/07]

Under EU regulations 1408/71, an employed person who is working in a Member State is entitled to the family benefits provided by that State even though the family may be residing in another Member State. A claim for child benefit in respect of his children residing in Poland was received from the person concerned on 30 March 2006. Due to the volume of such claims being received and the complexities that can arise in dealing with claims under EU regulations, there can be a delay in dealing with them. My Department has written to the Polish authorities seeking necessary information and when a reply is received, a decision will be made on the claim and the person concerned will be notified accordingly. Following the arrival of the family in Ireland in July 2006, a further claim for Child Benefit was received in November 2006 and Child Benefit was awarded under Irish legislation with effect from 1 August 2006. Arrears due from August will be in the nominated bank account on Tuesday, 6 February.

Questions Nos. 1185 and 1186 answered with Question No. 1148.

Jack Wall

Question:

1187 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person in receipt of carers allowance is not qualified to obtain a free fuel allowance payment; if so, the reason for same; his plans to change the guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2977/07]

Carer's allowance is a means tested payment for people who are providing full time care and attention to a person who is in need of such care. Although recipients of carer's allowance themselves are not eligible for the national fuel scheme they do qualify for the household benefits package and the free travel scheme. In addition, the person to whom the care is being provided may be in receipt of the free fuel allowance. The household benefits package comprises the electricity/gas allowance, telephone allowance and television licence schemes. In recognition of recent increases in the price of natural gas and electricity I have provided for significant increases to the gas and electricity allowances. I provided for the number of units of electricity covered by the scheme to increase from 1,800 to 2,400 with effect from January 2007. I also made provision for an equivalent increase in the natural gas allowance which came into effect in October 2006. These allowances also cover increased standing charges and the associated VAT. Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme which is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare Service of the Health Service Executive, a special heating supplement may be paid to assist people in certain circumstances who have special heating needs. If a recipient of a social welfare or Health Services Executive payment has exceptional heating costs due to ill health, infirmity or a medical condition which he/she is unable to meet out of household income, it is open to him/her to apply to the local community welfare officer for a special heating supplement under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. This supplement is considered the most appropriate and effective way to provide extra resources in circumstances where a person has increased heating requirements due to illness. The position with regard to energy and heating costs generally is kept under review.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1188 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if rent allowance should have been payable in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who has participated in a FÁS training scheme at Loughlinstown, County Dublin, when they resided in Ballyfermot for the duration of the course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3049/07]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive, provides for the payment of a rent supplement to assist eligible people who are unable to provide for their immediate accommodation needs from their own resources and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The Executive has advised that there is no record of an application for rent supplement from the person concerned. If the person concerned wishes to enquire as to their possible entitlement to rent supplement they should contact the Executive who will advise them accordingly.

David Stanton

Question:

1189 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of families in receipt of the family income supplement; the breakdown of the family size in each of these families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3085/07]

On 5 January 2007, there were 21,800 people with some 44,000 Qualifying Children in receipt of Family Income Supplement with the following family sizes:

Family Size

Number of Recipients

1 child

9,433

2 children

6,500

3 children

3,327

4 children

1,609

5 children

625

6 children

204

7 children

73

8 (or more) children

29

David Stanton

Question:

1190 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his Department’s review of social welfare payments to carers has been completed; if so, the findings of same; when this review will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3087/07]

My Department conducted an internal review of payments to carers during the period 2004 to 2006. The review was designed as a vehicle to build on the review of the carer's allowance which was published in 1998 and to develop proposals for improvements in the schemes. The review examined all aspects of carer's allowance, carer's benefit and the respite care grant and made a broad range of proposals covering issues such as the definition of full time care and attention, qualifying conditions for the respite care grant and the operation of the means test for carer's allowance. I am very pleased that in recent Budgets I have been able to implement many of the review's recommendations especially in the area of introducing more flexibilities in current arrangements. Although the review was completed in the last quarter of 2006 some updating is now required in order to reflect recent developments in relation to payments to carers. I intend to publish the review in the near future. I am committed to working for, and with, carers to deliver increased benefits, supports, and services for them and their families. The improvements for carers which I announced in Budget 2007 are further evidence of this commitment.

Question No. 1191 answered with QuestionNo. 1144.

David Stanton

Question:

1192 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the review of the medical review and assessment service has been completed; if so, the findings of same; when this review will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3089/07]

The function of the Medical Review and Assessment Service (MRAS) unit is to confirm the eligibility for illness, disability and carer schemes, based on medical certification and reports provided by the claimant's medical practitioner, or based on medical examination undertaken by departmental Medical Assessors. An organisation review of the service commenced in October 2005 and was concluded in April 2006. Given the nature of the review, it is not intended to publish the report. The main recommendations in the report related to the future structure of the service including arrangements for the appointment of Medical Assessors and the arrangement of medical assessment centres with a view to maximizing efficiency and providing a better service to customers; the development of a computerised case management system to support Medical Assessors, medical certifiers and administrative staff to reduce the current reliance on largely paper-based systems; and the redesign of business and medical processes, including the development of medical examination protocols and performance management systems for medical assessors and certifiers. My Department has begun work on implementing the recommendations of this report. The process of recruiting additional Medical Assessors is under way. In addition, a review of the network of examination centres is taking place to see if it can be rationalised and developed along the lines recommended by the report. Protocols for the conduct of medical examinations are also being developed. Further consideration and consultation is taking place in my Department in relation to other recommendations of the report focused on business processes.

Pension Provisions.

David Stanton

Question:

1193 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he has satisfied himself that the methods used to calculate payment under the pre-1953 pensions are in compliance with all EU regulations governing social security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3091/07]

David Stanton

Question:

1194 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he has satisfied himself that all aspects of the pre-1953 pension satisfy the terms agreed under bilateral social security agreements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3092/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1193 and 1194 together.

Where a person has social insurance contributions from another EEA country, or a country with which Ireland has a bilateral agreement, these can also be used to qualify a person for a payment. The manner in which contributions from EEA countries are to be used is laid down in Regulation (EEC) No 1408/ 71 and the same general principles are applied in the reciprocal agreements Ireland has with a number of other countries. These Regulations provide that where the conditions required by the legislation of a country for entitlement to old age benefits are satisfied only after counting the contributions made in another country, the first country shall calculate the amount of pension the person would be entitled to if s/he had completed his/her full career of periods of insurance under the legislation of that country. Then the proportional pension is calculated by multiplying the theoretical amount of pension by the ratio of periods of insurance in that State to the person's full career. The pre-53 pension is a special measure designed to provide a pension to people who would not otherwise qualify for any payment. A number of such pensions are being paid in accordance with the arrangements outlined above and I am satisfied that such payments are calculated in accordance with the relevant EU regulations and the reciprocal agreements entered into by Ireland with other States.

Social Welfare Benefits.

David Stanton

Question:

1195 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the breakdown of the number of people in receipt of illness benefit, invalidity pension, disability allowance, blind pension, injury benefit, incapacity supplement, constant attendance allowance and disablement benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3105/07]

The information requested is contained in the following tabular statement.

Scheme

No. in receipt (December 2006)

Illness Benefit

65,744

Invalidity Pension

51,954

Disability Allowance

83,697

Blind Pension

1,476

Injury Benefit

924

Incapacity Supplement

928

Constant Attendance Allowance

76

Disablement Pension

12,646

Michael Ring

Question:

1196 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be approved and granted the one parent family allowance. [3130/07]

The person concerned applied for One Parent Family Payment (OPFP) in November 2006 and her claim was sent to an inspector for examination. A number of calls, some void, have been made in this case and further information is required to enable a Deciding Officer to make a decision on the claim. The person concerned has been requested to submit further information regarding her circumstances. Statements of Credit Union and bank accounts and confirmation of maintenance and/or benefit in kind received from the father of her child, have been requested. On receipt of all the required information a decision will be made on the claim as promptly as possible.

Departmental Staff.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1197 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons engaged in project management in his Department that have recognised qualifications in that area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3257/07]

My Department has a range of supports available for project managers covering all relevant stages including a knowledge database containing guidelines and templates which draws on best practice nationally and internationally. Project management information seminars are provided to Project Managers on an on-going basis to increase awareness of the guidelines and supports available. There are currently 35 persons engaged in project management in my Department that have a recognised qualification in that area.

Road Safety.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

1198 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if fixed charge penalties are in place for persons found to exceed the blood or alcohol limits during a mandatory roadside alcohol test; if not, the reason this is the case; when this provision will take effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1037/07]

The Road Traffic Act 2006 was passed by the Oireachtas on 6th July 2006 and was signed by the President on 16th July 2006. A Commencement Order in July brought a number of the provisions in the Act into effect from Friday 21st July 2006. The provisions which were commenced included the key policy provisions promoted in the Act of Mandatory Alcohol Testing (MAT) checkpoints, a ban on the use of hand-held mobile phones while driving, and the legislative provision supporting the operation of privately operated speed cameras. The key policy initiatives set out in the Act were commenced without delay, and approximately 30,000 Mandatory Alcohol Testing checkpoints are being operated by the Gardai every month. In addition, Section 16 of the Act was part-commenced with effect from 1 September 2006 in order to enable penalty points to apply to the offence of driving while holding a mobile phone. The remainder of that section, which introduces a number of new penalty point offences, has not yet been commenced. Section 5 of the Road Traffic Act 2006 provides for the introduction of a fixed charge and disqualification for certain drink driving offences. The implementation of that section requires necessary administrative and enforcement preparations, including adjustments to the Garda Fixed Charge Processing and IT systems and the testing of those systems. It is not possible to commence this section at this time.

Decentralisation Programme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1199 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the timetable for the decentralisation of the NRA to Ballinasloe; the number of staff at each grade to be decentralised; the number of applications made at each grade under the CAF for decentralisation to Ballinasloe; the timetable for the decentralisation of an advanced party; if temporary accommodation has been obtained; the number of staff at each grade which will be facilitated in this phase of the decentralisation; if a permanent site has been obtained; the timetable for the completion of this facility; and the number of staff it will cater for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1057/07]

The decentralisation of the NRA has not been identified by the Decentralisation Implementation Group as an early mover. 90 posts have been identified for decentralisation, as follows: General Administrative grades — 1 Chief Executive, 9 Higher Executive Officers, 11 Executive Officers, and 10 Clerical Officers. Technical, Professional, and Departmental Grades — 3 Principal Advisors, 12 Senior Project Managers, 20 Project Managers, 14 Engineers (Grade 2), 1 Engineer (Grade 3), 1 Lab Attendant, 4 Lab Technicians, and 4 Technicians. The NRA has 66 external applicants and 1 internal applicant, as follows: General Administrative grades — 6 Higher Executive Officers, 12 Executive Officers, 5 Staff Officers, 33 Clerical Officers, 1 FAS Grade 11, 1 Bord Bia Grade 2, 1 Senior Clerk of Works, 1 Clerk 1, and 1 Tax Officer; Technical, Professional, and Departmental grades — 1 Agricultural Inspector, 1 Engineer (Grade 3), 1 Technician, 1 Lab Technician, and 1 General Operative. Any move in respect of the NRA involves specialist agency staff with the associated complex issues arising. The OPW is actively seeking potential sites in Ballinasloe. Implementation issues including the identification of accommodation are being pursued by the Agency itself.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1200 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the timetable for the decentralisation of the Railway Safety Commission to Ballinasloe; the number of staff at each grade to be decentralised; the number of applications made at each grade under the CAF for decentralisation to Ballinasloe; the timetable for the decentralisation of an advanced party; if temporary accommodation has been obtained; the number of staff at each grade which will be facilitated in this phase of the decentralisation; if a permanent site has been obtained; the timetable for the completion of this facility; the number of staff it will cater for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1058/07]

The decentralisation of the Railway Safety Commission (RSC) has not been identified by the Decentralisation Implementation Group as an early mover. A total of 20 posts has been identified for decentralisation, including: General Administrative grades — 1 Commissioner, 1 Office Manager, 1 Executive Officer; Technical, Professional, and Departmental Grades — 2 Principal Railway Inspectors, 2 Senior Railway Inspectors, 2 Railway Inspectors. The RSC has 6 external applicants and no internal applicants. This includes 2 Clerical Officers, 2 Executive Officers, and 2 applications received from public servants. Any move in respect of the RSC involves specialist agency staff with the associated complex issues arising. The OPW is actively seeking potential sites in Ballinasloe. Implementation issues including the identification of accommodation are being pursued by the Agency itself.

Rail Services.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1201 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport further to comments (details supplied), if he has received a response from the Minister in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1308/07]

I have no function relating to decisions by Coillte Teoranta regarding the sourcing of timber. I understand from Iarnród Éireann that it currently operates 6 trains per week — 2 each from Sligo, Westport and Ballina — carrying pulpwood for Coillte to a factory adjacent to Waterford Port. Iarnród Éireann is committed to increasing its rail freight business, including the carriage of pulpwood for Coillte, where viable opportunities present such as bulk traffics in trainloads point to point.

Road Safety.

Tony Gregory

Question:

1202 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Transport the vehicles that are exempt from smoke tests for national car test purposes. [1793/07]

Since 13 September 2006 as a consequence of the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 responsibility for matters relating to vehicle standards, including vehicle testing, has passed to the Road Safety Authority.

Harbours and Piers.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1203 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport the activities licensed by his Department since the introduction of SI No. 378 of 2005 bringing the Harbours Act 1996 under the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations; and the assessments undertaken as a result of this legislation. [2126/07]

The Harbours Act 1946 is one of the Acts listed in section 3(13) of S.I. No. 378 of 2005. The practice of issuing harbour works orders under the Harbours Act 1946 has been discontinued for some time. The Harbours Act 1996 is not listed in section 3(13) of S.I. No. 278 of 2005. Port companies operating under the 1996 Act are subject to the normal planning laws.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Billy Timmins

Question:

1204 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding disabled persons parking discs for parents who have children with mild autism if they qualify for same; if not, if they can be put on the list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2430/07]

The Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations, 1997 empower local authorities, the Irish Wheelchair Association and the Disabled Drivers Association, to grant a disabled person's parking permit to a person who is suffering from a disability that is of a nature that prevents him or her from walking or causes undue hardship to the person in walking. The focus of the qualifying criterion is therefore on the issue of a person being a wheelchair user or having significant mobility impairment. Eligibility has to be determined on a case-by-case basis having regard to the nature of the mobility impairment of the person. The position is therefore that children with autism are ineligible to be issued with a disabled persons parking permit unless the child also has a mobility disability and is unable to walk. There are no proposals to extend the application of the disabled persons parking permit scheme to include persons who are not mobility impaired.

Proposed Legislation.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

1205 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Transport the talks he has had with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on changes needed in legislation to allow gardaí to take what they consider dangerously defective vehicles to the closest national certificate test centre and not a centre within 20 kilometres which is the current limit and which is not a criteria that every rural town and village can fulfil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2686/07]

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

1206 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Transport his views on expanding the power of the gardaí to enable them to seize cars which they believe are not legally on the road due to the addition of parts not in compliance with the national car test certificate of the car and to ensure that, on seizing these cars, gardaí have the power to have them tested at the nearest NCT or by their own experts; and if he will make a statement on discussions he has had with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2689/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1205 and 1206 together.

A member of the Garda Síochána has power under section 20 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 and Regulation 21 of the European Communities (Vehicle Testing) Regulations 2004 to inspect and examine a vehicle which he or she suspects has a defect that makes it a danger to the public and on being satisfied, following the carrying out of such an inspection and examination, that it is a danger to the public, to prohibit its use in a public place until the defect has been remedied. There is no requirement that such an inspection must take place at a particular place such as a vehicle service garage, a NCT centre or a premises of an authorised tester. It is understood that in most cases the inspections and examinations are carried out in the immediate vicinity of the place at which a vehicle was stopped by the Garda Síochána. However, to assist the Garda Síochána in carrying out an inspection and examination of a vehicle suspected of having a serious defect, a member of the Garda Síochána is empowered under the above-mentioned provisions to do all such things and make all such requirements as are reasonably necessary including requiring that the vehicle be brought to a convenient suitable place, which may not be more than 8 kilometres away in the case of a passenger car and 20 kilometres in the case of a commercial vehicle, to carry out the inspection and examination. I am satisfied that the existing law in this area is adequate to enable the Garda Síochána to deal effectively with defective and unsafe vehicles and I have received no communications from the Garda authorities to suggest otherwise. I have had no discussions or consultations with any Minister in relation to changing the law in this area.

Trade Missions.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1207 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport if he took the opportunity of leading a trade mission to the Middle East to promote Aer Lingus; the way he promoted Aer Lingus; and the results of his promotion of Aer Lingus. [2914/07]

The Deputy will be aware that the Taoiseach recently led a trade mission to the Gulf region. I understand that a representative from Aer Lingus participated in the mission for the purposes of developing contacts and promoting the company's business.

Air Services.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

1208 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport when capacity problems at the airport will be overcome to allow the introduction of the Etihad route to Abu Dhabi. [2950/07]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

1273 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the arrangements being put in place at Dublin Airport Authority to ensure the demand for passenger and commercial flights can be met and to ensure new business is not turned away due to the decommissioning of existing stands during construction of Pier E/T2; and the locations at which stands for wide bodied long haul aircraft can be provided pending Terminal 2 completion. [2951/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1208 and 1273 together.

The issues raised by the Deputy are day-to-day operational matters for the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA), in which I have no statutory function. I understand from the DAA that the company makes every effort to maximise the use of its runway, contact stands and terminal resources and facilities to meet demand. The DAA considers the designation of Dublin Airport as a coordinated airport, in terms of slot allocation, as essential to support this process. Without this designation, it is the DAA's view that there will be significant periods of congestion and disruption to the smooth operation of the airport. DAA is awaiting the decision of the Commission for Aviation Regulation in this regard. In the meantime I understand that the DAA will introduce temporary measures, where necessary, to accommodate aircraft demand during the coming years in order to address the anticipated shortfall in stand availability during the capital investment programme. As a consequence, I am informed that the level of service available to operators and the opportunity to avail of a contact stand will depend on the operating times of new services. The planning of new services outside the peak periods will enhance the opportunity to utilise contact stands and available space within the terminal building.

Park and Ride Facilities.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1209 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Transport the proposal he has received for park and ride facilities under Transport 21; and the details of same. [2998/07]

Damien English

Question:

1216 Mr. English asked the Minister for Transport his plans for a park and ride bus facility for bus users in Kells, County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43818/06]

Damien English

Question:

1217 Mr. English asked the Minister for Transport his plans for a park and ride facility for bus users in Navan, County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43819/06]

Damien English

Question:

1218 Mr. English asked the Minister for Transport his plans for a park and ride facility for bus users in Athboy, County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43820/06]

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1242 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport the money available from his Department for the provision of park and ride facilities; the money that has been allocated; and the money that has been applied for to provide facilities in the administrative area of Fingal County Council. [1336/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1209, 1216 to 1218, inclusive, and 1242 together.

Funding is being made available over the lifetime of Transport 21 to provide for the development of park and ride facilities. This is being done through Iarnród Éireann and local authorities. In 2006, my Department approved funding for Iarnród Éireann totalling €3.865 million to fund:

expansion-improvement works at the car parks serving Ennis, Mallow and Leixlip-Louisa Bridge railway stations. These improvement works will increase the total car parking available at these stations by over 650 spaces;

the cost of a feasibility study by Irish Rail on a car park expansion programme, which considered the prioritisation of car park improvement works necessary throughout the network including at station locations within the Fingal area.

Arising from this study the implementation and funding of further car park expansion and improvement works at railway stations is currently a matter being discussed between my Department and Irish Rail. In addition, car park provision will form part of major new railway infrastructure works such as the Kildare Route Project and the Navan Rail Link. In respect of local authorities, my Department has set aside €56.9 million for both park and ride and bus priority measures in 2007. I await proposals for funding from local authorities in respect of specific projects. Currently, I have no proposals from Fingal County Council or Meath County Council.

National Minimum Wage.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1210 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Transport the number of staff in his Department earning the national minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department currently earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department’s agencies currently earning the national minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department’s agencies currently earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff who are employed by contractors to his Department currently earning the national minimum wage; the number employed by contractors of his Department currently earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; the number of staff in his Department’s agencies currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; the number of staff who are employed by contractors to his Department currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43762/06]

All staff in my Department earn in excess of the rates as outlined by the Deputy in his question. The wages of staff employed in Agencies or by Contractors is a day-to-day matter for the Agency or Contractor concerned and is outside my remit.

Park and Ride Facilities.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

1211 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the number of park and ride sites in the greater Dublin area; the total capacity of these sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43774/06]

There are currently 36 park and ride facilities in operation in the Greater Dublin Area. While the capacity of individual car parking facilities is an operational matter for the company, agency, or authority concerned, I have been informed by the Dublin Transportation Office (DTO) that the total capacity in these facilities is 6,353 spaces.

Light Rail Project.

Seán Crowe

Question:

1212 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the plans in place to extend LUAS trams; and when this will be achieved. [43779/06]

In November 2005, my Department gave funding approval to the Railway Procurement Agency to enhance capacity on the Red line (Tallaght to the city centre). This involves increasing the length of the 30 metre trams to 40 metres, thus increasing capacity by 40%. The first of the extended trams is scheduled to enter service in Quarter 2 of this year and the tram extension project will be completed in 2008.

Public Transport.

Seán Crowe

Question:

1213 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the number of additional buses promised for Bus Átha Cliath under the National Development Plan 2000-2006. [43781/06]

The information sought by the Deputy is set out below. As the Deputy will be aware I yesterday launched the additional 100 buses for Dublin Bus. The impact of this and previous investment in Dublin Bus has seen an increase in capacity from 67,000 in 1997 to 106,000 at the moment.

Replacement

Additional

Total

NDP (2000-2006) forecast

500

275

775

Actual outturn

517

213

730

Seán Crowe

Question:

1214 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the average age of the Dublin Bus fleet. [43783/06]

I have been informed by Dublin Bus that the average age of their fleet is 5.9 years.

Rural Transport Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1215 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to enhance the rural transport option with particular reference to areas not covered by public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42882/06]

The Rural Transport Initiative (RTI) was launched on a pilot basis in 2002. Under this scheme, thirty-four community transport groups throughout the country are being funded to address the particular transport needs of their rural areas. Pobal administers the scheme on behalf of my Department. The pilot phase of the Initiative concluded at the end of 2006 and in line with Government announcements in the matter, preparations are now being made to mainstream the provision of rural transport from 2007 onwards. In the meantime, existing groups continue to be funded. In line with commitments in Towards 2016 and in parallel with the implementation of Transport 21, Euro 9 million is being provided for the RTI in 2007. This funding will facilitate the transition of the RTI from the end of its pilot phase into the beginning of the mainstreaming process. In making specific allocations to the individual RTI project groups from this funding, I have asked Pobal to work closely with the existing groups to maximise the impact of the funding through, among other things, increased service provision and including areas not already served by the scheme. I hope to announce shortly the details of the mainstreaming of rural transport from 2007 onwards.

Questions Nos. 1216 to 1218, inclusive, answered with Question No. 1209.

Rail Network.

Damien English

Question:

1219 Mr. English asked the Minister for Transport if he has investigated the opening of the Navan to Drogheda rail line for commuter trains; his views on this measure in view of the fact that Transport 21 does not see a direct line from Dublin to Navan until 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43821/06]

The re-opening the Navan to Drogheda line was considered as part of the Strategic Rail Review in 2003 which concluded that there was no economic case for re-opening it. I am advised by Iarnród Eireann that the Navan to Drogheda line is a freight only line and significant investment would be required to upgrade the track and signalling and to provide passing loops to permit the operation of commuter trains. A scoping study is underway at present examining the re-opening of the Navan to Dunboyne line as an extension of the Clonsilla to Dunboyne line which Iarnród Éireann are currently designing.

Road Safety.

Richard Bruton

Question:

1220 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if he has published the findings of his study of the banning of all oversize vehicles from operation on public roads; and when he will implement the ban, bearing in mind the February 2007 start date for the general regulation of heavy goods vehicles in Dublin. [43829/06]

I announced on 25 January 2007 that I propose to make a regulation to provide for a national maximum vehicle height limit of 4.65 metres. I have asked the Road Safety Authority to prepare a draft regulation providing for this maximum vehicle height limit and to undertake the necessary consultation with the European Commission regarding its introduction. Subject to the outcome of the EU consultation, it would be my intention to implement the height limit at the earliest date possible. I propose to allow a period of two years for the phasing out of the use of existing vehicles that exceed the proposed height limit of 4.65 metres.

Public Transport.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

1221 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport his plans for a new bus station in Dublin’s Docklands; when this project will be completed; the estimated cost of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1036/07]

I understand that CIE is looking at the development of its lands adjoining Connolly Railway Station and within the Docklands area. This is a matter for CIE in the first instance.

Metro Project.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

1222 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the way he will integrate the construction of the Stephen’s Green Metro Station with the proposed interconnector station; and if, as indicated by the RPA chairman, their simultaneous construction would impact negatively on the Metro project, the alternatives that are proposed. [1049/07]

Robust arrangements are in place between RPA and Iarnród Éireann, monitored by my Department, to coordinate the design and construction of the stations. To this end, both agencies have regular progress review meetings, the most recent of which, took place yesterday. I understand that satisfactory progress has been made to date.

The current Metro North design brief includes a provision for the incorporation of a common concourse serving both the metro and interconnector underground station platforms. The concourse construction will be part of the Metro North works.

I understand that current discussions are focusing on the relative levels between the two tunnels with a view to adopting an optimal design, taking due account of the construction effects.

Both agencies consider this approach to be the most effective way to implement the two projects in accordance with the Transport 21 timetable, while ensuring that St. Stephen's Green operates as an effective and convenient interchange and that the disruption to either project is minimised.

Road Use Charges.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

1223 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to ensure that Irish hauliers and Irish taxpayers are not disadvantaged by the introduction in most EU countries of daily or kilometre road charges compared with the flat road tax paid by Irish hauliers; and if his attention has been drawn to plans by the British Government to charge foreign hauliers at point of entry to ensure their contribution to road maintenance. [1050/07]

Directive No. 2006/38/EC amending the existing Eurovignette Directive No. 1999/62/EC on the charging of heavy goods vehicles for the use of certain infrastructures was adopted on by the European Council on 27 March 2006 and entered into force on 17 May 2006.

The amending Directive is designed to supplement the existing rules in respect of tolls and user charges for HGVs and to align national systems on common principles with two purposes in mind: to ensure fair competition in the transport sector; and as a means of including the cost to society in the prices paid by infrastructure users.

The Directive lays down rules for calculating tolls and user charges for the use of roads on the trans-European road network. It also enables Member States to apply tolls and user charges on roads not forming part of the trans-European network, for instance parallel roads, with a view to managing traffic flows. In addition, Member States may choose to apply tolls or charges to only parts of the trans-European network or not to apply tolls or charges at all.

From Ireland's point of view, the Directive provides that any tolls charged cannot discriminate against international traffic and should not result in distortions of competition between operators. Fees should be non-discriminatory and their collection should not involve excessive formalities or create barriers at internal borders.

Member States have up to 10 June 2008 to transpose the Directive into their national legislation.

The UK Government is currently investigating various proposals for a road pricing scheme. If firm proposals are announced for any category of charging there will be public consultation.

Rail Network.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1224 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 1113 of 27 September 2006, if his Department’s assessment is complete; if he will respond to the report submitted by the group in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1064/07]

A report by the Midland Railway Action Group regarding the re-opening of the Athlone to Mullingar rail line is being considered by my Department in conjunction with Irish Rail in the context of priority projects under Transport 21.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1225 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 1114 of 27 September 2006, his plans to upgrade the Dublin to Westport rail service; the status of this upgrade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1067/07]

The position remains as set out in my reply to Question No. 1114 of 27 September 2006.

Road Network.

Marian Harkin

Question:

1226 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Transport the Government’s plans to upgrade the N4 to dual carriageway or motorway in the context of the forthcoming National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1114/07]

Marian Harkin

Question:

1227 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Transport the Government’s plans to upgrade the N3 to dual carriageway or motorway in the context of the forthcoming National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1115/07]

Marian Harkin

Question:

1228 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Transport the Government’s plans to upgrade the N2 to dual carriageway or motorway in the context of the forthcoming National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1116/07]

Marian Harkin

Question:

1229 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Transport the Government’s plans to upgrade the N5 to dual carriageway or motorway in the context of the forthcoming National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1117/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1226 to 1229, inclusive, together.

Under Section 17 of the Roads Act, 1993, overall responsibility for the planning, design and implementation of national road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority and the relevant local authority concerned.

Under the Roads Sub-Programme of the National Development Plan, some €13.3 billion will be invested in national roads. The principal objectives of the Roads Sub-Programme are as follows. Completion by 2010 of the major inter-urban routes linking Dublin with Belfast, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. The upgrade of the M50 by 2010 which will convert to barrier free tolling in 2008. Improvement of road links between the main NSS Gateways. Ongoing development of the Atlantic Road Corridor from Letterkenny through Sligo, Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford. Continued upgrading of road links to Northern Ireland. Targeted improvements of a number of key national secondary routes. Investment in strategic non-national roads which will compliment the national roads investment.

Investment in national roads will be utilised to implement the objectives of the National Spatial Strategy. Particular focus will therefore be on investment in road routes which link the Gateways, including major upgrading of the Atlantic Road Corridor, which links many of the Gateways outside Dublin. Among the national secondary routes to be prioritized will be routes between the Gateways outside Dublin including upgrading roads linking the Midland Gateway centres of Athlone, Tullamore and Mullingar. In combination with the Sub-Programme there will also be significant investment in key routes impacting on NSS Gateways, Hubs and County towns.

Public Transport.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

1230 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if he must give his consent to fare increases on the LUAS; if so did he consent to the recent increase on this service; if his consent is not required, the reason therefor; if he supports the recent increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1122/07]

While there is no statutory requirement for Ministerial consent for the level of fares on the Luas, the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) provided my Department with prior notice of their proposals for a fare increase in 2007 and I conveyed my approval for a modest average increase of 2.75%. In approving that increase, I was conscious of the requirement to achieve a balance between the impact of the increase on passengers and the need to sustain the financial health of the system.

Subject to the approved average increase, it was a matter for the RPA to determine the details of the new fares structure which was announced by the Agency on 4th January last. I understand that, for the second year running, the RPA did not increase Luas SmartCard fares and child fares. SmartCard users can avail of average savings of up to 15% compared to single ticket purchases.

Aviation Sector.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1231 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport if, in view of the changing dynamics within the air transport sector, he will publish a white paper on the aviation sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1169/07]

The Irish aviation sector plays a vital role in our continuing economic development and is a critical feature of the growth in tourism and trade. Aviation is particularly important for us because we are an island nation.

The key objectives of Irish Aviation policy and the strategies being pursued to achieve those objectives are set out in my Department's Statement of Strategy 2005-2007 which was published on 29 July 2005 on the Department's website. I have no plans at present to publish a Green or a White paper on the subject.

In broad terms the main objectives of Irish aviation policy are: to facilitate and encourage as wide a range as possible of safe, reliable, regular and competitive commercial air services for Irish tourism, trade and industry; and to ensure Ireland's airports can provide cost competitive and appropriate infrastructure to meet the current and prospective needs of the aviation sector.

These objectives will be pursued by concluding liberal regulatory arrangements with non-EU States and by seeking to facilitate greater access on transatlantic routes by concluding the EU/US Open Skies agreement. Open Skies offers significant growth and hub opportunities with considerable potential benefit to the Irish economy. I am seeking to bring this issue to conclusion in an EU-US context. If agreement on an EU/US agreement cannot be reached in a reasonable timeframe, I will seek to progress this bilaterally with the US authorities.

The successful flotation of Aer Lingus has provided the airline with access to new equity to enable it to compete effectively and fund the growth of its business. The company now has new equity of the order of half a billion Euro, which provides it with a unique opportunity to pursue its expansion based business strategy. It will be a matter for the Board of the company going forward to decide on its future strategy. In relation to the hostile take-over bid by Ryanair, the Government's view is that Ireland's strategic objectives for aviation would not be well served by such a takeover. The EU Commission recently announced that it has decided to initiate a full investigation of the attempted hostile takeover of Aer Lingus. The decision of the EU Commission is consistent with my view that the proposed merger would raise significant competition issues. I remain opposed to the attempted takeover as I believe that a merger between the two companies would have a detrimental impact on competition in aviation services.

With regard to Airports, it is Government policy to foster airport development, particularly at the three state airports, in order to encourage as wide a range as possible of reliable, regular and competitive air services to and from Ireland. Policy is also aimed at facilitating the contribution of the regional airports to balanced regional development.

Airport development in Ireland must take into account the needs of low cost and full service airlines. Airport development should also enable the development of critical long haul business to North America and to other long haul destinations.

Major development will be required at our key gateway airport, Dublin Airport, over the next decade. Among the priorities are a new Terminal 2 and pier and apron facilities and a 2nd runway that will allow the airport to respond to demand and to improve the overall passenger experience for all users.

Alternative Fuels.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1232 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport the policy of his Department in relation to encouraging public transport vehicles to run on biofuels and flexi-fuels in view of the progress being made in this regard in other jurisdictions. [1304/07]

The Government remains committed to meeting the requirements of Directive 2003/30/EC, which set an indicative target of 5.75% of all transport fuels to be met by biofuels by 2010.

The investment programme in Transport 21 will have a significant impact on progressing more sustainable forms of transport. Transport 21 also provides funding for pilot projects to support biofuels uptake and my Department is engaged with the relevant stakeholders to explore initiatives in this regard.

These initiatives will examine the use of biofuels in buses and the potential of other forms of transport such as hybrid buses.

International Agreements.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

1233 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the steps proposed to actively persuade the EU Commission that prohibiting a new Ireland-US bilateral agreement is disadvantaging Ireland and is anti competitive. [1309/07]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

1234 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on progress towards an EU US Open Skies regime. [1310/07]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

1235 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if, in view of the recent three day delay to US bound passengers due to the unavailability of a functioning aircraft he will report on the efforts being made to attract long haul airlines with the capacity to serve the growing commercial and social needs of the population. [1311/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1233 to 1235, inclusive, together.

The Deputy will be aware that, in November 2005 EU and US negotiators concluded work on the text of a first phase EU-US Open Skies agreement that included a transitional arrangement for Ireland, relating to the phasing out of the ‘Shannon Stop'. The draft agreement was unanimously endorsed at the December 2005 Transport Council subject to sufficient progress by the US side on opening up ownership and control of US airlines to EU investors.

In December 2006, following opposition from Congress, the US authorities withdrew the rulemaking proposal concerning control and ownership of U.S. airlines. The rule making provision had been a key demand for a number of Member States and its withdrawal by the US side is a significant barrier to concluding the EU US Open Skies agreement.

Negotiation at EU-US level resumed in January 2007, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to the goal of concluding an EU-US agreement that would open access to markets and maximise benefits on both sides of the Atlantic. The objective is to reach agreement in time for the next Transport Council in March 2007.

Negotiations are continuing between the EU and US and my Department is in ongoing contact with the Office of the Attorney General on the legal options. As I indicated previously, in the absence of progress at EU level, I intend to seek to implement, in accordance with Community law, measures to provide for liberalisation of transatlantic services between Ireland and the US by way of an amendment to the Ireland-US bilateral Air Services Agreement.

As far as the development of long haul services is concerned, my Department's strategy is to promote, where possible, new long haul services and, where necessary, put in place new or modified agreements. The Deputy will be aware that my Department last week gave approval, in principle, for Flyglobespan to operate UK/US air services via Ireland West Airport Knock.

Road Signage.

Tony Gregory

Question:

1236 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 249 of 6 December 2006, if the statutory directions given to the road authorities obliges the authorities to provide bi-lingual placename signs in all cases. [1312/07]

The statutory directions given in the Traffic Signs Manual requires that placenames in Gaeltacht areas be displayed on traffic signs in Irish only.

In the case of placenames elsewhere it is required that these be displayed in bi-lingual format. However, in the instance where a placename has the same spelling in both Irish and English, the requirement is that the only the version in the Irish text format be displayed.

Railway Stations.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

1237 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date on the future development of Dunleer Railway Station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1313/07]

The location of stations on the rail network is a matter for Iarnród Eireann.

I am advised by Iarnród Eireann that it is currently reviewing the re-opening of Dunleer Station in the context of planned developments adjacent to the station and in Dunleer village. I understand from Iarnród Eireann that the commercial case for re-opening the station would be strengthened if the costs involved were funded as part of these proposed developments.

Public Transport.

Paul McGrath

Question:

1238 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport if an application was made for a road transport licence by Bus Éireann to operate a half hourly service from Galway to Dublin Airport; when this application was received by his Department; when it will be processed; the reason there is such a delay in granting this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1314/07]

Paul McGrath

Question:

1239 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the number of road transport licences in use for the Galway to Dublin Airport route by private bus operators; when these licences were issued; the average length of time for processing these licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1315/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1238 and 1239 together.

I can confirm that my Department received a notification from Bus Éireann on 5th May, 2005, in respect of a proposed service between Galway and Dublin Airport. The processing of that notification was deferred on the grounds that my Department was giving consideration to a number of prior applications from private bus operators for licences or amendments to existing licences for services on and along that route. In addition, my Department informed Bus Éireann that some elements of the proposals were premature where the infrastructure was not yet in place.

The current position in relation to the notification is that, as the consideration of the prior applications for licences and the amendments to existing licences has now been completed, the examination is now proceeding. However, the Department can only deal with the elements of the notification that relate to current infrastructure and the premature elements will remain queued for review at a later date.

The following table gives details of the six current licences operating between Galway and Dublin Airport, the operators concerned, the licence numbers together with the issue and expiry dates of those licenses.

Operator

Licence number

Route

First Issued

Valid until

Nestor Bus Ltd

01085 continuous operates daily

Turloughmore-Dublin City/Dublin Airport

26/10/01

31/10/07

Nestor Bus Ltd

01086 seasonal operates from 1 June-30 September annually

Turloughmore-Dublin Airport via Dublin City

26/10/01

31/05/07

Cummer Commercials Ltd t/a Citylink

01087 continuous operates daily

Galway-Dublin Airport via Dublin City

8/11/01

31/10/07

Cummer Commercials Ltd t/a Citylink

04058 continuous operates daily

Galway-Dublin City via Dublin Airport

16/06/04

31/10/07

Cummer Commercials Ltd t/a Citylink

04064 continuous operates daily

Galway-Dublin Airport (direct)

16/06/04

31/10/07

Nestor Bus Ltd

06001 seasonal operates from 1st October-31st May annually

Turloughmore-Dublin Airport

7/03/06

30/09/07

In addition to the licensed services listed above, Bus Éireann also operates their Route 20 daily return services between Galway and Dublin.

Licence applications under the 1932 Act are dealt with on a first come, first served basis. The processing of applications involves detailed analysis to ascertain, for example, the anticipated demand for the service and the extent of any overlap between the proposed service and existing licensed or other public transport services. This can include similar licence applications already received or prior notifications received from Bus Éireann. In some circumstances, while the preliminary work may have been completed on a particular application, a final decision cannot be made until other relevant applications or notifications received prior to it have been finalised. The average length of time for processing an application depends on the route in question, the number of prior applications received and the complexity of the cases.

Road Accident Investigations.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

1240 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the investigations, audits, studies, reports and other analysis which were undertaken in the aftermath of the school bus accident in Kentstown, County Meath; the changes that have resulted from such analysis; if all investigations are now completed; if these reports have all been published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1318/07]

Since 13 September 2006 as a consequence of the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 responsibility for matters relating to vehicle standards has passed to the Road Safety Authority.

Three separate investigations were undertaken in relation to the school bus accident in Kentstown, County Meath by the Garda Síochána, the Health and Safety Authority and Bus Éireann. I have not received any report of these investigations. The publication of these reports is a matter for the bodies concerned in the first instance. I am aware that, on foot of the investigations by the Garda Síochána and the Health and Safety Authority, legal proceedings were instituted by the Director of Public Prosecutions against a number of parties in relation to this accident. As these proceedings are currently before the courts, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the accident.

Following the Kentstown accident, the Government decided that, by the end of 2006, the 3 for 2 seating arrangements would be eliminated on State-funded school bus services and that such buses must be equipped with safety belts. The Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science announced earlier this month that the target date for both these measures had been achieved. In May 2006 I made regulations transposing into Irish law EU Directive 2003/20 relating to the compulsory wearing of safety belts. Essentially, this Directive requires that where a safety belt is fitted to a seat in a vehicle it must be used by the occupant of the seat.

The Road Safety Authority has engaged consultants to conduct a fundamental review of the scheme of compulsory periodic roadworthiness testing of goods vehicles and buses. I understand from the Road Safety Authority that it expects to receive the report from the consultants very soon. In addition, the Road Safety Authority is examining the question of the appropriate standards for buses engaged in the organised transport of children.

National Car Test.

John Gormley

Question:

1241 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Transport the number of people that have been asked if they had confirmation of NCT test before they could tax their car; if this practice of seeking this confirmation has now been stopped; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1324/07]

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority has responsibility for the oversight and monitoring of the National Car Test Service.

Question No. 1242 answered with QuestionNo. 1209.

Road Network.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

1243 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the final cost of the Dublin Port Tunnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1381/07]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

1244 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the annual maintenance cost of the Dublin Port Tunnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1382/07]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

1245 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the cost of preliminary design and planning for the Dublin Port Tunnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1383/07]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

1246 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the position in relation to outstanding claims by all contractors involved in the development and construction of the Dublin Port Tunnel; the amount of moneys involved and being sought or owed to whom; when these claims will be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1384/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1243 to 1246, inclusive, together.

Overall responsibility for the planning, design and implementation of national road improvement projects, including the Dublin Port Tunnel, is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) and the local authorities concerned, in this case, Dublin City Council.

In particular, the allocation of funding in relation to the construction or maintenance of national roads is a matter for the NRA under section 19 of the Roads Act, 1993.

I understand from the NRA that the estimated cost of the Tunnel remains at €751 million.

Departmental Staff.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1247 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport when officials from the accounts branch of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in Castlebar will be transferred to the Road Safety Authority in Ballina; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1394/07]

Four officials from the accounts branch of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in Castlebar were transferred to the Road Safety Authority, Ballina in July 2006.

Road Safety.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

1248 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the progress that has been made in relation to the development of road safety action plans to be piloted in 10 local authority areas; if these plans are currently operational and the anticipated outcomes of these projects; if these projects will now be mainstreamed; if the assessment of the role of local authority road safety officers has now been concluded; the outcome of this assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1472/07]

Prior to the establishment of the Road Safety Authority, the National Safety Council commenced, in consultation with my Department, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, and the City and County Managers Association, the development of a template for road safety action plans to be piloted in 10 chosen local authority areas.

It was intended that the results of these pilots would inform the development of models which could subsequently be applied in all local authority areas throughout the country.

The project included an examination of the role of local authority Road Safety Officers by the Council in consultation with relevant Departments and agencies.

To date 6 local authorities have completed their strategic actions plans most of which will be launched in early 2007.

The RSA will continue to monitor, evaluate and develop the respective plans in conjunction with the various stakeholders.

I am advised that the RSA will specifically address this issue in the proposed new Road Safety Strategy and that there will be a formalisation of the role of local road safety working together groups in each local authority area.

I expect to receive the new Road Safety Strategy in March and that it will be submitted to Government for approval shortly thereafter.

Cycle Facilities.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

1249 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the provisions that exist on public transport to allow cyclists to bring their bicycles on such transport; the facilities which exist to ensure secure parking for bicycles at public transport stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1543/07]

I have no function in relation to this matter. This is a day to day operational matter for the Public transport authorities.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1250 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if consideration can or will be given to put in place a cycle path along the Grand and Royal Canals from Celbridge and Maynooth to the city centre for the ever growing group of people who wish to travel by bicycle as an alternative means to motorised transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1571/07]

The provision of cycle paths along the Grand and Royal Canals is a matter for the relevant local authorities.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

1251 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the number of civil servants and other staff employed in his constituency office; and the grade and remuneration of each. [1755/07]

There are five staff in total in my Constituency Office. Two of the five are civil servants. The following table provides information in relation to their grade and current remuneration.

Grade

Remuneration

Civil servant

Personal Assistant

€43,445–€55,147

No

Senior Special Assistant

€43,445–€55,147

No

Personal Secretary

€21,632–€41,736

No

Executive Officer

€30,027–€47,641

Yes

Clerical Officer

€22,766–€36,913

Yes

Paul McGrath

Question:

1252 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the number of civil servants and other staff in his press office and the grade and remuneration of each staff member. [1770/07]

There are four staff in total in the Press Office in my Department. Three of the four are civil servants. The following table provides information in relation to their grade and current remuneration.

Grade

Remuneration

Civil servant

Press Adviser

€66,000

No

Higher Executive Officer

€43,445–€55,147

Yes

Clerical Officer

€22,766–€36,913

Yes

Clerical Officer

€22,766–€36,913

Yes

Air Safety.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

1253 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Transport if he will assure this Deputy that Irish air passengers will not be put in jeopardy due to tarmac resurfacing works at airports here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1795/07]

The Irish Aviation Authority conducts regulatory oversight activities in relation to all licensed aerodromes within the State. All licensed aerodromes have in place a safety management system for the management of safety at their aerodrome which is reviewed and audited by the Irish Aviation Authority.

I am advised by the IAA that all construction projects, including runway pavement overlays, are assessed as part of the aerodrome's safety management system and suitable procedures are developed by the aerodrome licensee on a case by case basis to manage safety during construction.

International Agreements.

Pat Breen

Question:

1254 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 299 of 4 October 2006, if the Ireland US bilateral Air Services Agreement is not an existing bilateral agreement and hence subject to the ruling of the European Court of Justice on nationality clauses in 2002 which would preclude any amendments to the said agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1829/07]

While the decisions made by the European Court of Justice in the Open Skies cases were not specifically addressed to Ireland, the interpretation of Community law contained in those decisions must be respected by Ireland. That said, there is nothing in the Court judgments, per se, that prevents the Member States addressed in those judgments, or Ireland, from amending their bilateral agreements.

However, following the 2002 judgments, the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament adopted Council Regulation 847/2004 on the negotiation and implementation of air services agreements between Member States and third countries. That Regulation does contain provisions in relation to renegotiation or amendment of bilateral agreements. In the case of the US, the Commission has been mandated by the Council of Ministers to negotiate an air transport agreement between the European Union and the United States. This would clearly have a significant bearing on how the Commission would respond pursuant to Regulation 847/2004 to a possible amendment of the bilateral agreement between Ireland and the US.

Negotiations are continuing between the EU and US and my Department is in ongoing contact with the Office of the Attorney General on the legal options. As I indicated previously, in the absence of progress at EU level, I intend to seek to implement, in accordance with Community law, measures to provide for liberalisation of transatlantic services between Ireland and the US by way of an amendment to the Ireland-US bilateral Air Services Agreement.

Road Network.

Michael Ring

Question:

1255 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Transport when will he announce the NRA funding for 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1986/07]

The funding allocation for the NRA for 2007 was announced by me at a press conference on 16th January last.

Under Section 17 of the Roads Act, 1993, overall responsibility for the planning, design and implementation of national road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority and the relevant local authority concerned.

National Car Test.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1256 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has received correspondence from a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon regarding the date of their national car test; the reason their car is due to be tested again despite the fact that it has not been in use for the past two years; if this two year period is standard throughout the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2023/07]

Since 13 September 2006 as a consequence of the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006, responsibility for matters relating to vehicle standards, including vehicle testing, has passed to the Road Safety Authority.

EU Regulations.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1257 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport the activities licensed by his Department since the introduction of SI No. 378 of 2005 bringing the Air Navigation and Transport Act under the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations; and the assessments undertaken as a result of this legislation. [2130/07]

The Minister for Transport authorises the operation of commercial air services, to, from, within or over the territory of the State under the Air Navigation and Transport Act 1965 and regulations made under Sections 7 of the Act. These authorisations have and continue to be made on an ongoing basis . No assessments have been undertaken under the provisions of SI 378 of 2005 in relation to the authorisation of commercial air services.

Rail Network.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

1258 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that Irish Rail open up the Phoenix Park Tunnel to commuters as soon as the capacity to receive the trains is made available by the completion of the Docklands Station in March 2007. [2241/07]

Iarnród Éireann plan to open the new Docklands station in March 2007 and additional commuter services will be introduced on the Maynooth line. I understand that the rail line to the new station cannot be accessed by trains from the Phoenix Park tunnel line and to do so would require major reconstruction and remodelling of the railway at Glasnevin Junction.

Mountain Rescue Services.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

1259 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Transport if he will afford Kerry Mountain Rescue volunteers the assurance that he will provide sufficient increased grant aid to mountain rescue teams for the purchase of insurance in order that the protection obtained is equivalent to the protection enjoyed by members of the Garda in the same circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2339/07]

Members of An Garda Síochána are State employees who receive State protection under the Garda Síochána Compensation Act 1941, whereas Mountain Rescue Team members are private persons who volunteer Search and Rescue assistance.

Insurance cover is an eligible expenditure for grant aid to Mountain Rescue Teams. The Coast Guard will shortly consider the distribution of the 2007 grant aid to the Teams.

Talks are ongoing between the Coast Guard and the Irish Mountain Rescue Association (IMRA) concerning agreed structures dealing with standards, equipment, training and call-out procedures on a national level. These are aimed at improving the service delivery and will provide added protection for IMRA team members.

Comhfhreagras Rannach.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1260 D’fhiafraigh Mr. Sargent den Aire Iompair cá fhad ar an meán a thógann sé air litir a fhreagairt as Béarla i gcomparáid leis an méid ama a thógann sé air litir a fhreagairt as Gaeilge. [2393/07]

Ní féidir liom freagairt go díreach ar an gceist seo. Braitheann sé ar cé chomh fada is atá an litir, cé chomh casta is atá sí, agus an féidir aistriúchán a dhéanamh uirthi san oifig nó í a chur amach chuig aistritheoir.

Airport Development Projects.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

1261 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Transport if, in respect of the question of a second Dublin airport since 1995 his Department has been consulted or has considered the use of Casement Aerodrome Baldonnell as a second commercial airport for Dublin; and the conclusion reached for same. [2454/07]

I should say at the outset that responsibility for the scope and scale of operations at Baldonnell are matters for the Minister for Defence and his Department in the first instance.

The use of Baldonnell as a second commercial airport has been raised on a number of occasions in fact as far back as January 1996 the then Minister for Transport Mr. Michael Lowry T.D., having consulted his cabinet colleagues, reached the conclusion that the project would not be in the interest of the aviation sector and the economy generally.

The issue of a second airport for the Dublin region was further addressed in the Warburg Dillon Read Report of 1999 on Aer Rianta. Among other things, that report concluded that Dublin does not need a second airport given Dublin Airport's capacity to expand for the foreseeable future. I am satisfied that the analysis remains a valid assessment of the Airport's potential. Because of the prudent policy of acquiring land banks in the environs of the airport to cater for future growth, the Dublin Airport Authority is now in the happy position of being able to construct the proposed second runway and the second terminal on land it already owns.

Driving Tests.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

1262 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that his Department’s website information on the various driving test centres’ pass rates has not been updated since 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2484/07]

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 and the issuing of certificates of competency and now also has responsibility for the Driving Test website.

I understand from the Road Safety Authority that the figures relating to pass rates contained in the Driving Test website relate to the most recent year for which figures are available. The figure for 2006 is currently being finalised and the website will be updated as soon as possible.

Vehicle Regulations.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

1263 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered introducing in conjunction with the Departments of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and Environment, Heritage and Local Government changes to the types of exhausts acceptable on cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2684/07]

Since 13 September 2006 as a consequence of the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 responsibility for matters relating to vehicle standards, including exhaust systems, has passed to the Road Safety Authority.

It is a requirement for the registration and entry into service of new motor vehicles in the European Union that they have type-approval in accordance with Directive 70/157/EEC as amended by Directive 1999/101/EC, which sets down the permissible sound levels and exhaust systems for motor vehicles. Vehicle in-service standards are specified in the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 which requires vehicles to be fitted with a silencer or other device that is suitable and sufficient for reducing to a reasonable level the noise caused by the escape of exhaust gases from the engine. Article 85 of these Regulations prohibits the use in a public place of a vehicle which causes excessive noise.

An examination of the silencer to assess its effectiveness in reducing noise is part of the NCT. It is an offence to use in a public place a vehicle which causes excessive noise. Enforcement of the law in this regard is a matter for the Garda Síochána.

Road Safety.

Richard Bruton

Question:

1264 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if he will introduce an initiative to make cyclists more aware of the danger of cycling on footpaths; and if he has requested reports from the Road Safety Authority on the level of accidents caused by this practice. [2701/07]

It is prohibited to cycle on footpaths and enforcement in this regard is a matter for the Garda. Cyclists have a duty of care and must take reasonable measures in their manner of cycling to avoid injury to themselves or to others. The revised Rules of the Road on my Department's website www.transport.ie outlines matters that cyclists must be mindful of.

The provision of specific cycle tracks and traffic signal facilities to support cycling at any location is the responsibility of each road authority. There is a significant provision in Transport 21 for traffic management, including improved facilities for cyclists.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is responsible for the promotion of road safety in Ireland and seeks (in partnership with other organizations such as schools and the Garda) to promote proper cyclist behaviour from an early age. Statistics on the level of deaths and injuries relating to pedal cyclists are available from the RSA.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

1265 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the plans he has to deal with the problem of motorists inappropriately using fog lights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2702/07]

Since 13 September 2006 as a consequence of the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 responsibility for matters relating to vehicle standards, including the lighting of vehicles, has passed to the Road Safety Authority.

Public Transport.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

1266 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the fleet size for each of the years since and including the year 2000 in relation to the public bus services serving Cork City; the average, median, lower and upper quartiles and the range of mileage of buses in this fleet; the average age of this fleet at present; and the number of buses in the fleet by age given at intervals of one year. [2708/07]

My Department has asked Bus Éireann to compile the information sought and to forward it to the Deputy directly.

Road Safety.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

1267 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the regulations governing the speed limit that may apply on an unlit road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2731/07]

The provisions in the Road Traffic Act 2004 relating to the application of default, special or roadworks speed limits do not make any reference to lit or unlit roads. The members of each city council and each county council have power to apply a special speed limit in lieu of a default speed limit at any location where is it considered that it is appropriate to do so. The exercise of that power is subject to the consent of the National Roads Authority in the case of a proposal relating to a national road and to consultation with the Garda authorities.

Public Transport.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

1268 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if he will clarify the position in relation to a recent newspaper article which stated that his Department plans to build the metro north, metro west and the Lucan LUAS using PPP deals at a combined cost of €750 million; the amount of Exchequer funding to be provided for these projects; the amount to be provided to each project individually; the amount of private sector funding which it is envisaged will be used to develop each of these projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2832/07]

The information contained in the newspaper article referred to by the Deputy derives from the Department of Finance's PPP website. This website gives an indicative value for PPP projects and in relation to Metro North, Metro West and the Lucan Luas PPP projects, the indicative value for each project is €250 million plus. The indicative value is provided to give potential bidders an indication of the relative scale of PPP projects being undertaken across all sectors. All the website says is that the indicative value of each of these projects will be in excess of €250 million.

I am not in a position to release details of the costs for the proposed Luas and Metro lines because the details are commercially sensitive from the point of view of protecting public funds and getting best value for money.

In relation to the remainder of the Deputy's question, it is proposed that the Metro North, Metro West and Lucan Luas projects will be procured as public private partnerships (PPP) and that the cost of the construction and maintenance will be borne by the private consortium selected through a tendering procedure. The PPP consortia will be paid through annual Exchequer payments. The level of payment will be dependent on the consortium meeting service delivery standards set out in the PPP contract.

The cost of land acquisition for these projects, together with project development costs incurred by the Railway Procurement Agency prior to applying for the relevant Railway Orders, will be funded by the Exchequer. Some of the funding will also be provided through development levies and developer contributions.

National Conference Centre.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

1269 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport the arrangements entered into between the Dublin Port Company and a group (details supplied) submitted for ministerial approval in May 2005, by letter of 18 May 2005 as detailed in the draft heads of terms enclosed with the letter. [2869/07]

As outlined in replies to previous questions from the deputy on this topic, most recently on 11 October 2006, Dublin Port Company wrote to me as Marine Minister on 18 May 2005 seeking ministerial approval for the company to enter into an arrangement with the Anna Livia consortium, as detailed in draft heads of terms enclosed with the letter.

The proposed arrangement was in essence that in the event that the consortium was successful in the National Conference Centre competition, and subject to the Minister's consent, Dublin Port Company would make a site available to facilitate the consortium's proposal for a National Conference Centre. Following approval by the Government, the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, John O'Donoghue, TD, announced in November 2005 that Spencer Dock International Conference Centre Consortium was being invited to become the Provisional Preferred Tenderer for the provision of a National Conference Centre in Dublin.

On 31 August 2006, that Minister further announced that this consortium was being invited to become the Preferred Tenderer in this regard. Since the consortium with whom Dublin Port Company signed the heads of terms was not successful in the competition, the Ministerial approval requested by Dublin Port Company on 18 May 2005 is no longer required. Furthermore, as per standard commercial arrangements between contracting parties, the draft heads of terms referred to in this reply are, by their nature, considered to be commercially sensitive.

Road Traffic Offences.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

1270 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether it is appropriate to make it an offence under the Road Traffic Act carrying a substantial disqualification penalty in addition to any criminal penalties to carry illegal drugs in a mechanically propelled vehicle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2870/07]

The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform is responsible for legislation regarding illegal drugs. I do not consider it appropriate to amend the Road Traffic Acts in this regard.

Road Safety.

M. J. Nolan

Question:

1271 Mr. Nolan asked the Minister for Transport the number of road fatalities in the years 1970, 1980, 1990, 2000 and 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2895/07]

The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the number of road fatalities for the years 1970, 1980, 1990, 2000 and 2006 is outlined in the following table. Since the introduction of roadside Mandatory Alcohol Testing in July 2006, there has been a downward trend in the number of collisions and road deaths on a monthly basis. The 2006 rate of 368 is the second lowest death rate on our road in the last forty years.

Statistics on Road Deaths

Year

Number of Fatalities

1970

540

1980

564

1990

478

2000

415

2006

368

Rail Services.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

1272 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the level of EU funding that will be available for the Metro North project; and the fund or funds from which the project will benefit. [2915/07]

I understand that the Department of Finance are preparing a National Strategic Reference Framework, which will set out the strategic orientation of the next round of Structural Funds for the period 2007-2013, for presentation to the European Commission by the 6th of March next. The quantity of Structural Funds available to Ireland is €900 million and its profile over the 7 year period will have an impact on the types of priorities that will be chosen for funding. It is not currently envisaged that major infrastructure projects such as Metro North will be funded but rather niche programmes that will complement the new NDP.

Funding for transport projects is also available under the Trans European Network (TEN-T) programme. I understand that current EU funding under this programme is focused on 30 priority projects and that the European Commission is giving priority to cross-border road and rail projects. I also understand that the revised Financial Regulation governing this programme is still under discussion. When this regulation has been adopted, further consideration will be given to the possible submission of Irish transport projects for assistance under the TENs programme.

Question No. 1273 answered with QuestionNo. 1208.

State Airports.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

1274 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the steps taken by the Government to ensure the speedy processing of the planning appeal in respect of Terminal 2 in view of the strategic importance of T2 to national aviation, enterprise and tourism policies. [2953/07]

The present position with regard to the proposed new terminal is that the planning application was approved, with conditions, by Fingal County Council in October 2006. I understand that appeals against the planning permission have been lodged with An Bord Pleanála. All matters relating to planning applications are the statutory functions of the relevant local authorities and An Bord Pleanála and accordingly I have no function in this matter.

Rail Services.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1275 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been brought to the fact that due to limited fleet availability Iarnród Éireann is not in a position to provide additional services from Maynooth train station, County Kildare to the new Docklands station and that the only service to operate on the western rail corridor to this new station will be from Clonsilla on 12 March 2007; his views on the fact that this new station was included in Transport 21 and that commitments were given in relation to train services from Maynooth at 15 minute intervals during peak hours; the reason carriages are not available; the action he will take in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2984/07]

I understand from Iarnród Éireann that the frequency of service on the Maynooth line has been increased substantially in recent years and that currently there are, for example, 5 trains from Maynooth between 07.22 and 08.15 in the morning peak to cater for peak demand from Maynooth. I am informed that the fastest area of growth on the Maynooth corridor is from Clonsilla inwards and that the new services to Docklands Station will be provided to cater for this increased demand which in turn will reduce pressure on the existing heavily loaded trains. These new services will commence in March 2007. Later in 2007 Iarnród Éireann plans to further increase the capacity of some of the existing Maynooth line services, through the reassignment of diesel railcars currently being used on the Sligo service following the entry into service of the first of the 150 new intercity railcars.

Public Transport.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1276 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Transport if he has approved the Dublin Bus proposal for a new service between Adamstown and the city centre, in view of the fact that the resolution of this matter is preventing the finalisation of the allocation of the additional 100 buses to other areas. [2999/07]

I can confirm that my Department received a notification from Dublin Bus on 31st October, 2006, for a service on the route referred to by the Deputy. Dublin Bus was informed at that time that the Department on 26th October, 2006 had issued an amended licence to a private bus operator for a substantial increase in services along part of the route in question. Where a notification is received and it is deemed that the initiation or alteration of a bus service would compete with an existing licensed service, the Department advises Dublin Bus in line with the Road Transport Act, 1958, that a Section 25 application is required. My Department is currently in discussion with Dublin Bus on the matter. The deployment of buses by Dublin Bus is an operational matter for the Company itself and my Department has no function in this matter.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1277 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Transport if Dublin Bus has received the final 20 additional buses as announced on 28 September 2006. [3000/07]

I assume the Deputy is referring to the 100 additional buses for which I approved funding in September last. The current position regarding the buses is that Dublin Bus has taken delivery of all 100 buses and is in the process of bringing the buses into service throughout Dublin.

Rail Network.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1278 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Transport further to the fact that the Kildare route project has been included in two national development plans presented by the Government, the timetable for the completion of the individual components of the project; and the amount of funding set aside in each year from his capital budget to cover that expenditure. [3011/07]

The implementation of the Kildare Route upgrade project is a matter for Iarnród Éireann. I understand from Iarnród Éireann that preparatory and enabling works are underway, that it is planned to place construction contracts in April 2007 and to have construction work completed and services operational in early 2010. My Department has allocated €45.4m to Iarnród Éireann to fund work on the project this year.

Rail Services.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1279 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the consultation that will take place with the public regarding the Dublin Metro west project; the date by which the route will be decided; the parts of Metro west that will be fully segregated from the road network; the timetable for the above; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3066/07]

The RPA, following consultation with South Dublin and Fingal County Councils and other key stakeholders, has identified two route corridor options for Metro West between its terminus at Tallaght and its connection with Metro North. I launched the public consultation process for Metro West on 22nd November last. Some 50,000 newsletters have been circulated to households and other interested parties along the proposed routes as part of this consultation. The newsletters contain a map showing the two broad corridor options and an assessment of each of these options.

The RPA is consulting widely with people living and working along the proposed routes, public representatives, local authorities and other agencies. The RPA recently held five open days as part of the public consultation process on route options. This gave people an opportunity to express their views and have these views taken into account in the implementation of the project. The RPA are inviting submissions from interested parties until the end of February.

The route finally selected may be a variant or combination of the route options or other options identified during consultation. It is expected that a preferred route will be identified this year. The sections of the route that will be fully segregated from the road network will be dependent on the preferred route identified.

Public Transport.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1280 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the conditions surrounding the granting of licences to private bus operators; his future plans in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3067/07]

The Road Transport Act, 1932, as amended, provides the legislative basis for entry to the public transport market by private bus operators. In accordance with this legislation, private operators are licensed under a passenger licence to operate scheduled public coach and bus services within the State. All applications by private operators are considered in accordance with the Act and each application is given individual consideration. In giving consideration to an application for a licence my Department has issued guidelines in that regard.

The adequacy or otherwise of existing services and whether the proposed service is required in the public interest, as required under section 11(3)(a) of the Road Transport Act 1932, as amended, is assessed by the Department on the basis of the best evidence available to it. Applications are examined for added value to the public in terms of route/locations to be served, the timing of services and the days on which services are available. The assessment also includes a review of existing and proposed service frequency, number of services provided per day/week, duration of daily service provided. Evidence of unsatisfied demand, review of Local or County Development Plans and other relevant publications, for example, Regional Planning Guidelines, transport studies, etc., reports of on-site monitoring, representations, complaints and any case made by an applicant are also taken into account.

When considering applications for new bus services or amendments to licences for existing bus services, the Department will try to ensure, so far as possible, that the services proposed are separated in time from existing services along the route or in the neighbourhood of the route. Separation of services is considered to be in the public interest in order to ensure the availability of a good range and spread of services to the travelling public including a sufficiently frequent service to meet anticipated demand; preserve good order and safety on public roads; avoid traffic congestion, particularly in urban areas; and maximise patronage of public transport and reduce private car usage.

New legislation is currently being prepared to replace the Road Transport Act, 1932 by a modern regulatory and licensing regime in line with commitments in the Programme for Government. It is anticipated that the new legislation will address a range of issues including the introduction of a single licensing code for all bus operators. The legislation will also be designed in a manner consistent with EU law on public service obligations and State Aids and in such a way as to create new opportunities and a level playing field for private operator involvement in the bus market.

Departmental Staff.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1281 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons engaged in project management in his Department that have recognised qualifications in that area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3224/07]

Responsibility for the implementation of capital transport infrastructural projects lies, for the most part, with agencies under the aegis of my Department such as the National Roads Authority and the Railway Procurement Agency. This means that the detailed planning and delivery of such projects is undertaken by these agencies, while the role of the Department is strategically focused to ensure that national transport infrastructure development policies that promote sustainability, integration and value for money are implemented.

Three of my staff currently engaged in project management hold a recognised qualification specifically in this discipline. My Department's policy is to provide relevant project management training to all officials engaged in project management. This policy complements other strategic management education and training initiatives to ensure that the officials concerned possess the requisite wide range of skills to discharge effectively their responsibilities at Departmental level.

National Minimum Wage.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1282 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of staff in his Department currently earning the national minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department currently earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department’s agencies currently earning the national minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department’s agencies currently earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff who are employed by contractors to his Department currently earning the national minimum wage; the number employed by contractors of his Department currently earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by Sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; the number of staff in his Department’s agencies currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by Sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; the number of staff who are employed by contractors to his Department currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43751/06]

I can confirm to the Deputy that all staff employed in my Department are earning more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage. With regard to the agencies coming within the ambit of my Department, I understand that 4 staff members are currently earning the minimum wage; 1 staff member is earning the minimum wage as defined by Sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; and 1 staff member is earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage. With regard to staff employed by contractors to my Department, there are 8 such staff members currently earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage.

Departmental Funding.

Michael Noonan

Question:

1283 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has received an application for funding from a club (details supplied) in County Limerick which is within the RAPID programme; if he will examine this application and award the club the maximum grant possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43782/06]

The Deputy will be aware the capital grants to sports clubs are a matter for the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism under the Sports Capital Programme. Sporting clubs and organisations located in RAPID areas or serving such areas can qualify for top-up grants from my Department under the RAPID Leverage Fund. The Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism granted St. Mary's Rugby Football Club €27,000 under the Sports Capital Programme in 2005. The club is located in a RAPID area and had been endorsed by the local RAPID Area Implementation Team and was granted top-up grant amounting to €8,100 by my Department from the RAPID Leverage Fund. To date the grant has not been drawn down from my Department.

Tuarascáil Roinne.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

1284 D’fhiafraigh Mr. O’Shea den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cathain a chuirfear an tuarascáil i leith theorainn na Gaeltachta os a chomhair agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina leith. [43833/06]

Faoi mar a chuir mé in iúl don Teach mar fhreagra ar Cheist Dála Uimh. 366 den 28 Samhain 2006, tá an obair ar an staidéar seo críochnaithe anois agus tá dréacht den tuarascáil a thagraíonn an Teachta di faighte ag mo Roinnse. Tuigim go bhfuil an dréacht sin glanta anois ag Coiste Stiúrtha an tionscadail féin agus táthar ag súil le leagan críochnaítheach agus profáilte a fháil sa Roinn laistigh de chúpla seachtain. Bheinn ag súil go gcuirfí faoi mo bhráid í ag an bpointe sin. Mar atá curtha in iúl agam cheana, glacaim leis go mbeidh an tuarascáil le foilsiú i dtráth cuí agus beidh mé sásta cóipeanna a chur ar fáil i Leabharlann an Oireachtais ag an am sin.

National Drugs Strategy.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

1285 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if, given his view that the Dial to Stop drug dealing campaign may have maximum impact when targeted at specific local areas, he agrees that Limerick should be one such priority area; and if having sought the views of the National Drugs Strategy Team he will arrange for the campaign to be rolled out in Limerick. [43958/06]

As I advised the Deputy in a previous reply, the recommendations arising from the Blanchardstown Dial To Stop Drug Dealing Campaign are being considered by the National Drugs Strategy Team (NDST). Such consideration would cover possible time defined campaigns targeted at specific areas in both Local and Regional Drugs Task Force areas. The NDST have recently been in contact with all Drug Task Forces in this regard. On receipt of the views of the NDST, and those of the of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and An Garda Síochána, I will consider the matter further.

Departmental Funding.

Joan Burton

Question:

1286 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position in relation to balancing funding for a group (details supplied) in Dublin 15, which is currently seeking to start the building of a long promised community and family resource facility; if he is in a position to provide the shortfall in funding which has emerged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1142/07]

An application in respect of the Community Centre in question under the Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund (YPFSF) was received in November 2006 from Blanchardstown Local Development Group. However, the Development Group subsequently contacted the Department to advise of their intention to withdraw their current application and to submit a revised one, focusing more particularly on the potential of the proposed development in regard to young people at risk in the community.

On receipt, the National Assessment Committee of the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund will consider any revised application. A critical eligibility requirement for funding rests on projects demonstrating how the needs of the specific target group (young people aged 10-21 in disadvantaged areas who are in danger of misusing drugs) of the YPFSF will be addressed.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1287 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason grant aid has been refused to a local radio station (details supplied); the criteria that have not been met; if he will reconsider his decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1357/07]

When the Community Services Programme was opened to fresh applications last year, 243 expressions of interest were received. Following appraisal, 126 Projects — reflecting the amount of funding available — which scored highest in the appraisal process, were invited to submit business plans. The application from the project referred to by the Deputy was placed 142 and therefore did not score sufficiently high to be included in the top 126. An appeal was carried out at the applicant's request. The outcome of that appeal confirmed the original recommendation and, accordingly, the expression of interest was not recommended to business plan stage.

Community Development.

Michael Lowry

Question:

1288 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the measures he will bring forward to combat rural isolation as he announced in early 2007; the extent of discussions between his Department and the Department of Transport; if and when the public can expect these measures to be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1632/07]

Discussions between my Department and the Department of Transport are ongoing at present and I will make a further announcement as soon as possible.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

1289 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of civil servants and other staff employed in his constituency office; and the grade and remuneration of each. [1744/07]

The following are the details regarding the staff currently employed in my Constituency Office:

Numbers

Grade

Salary Scale

1

Personal Assistant

Non Civil Servant

€43,445–€55,147 (Modified Scale)

1

Executive Officer

Civil Servant

€30,027–€47,641 (PPC* Scale)

2

Clerical Officers

Civil Servant

€22,766,–€36,913 (PPC* Scale)

* PPC — Personal Pension Contribution.

Paul McGrath

Question:

1290 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of civil servants and other staff in his press office and the grade and remuneration of each staff member. [1759/07]

The details of staff currently serving in my Press Office are:

Numbers

Grade

Salary Scale

1

Administrative Officer

Civil Servant

€32,783–€58,052 (PPC* Scale)

1

Translator

Civil Servant

€31,845–€62,496 (PPC* Scale)

1

Executive Officer

Civil Servant

€30,027–€47,641 (PPC* Scale)

0.5

Clerical Officer

Civil Servant

€21,625–€35,071 (Standard Scale)

1

Clerical Officer

Civil Servant

€22,766–€36,913 (PPC* Scale)

* PPC — Personal Pension Contribution.

There is also one Media Advisor, a Non Civil Servant, paid at Principal Officer scale (€80,408-€99,457 Standard Scale). The role of the Press Office is to act as a support service to the Minister, Minister of State and the Department, and to provide a bilingual information service to public, media, internal and professional customers about the work of the Department. The Press Office is headed by an AO, who reports to the Minister's Media Advisor. The staff of the Press office: prepare / write / edit and issue Press Releases about the Ministers' and the Department's work, and organise press briefings, media events and photocalls; provide a bilingual information service to public, media, internal and professional customers; respond to queries by phone, email, fax and letter; provide a news monitoring service for the Minister and Minister of State and Department; co-ordinate and prepare Ministerial speeches; establish and maintain good relationships with journalists and Government Information Service; assist with the maintenance of the Departmental website; facilitate information sharing within the Department.

This office acts as a ‘first port of call' for many queries both within and outside the Department's remit. General queries and requests for publications are dealt with immediately. Additional information is sought on more complex issues from the appropriate officer and in some cases the caller is referred to that officer. The office disseminates information on the work of the Department through the Departmental newsletter, press releases and by preparing articles and information for magazines, newsletters and other publications.

Departmental Funding.

Jack Wall

Question:

1291 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason funding has been removed from a group (details supplied) in Dublin 17; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1848/07]

In line with the strategy of focusing funding to the Community Development Projects themselves, with a consequent reduction in core funding to training and support agencies, my Department's contract with the group in question ceased on 31 December 2006. The decision not to renew the contract was communicated to the group in September 2005.

Jack Wall

Question:

1292 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if there is funding available under a grant scheme or agency under the remit of his Department to financially assist a project (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1849/07]

The Programme of Grants for Locally-Based Community and Voluntary Organisations, which is operated by my Department, includes a scheme under which funding towards the purchase of equipment is provided to eligible groups who are addressing disadvantage in their communities. This is an annual Programme of Grants and the closing date for applications in respect of the purchase of equipment under the 2006 Programme was 25 September last. My Department is now dealing with the almost 1,200 applications received under that Programme.

Details of the 2007 Programme will be announced in the coming months, at which stage application forms and detailed guidelines, including the criteria against which each application will be assessed, will be available on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie. It will then be open to the group in question to consider making an application for funding in light of the information regarding eligibility and assessment criteria.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

1293 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the grant schemes available through his Department for funding projects in respect of a boy scout hall. [2107/07]

My Department provides funding for projects through a number of schemes and programmes including — Community & Voluntary Grants, the LEADER and CLÁR Programmes and Gaeltacht Schemes. Funding is also available for projects, such as the one that the Deputy refers to, through the Dormant Accounts Fund.

Each of the schemes and grant programmes operated by my Department and by the Dormant Accounts Disbursement Board are governed by rules and eligibility criteria which projects have to meet in order to qualify for funding. The information attached below may be of assistance to the Deputy.

A Programme of Grants for Locally Based Community & Voluntary Organisations consists of three Schemes: the Scheme of Refurbishment Grants; the Scheme of Equipment Grants; and the Scheme of Training, Education and Research Grants. The Scheme of Refurbishment Grants supports the activities of local voluntary and community groups by way of grants for the refurbishment of premises used by such groups. Where disadvantage in the community is being addressed, up to 90% of the cost will be met, subject to a maximum grant of €40,000. Where the application is not from a project which addresses disadvantage but evidence of need has been clearly identified, up to 60% of the cost will be met, subject to a maximum grant of €40,000.

As such, refurbishment grants are available in respect of existing premises used by locally based organisations. It is not clear, therefore, whether this Scheme would be suitable to the case referred to by the Deputy. Application forms and detailed guidelines, including the criteria against which applications are assessed are available on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie. It is open to the group in question to consider making an application for funding in light of the information regarding eligibility and the assessment criteria.

Alternatively, it may be appropriate for the project in question to apply to their local LEADER group for funding under the LEADER programme. If they were to qualify for funding under that Programme, and if they are located within a CLÁR area, some funding could also be made available from the CLÁR Programme. It should be pointed out however, that the LEADER programme is operated in accordance with National and EU operating rules and regulations and any projects funded under the programme must meet the criteria outlined in the programmes rules.

If the particular project that the Deputy refers to is within a Gaeltacht area, an application could be made under our Aiseanna Caitheamh Aimsire Scheme, and the project in question would be considered for funding.

Among the funding measures approved by Government for assistance from the Dormant Accounts Fund in 2006 is one which provides small-scale equipment grants and facilities improvement grants to local youth groups and clubs. The maximum grant available to a group/club under this measure is €5,000. This funding measure is being administered through local Vocational Education Committees and the process of evaluating applications received is almost completed. In this regard, it is anticipated that the list of successful applicants will be known shortly.

The Deputy may access any further information on the grant schemes and programmes operated by my Department on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie.

An Teanga Ghaeilge.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1294 D’fhiafraigh Mr. Sargent den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cá fhad ar an meán a thógann sé air litir a fhreagairt as Béarla i gcomparáid leis an méid ama a thógann sé air litir a fhreagairt as Gaeilge. [2385/07]

Mar Aire is é mo pholasaí agus mo chleachtas déileáil le litreacha san dá theanga oifigiúil go cothrom. Agus é sin ráite, má tá cás faoi leith ag an Teachta go gcreideann sé gur cuireadh moill ar litir de bharr na teanga oifigiúla inar scríobhadh í bheinn buíoch dá bhféadfadh sé sonraí maidir leis an litir sin, an teanga inar scríobhadh í san áireamh, a chur chugam agus fiosróidh mé an scéal ina leith.

Departmental Reports.

Michael Ring

Question:

1295 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if a review has taken place of the boundaries for Gaeltacht areas in County Mayo; the situation regarding that review; if it has been completed; and if he will provide this Deputy with a copy of the review report. [2401/07]

As I informed the House in reply to Parliamentary Question No 366 on 28 Samhain 2006, the linguistic study to which the Deputy refers — covering all of the Gaeltacht areas, including those in Co Mayo — has been completed and a draft report presented to my Department. I understand that the draft in question has now been cleared by the Steering Group for the project and a final proofed version is expected in my Department over the coming weeks. I anticipate that the report will be presented to me at that time. As I have already indicated, I anticipate that the report will be published in due course and I will be glad to make copies available in the Oireachtas Library at that time.

Industrial Development.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

1296 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made on the provision of an industrial and enterprise estate at Meenavalley, Ardara, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2676/07]

I understand that Údarás na Gaeltachta purchased a site of approximately 2.2 hectares in Mín na Coilleadh, close to Mín an Bhealaigh, Ard an Rátha, Co Donegal, for industrial development in 2004. The current position is that Údarás is in discussions with Coiste Tionsclaíoch Chomhairle Pharóiste Ard an Rátha in regard to identifying potential projects for the site. In this connection, a feasibility study grant was approved in 2006 to assist in planning an enterprise centre.

Harbours and Piers.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

1297 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made on the extension of the pier at Rannagan, Aranmore Island; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2677/07]

The extension of Rannach pier on Árainn Mhór was discussed at a meeting between officials of my Department and Donegal County Council on 18 January 2007. It was agreed that Donegal County Council should submit an updated fee proposal for consideration by the Department in respect of the appointment of consultants to prepare contract documents and obtain the relevant statutory permissions for the project. This proposal, when received, will be evaluated in the context of the monies available for island development and the various demands on that funding.

Job Creation.

Michael Ring

Question:

1298 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of jobs created in County Mayo with the assistance of Údarás na Gaeltachta in the year 2006 in each Gaeltacht area; the number of these positions that were replacement jobs; the number of jobs lost in Údarás assisted companies in Mayo in 2006; and the net increase or decrease result of Údarás assisted job in Mayo for 2006. [3117/07]

The position in regard to the number of jobs created and lost in Údarás na Gaeltachta client companies in Co. Mayo in 2006 is as follows:

Jobs created, 135

Jobs lost, 60

Net increase, 75.

I understand from Údarás that none of jobs created in 2006 were in enterprises that replaced other enterprises which had ceased business in the recent past. The Deputy will be pleased to learn that the net gain in 2006 brings the total employed in Údarás na Gaeltachta client companies in Gaeltacht areas in Co Mayo to 831 at year-end, the highest employment number achieved to date in the county. I have arranged for a copy of the Údarás na Gaeltachta 2006 Review in regard to Co. Mayo to be forwarded to the Deputy for his information.

Irish Language.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1299 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will report on the 30 Irish language learning centres situated in the Gaeltacht areas; the number of persons who have attended courses at these centres in 2006; the number of trained teachers employed in promoting Irish in these centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3118/07]

Enda Kenny

Question:

1300 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason no Irish language learning centre has been sited in the Tourmakeady Gaeltacht in County Mayo; the further reason a decision was taken not to site a language learning centre in this Gaeltacht area; if he will reverse this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3119/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1299 and 1300 together.

The Irish language centres referred to by the Deputy are a core element of a 5-year language strategy called Gaeilge 2010, which is being promoted by Údarás na Gaeltachta in co-operation with my Department and local community groups in the Gaeltacht. The courses available through these centres comprise the graded Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge/European Certificate of Irish developed by the Languages Centre in the National University of Ireland Maynooth. This certificate is on a par with accredited certificates for adult language learners in all major European languages. In 2006, a total of 646 people attended these Irish language courses in 28 centres. 62 teachers have been involved in the delivery of these courses.

I understand that Tuar Mhic Éadaigh was included in the first phase of centres that were offered for development by local communities but a difficulty arose in locating suitable premises. The local community development group, Coiste Pobail Thuar Mhic Éadaigh, has since identified suitable premises, which is undergoing refurbishment at present. When the necessary work is completed, Coiste Pobail Thuar Mhic Éadaigh will be in a position to pursue the setting up of a language centre to cater for 102 people who have indicated an interest in courses in that centre.

Departmental Staff.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1301 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of persons engaged in project management in his Department that have recognised qualifications in that area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3215/07]

It is the practice in my Department that all project work is undertaken by those staff with the requisite skills, including project management skills and that outside expertise is engaged where that is required to supplement the skills available in-house.

Benchmarking Awards.

Joan Burton

Question:

1302 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the grades that were given increases under the benchmarking scheme in a semi-State company (details supplied); if her attention has been drawn to the reports that some workers at lower grades have not received satisfactory increases under the benchmarking programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43921/06]

The Public Service Benchmarking Scheme did not encompass the semi-State company to the Deputy refers.

Departmental Bodies.

Seán Crowe

Question:

1303 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position of Coillte in relation to the hostel at Oakwood in County Wicklow. [2465/07]

I understand that the property in question is currently leased on a long term basis by Coillte to the Dublin Diocesan Trust and provides dormitory accommodation for scouts and other youth groups largely from the west Dublin area.

Installation Aid Scheme.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

1304 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will seek to have the eligibility criteria for the young farmer installation aid scheme relaxed in order that the large number of young farmers now excluded on grounds of farm income being less than 20 income units can qualify for support under the programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43687/06]

The new Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 provides, in the case of the proposed Young Farmer Installation Scheme, that the system of income units be replaced by a requirement that young farmers must fulfil, inter alia, certain land transfer conditions in order to benefit from the increased grant of €15,000. The new Scheme will be introduced as soon as EU approval is received for the Programme.

Grant Payments.

Beverley Flynn

Question:

1305 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has not received their single payment; and when they will receive same. [43704/06]

An application for the Transfer of Entitlements from the person named under the Single Payment Scheme was submitted on the 24th May 2006. During processing of the Transfer application it was necessary for an official of my Department to seek clarification on certain matters relating to the application. The requested information was received on the 17th of January. The application has now been fully processed and payment in respect of 2.91 entitlements transferred by way of gift will issue shortly.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

1306 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cavan can expect to receive their payment entitlements that are single payment and so on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43715/06]

The position is that an application for the Transfer of Entitlements under the Single Payment Scheme to the person named was submitted on the 8 September 2006. The application was accepted even though the closing date for the receipt of completed applications to transfer entitlements was 16 May 2006. During processing of the Transfer application it was necessary for an official of my Department to seek clarification on certain matters relating to the application. The requested information was received and the application was fully processed. 17.50 entitlements were transferred to the person named by way of gift, of which 16.80 were used in 2006. Payment in respect of 16.80 entitlements issued to the person named on 14 December 2006.

Departmental Staff.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1307 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of staff in her Department currently earning the national minimum wage; the number of staff in her Department currently earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff in her Department’s agencies currently earning the national minimum wage; the number of staff in her Department’s agencies currently earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff who are employed by contractors to her Department currently earning the national minimum wage; the number employed by contractors of her Department currently earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff in her Department currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by Sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; the number of staff in her Department’s agencies currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by Sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; the number of staff who are employed by contractors to her Department currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by Sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43748/06]

All of the staff of my Department earn more than one euro above the national minimum wage. In relation to agencies under the aegis of my Department, the Code of Corporate Governance for State Bodies requires that they comply with labour laws. However, the day-to-day activities of those bodies are the responsibility of the bodies concerned. Information regarding staff who are employed by contractors to my Department earning the minimum wage or one euro above the minimum wage is not readily available. I am not aware of any staff working for these contractors who are earning less than the minimum wage.

Grant Payments.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

1308 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan will receive their single payment as details on the transfer of entitlements have been sorted out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43771/06]

The position is that an application for the Transfer of Entitlements under the Single Payment Scheme to the person named was submitted on the 25th April 2006. The application was examined and further documentation is required. The person named was written to on the 25th November 2006 and an official from my Department also made direct contact with the person named on the 18th January 2007 requesting the specific documentation. Upon receipt of the documentation my Department will process the application and will correspond directly with the person named. An application under the Consolidation measure of the Single Payment Scheme was also submitted on 15th May 2006. This application will be processed on completion of the Transfer of Entitlements.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

1309 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan will receive the second part of their single payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43772/06]

The person named submitted an application under Category C of the 2005 Single Payment Scheme National Reserve which caters for farmers who sold their milk quota into the Milk Quota Restructuring Scheme and converted their enterprise to a farming sector for which a direct payment under Livestock Premia and/or Arable Aid Schemes would have been payable during the reference period 2000 to 2002. The person named was deemed successful under this category and was allocated a top-up from the National Reserve.

Under the 2006 Single Payment Scheme National Reserve ,successful applicants under Category C of the 2005 National Reserve are eligible for a top-up from the 2006 National Reserve to reflect the increased value of the Dairy Premium in 2006. My Department has automatically applied this top-up. The person named received a balancing payment on 21st December, 2006 under the 2006 Single Payment Scheme and this payment included the additional allocation from the 2006 National Reserve.

Afforestation Programme.

Damien English

Question:

1310 Mr. English asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the forestry planting rate for County Meath for each of the years 2002 to 2005 and to date in 2006; the steps she is taking to encourage the planting of forestry in County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43805/06]

The forestry planting rate in Co. Meath was:

2002: 168.52ha

2003: 149.34ha

2004: 150.2ha

2005: 217.38ha

2006: not yet available.

The new Rural Development Programme for 2007-2013 has made very significant improvements to the Government's support system for the planting of trees throughout the country. Included among these measures are increased planting grant rates, a 15% increase in premium rates and the new Forestry Environmental Protection Scheme, an innovative scheme which will encourage farmers already participating in REPS to plant trees on their land. While all of these measures apply throughout the country I am sure this very attractive forestry package will be of particular interest to the farmers of County Meath.

Departmental Staff.

Damien English

Question:

1311 Mr. English asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of animal welfare officers in County Meath. [43806/06]

My Department has certain statutory responsibility for the welfare and protection of farmed animals under the Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes Act 1984 and the European Communities (Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. 705 of 2006). In addition there is specific legislation in relation to pigs, calves and laying hens. Welfare matters are dealt with generally by officers based in my Department's District Veterinary Offices (including Co. Meath) who also have responsibilities in a wide number of other areas related to animal health, disease control etc. Funding is available to deal with emergency care, feeding, transport etc. of welfare compromised farm animals. I am satisfied that the resources available within my Department are sufficient to deal with these matters.

In 2004 the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council (FAWAC) developed an Early Warning/Intervention System (EWS) for dealing with animal welfare cases. This involves my Department, Irish Farmers' Association and the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals. The objective of the system is to provide a framework within which farm animal welfare problems can be identified before they become critical or overwhelming. The new system allows for concerned individuals to approach their local IFA representatives, their local SPCA or my Department in the knowledge that the matter will thereafter be dealt with in the most effective, timely and sensitive manner.

The main statutes governing cruelty to animals in this country are the Protection of Animals Acts 1911 and 1965. Responsibility for pursuing cases under that legislation rests with An Garda Síochána, who may on receipt of a complaint, investigate and bring a prosecution against any person alleged to have committed an act of cruelty against an animal. Officers of my Department are regularly involved in assisting the Gardai in such cases.

Organic Farming.

Damien English

Question:

1312 Mr. English asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the acreage in Meath covered by organic production; the way in which she will increase this acreage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43807/06]

The area in Meath covered by organic production at the end of 2006 was 785 hectares (1,940 acres), compared with 644 hectares (1,590 acres) in 2005. While the total area is still small by European standards, 2006 was the second year in succession in which the Irish sector showed significant and encouraging growth. Nationally, the total area in conversion or with full organic status rose by 15% in 2005 and by a further 14% in 2006.

My Department already provides substantial financial supports for organic producers, through the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) and the Scheme of Grant Aid for the development of the organic sector. Since REPS began in 1994, it has delivered some €37 million to the sector. The draft Rural Development Programme for the period 2007–2013 provides for continued support and increased payments. In an effort to encourage development in the organic tillage and horticulture areas, I am proposing that organic farmers will be able to obtain organic support payments without having to be in REPS, as they have had to do up to now. I hope that this initiative will result in a further increase in the land area under organic production throughout the country. It should be particularly relevant to tillage farmers in Co Meath, who will now be able to convert part of their holdings to organic production without having to put their entire farms into REPS.

The National Steering Group for the Organic Sector advises me on all policy issues. Two sub-Groups, the Partnership Expert Working Group and the Organic Market Development Group, support the Steering Group. The Partnership Expert Working Group is responsible for training, education, advice and research. The Organic Market Development Group has overall responsibility for developing a national marketing strategy for organic food. In this regard Bord Bia, in consultation with the Market Development Group, has recently produced a three-year Organic Marketing Plan. The objective of the plan is to develop the organic sector in Ireland for existing suppliers and new entrants. My Department has approved funding for the Plan, amounting to a significant sum of €1.5m over the 3-year period.

My Department, in conjunction with Teagasc, has taken steps to raise awareness of organic farming among the mainstream farming community by a demonstration farm programme. To improve technical expertise among existing organic farmers, my Department and Teagasc arranged for two specialist agronomists from the UK to run a series of farm visits and workshops in 2006, at which they shared their experiences with producers.

The decoupling of direct payments from production has established a policy framework in which farmers have the freedom to farm in response to market demands. In this more market-oriented scenario, there is real scope for organic production to expand with the help of the incentives that I have outlined already.

Farm Inspections.

Billy Timmins

Question:

1313 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of farmers and herd numbers in County Wicklow; the number of farm inspections that have taken place in the county since the single farm payment scheme was introduced; the way this level of inspection compares to the national level; the herd numbers by county; the number of farm inspections carried out by county since the single farm payment was introduced; the procedures in place for carrying out these inspections; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43851/06]

The position is that my Department, in the context of delivering the Single Payment Scheme, is required to carry out on-the-spot inspections on a number of farms covering such issues as eligibility under the Scheme, compliance with EU legislation in the areas of the environment, food safety, animal health and welfare and plant health and ensuring that the farm is maintained in good agricultural and environmental condition.

A minimum of 5% of Single Payment Scheme applicants is required to be inspected under the eligibility rule. These checks are carried out to verify that the actual area claimed in the Single Payment Scheme application form corresponds to the area held by the farmer and to ensure there are no overlapping claims, or duplicate claims. These checks are also designed to confirm that the lands declared for set-aside purposes are maintained in accordance with the provisions of the EU Regulations and that the set-aside obligations are observed. They are also used to verify that the land used to draw down entitlements does not contain land used for fruit and vegetable production, land used for potatoes or land in forestry or other permanent crops in the year of application for the Single Payment. Up to two-thirds of these inspections are carried out without a farm visit and using the technique of remote sensing.

The rate of on-farm inspection required for cross-compliance is 1% of those farmers to whom the Statutory Management Requirements (including the Nitrates Directive) or Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition apply. However at least 5% of producers must be inspected under the Bovine Animal Identification and Registration requirements as this level is prescribed under the relevant Regulations.

In 2006, 7514 farmers have had their holdings selected for on-the-spot inspection out of some 130,000 who have applied for the Single Payment Scheme — over 100,000 of these are also applicants for the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme. The value of both schemes to Irish farmers is some €1.55 billion in 2006.

There were 2,271 applicants for the 2006 Single Payment Scheme from Wicklow, a reduction from the 2,422 applications from Wicklow in 2005. Since the introduction of the Single Payment Scheme, there has been a total of 15,849 on-farm inspections in the country as a whole. 422 of these have involved Wicklow applicants and represents 2.7% of all inspections for 2005 and 2006.

The increase in the number of inspections carried out in Co Wicklow in 2006 over 2005 resulted from the fact that Wicklow was one of the sites chosen for remote sensing in 2006. Where applicants for the Single Payment Scheme in an area chosen for remote sensing also applied for the Disadvantaged Areas' Compensatory Allowance (DAS) my Department had to carry out an on-the-spot inspection to ensure compliance with Good Farming Practice (GFP) under the DAS scheme. This will no longer be a requirement from 2007 onwards.

Nationally the SPS Application and inspection breakdown is as follows:

County

Number Applications 2005

Number Inspections 2005

Number Applications 2006

Number Inspections 2006

Carlow

1,893

133

1,775

98

Cavan

5,558

451

5,240

332

Clare

6,850

475

6,478

308

Cork

14,857

688

13,903

628

Donegal

9,289

482

8,760

379

Dublin

765

20

709

17

Galway

13,907

687

13,081

777

Kerry

8,767

514

8,270

482

Kildare

2,461

161

2,239

67

Kilkenny

3,931

333

3,684

216

Laois

3,357

224

3,123

226

Leitrim

3,908

217

3,707

148

Limerick

6,034

259

5,598

323

Longford

2,746

225

2,559

144

Louth

1,757

237

1,639

62

Mayo

13,316

630

12,482

696

Meath

4,467

213

4,088

209

Monaghan

4,621

228

4,359

261

Offaly

3,536

214

3,285

202

Roscommon

6,589

382

6,139

317

Sligo

4,614

263

4,364

372

Tipperary

8,056

544

7,547

426

Waterford

2,829

184

2,643

140

Westmeath

3,399

255

3,163

170

Wexford

4,725

204

4,322

204

Wicklow

2,422

112

2,271

310

Totals

14,4654

8,335

135,428

7,514

% Applicants Inspected

5.76%

5.55%

Grant Payments.

Tom Hayes

Question:

1314 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary under the 2004 and 2005 special beef premium schemes. [43914/06]

The person named submitted one application under the 2004 Special Beef Premium Scheme dated 31 December 2004 in respect of thirty-eight animals. Following initial processing, it was found that ten of the animals were non-CMMS compliant, in that they were not recorded as being in the herd of the person named on the date of application, as required under the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme. By letter dated 6 April 2005, the person named was advised of this non compliance and the regulatory penalty to which it would give rise vis the animals in question would be rejected from the application and not paid premium. The person named was also advised of his right to appeal this decision. In the absence of such an appeal, the application was processed for payment and the regulatory penalty, a deduction of 36.36%, applied. The payment issued to the person named on 31 March 2005. In common with other Livestock Premia Schemes, 2004 was the final year of the Special Beef Premium Scheme, with the introduction of the Single Payment Scheme on 1 January 2005.

Michael Lowry

Question:

1315 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a payment will be issued without delay to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1007/07]

An amount of €1,429.45 issued on 22 September 2006 in respect of the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme 2006. A supplementary payment issued on 25 January 2007 for €29.58 following an adjustment to the area claimed for the Single Payment Scheme in 2006. The balance of his 2006 Single Payment will issue shortly.

Michael Lowry

Question:

1316 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food further to previous parliamentary questions, when promised payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [1009/07]

A review of the case was completed on 4th January 2007. My Department wrote to the person concerned on that date advising him of the decision taken on the matter and a payment issued on 17th January.

Animal Welfare.

Paddy McHugh

Question:

1317 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the use of animals in circuses; her further views on whether the use of performing animals in circuses amounts to cruelty to animals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1016/07]

The position as regards the welfare and protection of animals is that my statutory responsibility relates to the welfare and protection of farmed animals only and does not extend to other animals. The Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes Act, 1984 and the European Communities (Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes) Regulations 2000 (SI No 127 of 2000) is the legislation that applies in this area.

In relation to circus animals, my Department's responsibility relates to ensuring that animals imported for use in a circus are imported in accordance with animal health certification requirements. Licences are issued in accordance with the Rabies (Importation, Landing and Movement of Animals)(Amendment)Orders 1972-1976. In addition Commission Regulation 1739/2005 lays down registration, passport and animal health requirements in the case of circus animals that move between Member States.

The Protection of Animals Acts 1911 and 1965 are the principal statutes governing the welfare of animals in this country. The responsibility for pursuing complaints under that legislation rests with An Garda Síochána. On receipt of such a complaint, the Gardaí have a statutory basis on which to investigate and bring a prosecution against any person alleged to have committed an act of cruelty against an animal.

Departmental Funding.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1318 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will put a grant scheme in place to allow farmers to relocate agricultural buildings which are prone to flooding and have been flooded by the recent high water levels; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1062/07]

While I have made generous arrangements under the Farm Waste Management Scheme and the Farm Improvement Programme for On Farm Investment, I have no Plans to make available funding for the relocation of buildings.

Grant Payments.

Tom Hayes

Question:

1319 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary on the single farm payment scheme 2005 and 2006. [1135/07]

The person named was paid €44,158.18 under the 2005 Single Payment Scheme. He applied for and was granted a concession under the force majeure provisions of the scheme whereby one year was omitted from the calculation of his reference amount, thereby increasing his overall single payment entitlement.

He 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(ii) in relation to the purchase of suckler quota and has been deemed successful under this category.

However, 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 National Reserve will not be applied in this case as the Force Majeure measure is more beneficial. A formal letter outlining this decision will issue shortly to the person named.

The person named has been paid an advance of €21,777.23 in respect of his 2006 Single Payment application. An application under the Consolidation measure of the 2006 Single Farm Payment Scheme was submitted on 12 May 2006. It was not possible to process the Consolidation measure prior to the National Reserve measure being finalised. As this has now been done, the Consolidation measure has been processed and this case is eligible for consolidation. However there is a shortfall of 8.20 hectares because only 4.22 hectares can be accounted for as land farmed during the reference period that is no longer available as a result of the expiry of a rental agreement.

A letter issued to the person named on 24th January 2007 explaining the position and requesting him to confirm whether he wishes to proceed with his consolidation application or withdraw it. This confirmation is necessary because if the consolidation application proceeds, 3.98 consolidated entitlements to the value of €3,261.13 (in respect of lands not declared on the 2006 Single Payment application) will be lost to the National Reserve.

The balance of the 2006 Single Payment will issue to the person named when the completed confirmation form is returned to my Department.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

1320 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 518 of 1 November 2006, when a decision will be made on funding to a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1136/07]

The person concerned is an applicant under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. An inspection will be carried out shortly by an inspector of my Department and a decision will be made in respect of the application as soon as possible.

John McGuinness

Question:

1321 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the single farm payments due to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be issued as soon as possible; if the payments will be brought up to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1137/07]

The position is that an application for the Transfer of Entitlements under the Single Payment Scheme to the person named was submitted on the 3rd November 2006. The application was accepted even though the closing date for receipt of completed applications to transfer entitlements was 16 May 2006.

The application has now been fully processed and payment in respect of 47.60 entitlements transferred by way of gift will issue shortly.

John McGuinness

Question:

1322 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the balance of the single farm payment will be granted immediately to persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will expedite the matter. [1138/07]

The position is that an application for the Transfer of Entitlements under the 2006 Single Payment Scheme from the first person named to the second person named was submitted on the 13th May 2006.

This application has now been fully processed and payment in respect of 35.65 entitlements transferred by way of gift will issue shortly.

John McGuinness

Question:

1323 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the balance of the single farm payment due to persons (details supplied) in County Carlow will be granted immediately in view of the fact that the local office has confirmed that there is no query on their file and it was a Department error; and if she will expedite the matter. [1139/07]

An application was submitted in this case under the Consolidation measure of the 2006 Single Farm Payment Scheme. The Consolidation application has been processed and the balance of the Single Farm Payment issued on 23rd January 2007.

John McGuinness

Question:

1324 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if issues relating to the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow have been resolved; if payment will be made to them as soon as possible in view of the hardship of the case. [1140/07]

An application under the 2006 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 24 April 2006. Following initial processing, it was found that three of the land parcels claimed by the person named were also declared by another applicant. These lands were, apparently, the subject of legal proceedings between the person named and other parties.

The ruling of the Circuit Court in this matter has been examined by my Department. However, as this ruling clarifies the ownership of these lands only from the date of the ruling i.e. 14 June 2006, further clarification is required by my Department before the 2006 Single Payment application of the person named can be fully processed.

Designated Areas.

John Cregan

Question:

1325 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when permission will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick who has, to date, been prohibited from planting on their land, pending a final decision by the Government and EU regarding designated areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1214/07]

The Hen Harrier is a protected species and the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government has identified a number of areas around the country which are important for its survival. The European Commission has expressed the gravest concern at any further planting within these areas until it is possible to fully assess the impact of forestry on the species.

In order to do that, it is necessary to work out what type of management regime needs to be put in place to accommodate both forestry and the hen harrier in the areas being proposed as Special Protection Areas.

The Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government has established a working group, on which the forestry and farming interests are represented, as well as my Department, to help with the development of such a management regime. The applications on hand will be looked at again when an appropriate regime for the hen harrier has been agreed.

The application specifically referred to by the Deputy is included in the applications referred to above.

Installation Aid Scheme.

John Perry

Question:

1326 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will ensure that an installation aid application is processed for a person (details supplied) on the revised payment scheme when the requested information is furnished; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1332/07]

The person concerned has submitted an application under the current Installation Aid Scheme, which applies to eligible farmers set up for the first time in farming on or before 31 December 2006. His application will therefore be considered in accordance with the terms and conditions of that Scheme.

The Installation Aid Scheme to be applied in Ireland as part of the 2007-2013 Rural Development Programme will be introduced as soon as EU approval is received for the Programme.

Grant Payments.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1327 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when biofuels establishment grants announced in Budget 2007 will be introduced; the amount to be allocated to this scheme; the maximum amount to be awarded to individual applicants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1354/07]

As provided for in the Budget a new Bioenergy Scheme will be introduced for a limited period to grant aid the planting of willow and miscanthus. Council Regulation (EC) No. 1782/2003, as amended, authorises Members States to pay national aid at a rate of up to 50% of the costs associated with establishing the crops. €8 million is being allocated to this scheme over the period 2007-2009. The details of the scheme are being finalised at present and will be announced shortly.

Equestrian Centres.

Paddy McHugh

Question:

1328 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will liase with the Department of Finance to ensure that equestrian centres are designated as farm buildings and not commercial premises in order to avoid such premises being burdened with rates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1355/07]

I understand that the Minister for Finance has indicated to the Deputy in a separate reply today that the Valuation Act 2001 maintains the long-standing position that commercial enterprises — including equine centres — are liable for rates. The Valuation Act provides for an appeal system.

Bovine Diseases.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1329 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 441 of 14 November 2006, if her Department has completed its review; the recommendations following this review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1397/07]

As referred to in my previous response, a herdnumber is an administrative arrangement designed primarily for the purposes of disease control under the disease eradication scheme. Regulation (EC) No. 1760/2000 establishes a system for the identification and registration of bovine animals and defines the role of ‘keeper' as any natural or legal person responsible for animals whether on a permanent or on a temporary basis including during transportation or at a market. In line with that definition, my Department, as a matter of policy when issuing a herdnumber, registers one individual person as the "keeper" of the animals.

The review currently being undertaken involves a thorough assessment of the operational and legal implications of permitting the nomination of more than one person as keeper. This review is not yet completed.

Sugar Beet Sector.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1330 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when she will pay farmers the first instalment of the sugar compensation package; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1399/07]

The compensation package negotiated in the context of the reform of the EU sugar regime is worth in excess of €310m to Ireland. It comprises three elements.

The first element is the sugar beet compensation which has been incorporated into the Single Payment Scheme with effect from 2006. It will be worth approximately €123 million to Irish beet growers over seven years.

The second element is the EU restructuring aid for the sugar industry, which in Ireland's case is worth €145m approx. In July 2006 the Government made decisions regarding the percentage of this aid to be reserved for beet growers and contractors and the indicative breakdown of the potential allocation of the aid to be followed by Greencore in preparing its restructuring plan. These decisions are now the subject of judicial review proceedings instituted by Greencore in the High Court. Under the EU Regulation, the first instalment of aid would fall to be paid in June 2007.

The third element of the compensation package is the diversification aid, also provided for in Council Regulation (EC) 320/2006, worth almost €44m in Ireland's case. A national restructuring programme has been prepared and submitted to the EU Commission, in accordance with the EU Regulations, with a view to drawing down the diversification aid. The Regulations provide that payment of this aid would commence in September 2007.

Poultry Industry.

Dan Neville

Question:

1331 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the developments and progress following her meeting with representatives of the former Castlemahon poultry producers in November 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1401/07]

Denis Naughten

Question:

1351 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to establish a hardship fund for poultry producers with redundant broiler houses as a result of the closure of Castlemahon Chickens; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1774/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1331 and 1351 together.

I am aware of the serious concerns of these poultry producers from my meeting with them last November. No hardship fund exists to assist procedures in this situation. Many commercial broiler producers, however, who were under contract to Castlemahon have taken the opportunity since the closure of adapting their premises to free-range poultry production units. My Department is in the process of inspecting many of these units with a view to assisting this transition and registering them as free-range producers. I understand that there are more producers showing interest in this area as well.

In addition to this some commercial broiler producers who were under contract to Castlemahon Foods are now supplying four other major poultry slaughter plants, and this figure may rise.

The Government and the Industrial Development agencies recognise the need to create employment opportunities in Co. Limerick that will provide sustainable jobs and recent announcements indicate success in this regard.

A recent example of the attraction of Limerick as a location for new business was the decision by Northern Trust Corporation to create 300 high quality jobs in the financial services sector. Another example is Vistakon which recently announced its intention to expand its Limerick operation and create 120 jobs in high-end manufacturing.

Farm Waste Management.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

1332 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of applications received on 31 December 2006 under the farm waste management scheme; the number of those applications received from County Galway; the cost to fund this number of applications between now and the end of 2008 when the jobs must be completed; the way money was spent on the farm waste management scheme in 2006; the amount of money allocated to this scheme in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1418/07]

48,580 applications have been received by my Department under the revised Farm Waste Management Scheme which was introduced in March 2006. Of these, 2,080 were received in Co. Galway. Over €80m has been made available in this year's estimates for the Scheme and the 2008 allocation will be determined within the context of next year's estimates exercise. €21.318m was spent on the Scheme in 2006.

Grant Payments.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

1333 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has been unsuccessful in their efforts to get entitlements from the national reserve; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this person has had the most horrendous human tragedies in their family; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that their track record as a farmer has been second to none but due to deaths in their family they were unable to continue as a dairy farmer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1420/07]

The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the Single Payment Scheme National Reserve under Category C. The Single Payment Appeals Committee received the application on 24th November 2006.

Category C compensates those farmers, who as a consequence of their participation in a programme of conversion of production, have compromised their potential entitlement under the Single Payment Scheme.

The application was subsequently rejected on the basis that the person was not an active milk producer on the date his milk quota was sold. Records indicate that the person ceased supplying milk in 1998, which was prior to the reference period for the Single Payment Scheme. On this basis, he does not meet the criteria of a farmer who converted their enterprise to a farming sector for which direct premium payments would have been made during the reference period of 2000 to 2002. The Single Payment Appeals Committee upholds the decision of my Department to reject the appeal.

Farm Inspections.

Marian Harkin

Question:

1334 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of farm inspections conducted in 2006; the number of farmers that have been penalised as a result of those inspections; the amount of moneys stopped for non-compliance during this period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1422/07]

The position is that my Department, in the context of delivering the Single Payment Scheme, is required to carry out on-the-spot inspections on a number of farms covering such issues as eligibility under the Scheme, compliance with EU legislation in the areas of the environment, food safety, animal health and welfare and plant health and ensuring that the farm is maintained in good agricultural and environmental condition.

A minimum of 5% of Single Payment Scheme applicants is required to be inspected under the eligibility rule. These checks are carried out to verify that the actual area claimed in the Single Payment Scheme application form corresponds to the area held by the farmer and to ensure there are no overlapping claims, or duplicate claims. These checks are also designed to confirm that the lands declared for set-aside purposes are maintained in accordance with the provisions of the EU Regulations and that the set-aside obligations are observed.They are also used to verify that the land used to draw down entitlements does not contain land used for fruit and vegetable production, land used for potatoes or land in forestry or other permanent crops in the year of application for the Single Payment. Up to two-thirds of these inspections are carried out without a farm visit and using the technique of remote sensing.

The rate of on-farm inspection required for cross-compliance is 1% of those farmers to whom the Statutory Management Requirements (including the Nitrates Directive) or Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition apply. However at least 5% of producers must be inspected under the Bovine Animal Identification and Registration requirements as this level is prescribed under the relevant Regulations.

For the 2006 Single Payment Scheme there were a total of 7514 on farm inspections. Breaches found during Cross Compliance Inspections resulted in a total of €706,203.38 being stopped in penalties. This represents just .05% of Ireland's national ceiling of €1.3 billion.

Milk Quota.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1335 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will meet milk quota owners group regarding their concerns relating to the new arrangements for the sale of milk quota; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1425/07]

Throughout the consultation process leading to the establishment of the Milk Quota Trading Scheme, meetings were arranged with all the main farming organisations. The membership of these organisations included dairy farmers interested in both buying and selling milk quota. My Department also met a representative delegation of the so-called ‘Milk Quota Owners Group'.

I announced the results of the first Trading Scheme today and this will be followed by a further short period of consultations with the main farm organisations and I would be happy to consider a submission from this group.

Departmental Schemes.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1336 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason her Department has ceased the native woodlands scheme; the status of applications received by her Department prior to this decision; the position of landowners who had completed significant preparatory work in order to apply under the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1426/07]

Denis Naughten

Question:

1337 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her Department will reopen the native woodlands scheme; the changes expected in a revised scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1427/07]

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

1404 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the native woodlands scheme came into operation; the terms thereof; when it was terminated; the reasons for termination; and the notice given to the various parties who were in the process of developing proposals under this scheme. [2843/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1336, 1337 and 1404 together.

I would like to assure both Deputies of my continued support for the Native Woodland Scheme. This is an extremely important scheme and I would like to see it enhanced and developed further so that the significant benefits which it brings, particularly in terms of biodiversity, can be maximized.

The scheme was introduced in 2001 under the terms of the last Rural Development Programme and aimed at protecting and expanding Ireland's native woodland resource and associated biodiversity, through the use of appropriate ‘close to nature' silviculture. The scheme provided financial support for landowners to protect and enhance existing native woodlands, and to establish new native woodlands. A detailed manual on the scheme is available from the Forest Service of my Department and I have arranged for a copy to be sent to Deputy O'Keeffe.

The last Rural Development Programme closed on 31 December 2006. A new Rural Development Plan, covering the period 2007-2013, has been submitted to Brussels and approval is awaited. Provision has been made in the new Programme to continue the work of the Native Woodland Scheme.

In the meantime, I am revamping the Native Woodland Scheme and I am considering a number of suggestions to ensure that the scheme remains very attractive. It is my intention to re-establish the Native Woodland Scheme Development Group to guide this process. There will also be detailed consultations with all the relevant stakeholders.

On the question of consultation, the Forest Service of my Department meets regularly with its stakeholders to discuss a wide range of issues of forestry interest. The development of the new Forestry Programme for the post-2006 programming period was the focus of much detailed and useful discussion last year and I would be surprised to learn that organizations were unaware that the last Programme ended on 31 December 2006. In fact, my Department provided specific advice in relation to the preparation and submission of applications for aid under the last Programme in order to ensure that as many as possible could be processed before the end-of-year deadline.

Any approvals which issued prior to 31 December 2006 can be completed in the normal way. Applications in respect of which it was not possible to issue a decision prior to 31 December 2006 continue to be processed by the Forest Service with a view to issuing approvals under the new scheme when agreed, subject of course to the relevant conditions of the new scheme.

Grant Payments.

Tom Hayes

Question:

1338 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary under the 2006 scheme. [1455/07]

The position is that an application for the Transfer of Entitlements under the 2006 Single Payment Scheme to the person named was submitted on the 12th December 2006. The application was accepted even though the closing date for receipt of completed applications to transfer entitlements was the 16th May 2006.

The application was examined and further documentation is required. A letter issued to the person named on the 16th January 2007 and an official from my Department contacted the person named directly on the 19th January 2007 requesting the specific documentation.

Upon receipt of the documentation my Department will process the application and will correspond directly with the person named.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

1339 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork for single farm payment on the basis of force majeure and exceptional circumstances. [1477/07]

The person named submitted an application for consideration of her circumstances under the Force Majeure/Exceptional Circumstances measure of the Single Payment Scheme. Having assessed the application, my Department informed the person named that the circumstances outlined did not fulfill the Force Majeure criteria laid down in Article 40 of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1782/2003.

The person named then appealed this decision to the Independent Single Payment Appeals Committee. The Committee found that some of the circumstances of the case did constitute Force Majeure and would justify the exclusion of the year 2001 from the calculation of the Single Payment for the person named. However, on calculation, it was found that the exclusion of 2001 would disadvantage her in terms of the value of her actual entitlement. Accordingly, the Committee recommended that the appeal be disallowed.

Milk Protein Testing.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

1340 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will put in place an independent agency that will monitor milk protein testing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1478/07]

My Department already monitors protein testing at milk processing establishments.

In accordance with the provisions of the partnership agreement, Towards 2016, my Department will extend its monitoring and cross checking of the milk testing regime to include all constituents used for payment purposes and, in consultation with the industry, will ensure transparency in the milk analysis regime.

Grant Payments.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

1341 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will make a statement regarding a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and when the remainder of money owed will be granted. [1512/07]

The position is that an application for the Transfer of Entitlements under the Single Payment Scheme to the person named was submitted on the 29th March 2006.

The application was examined and further documentation was required. The person named was written to requesting the specific documentation.

Upon receipt of the documentation my Department will process the application and will correspond directly with the person named.

An amount of €4452.50 issued on 21 September 2006 in respect of the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme 2006.

Installation Aid Scheme.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1342 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if and when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will qualify for installation aid; if consideration will be given due to the age issue; if same will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1544/07]

The person concerned is an applicant for grant-aid under the Installation Aid Scheme. His application for payment (IAS 2 form) is currently being examined within my Department and the outcome will be notified to the person concerned as soon as possible.

Grant Payments.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1343 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if and when a person (details suppled) in County Kildare will qualify for national reserve; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1545/07]

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

The person named submitted an appeal, through his Agricultural Consultant and provided additional documentation in support of his appeal. In all such cases, the procedure is that all contentions put forward in support of an appeal are first of all reviewed within my Department to establish whether there is sufficient evidence to warrant any change to the original decision. In this regard the documentation provided has been examined and his file has been forwarded to the Independent Single Payments Appeals Committee who will carry out a full review of the case and will correspond directly with the person named following the outcome of their review.

The person named also submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the 2006 Single Payment Scheme National Reserve under Category B.

The position is that processing of the 2006 National Reserve applications will commence shortly and a formal letter outlining my Department's decision on the 2006 National Reserve will issue to the person named as soon as his application has been processed.

Liam Aylward

Question:

1344 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the progress on the application for consolidation of entitlements by a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [1574/07]

The person named submitted an application under three measures of the 2005 Single Farm Payment Scheme — New Entrant, Private Contract Clause and Consolidation.

The person named was accepted under the New Entrant measure and the number of entitlements granted to him was based on the year 2002. This increased the number of entitlements granted to him from 8.35 standard entitlements to 25.06 standard entitlements. He subsequently had a further 17.88 entitlements added by the way of Private Contract Clause.

In consequence, the person named increased his entitlements as a result of being accepted under New Entrant and Private Contract Clause. However his Consolidation application has been rejected because there is no loss of land that was farmed during the reference period and which was used to establish his entitlements. To be considered under the Consolidation measure, such lands have to be accounted for as a result of an expired lease/rental agreement; the acquisition of land by a Local Authority for the purpose of a Compulsory Purchase Order or the afforestation of land under the Afforestation Premium Scheme.

Bio-technology Research.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1345 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the amount spent by her Department on bio technology research projects each year from 1997 to date in 2007; the bodies which received such funding and the projects funded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1578/07]

Most research in the modern biological sciences involves recourse to techniques of biotechnology. Accordingly many of the inter-institutional projects funded by my Department since 1997 under the Research Stimulus Fund Programme (RSFP), the Food Institutional Research Measure (FIRM) and it's predecessor the Non Commissioned Food Research Programme (NCFRP), involved research of a biotechnological nature either in whole or in part. Consequently over 180 projects funded under these programmes comprise a biotech component, although the extent of that varies considerably from project to project. In view of the large number of projects involved details will be forwarded to the Deputy when the full list has been compiled.

Expenditure from 1997 to date in 2007

Year

NCFRP

FIRM

RSFP

Total

1997

1,636,650

0

0

1,636,650

1998

3,523,983

0

0

3,523,983

1999

2,873,550

0

0

2,873,550

2000

3,761,426

2,126,964

0

5,888,390

2001

352,918

2,139,709

158,845

2,651,472

2002

0

3,847,306

107,588

3,954,894

2003

0

6,583,375

80,506

6,663,881

2004

0

4,128,886

125,696

4,254,582

2005

0

4,852,586

449,583

5,302,169

2006

0

8,072,070

2,542,123

10,614,193

2007

0

0

0

0

TOTAL

12,148,527

31,750,896

3,464,341

47,363,764

In addition my Department provides funding to Teagasc for its work in providing advice, training and research to the agri-food sector. Information on biotechnology research projects undertaken by Teagasc should be sought directly from that organization.

Farm Leases.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1346 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position in regard to lost or terminated farm leases which were not the fault of the lessor but where the lessor suffered a financial loss (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1627/07]

The main thrust of the Mid-Term Review proposals of the European Commission favoured the actual farmers, who were farming during the 2000 to 2002 reference period. During the negotiations on the Commission's proposals, Ireland sought accommodation for the successors of retired farmers, whose lands were leased during this reference period. Following the successful conclusion to the negotiations, the implementing Regulations contained provisions, which cater for the allocation of Single Payment entitlements from the National Reserve to the successors of retired farmers when they take over and farm the lands which were leased out during the 2000 to 2002 reference period.

Furthermore, under the provisions of the Historical Model of the Single Payment Scheme, which was implemented in Ireland, applicants are required to declare an eligible hectare for each Single Payment entitlement held in order to draw down their full payment. Therefore, contrary to expectations this has resulted in an increase in the rental value of leased or rented lands in Ireland since the introduction of the Single Payment Scheme.

Farm Waste Management.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1347 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim will be issued with approval to commence construction under the farm waste management grant scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1664/07]

The person concerned is an applicant under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. A decision will be made in respect of the application as soon as possible.

Grant Payments.

Dan Neville

Question:

1348 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the outcome of the independent appeals committee in respect of an appeal from a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [1716/07]

The Single Payment Appeals Committee examines appeals in relation to the decisions of the Department of Agriculture and Food with regard to the implementation of the various facets of the Single Payment Scheme. The Agriculture Appeals Office received the appeal from the person named on 16th November 2006.

The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the Single Payment Scheme National Reserve under Category B(i), compensating those farmers who, between 1st January 2000 and 19th October 2003, made investments in production capacity or who purchased, or leased in land on a long-term basis. The minimum acceptable documentary evidence is a memorandum of agreement between the buyer and the seller dated within these dates.

The person in question failed to submit any legal document showing that an agreement had been made to purchase the land prior to the 19th October 2003. A deed of transfer dated 7th July 2005 was submitted, however this was outside the specified dates and therefore not valid. The Single Payment Committee upheld the decision of my Department to reject the appeal.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

1349 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of civil servants and other staff employed in her constituency office; and the grade and remuneration of each. [1741/07]

The following table shows the breakdown of the number of civil servants and other staff employed in my constituency office and the grade and remuneration of each.

Grade

Number

Salary Scale

Personal Assistant (Non Civil Servant)

1

€43,445–€59,998 Higher Executive Officer scale

Personal Secretary (Non Civil Servant)

1

€21,632–€41,736 Secretarial Assistants salary +10%

Temporary Clerical Officer (Non Civil Servant)

1

€21,625–€37,715 Clerical Officer scale

Clerical Officers (Civil Servants)

3

€21,625–€37,715 Clerical Officer scale

Paul McGrath

Question:

1350 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of civil servants and other staff in her press office; and the grade and remuneration of each staff member. [1756/07]

The following table gives a breakdown of staff employed in my Press Office.

Press Office

Grade

Number

Salary Scale

Assistant Principal Officer

1

€61,755–€89,271 + €7000 Allowance AP Scale

Higher Executive Officer

.5

€43,445–€59,998 HEO Scale

Executive Officers

2.5

€28,523–€49,520 EO Scale

Clerical Officer

1

€21,625–€37,715 CO Scale

A media adviser is also employed on a contract basis on a salary of €80,408 per annum.

Question No. 1351 answered with QuestionNo. 1331.

Grant Payments.

Liam Aylward

Question:

1352 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason for the delay in having all payments due for 2006 granted to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [1821/07]

The position is that an application for the Transfer of Entitlements under the 2006 Single Payment Scheme from the person named was submitted on the 14th November 2006. The application was accepted even though the closing date for receipt of completed applications to transfer entitlements was the 16th May 2006.

The application has now been fully processed and payment in respect of 78.30 entitlements, transferred by way of Milk Partnership issued on the 22nd December 2006.

Liam Aylward

Question:

1353 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when single farm payment for 2006 will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [1822/07]

The position is that an application for the Transfer of Entitlements under the 2006 Single Payment Scheme to the person named was submitted on the 31st October 2006. The application was accepted even though the closing date for receipt of completed applications to transfer entitlements was the 16th May 2006.

The application has now been fully processed and payment in respect of 53 entitlements transferred by way of inheritance issued on 15th January 2007.

Liam Aylward

Question:

1354 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when single farm payment for 2006 will issue to persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [1823/07]

An application for the Transfer of Entitlements to the persons named under the Single Payment System was submitted on the 22nd January 2007.

The application has now been fully processed and payment in respect of 48.92 standard entitlements transferred by way of Milk Partnership will issue shortly.

Sugar Beet Sector.

Liam Aylward

Question:

1355 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the category under which a person (details supplied) in County Carlow can apply for compensation under the sugar beet compensation scheme; and if she will refer to written representations of this Deputy on this particular case to which no clarification has been received to date. [1830/07]

The restructuring aid must be implemented strictly in accordance with the relevant EU Regulations. Under the Regulations, eligibility for the EU restructuring aid for the sugar industry is confined to three categories: processors, beet growers and certain specialised machinery contractors who worked under contract for the growers. Eligible machinery contractors shall be compensated for the loss incurred following the loss of value of specialised machinery, which cannot be used for other purposes. In accordance with the EU Regulations, the Government in July made certain decisions concerning the implementation of the restructuring aid, in particular the percentage to be reserved for beet growers and machinery contractors. These decisions were announced by press release on 12 July 2006, as I indicated in my reply to the Deputy on 26th July. The Government decisions are now the subject of Judicial Review proceedings instituted by Greencore Group plc in the High Court. If the person named was not a specialised machinery contractor who worked under contract for growers, he would not be eligible for compensation under the Regulations.

Milk Quota.

Liam Aylward

Question:

1356 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will make additional milk quota available to a co-op (details supplied) in County Kilkenny in view of their circumstances. [1841/07]

The Milk Quota Regime in Ireland is operated at Milk Purchaser/Co-operative level in accordance with the Regulations set by my Department. Under the old Restructuring Scheme, a primary condition of the scheme was that quota sold into the restructuring pool by a co-op's suppliers was available for purchase by that co-op's suppliers in the first instance.

The new Milk Quota Trading Scheme, which has replaced the Restructuring Scheme from the 2007/08 quota year, is also operating at Milk Purchaser level. However, I have made provision in the new scheme to allow Milk Purchasers to group together for the purposes of trading quota, without having to form a registered group of purchasers under the milk quota Regulations.

Grant Payments.

Michael Ring

Question:

1357 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their REP scheme payment; when was this application for payment received by her Department; when can they expect to receive their payment as the non-payment of their REP scheme payment is causing undue financial hardship. [1854/07]

Payment has been approved and the person named is likely to receive it this week.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

1358 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not received their single farm payment for the years 2005 and 2006; if the applicant has been successful in getting an allocation from the national reserve; if so, the allocation entitlements that have been made; and when payment will be made. [1855/07]

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 leased land and has been deemed successful under this category and a formal letter of decision setting out the allocation due has issued to him. The relevant payment will issue shortly. Payment of Entitlements due for 2006 will also issue shortly.

Michael Ring

Question:

1359 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo applied for ewe premium in the years 2002 and 2003; and if so, their quota payment rates. [1856/07]

The flock owner did not make an application for the Ewe Premium Scheme in the years 2002 and 2003. A requirement of the scheme was that an applicant must use at least 70% of their quota each year. Failure to do so resulted in the quota being forfeited to the National Reserve.

Commonage Division.

Michael Ring

Question:

1360 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason shares on a commonage have not been attributed to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo by the Land Commission in view of the fact that they should be rightfully theirs. [1857/07]

The commonage in question relates to a migration and voluntary re-arrangement scheme undertaken by the former Land Commission and for which I now have responsibility. According to the records in my Department there are three 1/16th shares on hands to be allotted and the person named has been offered one of these but has refused. Examination of the records does not support his contention that he is entitled to the three 1/16th shares.

A scheme to dispose of the three shares is currently being prepared and it is envisaged that this will be completed within the next few months.

Farm Waste Management.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1361 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on extending the slatted house deadline completion date beyond 2008 for County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1859/07]

The EU state aid approval for the revised Farm Waste Management Scheme introduced by my Department in March 2006 specifically requires work carried out under the Scheme to be completed by farmers by the end of 2008. The end date was a key component in the decision by the Commission to grant state aid approval and I have no plans to seek an amendment.

Dan Neville

Question:

1362 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when single payment for 2005 and 2006 will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [1938/07]

The person named received payment of €10,502.23 in February 2006 in respect of the 2005 Single Payment Scheme. Payment of €12,859.40 issued in respect of the 2006 Single Payment Scheme. Half of this was paid in October 2006 and the remainder in December 2006. He also applied to lease in entitlements from another person and this application has now been processed. Supplementary payments of approximately €2,310 in respect of the 2005 Scheme and approximately €2,491 in respect of the 2006 Scheme will issue to the person named shortly.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

1363 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when REP scheme four will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1946/07]

REPS will form part of the new Rural Development Programme for the period 2007 to 2013. The draft programme was sent to the European Commission in late December and awaits the Commission's approval. While my Department is, of course, pursuing early approval for the programme, it is not possible to be definite as to the timescale.

County Galway Landslide.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1364 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to a landslide at Leenane, County Galway in the early days of January 2007; if her attention has been drawn to the extent of animals lost by such a landslide; if her attention has further been drawn to the danger in which a number of residents were placed due to the ferocity of the landslide involved; if she has carried out and authorised a report to be published in respect of the damage done; if she has considered compensation for persons directly effected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1959/07]

I am aware of the recent landslide activity in the Leenane area of County Galway. However, my Department does not have any scheme available which would cover such incidents.

Grant Payments.

John Perry

Question:

1365 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the single farm payment will be issued to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1990/07]

The person named submitted an application under the Consolidation measure of the 2006 Single Farm Payment Scheme. The Consolidation application has been processed and the balance of the Single Farm Payment issued on 23rd January 2007.

Farm Waste Management.

John Perry

Question:

1366 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when payment for a slatted shed will be released to a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1997/07]

The person concerned is an applicant under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. This application has now been approved for payment, which will issue shortly to the person concerned.

Grant Payments.

John Perry

Question:

1367 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 606 of 25 April 2006 the progress she has made in relation to an increase in forestry premiums for persons who entered the scheme in 1989; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1998/07]

The recent Partnership Agreement included a 15% increase in the forestry premium rates.

It is my intention to apply this increase to both new clients and current clients — including those who entered the scheme in 1989.

Coillte Works.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

1368 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her Department has investigated allegations that Coillte are not adequately carrying out their duties in relation to the conservation of protected sites under its control in Tara Skryne Valley during the M3 construction works, particularly in relation to claims that illegal tree felling is occurring; the outcome of such investigations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2003/07]

My Department has investigated a report of alleged illegal tree felling in the Tara Skryne Valley as part of the M3 road construction works. This investigation confirmed that a portion of the lands used for construction of the motorway were formerly owned by Coillte Teoranta, but were acquired by Meath County Council under a compulsory purchase order. The Council has employed a contractor to remove trees and hedges along sections of the proposed route in advance of the bird nesting season. Tree felling by local authorities for road construction work does not come under the remit of my Department as it is exempt from the licensing provisions of the Forestry Act 1946 under Section 37(4)(f) of the Act.

Flood Relief.

Michael Ring

Question:

1369 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if flood relief compensation will be made available to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo who lost five cattle and thirty sheep during the severe floods of December 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2011/07]

My Department does not have any scheme available which would cover such incidents.

Grant Payments.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

1370 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary has not been successful in their application for entitlements from the national reserve; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2039/07]

The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the 2005 Single Payment Scheme National Reserve under Categories A and D. At the time of application to the National Reserve the person named did not have a herd number. Category A caters for farmers who inherited land or received land free of charge or for a nominal sum from a farmer who had retired or died by 16 May, 2005 and who had leased out his/her holding to a third party during the reference period 2000 to 2002. Category D caters for farmers who inherited or purchased land and who commenced farming after 31 December, 2002 or who commenced farming in 2002 but who received no direct payments in respect of that scheme year.

In order to fully process the National Reserve aspect, additional information is required and my Department has written to the person named requesting this information. Upon receipt of this information a decision will be made and a formal letter outlining my Department's decision and relevant payment due, if any, will issue to the person named. In addition the person named also submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the 2006 National Reserve Single Payment Scheme under Category B (New Entrant).

The position is that processing of the 2006 National Reserve applications will commence shortly and a formal letter outlining my Department's decision will issue to the person named as soon as his application has been processed.

Farm Retirement Scheme.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

1371 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is entitled to the new increased early retirement payment as they retired from farming on 10 July 1995; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2042/07]

As I announced last November, the maximum pension payable under the 1994-1999 Early Retirement Scheme was increased from €12,075 to €14,075 per annum. This increase was payable to active Scheme participants with effect from 1 November 2006. However the person named finished his participation in the Scheme on 2 September 2004, and therefore will not benefit from it.

Grant Payments.

Billy Timmins

Question:

1372 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford who is waiting for their single farm payment; if same will be awarded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2072/07]

The person named submitted applications under the Trading and Consolidation measures of the 2006 Single Payment Scheme. Both applications have now been processed and payment will issue shortly.

Afforestation Programme.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1373 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the activities licensed by the Forest Service since the introduction of S.I. No. 378 of 2005 bringing the Forestry Acts under the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations; and the assessments undertaken as a result of this legislation. [2119/07]

The European Communities (Natural Habitats) (Amendment) Regulations 2005, had the effect of making the Forestry Acts subject to the provisions of the Habitat Regulations. In relation to afforestation, all applications are assessed in accordance with the provisions of the European Communities (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Amendment) Regulations, 2001. This includes screening for EIA.

Applications for a felling licence are made in accordance with a procedure laid down by the Forestry Act, 1946 (Part IV) Regulations, 1949. The follow up inspection procedures for approval of licence applications include an assessment of the environmental considerations for the sites in question. This can entail referral of the application to the various consultation bodies such as National Parks and Wildlife Service, Fisheries Boards and Local Authorities for their consideration and recommendations if applicable. Any recommendations made are taken into account by the Forest Service in its decision to grant or withhold a licence.

Aerial fertilisation of forests must now be carried out under licence. New Regulations were made in November 2006 to provide for a statutory licensing system for the aerial application of fertilisers to forests. The Regulations provide for consultation with prescribed bodies and prior assessment where appropriate.

The Forest Service of my Department continues to keep all of its activities under review to ensure compliance with the habitats legislation.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1374 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to the fact that, not withstanding the new forestry environmental protection scheme, the Teagasc hedgerow initiative and the native woodland establishment scheme, the national forestry plan, Growing for the Future, seeks 20,000 hectares of planting a year until 2036, the largest land use change in Irish history, but it does not require a single native tree; and the reason this is the case. [2120/07]

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1375 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to address the fact that the national target of 30% broadleaves is a potential threat to Ireland’s biodiversity as trees from non-native sources are not necessarily adapted to conditions here and could inter-breed with Ireland’s better adapted native stock and weaken its genetic base. [2121/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1374 and 1375 together.

I welcome the recognition of these major initiatives to enhance Ireland's environment and biodiversity. The policy on species in Growing for the Future is to increase the diversity of species in Irish forests. It includes a target for annual broadleaf afforestation of 20% of the total planted. This was subsequently increased to 30% in the National Biodiversity Plan published in 2002 and the target was achieved under the last Rural Development Programme. It remains an objective in the new Programme for 2007-2013.

The target of 30% broadleaves is not regarded as any threat to Ireland's biodiversity. On the contrary, it represents a major contribution to the creation of a more diverse rural environment and a richer biodiversity. The most common broadleaf species planted are oak, ash and alder, accounting for circa 90% of total broadleaf planting. These are all native species. Furthermore, over 80% of the broadleaves planted under the afforestation programme are now produced from native sources. The provenances of imported seed are carefully selected to ensure that the progeny can cope with Irish conditions. I do not accept that there is any threat to the genetic base of our native stock.

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

1376 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will make all due payments to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; the amount that will be granted to the person in 2007; when all payments due from 2006 will be granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2148/07]

An amount of €818.99 issued on 21 September 2006 in respect of the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme 2006. The person named had no entitlements under the Single Payment Scheme as he was not farming during the reference period. He 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 but has been deemed unsuccessful under this category as the date he leased the land was outside the period 1 January 2000 to 19 October 2003. The person named submitted an appeal against this decision and provided additional documentation in support of his appeal. In all such cases, the procedure is that all contentions put forward in support of an appeal are first of all reviewed within my Department to see whether there is sufficient evidence to warrant any change to the original decision. In this case the documentation was examined by my Department but did not provide grounds for a change to the original decision. This case has since been forwarded to the Independent Single Payments Appeals Committee who will carry out a full review of the case and will correspond directly with the person named following the outcome of their review.

Installation Aid Scheme.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

1377 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will re-consider the application for installation aid for a person (details supplied) in County Cork; if she will re-examine the application for single farm payment; the reason for the delay in the payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2149/07]

The person concerned is ineligible for aid under the Installation Aid Scheme as his initial application (IAS 1) was submitted outside the time allowed under the terms and conditions of the Scheme. The applicant has been advised of his right to appeal the decision concerned to the Agriculture Appeals Office.

As far as his single farm payment is concerned, the person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the 2006 Single Payment Scheme National Reserve under Category B. Processing of the 2006 National Reserve applications will commence shortly and a formal letter outlining my Department's decision on the 2006 National Reserve will issue to the person named as soon as his application has been processed.

Grant Payments.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

1378 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will grant all outstanding moneys under the single payment to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and the reason for the delay. [2150/07]

The position is that an application for the Transfer of Entitlements to the person named under the Single Payment Scheme was submitted on the 20th March 2006. During processing of the Transfer application, it was necessary for an official from my Department to make direct contact with the person named and request further documentation. The requested documentation was received and the application has now been fully processed. Payment in respect of 20.27 standard entitlements transferred by way of lease issued on the 18th December 2006. A separate application was also submitted to transfer entitlements under the 2006 Single Payment Scheme to the person named on the 22nd March 2006.

Following examination of the application, the position was that the application could not be processed as the entitlements in question had already been transferred by way of inheritance to the person named in 2005. The transfer application was therefore rejected and the person named was informed of this on the 12th December 2006. Payment in respect of 75.91 standard entitlements transferred by way of inheritance issued on the 18th December 2006. The person named has been fully paid in respect of all entitlements currently in his name under the 2006 Single Payment Scheme with the exception of the refund of modulation for 2006 which will be paid later this year.

Question No. 1379 withdrawn.

Michael Ring

Question:

1380 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the entitlements of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be finalised. [2208/07]

The position is that payment of €4,452.50 issued on 22 September 2006 in respect of the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme 2006. The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the 2005 Single Payment Scheme National Reserve under Categories B and D. Category B caters for farmers who, between 1 January 2000 and 19 October 2003, made an investment in production capacity in a farming sector for which a direct payment under Livestock Premia and /or Arable Aid Schemes would have been payable during the reference period 2000 and 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 B(i) purchase of land. Category D caters for farmers who commenced farming after 31 December 2002 or who commenced farming in 2002 but who received no direct payments in respect of that scheme year.

The person named has submitted documentation regarding the transfer of lands, and my Department has requested further documentation with regard to this transaction. When this documentation is received my Department will process this case further. It should be noted however that the rules governing the Single Payment Scheme stipulate that an applicant who is found to be eligible under more than one category in the Reserve may only receive an allocation of entitlements under whichever category is most beneficial to him.

Michael Ring

Question:

1381 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the entitlements of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo as a new entrant will be finalised. [2209/07]

The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the 2005 Single Payment Scheme National Reserve under Categories B and D. Category B caters for farmers who, between 1 January 2000 and 19 October 2003, made an investment in production capacity in a farming sector for which a direct payment under Livestock Premia and /or Arable Aid Schemes would have been payable during the reference period 2000 and 2002. Investments can include purchase or long term lease of land, purchase of suckler and/or ewe quota or other investments. Category D caters for farmers who commenced farming after 31 December 2002 or who commenced farming in 2002 but who received no direct payments in respect of that scheme year.

The person named has submitted documentation regarding the transfer of lands and my Department has requested further documentation with regard to this transaction. When this documentation is received my Department will process this case further. It should be noted however that the rules governing the Single Payment Scheme stipulate that an applicant who is found to be eligible under more than one category in the Reserve may only receive an allocation of entitlements under whichever category is most beneficial to him.

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme.

Michael Ring

Question:

1382 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their disadvantaged area payment; the payments outstanding to this herd owner; and when they will issue to them. [2231/07]

An amount of €4,452.50 issued on 22 September 2006 in respect of the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme 2006. An application for the Transfer of Entitlements to the person named under the Single Payment Scheme was submitted on the 15th May 2006. During processing of the Transfer application, it was necessary for an official from my Department to make direct contact with the person named to seek clarification on certain matters relating to the application. The person named provided further documentation regarding the application on the 1st December 2006. This application has now been fully processed and payment in respect of 28.8 Single Payment standard entitlements transferred by way of lease will issue shortly.

Grant Payments.

Liam Aylward

Question:

1383 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason single farm payment in respect of 2005 has not been granted to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [2250/07]

The application by the person named under the 2005 Single Payment Scheme has now been fully processed and payment has issued.

Sugar Beet Sector.

M. J. Nolan

Question:

1384 Mr. Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the situation in relation to legal action being taken by Greencore plc against her Department; when this case will be heard in the High Court; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2283/07]

The EU restructuring aid for the sugar industry, as provided for in Council Regulation (EC) No 320/2006, is to cover the economic, social and environmental costs of restructuring, involving factory closure and renunciation of quota. In July 2006, the Government made decisions regarding the percentage of the aid to be reserved for beet growers and contractors and the indicative breakdown of the potential allocation of the aid to be followed by Greencore in preparing its restructuring plan. These decisions are now the subject of judicial review proceedings instituted by Greencore in the High Court.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1385 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the value of the assets initially transferred to Greencore from the Irish Sugar Company; the value of the assets of Greencore at the closure of its sugar manufacturing operations; the full extent of compensation sought by the company, received or pending arising from the closure of the sugar factories; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2284/07]

The assets of the Irish Sugar Company were transferred to Greencore, which was sold over the period 1991-1993. I understand from the Department of Finance that the total (gross) receipts were €210.65m, which represents the market value of the assets at the time. I am not in a position to comment on the value of Greencore's assets at the time of closure of its sugar manufacturing operations.

The compensation provided by the EU by way of restructuring aid for the sugar industry is calculated on a standard basis, namely €730 per tonne of sugar quota surrendered where full dismantling of production facilities is involved. In Ireland's case, this amounts to €145m approximately, to be allocated amongst eligible stakeholders in accordance with the EU regulations. The Government, as required by the regulations, made certain decisions last July regarding the allocation of the aid and in particular concerning the percentage of the aid to be reserved for growers and machinery contractors. These decisions are currently the subject of Judicial Review proceedings instituted by Greencore in the High Court and, in the circumstances, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.

Grant Payments.

Tom Hayes

Question:

1386 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when full payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary under the REP scheme and single payment scheme; and the reason for the ongoing delays in this case. [2314/07]

The person named leased in Single Payment entitlements by means of a Private Contract Clause in 2005. During the process of transferring those entitlements, an overpayment for 2005 was incorrectly identified. This led to a systematic recoupment of monies from the payments due to the person named in 2006. The matter has now been fully resolved and all outstanding payments will issue to the person named as soon as possible.

Michael Ring

Question:

1387 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason it was not possible for the entitlements of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo, including those they inherited and were paid on in 2005, to be amalgamated in order that their 2006 single payment scheme could issue on time electronically. [2319/07]

The person named was paid €12,721.16 under the 2006 Single Payment Scheme. He is due a further payment of approximately €2,900 on the Single Payment entitlements that he inherited. This payment will issue to him shortly. He will then have received full payment under the 2006 Single Payment Scheme. Any future payments to the person named, under the Single Payment Scheme, will include the inherited entitlements and will issue electronically.

Michael Ring

Question:

1388 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when transfer of single payment entitlements will be complete for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that all the necessary information has been submitted; the full list of entitlements drawn for the farm from 2004 and 2005 on the old herd number for the person; and if this person received all of their payments. [2364/07]

An application for the Transfer of Entitlements to the person named under the Single Payment Scheme was submitted on the 15th May 2006. The application was examined and further documentation was required. An official from my Department contacted the person named and requested the specific documentation. The requested documentation was received and the application has now been fully processed. Payment in respect of 16.26 standard entitlements transferred by way of inheritance will issue shortly.

In relation to 2004 applications, the position is that another person under herdnumber P1740421 applied for a number of the coupled direct payment schemes then in place and full payment issued in respect of each scheme. Under the 2005 Single Payment Scheme, the position is that another person under herdnumber P1740421 applied for the Single Payment Scheme on the 22nd April 2005. The person concerned had been allocated a total of 16.26 entitlements of which 16.08 were used in 2005. Payment in respect of 16.08 entitlements issued on the 1st December 2005.

John McGuinness

Question:

1389 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow to determine their entitlements for 2006 in view of the fact that a penalty was applied in their case in 2005; and if she will expedite a response. [2374/07]

While the person named submitted an application under the 2005 Single Payment Scheme declaring 36.24 hectares, it was subsequently established that the area which the person named was entitled to claim was 9.15 hectares. The regulatory penalty appropriate in such circumstances, as provided for under Commission Regulation (EC) No 796/2004, is that the applicant is not entitled to payment in the year of application. In addition, an administrative fine, equivalent to the amount of aid payable on the difference between the area declared and the area found, must be deducted from future payments due to the applicant in subsequent years. As a result of this administrative fine being applied, the person named had his payment under the 2006 Single Payment Scheme reduced by €5,730.62. As the administrative fine has thus been discharged in full, the person named will be entitled to his full payment in 2007, provided he declares an eligible hectare for each entitlement held and otherwise meets the requirements of the Scheme.

An Teanga Ghaeilge.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1390 D’fhiafraigh Mr. Sargent den Aire Talmhaíochta agus Bia cá fhad ar an meán a thógann sé uirthi litir a fhreagairt as Béarla i gcomparáid leis an méid ama a thógann sé uirthi litir a fhreagairt as Gaeilge. [2394/07]

Ar an mean tógann sé an méid céanna ama freagra a sheoladh i nGaeilge agus i mBéarla.

Afforestation Programme.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1391 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the extent of clear felling undertaken by Coillte; if the amenity value of forests are taken into account before decisions regarding such clear felling are taken; if there are regulations in place to this effect; and the other regulations in place to ensure that forests are managed sustainably. [2423/07]

A total of approximately 8,500 hectares was clear-felled by Coillte Teoranta in 2006. All clear-felling of afforested areas by Coillte and others is subject to the licensing conditions as laid down under the Forestry Act 1946. Licences are issued following detailed inspection and approval of the proposed clear felling sites by the Forest Service Inspectorate and following consultation with the relevant local authorities, who have a particular role where amenity is concerned. If deemed necessary, on environmental grounds, wider consultations may also be undertaken with other relevant bodies such as the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Fisheries Boards.

All forestry operations are undertaken in accordance with the principles of Sustainable Forest Management. Where any area of forest is being felled, a mandatory replanting obligation applies in all but the most exceptional cases. This is to ensure that the national forest estate is maintained and that the many economic, environmental and public goods which our forests provide are sustained for future generations. The conditions of all felling licences require that the felling and replanting operations must be carried out in accordance with the Forest Service Code of Best Forest Practice and must also comply with the Forest Service guidelines relating to Archaeology, Water Quality, Landscape, Harvesting and the Environment. Felling, along with other forestry activities is also subject to the Habitats Regulations. It should also be noted that Coillte have received Forest Stewardship Council certification in recognition of their commitment to sustainable forest management.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1392 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the extent of clear felling in the Dublin and Wicklow mountains each year for the past ten years. [2424/07]

The following is a breakdown in hectares of clear-felling in the Dublin and Wicklow mountains each year for the past ten years:

Year

Hectares

1996

652.0

1997

505.0

1998

480.0

1999

596.0

2000

561.0

2001

621.4

2002

682.4

2003

552.4

2004

750.9

2005

666.5

2006

776.5

It should be noted that, other than in the most exceptional cases, any area clear-felled must be reforested by the owner.

Genetically Modified Organisms.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1393 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if, in view of the European Council’s recent decision to prevent the Commission overturning genetically modified bans, she will be taking on board the views of the ICSA and local IFA organisations to ensure that agriculture here is GM free. [2463/07]

I wish to inform the Deputy that legislation governing the cultivation of GM crops in Ireland is based on EU legislation that has been adopted by the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament and which, for the most part, is binding on all Member States. Ireland's general position in developing this legislation is informed by the Government's acceptance of the recommendation set out in the Report of the Inter-Departmental Group on Modern Biotechnology that Ireland's stand at EU level and in international fora should be one of being positive but precautionary. This position acknowledges the benefits of genetic engineering, while maintaining a fundamental commitment to safety and environmental sustainability based on scientific risk assessment and management. This legislation does not provide for the unilateral declaration of GM free countries.

I have noted the views of the two farming organisations mentioned by the Deputy on the use of GM technology in agriculture. The IFA position which is set out in their paper "Meeting the Challenges of WTO and CAP Reform — IFA submission to Government for a Viable Farming and Food Sector and Sustainable Rural Economy" (May 2006) states that "Provided that the use and release of GMOs meet all the detailed regulatory requirements, IFA's assessment of GM technology is that, like science and technology generally, it can have many positive implications for agriculture and food production". The ICSA position as detailed in their submission to my Department on the compilation of the Report "Coexistence of GM and non-GM Crops in Ireland — Report of the Working Group" (September 2005), states that "ICSA believe that GM technology offers no benefit and several disadvantages to Irish farmers. The interest of Irish farmers and the wider agri-food sector would, in our view, be better served by developing the clean, green image of the island".

Sugar Beet Sector.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1394 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the efforts she has made to ensure that Greencore comply with the Labour Court’s recommendations with regard to its former workers. [2464/07]

I understand that there is a dispute between the workers and Greencore over the interpretation of the Labour Court recommendation regarding redundancy payments. I have no function in relation to that matter. My colleague Mr Tony Killeen TD, Minister for Labour Affairs, outlining the position regarding the Labour Court recommendation in this House on 25 October, 2006 indicated that the Court remains available to the parties to advance a resolution to the dispute.

Afforestation Programme.

Martin Ferris

Question:

1395 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will ensure that the revised digital system survey conducted on the forestry holding of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be re-examined. [2491/07]

My Department is reviewing all current forestry claims, in compliance with EU regulations, using digital imaging to establish the precise location and size of each forest. The established forest size is compared to the size currently on record and, where this varies, clients are informed of the correct forest size for future forestry claims. In all cases clients, such as the person in question, are advised in writing that they are entitled to have the decision reviewed by notifying the Department in writing within 28 days of the letter and submitting a revised map prepared by an Approved Forester showing the correct boundaries of the plantation. My officials will re-examine this person's claim on receipt of the above details.

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme.

Michael Ring

Question:

1396 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if documentation was received in her Department from a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if so, the progress made on issuing their disadvantaged areas scheme 2006 payment. [2492/07]

To be eligible for payment under the 2006 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, an applicant must have a holding with a minimum stocking level of 0.15 livestock units per forage hectare. The person named declared 29 hectares of forage area and required 4.35 livestock units (29 x 0.15) to qualify for payment. My Department's records show no evidence in this case of the ownership and possession of eligible livestock during 2006. However, a letter was issued to the applicant by my Department in October 2006 requesting documentation to assist in the processing of the claim. No such documentation has been received to date. A reminder was issued to the person named on 26 January 2007.

Forest Service.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1397 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she is satisfied that sufficient resources are available to ensure that requests for information under national and European legislation to the Forest Service are being acknowledged and responded to within the specified timeframe. [2513/07]

Requests for information under national and European legislation vary in terms of complexity and volume. I am satisfied that sufficient resources are available within the Forest Service to ensure that information requests under national and European legislation are processed efficiently.

Grant Payments.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

1398 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the 2006 REP scheme payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2578/07]

The payment has been approved the person named is likely to receive it this week.

Billy Kelleher

Question:

1399 Mr. Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not received payment for land leased entitlements; if this matter will be investigated and payment awarded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2737/07]

The position is that an application for the Transfer of Entitlements under the Single Payment Scheme to the person named was submitted on the 20th April 2006. During processing of the Transfer application it was necessary for an official of my Department to seek clarification on certain matters relating to the application. The requested information was received on the 26th of January 2007. The application has now been fully processed and payment in respect of 17.50 entitlements, transferred by way of lease will issue shortly.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

1400 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork who is on a programme of farm improvements, is being penalised 20% of their single farm payment. [2839/07]

The position is that an application under the Single Payment Scheme/ Disadvantaged Area Compensatory Allowance Scheme was received from the person named on the 10th May 2006. As part of the control procedures under EU legislation, governing the Single Payment Scheme the application was randomly selected for and was the subject of a cross compliance inspection. During the course of the cross-compliance inspection breaches were discovered with regard to the collection and storage of Livestock Manures. Errors were also discovered with regard to the identification and registration of bovine animals. This has resulted in a 20% penalty being applied to the Single Payment for 2006.

If the Herd Owner is not satisfied with the result of the inspection, he may seek a review by contacting his Local Office. He also has the right to appeal the outcome of any such review to the Independent Agriculture Appeals Office.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

1401 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not been granted their 2006 REP scheme payment. [2840/07]

The person named applied for his second year REPS payment on 2 November 2006. Payment dated 15 December 2006 has issued.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

1402 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork is being denied the balance of their single farm payment for transferring the farm to their son. [2841/07]

Subsequent to the processing of the Advance Payment under the 2006 Single Payment Scheme, which was issued in the name of the then registered owner of the herd number in question, the herd number was transferred into the name of the son of the former herd owner. An official of my Department has been in direct contact with the son of the original herd owner and it is expected that the balancing payment will issue shortly.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

1403 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not received their single farm payment. [2842/07]

The position is that an application for the Transfer of Entitlements under the Single Payment Scheme from the person named was submitted on the 12th December 2006. The application was accepted even though the closing date for receipt of completed applications to transfer entitlements was the 16th of May 2006. During processing of the Transfer application, it was necessary for an official of my Department to write to the person named to seek clarification on certain matters relating to the application. Upon receipt of this information, my Department will process the application and will correspond directly with the person named.

Question No. 1404 answered with Question No. 1336.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

1405 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a decision has been made on an application under the national reserve by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2916/07]

As indicated in reply to a previous Parliamentary Question, the person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the 2005 Single Payment Scheme National Reserve under Category C. Category C caters for farmers who sold their milk quota into the Milk Quota Restructuring Scheme and converted their enterprise to a farming sector for which a direct payment under Livestock Premia and/or Arable Aid Schemes would have been payable during the reference period 2000 to 2002. The person named was initially deemed unsuccessful under this category.

The person named submitted an appeal against this decision and provided additional documentation in support of his appeal. In all such cases, the procedure is that all contentions put forward in support of an appeal are first of all reviewed within my Department to see whether there is sufficient evidence to warrant any change to the original decision. In this case the documentation was examined by my Department and the person named has been deemed successful. A formal letter outlining my Department's decision has issued to the person named and the relevant payment due will issue shortly.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

1406 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding an application under the single farm payment by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2917/07]

An application for the Transfer of Entitlements under the 2006 Single Payment Scheme, seeking the transfer from the sole name of the person named to the joint names of the person named and another person was received on 12 January 2007. The application was accepted even though the closing date for receipt of completed applications to transfer entitlements was 16 of May 2006. The application has now been fully processed and payment in respect of 63.25 transferred Entitlements will issue shortly.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

1407 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding an application under the 2006 single farm payment by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2918/07]

The position is that an application for the Transfer of Entitlements under the Single Payment Scheme to the person named was submitted on the 8th November 2006. The application was accepted even though the closing date for receipt of completed applications to transfer entitlements was the 16th of May 2006. The application has now been fully processed and payment in respect of 18.16 entitlements transferred by way of gift will issue shortly.

The person named also submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the 2006 Single Payment Scheme National Reserve under Category B. Category B caters for farmers who commenced farming after 31 December, 2002 or who commenced farming in 2002 but who received no direct payments in respect of that scheme year. The position is that processing of the 2006 National Reserve applications will commence shortly and the intention is to make allocations to successful applicants at the earliest opportunity. A formal letter outlining my Department's decision on the National Reserve will issue to the person named as soon as his application has been processed.

Departmental Staff.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1408 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of persons engaged in project management in her Department that have recognised qualifications in that area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3213/07]

Management of projects of various types and sizes is an ongoing part of the work of my Department. The projects include IT based initiatives as well as those in the more general areas of the Department's operations. The staff of my Department who are engaged in this type of work have acquired extensive skills through ongoing on the job training and experience over a range of areas. Specific training in project management has been provided to some seventy-nine members of staff.

Decentralisation Programme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1409 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the timetable for the decentralisation of the Department of Education and Science to Athlone; the number of staff at each grade to be decentralised; the number of applications made at each grade under the CAF for decentralisation to Athlone; the timetable for the decentralisation of an advanced party; if temporary accommodation has been obtained; the number of staff at each grade which will be facilitated in this phase of the decentralisation; if a permanent site has been obtained; the timetable for the completion of this facility; the number of staff it will cater for; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1056/07]

Permanent accommodation for the 100 posts to decentralise to Athlone will be provided on my Department's existing campus in Athlone. Construction of this accommodation will begin shortly and the Office of Public Works has indicated that the accommodation should be ready for occupation sometime in 2008. There are no plans to move an advance party into temporary accommodation in Athlone.

Six (6) posts are to decentralise at Principal Officer level. Principal Officers willing to decentralise have been identified for all of these posts. At Assistant Principal Officer level 11.50 posts are to decentralise. Officers willing to decentralise have been identified for 9 of these posts. At Higher Executive Officer/ Administrative Officer level 20 posts are to decentralise. Twenty two officers willing to decentralise have been identified. At Executive Officer level 31.3 posts will decentralise. Thirty five officers willing to decentralise have been identified. Two and a half (2.5) Staff Officer posts are to decentralise to Athlone. There are no staff officers volunteering for assignment to these posts in Athlone. At Clerical Officer level 21.1 posts will decentralise. In excess of 50 Clerical Officers have indicated interest in these posts, either by applying through central transfer lists, prior through the operation of the CAF, or through the CAF. Two inspector posts will decentralise. There are no volunteers for assignment to these posts. There are three volunteers for assignment to five Service Officer posts and no volunteer for assignment to the post of telephonist.

At any grade where there is a slight oversubscription for the posts available it should be possible to accommodate all volunteers as it is anticipated that a number of officers currently serving in the existing Athlone office of my Department will opt to decentralise elsewhere with other departments. However, due to the significant level of oversubscription at Clerical Officer it is unlikely that my Department will be able to offer posts in Athlone to all of those who have express an interest.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1410 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the timetable for the decentralisation of her Department to Mullingar; the number of staff at each grade to be decentralised; the number of applications made at each grade under the CAF for decentralisation to Mullingar; the timetable for the decentralisation of an advanced party; if temporary accommodation has been obtained; the number of staff at each grade which will be facilitated in this phase of the decentralisation; if a permanent site has been obtained; the timetable for the completion of this facility; the number of staff it will cater for; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1060/07]

Permanent accommodation for the 100 posts to decentralise to Athlone will be provided on my Department's existing campus in Athlone. Construction of this accommodation will begin shortly and the Office of Public Works has indicated that the accommodation should be ready for occupation sometime in 2008. There are no plans to move an advance party into temporary accommodation in Athlone.

Six (6) posts are to decentralise at Principal Officer level. Principal Officers willing to decentralise have been identified for all of these posts. At Assistant Principal Officer level 11.50 posts are to decentralise. Officers willing to decentralise have been identified for 9 of these posts. At Higher Executive Officer/ Administrative Officer level 20 posts are to decentralise. Twenty two officers willing to decentralise have been identified. At Executive Officer level 31.3 posts will decentralise. Thirty five officers willing to decentralise have been identified. Two and a half (2.5) Staff Officer posts are to decentralise to Athlone. There are no staff officers volunteering for assignment to these posts in Athlone. At Clerical Officer level 21.1 posts will decentralise. In excess of 50 Clerical Officers have indicated interest in these posts, either by applying through central transfer lists, prior through the operation of the CAF, or through the CAF. Two inspector posts will decentralise. There are no volunteers for assignment to these posts. There are three volunteers for assignment to five Service Officer posts and no volunteer for assignment to the post of telephonist.

At any grade where there is a slight oversubscription for the posts available it should be possible to accommodate all volunteers as it is anticipated that a number of officers currently serving in the existing Athlone office of my Department will opt to decentralise elsewhere with other departments. However, due to the significant level of oversubscription at Clerical Officer it is unlikely that my Department will be able to offer posts in Athlone to all of those who have express an interest.

Special Educational Needs.

Phil Hogan

Question:

1411 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science if funding is available to establish an ABA unit for children with autism for their education needs in Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1480/07]

The Deputy will be aware of my commitment to ensuring that all children, including those with autism receive an education appropriate to their needs, preferably through the primary and post primary school network. In this regard my Department has established:

180 special classes for children with autism, attached to special and mainstream schools, 12 of which are located in the Kilkenny area.

5 special classes for children with Asperger's Syndrome.

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

12 Stand Alone facilities providing an Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) specific methodology on a pilot basis, one of which is located in the Kilkenny area.

Approval has been given to establish a further two units under the pilot scheme which facilitates the ABA units. No application for inclusion in the scheme has been received from the Kilkenny area.

School Curriculum.

Pat Carey

Question:

1412 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science if there is a scheme or method that parents can use to offset the cost of leaving and junior certificate mock exams, in view of the fact that these are compulsory in many schools and regarded as part of the school curriculum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2449/07]

The position regarding the alleviation of entry fees for the State examinations is that students who are covered by the means-tested general medical services card scheme, either directly or as the dependants of medical card holders, are not liable to pay fees. Mock examinations are not part of the State examinations system, and therefore my Department has no function in respect of the fees that are charged for these examinations.

As regards the overall resources available to schools, there have been significant improvements in recent years in the level of funding for voluntary secondary schools. I wish to draw the attention of the Deputy to my announcement of further significant increases in the context of the 2007 estimates. From 1 January 2007 the standard per capita grant was increased by a further €18 to €316 per pupil. In addition, the support services grant was increased by a further €30 for voluntary secondary schools, which includes a further equalisation measure, to €189 per pupil. For such schools this cumulative increase of €48 per pupil brings the aggregate grant to over €500 per pupil from 1 January. These grants are in addition to the per capita funding of up to €40,000 per school that is also provided by my Department to secondary schools towards secretarial and caretaking services. For example in the case of a secondary school with 500 pupils, this brings the annual grants towards general expenses and support service to over €290,000.

School Absenteeism.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1413 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children in each county, under the age of 16 years, not attending school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43689/06]

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. There are seven possible categories of absence which are reported on.

With regard to the specific information requested by the Deputy on the number of children in each county, under the age of 16 years, not attending school, this data is not recorded in the specific format requested.

School Enrolments.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1414 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children on an annual basis since 2000, in the greater Dublin area who failed to transfer from primary to second-level education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43690/06]

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1415 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children on an annual basis since 2000, in each county, who failed to transfer from primary to second-level education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43691/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1414 and 1415 together.

My Department is accordingly reviewing the statistics relating to transfer from Primary and Post Primary and a further reply will be forwarded to the Deputy in due course.

Home Tuition.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1416 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children who are currently not in school and are availing of the home tuition programme in each county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43692/06]

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

I wish to advise the Deputy that there are currently in the region of 270 children of school going age, who are not attending school, and are availing of home tuition. The information regarding the breakdown for each county is not readily available in my Department.

The Deputy will be aware that 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. The NEWB is a 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.

As the Deputy is aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) came into operation on 1st January 2005. One of the specific functions of the NCSE, through its network of local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is to ensure that there is sufficient educational provision available within the primary and post primary sector for all children with special educational needs. It is open to a parent to contact a school directly with a view to having their child enrolled.

I wish to assure the Deputy that I am most anxious that all children receive an education appropriate to their needs and in co-operation with the relevant agencies ensure that children are adequately resourced to enable them to meet their potential.

School Transport.

Beverley Flynn

Question:

1417 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason persons (details supplied) in County Mayo are not being provided with school transport for their children. [43706/06]

The family referred to in the details supplied by the Deputy are eligible for transport to the school referred to in the details supplied by the Deputy. A school bus service may be established where there are a sufficient number of eligible pupils offering for transport from a distinct area and subject to the terms of the scheme. The family in question have been offered a Remote Area Grant towards the cost of arranging private transport which can be claimed at the end of each school year.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

1418 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in relation to route 776 and 779 to a school (details supplied) in County Cork, her Department will pay the present transport provider to carry the pupils to the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43733/06]

Under the terms of the Primary School Transport Scheme, only eligible children qualify for free transport. In order to be eligible, children must live at least 3.2 kilometres from, and be attending, their nearest national school. Bus Eireann have advised that the service currently in operation is catering for all eligible pupils that have applied for transport. However, children who do not qualify for free transport on distance grounds may be allowed to travel as concessionary fare-payers. This may be allowed subject to the condition that there are spare seats available after all fully eligible children have been catered for, and provided there is no extra State cost involved by way of altering or extending the route of the service or by providing an additional or larger bus.

Where fare-paying transport is sought to a school other than the nearest, the written agreement of the Board of Management of the nearest school is required. The parents in question should contact their local Bus Éireann office regarding the availability of spare seats.

National Minimum Wage.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1419 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of staff in her Department currently earning the national minimum wage; the number of staff in her Department currently earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff in her Department’s agencies currently earning the national minimum wage; the number of staff in her Department’s agencies currently earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff who are employed by contractors to her Department currently earning the national minimum wage; the number employed by contractors of her Department currently earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff in her Department currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by Sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; the number of staff in her Department’s agencies currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by Sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; the number of staff who are employed by contractors to her Department currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by Sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43753/06]

The information requested by the Deputy is being compiled in my Department and will be sent to him as soon as possible.

Special Educational Needs.

Joe Costello

Question:

1420 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1 who has special needs is not receiving appropriate education; if she will provide one to one tuition for them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43764/06]

The pupil referred to by the Deputy is currently enrolled in a special class with a pupil teacher ratio of 6:1. I understand that the pupil also has the support of an individual special needs assistant (SNA) and there is another SNA and a careworker based in the class. The pupil is availing of the maximum support possible and I understand that the school is satisfied that the pupil has been allocated adequate resources.

As the Deputy is aware, 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. My officials have been in contact with the local SENO who has not received any application for additional resources for this pupil.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

1421 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the role of the National Council for Special Education and the National Educational Psychological Service in relation to proposals for the development of a new ABACUS school in Dundalk, County Louth; the service which is responsible for assessing applicants for places in such schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43776/06]

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

1435 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the role of the National Council for Special Education and the National Educational Psychological Service in relation to proposals for the development of a new ABACUS school in Dundalk, County Louth; the aforementioned services that are responsible for assessing applicants for places in such schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43959/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1421 and 1435 together.

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.

In processing applications for stand-alone facilities, my Department refer the professional reports of the children proposed to be enrolled in the stand-alone facility to the National Educational Psychological Service. This is to ensure that the children concerned will be appropriately placed.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) came into operation on 1st January 2005. The NCSE has a network of local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), whose role extends to ensuring that there is sufficient provision available within the primary and post-primary sector for all children with special educational needs.

Higher Education Grants.

Martin Ferris

Question:

1422 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry who has been turned down for a top up maintenance grant due to the fact that they are €200 over the limit for reckonable income. [43787/06]

In order to qualify for the special rate of maintenance (sometimes known as the ‘top-up' grant) a candidate must meet a number of conditions, including the following:

1. An applicant must qualify for the ordinary maintenance grant.

2. Total reckonable income in the relevant tax year must not exceed the lower income limits as set out in the relevant Maintenance Grant Schemes and, where applicable, net of Child Dependent Increase payments.

3. As at the prescribed date — i.e. 31st December each year — the source of income must include one of the eligible long-term Social Welfare payments.

I understand that the candidate referred to by the Deputy was not eligible for the special rate of maintenance grant as the reckonable income exceeded the prescribed limit for the academic year 2006/2007 which is €16,748.

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

Financial Assistance is also available from my Department through the Student Assistance Fund which is ESF-aided and administered by the National Office for Equity of Access to Third Level Education (National Office).

This Fund assists students who, having commenced a third-level course, experience financial hardship and, therefore, may be unable to continue their third-level studies. Applications for funding should be made by the individual student to the Access Officer in the institution in which they are studying. The Fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.

The Millennium Partnership Fund is a community-based fund that supports retention and participation among under-represented groups of students in further or higher education. Partnership Companies and Community Groups manage the Fund locally. The Fund is managed on behalf of my Department by Pobal, the state company established to promote social inclusion, reconciliation and equality in Ireland, in consultation with the National Office for Equity of Access to Third Level Education. Applications for Millennium funding are made annually by the Partnership Companies and Community Groups through Pobal.

Schools Building Projects.

Finian McGrath

Question:

1423 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will support the valuable work of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 5 with extra resources and funding in 2007. [43795/06]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the school to which he refers is included among over 970 schools approved for funding under the Summer Works Scheme for 2007. The school has been approved for roof works.

All successful applicants will be contacted shortly by the Building Unit of the Department with details of the grant aid being provided and instructions on how to proceed.

Youth Services.

Mary Upton

Question:

1424 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to an application for funding for a club (details supplied) in Dublin 12 under the new options new choices programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43799/06]

My Department provided an amount of €73,813 funding aid for the programme in question in 2006 via the City of Dublin Youth Service Board (CDYSB).

An application for additional funding in 2007 for the programme has been received from the CDYSB on behalf of the programme organisers. Funding allocations for 2007 are currently being examined and consideration will be given to this request in light of available financial resources, existing commitments and other applications for funding.

Higher Education Facilities.

Damien English

Question:

1425 Mr. English asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to provide a third level education campus in County Meath, in order to allow the people living there to advance their skills base for the knowledge society; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43804/06]

In the State as a whole, there are over twenty publicly-funded higher education institutions — seven of which are universitiesand fourteen institutes of technology. In its review of Irish Higher Education published in 2004, the OECD observed that Irish Third Level Institutions were relatively small by international standards and that this posed particular challenges in terms of achieving critical mass for academic provision, infrastructure, research and support mechanisms.

In view of the current level of third level provision nationally, there are no plans to create additional third-level campuses.

Site Acquisitions.

Damien English

Question:

1426 Mr. English asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will acquire the designated school site at Hollywoodrath, Dublin 15 in view of the fact that there is no school in Hollystown and the adjacent Tyrrelstown school already has enough applicants to fill six classes of junior infants in the 2007 to 2008 school year. [43811/06]

Damien English

Question:

1427 Mr. English asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will purchase the 1.5 acre reserved site at Littlepace, Dublin 15; and the discussions she has had with the landowners regarding this matter to date. [43812/06]

Joe Higgins

Question:

1472 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if a site has been purchased for a primary school in Tyrrelstown, Dublin 15; the way it is proposed to accommodate all the pupils of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 from September 2007; when the permanent school building will be constructed and opened; and the further provision needs to be made in the medium term to meet the need for primary school places in the Tyrrelstown area. [1217/07]

Joe Higgins

Question:

1473 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department will immediately acquire the one and a half acres of land to provide urgently needed space for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15. [1218/07]

Joe Higgins

Question:

1474 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science the up to date situation with the acquisition of a site for primary schools in Ongar, Dublin 15; the areas of the site; and when schools (details supplied) will have their permanent buildings opened. [1219/07]

Joe Higgins

Question:

1475 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science the way, with regard to primary school places in Dublin 15, it is intended to avoid the situation that arose in 2006 when substantial numbers of children could not be initially accommodated in local schools. [1220/07]

Joe Higgins

Question:

1476 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science the schedule for the construction of a second level school in Ongar, Dublin 15. [1221/07]

Joe Higgins

Question:

1477 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science the projections for secondary school needs in Dublin 15, particularly in Castleknock and Tyrrelstown. [1222/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1534 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in relation to the proposed permanent site for schools (details supplied) in Dublin 15, the acquisition of the site has been finalised; the size of the site; the cost of acquiring the site; the number of pupils to be catered for in each of the schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1487/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1535 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a school site (details supplied) is grossly overcrowded; if this site is to be significantly extended; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1488/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1536 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the exact location of each site in relation to each of the proposed new primary schools announced for Dublin 15 including the Tyrellstown site; the total size of each site; the cost of acquiring each site; the number of pupils that will be catered for by each school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1489/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1426, 1427, 1472 to 1477, inclusive, and 1534 to 1536, inclusive, together.

As the Deputies will be aware the recent Census preliminary figures confirm the Fingal area of Dublin as the fastest growing area in the country. The Department is of the view that between primary and post primary level, some 20 new schools will be required there over the coming years. The challenge is to provide these schools in line with or ahead of demand for pupil places.

Considerable interventions have already been made by the Department to increase pupil places and these interventions are being backed up by a significant construction programme.

In this regard, phase two of the building project at Mary Mother of Hope N.S., Littlepace is on schedule to open for September 2007. This will provide a new 16 classroom facility for the area.

In addition, plans are being advanced to provide a new school for Castaheany Educate Together and St. Benedict's National School. These schools are currently located on a temporary basis on the Mary of Mother of Hope N.S. site. When they move to their permanent location in Ongar, this will free up the Mary Mother of Hope site considerably. In the circumstances, the Department has no plans to acquire additional land for the Mary Mother of Hope school. I would like to point out that this school will also have the benefit of enhanced shared community facilities under an arrangement with Fingal County Council.

With regard to the site at Ongar, following pre-planning discussions with the local authority, the 4 acre site is being supplemented with an additional 1.8 acres to improve access and traffic management on the site. The development of this site for Castaheany Educate Together and St. Benedict's National School will provide a total of 40 classrooms to cater for up 1,000 primary pupils. These schools will also benefit from enhanced shared community facilities.

Other developments in the Dublin 15 area at primary level include the planned expansion of St. Brigid's National School in Castleknock, and extensions to St. Brigid's Boys and Girls National Schools in Blanchardstown. Design teams have recently been appointed for both of these projects.

The Board of Management of St. Mochta's National School, agreed to expand its school to enable a four stream intake from September 2006. The extension project for this school as well as one for St Patrick's Junior and Senior Schools, Corduff were also included on the recent list of schools for the appointment of design teams.

The Department has secured a site in Tyrrelstown to provide permanent accommodation for Tyrrelstown Educate Together NS. The Department is in discussion with the school in relation to its interim requirement pending the delivery of its new school building which it will be moving to delivery as quickly as possible.

In the Hollywoodsrath area, the Department has requested a site reservation for primary education under the local authority's area development planning process.

It is intended to deliver a new school there commensurate with the delivery of housing developments.

Further site reservations will be requested by the Department as the local authority develops out further plans for the general area. These too will be acquired and developed in line with demand.

At post primary level, I have given the go-ahead for the delivery of a new 1,000 pupil post-primary school in Phibblestown, Dublin 15.

This new school will be delivered along with new schools in Donabate and Laytown under a design and build contract that is aimed at delivering 3,000 school places for these rapidly developing areas. The inclusion of these three projects in one bundle will further facilitate the achievement of value for money.

The procurement process is well advanced for a Design Team to do the initial design of these 3 new schools. Thereafter, a Design and Build contractor will be appointed to complete the designs and build the new schools. The Department is working with the relevant parties on the delivery of these projects within the earliest possible timeframe.

At post primary level in Castleknock, the need for an additional school is being examined.

With regard to the general situation, the practice has emerged in recent years of parents enrolling their children in more than one school. This has the result of inflating the number of children apparently seeking places and creates a difficulty in determining the true number of places required. The Department will monitor the situation closely, as it did in 2006, and liaise with school principals in the area to ensure that all eligible pupils seeking places for 2007 will have access to them.

In relation to the location of sites being developed by the Department, I have arranged for this information to be forwarded to Deputy Burton separately. Due to the commercial sensitivities attaching to site acquisition, the Department does not comment on site costs.

Special Educational Needs.

Richard Bruton

Question:

1428 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the system whereby State examination certificates granted to persons with dyslexia following some modification of the standard exam are qualified by a note of explanation whereas such annotation does not qualify exams taken at university in similar circumstances; the reason she allows the discriminatory practice apply at leaving and junior certificate; and her views on whether similar annotation should apply where students get extra marks for taking an exam through Irish. [43830/06]

As the Deputy will be aware, this Government has shown an unrivalled commitment to ensuring that children and young people with special needs get the extra support they need in order to reach their full potential at school. We have dramatically expanded investment in special education in recent years and we have improved access to the state examinations for young people with special needs.

Annotations on certificates only apply in situations where a core area of a subject is not assessed, or where the mode of assessment used has the same effect. The scheme was introduced following the report of an expert advisory group, and the introduction enabled opportunities to be provided for exemptions where a candidate was not in a position to demonstrate achievement in a core area of assessment. This change, for example, enabled a hearing impaired student to be exempt for the first time from the aural component of language subjects. His/her marks on the balance of the examination would be grossed up proportionately towards 100%, and the certificate would include a note to the effect that all elements of the subject were assessed except the aural component. Spelling and grammar waivers in language subjects were provided to cater for students with dyslexia on a similar basis, with annotation of the certificates. The aim of these changes was to facilitate the operation of a responsive and flexible system which enables all candidates to demonstrate their achievements, while preserving the integrity and fairness of the exams by ensuring that special arrangements are operated in a transparent manner.

In relation to the Equality Tribunal's recent findings, the legal position is that they must either be implemented in full or appealed within the specified timeframe under the Equal Status Act 2002. My Department has examined the findings and is concerned both that the widening of access through the use of exemptions coupled with annotations has not been fully understood in this case and that the fundamental nature of the accommodations being provided has been questioned. It has therefore been decided to appeal the findings.

The policy of awarding bonus marks awards in the state examinations was introduced by the government in the 1920s as one of a number of initiatives to promote the study of subjects through Irish, reflecting the Constitutional position of Irish as the first language. This continues to the present day in the context of wider public policy to promote the Irish language, and is a facility open to all students. In such cases the candidates have been assessed in all components of the examination.

I am aware that it is not the practice in third level institutions to include notations on certificates. The position is not analogous in that third level awards are not centrally marked and subject to a published marking scheme. As a general rule, third level colleges do not provide for exemptions from a core area of assessment.

Given that this case is to be appealed to the Circuit Court, it is not appropriate that I make any further comment in the matter.

Pension Provisions.

Máire Hoctor

Question:

1429 Ms Hoctor asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of a pension enquiry for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43834/06]

Following a detailed examination of the case by my Department a comprehensive written reply to the enquiries was sent to the person concerned on 15 December 2006.

School Transport.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

1430 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that 13 children attending a school (details supplied) in County Donegal, who are availing of the school transport system, are currently being dropped off at the school at 9.05 a.m. and collected from the school at 3.40 p.m. although the school and the grounds are only insured from 9.20 a.m. to 3.05 p.m; if the reason for this is that the bus in question only has the capacity to accommodate 14 children and therefore two runs to the school are needed to accommodate the 27 children on this route; her views on whether it is acceptable to have children of very young ages waiting in all weathers for 55 minutes each day; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43856/06]

Bus Éireann has reported that the pupils referred to by the Deputy have a service operating within the guidelines of the School Transport Scheme. The service has also been reviewed by the Independent School Transport Appeals Board, which has deemed it suitable.

Queries regarding the supervision of pupils should be addressed to the Chairperson, Board of Management of the school in question.

Higher Education Grants.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

1431 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has been refused a higher education maintenance grant by Kildare County Council on the grounds that they resided in France from 2002 to 2005; the basis on which a habitual residence requirement can be applied to debar an Irish born citizen of grant entitlement; if she will review the decision made in this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43916/06]

The decision on eligibility for third level grants is a matter for the relevant local authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is desired. It appears that no such advice or instruction has, to date, been sought in the case of the student referred to by the Deputy.

If an individual applicant considers that s/he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, s/he may appeal to the relevant local authority or VEC.

Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by the relevant local authority or VEC, and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in his/her case, a letter outlining the position may be sent to my Department. Alternatively, as already indicated, the local authority or VEC may, itself, in exceptional circumstances, seek clarification on issues from my Department.

However, it is not open to me, or my Department, to depart from the terms of the maintenance grants schemes in individual cases.

Career Guidance.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

1432 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the recently published National Council for Curriculum and Assessment document, Draft Curriculum Framework for Post Primary Guidance; if it is intended to shift the focus of school guidance counselling from one to one encounters to a more classroom based approach; the consultations she has had with the Institute of Guidance Counsellors or other bodies regarding this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43940/06]

The NCCA has published on its website a draft curriculum framework for guidance in post primary education. This draft document has been sent to all schools and relevant organisations for feedback by the end of February. It was developed through the NCCA's consultative structures, which included representation from the Institute of Guidance Counsellors, and it was approved for consultation by the Council.

The draft curriculum framework outlines a range of learning experiences for students in the areas of personal guidance, educational guidance and career development. It reflects the importance of a balanced approach to guidance provision, both in terms of the coverage of a broad range of topics and skills and in terms of student access to guidance across all the years of post-primary education.

The purpose of the framework is to support schools in developing guidance plans aimed at ensuring all their students have access to appropriate guidance. It is in keeping with the Guidelines for Second Level Schools on the Implications of Section 9(c) of the Education Act 1998 relating to students' access to appropriate guidance published by my Department in July 2005.

The shift in focus relates to the need to provide guidance to all students and to make it available from the time a student enters second level education. This calls for balance in the provision of guidance between junior and senior cycle students. It also requires guidance programmes to be delivered through whole class activities, group work and individual provision.

In order to ensure that students receive guidance from first year, schools are encouraged to integrate guidance into other areas of the curriculum. Since many of the expected learning outcomes of guidance programmes are shared by other subject areas, for example, Social, Personal and Health Education, it follows that the planning and delivery of activities to achieve these objectives should take place in a collaborative way.

Regarding one-to-one encounters, my Department recognises the need for students to have access to individual guidance and counselling either at critical stages in their education or at times of personal crisis. There is no attempt to diminish the critical role of the guidance counsellor in this process. Instead, the objective is to ensure that optimum use is made of group settings where these can be effective and that guidance counsellors work collaboratively with subject teachers and other staff members to provide an effective programme for all. The time available for individual counselling should be determined by the school in the context of the needs of its students and school planning.

Higher Education Grants.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

1433 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science when the Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Sciences grants for post-graduate students were last increased; her plans to increase or review those grants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43941/06]

Following discussions between my Department, the Irish Research Council for Humanities and Social Sciences (IRCHSS) and the Higher Education Authority (HEA), my Department has agreed an increase in the value of the award for students under the IRCHSS Postgraduate scholarship scheme.

Special Educational Needs.

Dan Neville

Question:

1434 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science when a special needs assistant will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [43942/06]

As the Deputy is aware, 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, including special needs assistant support.

My officials have been in contact with the NCSE regarding the pupil referred to by the Deputy. The NCSE has advised that the SENO will make direct contact with the school concerning its application for special educational needs supports for the pupil.

Question No. 1435 answered with Question No. 1421.

Disadvantaged Status.

Finian McGrath

Question:

1436 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation regarding disadvantaged schools and the Revitalising Areas by Planning Investment and Development scheme in particular to the northside of Dublin. [43969/06]

DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the new action plan for educational inclusion will focus on addressing the educational needs of children and young people from disadvantaged communities, from preschool through second-level education (3 to 18 years). The action plan provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and a new integrated School Support Programme (SSP).

The DEIS initiative is designed to ensure that the most disadvantaged schools benefit from a comprehensive package of supports, while ensuring that others continue to get support in line with the level of disadvantage among their pupils.

The process of identifying primary and second-level schools for participation in DEIS was managed by the Educational Research Centre (ERC) on behalf of my Department and supported by quality assurance work co-ordinated through the Department's regional offices and the Inspectorate.

As a result of the identification and review process, 104 schools in the northside of Dublin were invited to participate in DEIS. These comprised 77 urban primary schools and 30 second-level schools. This represents over 13% of all schools included in the DEIS initiative nationwide.

There are currently 87 of these primary and secondary schools in Rapid or LDTF (Local Drug Task Force) areas on the northside of Dublin.

Youth Services.

Tony Gregory

Question:

1437 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 639 of 24 October 2006, if in fact contrary to the reply a grant was granted to the club concerned in 2006. [1017/07]

I am pleased that my Department was in a position to make a one-off grant aid payment of €50,000 in December 2006 in respect of the programmes and activities of the club in question.

My Department has received a further application from the club in question under the 2007 Special Projects for Youth Scheme. Funding allocations for 2007 are currently being examined by my Department and consideration will be given to this application in light of available financial resources, existing commitments and other applications for funding.

School Placement.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

1438 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science the waiting list at present in each second level school in County Louth for new entrants to post primary education; the number of places each such school will be allocating to such students for September 2007; if her Department will be allocating extra resources to such schools where it is now anticipated that there will not be adequate places to meet the demand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1018/07]

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

1439 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science the waiting list at present in each primary school in County Louth for new entrants to primary education; the number of places each such school will be allocating to such students for September 2007; if her Department will be allocating extra resources to such schools where it is now anticipated that there will not be adequate places to meet the demand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1019/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1438 and 1439 together.

Data in relation to waiting lists and the allocation of school places is a matter for the Boards of Management of individual schools.

Any school can apply to the Department for additional accommodation to meet its needs. There are a number of ways in which this can be done. For example, schools were recently invited to apply for capital funding under the Department's Permanent Accommodation Scheme for 2007 to address shortages of accommodation for enrolment increases from 2007/08. Details of successful applications will be published shortly.

Schools can also submit an application for capital funding under the Department's large scale Capital Building Programme to cater for long term accommodation needs. All such applications are assessed in the context of the existing and projected demographics of an area.

In addition, where an immediate need for additional accommodation exists, Boards of Management can apply for the provision of temporary rented accommodation.

The application forms for all of these approaches are available on the Department's website www.education.ie.

Last week, the Department published its Draft Area Development Plan for school accommodation needs for the North Dublin, East Meath and South Louth area.

The Draft Plan examines current school provision against projected population growths using, among other sources, local authority area development plans. It makes recommendations on the extent of additional accommodation needed to meet the long term needs of the areas concerned. The Draft Plan will show that a significant amount of work is already going on in all the areas concerned including south Louth. A public consultation process will now be conducted on the Draft Plan by the Commission on School Accommodation. The Draft Plan is also available on the Department's website.

School Accommodation.

Paddy McHugh

Question:

1440 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has concluded its examination of the information supplied in relation to a school (details supplied) in County Galway; the outcome and conclusions reached arising from the examination; if the examination has not been complete when same will be complete; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1020/07]

The examination of the information supplied in relation to the school to which the Deputy refers is currently under way. As part of this examination an analysis is also being carried out on matters such as population growth, demographic trends, current and projected enrolments, recent and planned housing developments and the capacity of existing schools to meet the immediate demand for accommodation.

Schools Building Projects.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

1441 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science when she will give the go-ahead for a school building project (details supplied) in Limerick where facilities are inadequate and include nine prefabs which are more than 25 years old; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1021/07]

Michael Noonan

Question:

1458 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will state, following a visit to a secondary school (details supplied) in Limerick by An Taoiseach, when the proposed building project will proceed to tender; the completion date of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1146/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1441 and 1458 together.

An application for capital funding towards the provision of an extension/refurbishment at the school has been received in the Department. Officials in my Department will carry out an examination of all the relevant factors such as current and projected enrolment, demographic trends and the likely impact of ongoing and proposed housing developments in the area with a view to determining the long term accommodation needs of the school. When this is finalised, the application will be considered for progression in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

1442 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of a school (details supplied) in County Cork on her Department’s school building programme; if this school will be progressed over 2007; when this school will be in a position to proceed to construction stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1022/07]

A suitable site has been acquired by the Office of Public Works on behalf of my Department for this project. The long term projected staffing, on which the accommodation needs will be based, has been determined and also notified to the school authority. The building project required to deliver the new school will be progressed in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Higher Education Grants.

John Perry

Question:

1443 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 489 of 14 November 2006, if she will again review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo and give a Ministerial Order to the local Vocational Education Committee; if she will temper justice with mercy on the case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1023/07]

As previously outlined in Parliamentary Question No. 489 of the 14th November 2006 the position remains the same. The decision on eligibility for third level or further education grants is a matter for the relevant local authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is desired. It appears that no such advice or instruction has, to date, been sought in the case of the student referred to by the Deputy.

My Department contacted County Sligo VEC, the awarding body responsible for assessing the grant application for the student referred to by the Deputy. Co. Sligo VEC confirmed that the candidate referred to has already completed 2 years of a Level 8 course from 1995 to 1997 and is now returning to College to pursue a course at a lower level under the Third Level Maintenance Grant (TLT) Scheme.

The TLT Scheme administered by the VECs on behalf of my Department provide means-tested grants to students who are, generally speaking, pursuing their first undergraduate qualification and who comply with the terms and conditions of the Scheme.

Clause 3.1 of the TLT Scheme states, inter alia, that: This scheme applies to those who require higher level initial education and training to enhance their employment prospects in line with the Government's sectoral employment priorities and who are entering approved Middle Level Technician (MLT) or Higher Technical and Business Skills (HTBS) courses for the first time in the 2006/2007 academic year or mature candidates re-entering in order to complete such a course.

Candidates are ineligible if:

They already hold an Honours Bachelor Degree or equivalent Level 8 qualification

They have completed more than the first year of an Honours Bachelor Degree or equivalent Level 8 course

they are pursuing a level 8 Honours Bachelor Degree course.

In accordance with clause 3.1 of the TLT Scheme the candidate is ineligible for grant assistance in respect of his current course in Sligo I.T.

The student referred to by the Deputy may be eligible to apply for the Student Assistance Fund. The objective of the Fund is to assist students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise, due to their financial circumstances, be unable to continue their third level studies. Further information on this fund is available to the candidate from the Student Access Officer in Sligo I.T.

You will appreciate that the prescribed terms of my Department's Grant schemes are of general application and it is not open to me or my Department to depart from them and make exceptions in individual cases regardless of the circumstances.

Special Educational Needs.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1444 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 263 of 9 November 2006, if she will approve the appointment of a special needs assistant for a pupil who has been recommended for a full time SNA by the Health Service Executive child guidance service, in an occupational therapy report and a psychological assessment; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the child has been diagnosed with dyslexia, dyspraxia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and goldenhar syndrome; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1051/07]

The Deputy is aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible for processing applications for special educational needs support.

The NCSE has advised that on 27th July, 2005, the special educational needs organiser (SENO) allocated access to SNA support as required to the pupil in question. This support was to be provided by an SNA already in the school who was caring primarily for another pupil. A further application for SNA support was received by the SENO for another child enrolling in junior infants in the school in September, 2006. The SENO determined that the SNA allocated to the school can cater for the needs of all three pupils, as required.

My officials have been advised by the NCSE that a further application for SNA support was submitted to the SENO on 16th January, 2007. The SENO will consider the application and inform the school authorities of the outcome as soon as the application has been processed.

Schools Building Projects.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1445 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 478 of 7 November 2006, when the project will proceed to the invitation of tenders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1065/07]

An updated cost plan and other outstanding documentation relating to a building project for the school in question are currently being examined in my Department. It is hoped to proceed to the invitation of tenders in the coming weeks.

School Accommodation.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1446 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide an update to Parliamentary Question No. 561 of 30 May 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1071/07]

As part of the expansion of the devolved scheme for primary building works, a grant was sanctioned by my Department in 2006 to enable the management authorities of the school in question to provide permanent accommodation.

The initiative allows Boards of Management to address their accommodation and building priorities with a guaranteed amount of funding and gives Boards of Management control of the building project.

The Board of Management has applied for Planning Permission for the project and expects that it will go on site in April/May of this year.

School Transport.

John Perry

Question:

1447 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will ensure that a favourable decision is made on school transport for persons (details supplied) in County Sligo in view of the circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1083/07]

Under the terms of the Primary School Transport Scheme, children are eligible, subject to conditions, for free transport to their nearest national school or school of amalgamation.

Pupils not attending their nearest national school may avail of concessionary fare-paying transport to another school, provided the written agreement of the Board of Management of the nearest school is secured and subject to there being spare seats available on the bus and provided that no extra State cost is incurred by extending or re-routing the service.

The pupil referred to by the Deputy is not attending the nearest school, but may avail of concessionary fare paying transport to the school attended subject to the payment of the appropriate fee to Bus Éireann, as the written agreement of the Board of Management of the nearest school has been secured.

Schools Building Projects.

John Perry

Question:

1448 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will ensure that the application submitted by a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim under the small school scheme is approved to allow the school to extend the present permanent structure to incorporate three mainstream classrooms, an all purpose PE room, a resource room, a staffroom and office as the school is developing in numbers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1087/07]

An application has been received in my Department from the school referred to by the Deputy under the Small Schools Scheme 2007. All applications received under this scheme are under consideration and the list of successful applicants will be published shortly.

School Staffing.

John Perry

Question:

1449 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will sanction a teacher for Travellers (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1088/07]

My Department is aware of an application for a resource teacher for Travellers in the schools referred to by the Deputy.

The application will be examined as quickly as possible and will be considered in the context of the recently published Report and Recommendations for a Traveller Education Strategy. The school authority will be advised of the outcome once the examination has been completed.

Schools Building Projects.

Michael Collins

Question:

1450 Mr. Collins asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans there are to extend and improve a school (details supplied); and if an application has been received by her Department for same. [1090/07]

Michael Collins

Question:

1610 Mr. Collins asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans to extend, upgrade and improve a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if an application has been received by her Department in relation to same. [1850/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1450 and 1610 together.

An application for capital funding has been received from the school authority referred to by the Deputy. A technical assessment of the proposed new site to accommodate a new build school will be completed shortly in order to determine its suitability for a new school.

If this proposed site is deemed suitable for a new school the building project will be progressed in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Student Support Schemes.

Seán Crowe

Question:

1451 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if guidelines will be produced for schools on the way to facilitate teenage parents to remain in education. [1091/07]

For young parents of school-going age, the most pressing needs are considered to be a sensitive response to their needs, appropriate counselling/mentoring and medical assistance, minimum disruption of tuition, and appropriate access to child care.

It will be appreciated that no two sets of circumstances will be identical and accordingly, school management practice will vary from case to case. Generally, when it comes to the attention of the school that a pupil is pregnant, the school authorities check to ensure that the girl is receiving appropriate medical assistance and counselling advice. Schools endeavour to be sensitive and understanding to the girl's needs while trying to ensure that her education is not neglected.

Home tuition is provided to pregnant schoolgirls who are absent from school during the later stages of pregnancy or immediately following the birth of a baby when attendance may be impractical.

School Staffing.

Seán Crowe

Question:

1452 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science when the 1,200 extra teachers recommended in the McGuinness Report in 2002 will be delivered. [1092/07]

Significant improvements have been made in the staffing of our second level schools in recent years. In the 2001/2002 school year, there were approximately 24,477 wholetime equivalent teaching posts allocated to second level schools. For 2006/2007, the corresponding figure is 25,454 wholetime 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 13.9:1 in the 2001/2002 school year to 13.2:1 in the 2005/2006 school year.

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 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.

School Discipline.

Seán Crowe

Question:

1453 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science when she will put the necessary resources in place to fully implement the recommendations of the Task Force on Student Behaviour. [1093/07]

Seán Crowe

Question:

1648 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will propose new measures to tackle pupil misbehaviour in view of recent TUI research that found that one in five teachers reported unacceptable threatening and intimidating behaviour by students on a weekly basis. [2074/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1453 and 1648 together.

In early 2006, I announced an implementation strategy following publication of "School Matters" the Report of the Task Force on Student Behaviour in Second Level Schools, and that strategy is now well advanced.

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

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

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

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

3. On-going training for the NBSS team.

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

In 2007 Estimates, I am providing €8 million to support the work of the NBSS, in helping schools promote positive student behaviour at second level.

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 on-going and I expect that the revised Guidelines will be available later this 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.

Literacy Levels.

Seán Crowe

Question:

1454 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on adopting the highly successful Cuban teaching method Yo Sí Puedo or yes I can literacy programme here in view of the literacy problems in this State. [1094/07]

Yo Si Puedo is a framework for teaching literacy to populations of adults who have had no previous experience of literacy education. It has been adopted or trialled in 22 countries, mainly in Latin America and Africa which have high levels of poverty and low levels of education indicators; their demographic and socio-cultural backgrounds would be largely similar to each other, but very dissimilar to Western Europe.

According to a UNESCO study on the effectiveness and feasibility of this literacy training method, several of the stakeholders interviewed noted that Yo Si Puedo "lacks the holistic view and approach required to effectively address the diversity in forms of communication, types of languages and varying needs of learners in different sociocultural contexts." It is based on a very narrow conception of literacy, which excludes numeracy and the wide range of social literacies necessary for participation in a modern complex society.

Approaches to adult literacy education in Ireland, although sharing some of the audio-visual methodologies of Yo Si Puedos, are based on a model that integrates literacy learning with other aspects of adult education, personal and social development. In contrast, Yo Si Puedo is narrowly focused on teaching and learning discrete reading and writing skills. Therefore it is considered that the Yo Si Puedo approach would not suit the Irish context.

An increase of €7.5 million, or 21%, is being provided in the budget for Adult Literacy and Community Education, which will allow for 3,000 additional literacy places in 2007. This will bring the total number of literacy places to 38,000.

With regard to literacy in schools, DEIS, the educational inclusion action plan, is designed to ensure that schools serving the most disadvantaged communities benefit from the maximum level of support available. Achievement of proficiency in literacy and numeracy is a crucial educational objective.

Under the new National Development Plan 2007-13, the goal is to reduce the proportion of pupils with serious literacy difficulties in primary schools serving disadvantaged communities from the current 27-30% to less than 15% by 2016. These measures include:

additional literacy and numeracy advisers for the Primary Curriculum Support Programme (PCSP) to support and advise schools in adopting an effective whole-school approach.

extra resources will be made available for intensive professional development programmes for teachers.

availability of the Reading Recovery and First Steps Programmes will be extended.

the further development of paired reading initiatives implemented through the Home School Community Liaison Scheme will be supported.

after school and holiday time supports assisting children's literacy will be further developed.

whole school literacy strategies under the Junior Certificate School Programme (JCSP) will be further supported and extended (including the extension of the JCSP Demonstration Library Project).

recognising the vital role of parents and other family members in children's literacy development, a new family literacy project has been initiated.

Special Educational Needs.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

1455 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 479 of 14 November 2006, when the person in question can expect home tuition hours; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1143/07]

As indicated in reply to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 292 and 294 of 18 October 2006, a request for home tuition hours was not granted in this case.

Also, as indicated in Parliamentary Question No. 479 of 14 November 2006, it is open to the school to apply to the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through the local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO), for additional teaching support and/or special needs assistant support for the pupil.

Tionscnaimh Thógála Gaelscoileanna.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

1456 D’fhiafraigh Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta an gcuirfidh sí gaelscoil (sonraí tugtha) i gContae Corcaí ar an liosta tógála in Earrach 2007; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [1144/07]

Tá suíomh oiriúnach faighte ag Oifig na nOibreacha Poiblí ar son mo Roinne le haghaidh an tionscadail seo.

Tá cinneadh déanta cheana féin ar na baill foirne réamh-mheasta fad-téarmacha ar a mbeidh na riachtanais chóiríochta bunaithe agus tá an cinneadh sin curtha in iúl don údarás scoile. Cuirfear an tionscnamh tógála, a bheidh de dhíth chun an scoil nua a sheachadadh, chun cinn i gcomhthéacs an Chláir 2007-2011 um Thógáil agus Nuachóiríocht Scoileanna.

Higher Education Grants.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1457 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 is eligible for funding from her Department with regard to their third level education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1145/07]

The decision on eligibility for third level grants is a matter for the relevant local authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is desired. It appears that no such advice or instruction has, to date, been sought in the case of the student referred to by the Deputy.

If an individual applicant considers that s/he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, s/he may appeal to the relevant local authority or VEC.

Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by the relevant local authority or VEC, and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in his/her case, a letter outlining the position may be sent to my Department. Alternatively, as already indicated, the local authority or VEC may, itself, in exceptional circumstances, seek clarification on issues from my Department.

However, it is not open to me, or my Department, to depart from the terms of the maintenance grants schemes in individual cases.

Question No. 1458 answered with Question No. 1441.

Schools Building Projects.

Joan Burton

Question:

1459 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science when the new post primary school for Phibblestown will start; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1147/07]

I have given the go ahead for a new 1,000 pupil post-primary school in Phibblestown, Dublin 15. This new school will be delivered along with new schools in Donabate and Laytown under a design and build contract that is aimed at delivering 3,000 school places for these rapidly developing areas. The inclusion of these three projects in one bundle will further facilitate the achievement of value for money.

The Phibblestown school has taken longer than expected due to difficulties in acquiring the site. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that as part of my Department's partnership with Fingal County Council the site purchase can now be concluded. The site is almost 8.5 acres in size and the legalities on the site purchase will be completed by County Dublin Vocational Education Committee. My Department has appointed Project Managers to oversee the delivery of these projects and they are currently arranging for the sites to be surveyed.

The procurement process is well advanced for a Design Team to do the initial design of these 3 new schools. Thereafter, a Design and Build contractor will be appointed to complete the designs and build the new schools. My Department is working closely with County Dublin and County Meath Vocational Education Committees on the delivery of these projects. Assuming there are no delays during the design and planning permission phases it is envisaged that the schools will be completed as close as possible to the 2009/2010 school year.

In the meantime my Department has requested the two VECs to submit their interim accommodation requirements so that the new schools can become operational in advance of the completion of the new permanent school buildings. The Department will ensure that these interim accommodation requests will be dealt with speedily and positively in order to ensure that appropriate school provision is in place in these rapidly developing areas.

Special Educational Needs.

Tom McEllistrim

Question:

1460 Mr. McEllistrim asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a special school (details supplied) in County Kerry has been discriminated against and not been funded for important subjects for autistic children. [1148/07]

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

1537 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason funding to facilitate part-time teachers at a school (details supplied) in County Kerry, was refused; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1490/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1460 and 1537 together.

My Department allocates additional teaching hours to Vocational Educational Committees (VECs) to support the delivery of education programmes in a range of facilities, including special schools. Such allocations are made under the heading Co-Operation Hours with Other Institutions and are made in response to specific applications which are submitted by the VECs in advance of the commencement of the school year to which they relate.

My Department is currently undertaking a review of allocations to VECs under Co-Operation Hours with Other Institutions and the needs of the special school to which the Deputies refer will be considered in the context of this review.

Schools Building Projects.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

1461 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science when tenders will be accepted for the building project at a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1149/07]

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

1538 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the building of an extension at a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1491/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1461 and 1538 together.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the tender for the building project at the school in question has been approved and it is envisaged that construction will commence in the first week of February.

School Transport.

John McGuinness

Question:

1462 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will investigate the changes to the school bus service from Goresbridge, County Kilkenny to schools in Kilkenny City to ensure that the arrangements which were in place and which suited parents are re-instated; if in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny, the arrangement whereby both travelled on the same bus will be re-instated; if she will expedite a positive resolution to the issues raised by parents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1150/07]

If the Deputy supplies the name of the school attended by the family referred to, my Department will investigate the circumstances and advise the family of the outcome.

Schools Building Projects.

John McGuinness

Question:

1463 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if an extension will be approved and funded for a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny in view of the ever increasing school enrolment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1151/07]

I can confirm that the School Planning Section of the Department is in receipt of an application for an extension under the Permanent Accommodation Scheme 2007 from the school to which the Deputy refers. Applications under this scheme are currently being assessed and the list of successful applicants will be announced shortly.

John McGuinness

Question:

1464 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 108 of 6 March 2003, 821 of 20 March 2002, 784 of 6 November 2001 and correspondence to her Department in 1999, she will now expedite a decision relative to an application for an extension to a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny, in view of the huge increase in the population of this area in recent years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1152/07]

I can confirm to the Deputy that the Department is in receipt of an application for major capital funding from the management authority of the school to which he refers. This application was assessed in accordance with published prioritisation criteria for major capital works and was assigned a band 2 rating.

Progress on the proposed works will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme from 2007 onwards.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

1465 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received an application from a school (details supplied) in County Kerry for funding under the summer works scheme 2007 to develop a play area at the back of the school; when a decision on the application is expected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1153/07]

The school referred to by the Deputy applied under the Summer Works Scheme 2007 for the development of a new play area, a set down area and entrance. On the 8 January 2007 I announced details of the schools to receive funding to improve facilities under the Summer Works Scheme 2007. However, due to the volume of applications received it was not possible to allocate funding to all proposed projects. It will be open to the school's management authority to re-apply for funding for the required works as part of the 2008 Summer Works Scheme.

School Placement.

Finian McGrath

Question:

1466 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in County Dublin is being denied a primary school place. [1157/07]

As the Deputy is aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is now operational. A specific function of the NCSE, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) is to identify appropriate educational placements for all children with special educational needs. The matter of the enrolment of a pupil in a school is a matter for the Board of Management of the school.

I can confirm that the pupil in question is enrolled in a special class in a mainstream school. My officials have been in contact with the local SENO regarding this pupil and the SENO has confirmed that she will be liaising with the school authorities shortly in the context of the pupil's special educational needs.

It is open to the parents to contact the SENO directly regarding the child's needs. Contact details for the SENO may be sourced from the NCSE at (046) 9486400. Alternatively, these details may be accessed on the NCSE website at www.ncse.ie.

School Curriculum.

Finian McGrath

Question:

1467 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will ensure that art therapy is included in all long-term plans for schools in disadvantaged areas; and if she will make this a priority issue. [1158/07]

The new action plan for educational inclusion DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) aims to ensure that the educational needs of children and young people, from pre-school to completion of upper second-level education (3 to 18 years), from disadvantaged communities are prioritised and effectively addressed.

Some 873 schools were selected to participate in the new School Support Programme under DEIS. These comprise 670 primary schools (338 urban/town schools and 332 rural schools) and 203 second-level schools.

Under the action plan, a continuing emphasis will be placed on the development of programmes by building on the existing work of the Home School Community Liaison Scheme and the School Completion Programme in extending access to in-school, after-school and out-of-school activities.

Therapeutic supports are offered through the School Completion Programme as part of in-school activities to targeted young people at risk of early school leaving. In addition, grants amounting to approximately €13.4 million for 670 Primary schools and 203 Post Primary schools and 80 Post Primary Schools receiving grants under pre-existing schemes to assist them with their respective levels of disadvantage and a further €4.1 million to 1,900 primary schools to assist them with their respective levels of dispersed disadvantage will have issued in 2006/2007 school year and are administered locally by schools. It is a matter for the individual schools to decide how best to apply the funding in providing activities to address educational disadvantage among their pupils, which can include providing therapeutic supports, particularly if pupils present with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

Where required specialists are employed by projects/schools to provide play therapy, art therapy, dance therapy and music therapy etc. These interventions are most commonly provided in schools over a short period of time in an attempt to help young people to identify and manage problems they are facing in their lives. In many cases the aims of such interventions is to slowly integrate the child back into the classroom, to become a less disruptive force, build more positive relationships with peers and generally develop a more lasting attitude to school life.

Schools Building Projects.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1468 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 269 of 23 November 2006, the progress to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1172/07]

An application for capital funding has been received from the school to which the Deputy refers. This application will be assessed and consideration of same will include an assessment as to whether a site is required for the proposed project.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1469 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 169 of 26 October 2006, the status of the building project for a school in County Roscommon; the status of the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1173/07]

The proposed refurbishment and extension project for the School referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning.

The project was approved to proceed to Stage 3 (Developed Sketch Scheme) of Architectural Planning in October 2006. Department officials will be in further contact with the school authorities when the Stage 3 documentation has been received.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that this project is one of 22 major post-primary school building projects that I announced yesterday to proceed to tender and construction over the next 12 to 15 months as soon as the architectural planning is completed.

Dan Neville

Question:

1470 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the funding of an extension to a school (details supplied) in County Limerick. [1215/07]

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.

Cross-Border Projects.

Finian McGrath

Question:

1471 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will support the formation of an all Ireland committee to implement the recommendations of the political education conference held in Dundalk on 6 October 2006; and if she will work with the Department of Foreign Affairs on this matter. [1216/07]

The North/South Co-operation Unit of my Department is responsible for the development of co-operation and common action in the field of education between both parts of the island of Ireland, in the context of the Good Friday Agreement. The principal function of the unit is to take forward this co-operation through the North/South Ministerial Council, NSMC, and to develop, within that framework, common policies in the designated areas of special education needs, educational underachievement, teacher mobility and school, youth and teacher exchanges and any additional areas which may be identified by the NSMC from time to time. The unit also supports and participates in a range of programmes and joint initiatives designed to increase mutual understanding and promote closer co-operation on a cross-border and cross-community basis.

The unit can be contacted directly and my officials within the unit will consider applications and/or recommendations from any group or organisation with an interest in developing closer co-operation between the education sectors on both parts of the island of Ireland.

Question Nos. 1472 to 1477, inclusive, answered with Question No. 1426.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Joan Burton

Question:

1478 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the average class size at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1223/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1479 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the average class size at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1224/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1480 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the average class size at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1225/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1481 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the average class size at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1226/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1482 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the average class size at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1227/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1483 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the average class size at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1228/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1484 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the average class size at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1229/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1485 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the average class size at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1230/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1486 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the average class size at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1231/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1487 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the average class size at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1232/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1488 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the average class size at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1233/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1489 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the average class size at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1234/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1490 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the average class size at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1235/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1491 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children of nine years of age and under in classes of more than 20 at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1236/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1492 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children of nine years of age and under in classes of more than 20 at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1237/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1493 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children of nine years of age and under in classes of more than 20 at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1238/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1494 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children of nine years of age and under in classes of more than 20 at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1239/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1495 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children of nine years of age and under in classes of more than 20 at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1240/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1496 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children of nine years of age and under in classes of more than 20 at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1241/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1497 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children of nine years of age and under in classes of more than 20 at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1242/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1498 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children of nine years of age and under in classes of more than 20 at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1243/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1499 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children of nine years of age and under in classes of more than 20 at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1244/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1500 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children of nine years of age and under in classes of more than 20 at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1245/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1501 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children of nine years of age and under in classes of more than 20 at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1246/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1502 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children of nine years of age and under in classes of more than 20 at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1247/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1503 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children of nine years of age and under in classes of more than 20 at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1248/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1504 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1249/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1505 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1250/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1506 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1251/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1507 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1252/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1508 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1253/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1509 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1254/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1510 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1255/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1511 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1256/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1512 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1257/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1513 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1258/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1514 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1259/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1515 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1260/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

1516 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1261/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1478 to 1516, inclusive, together.

Information in relation to class sizes is provided in the annual census of primary schools. The details for the current school year (2006/2007) are currently being compiled by my Department and the information requested is not readily available.

As the Deputy will be aware, major improvements have been made in staffing at primary level in recent years. At the beginning of the current school year there are no less than 4000 extra teachers in our primary schools, compared with 2002. The average class size in our primary schools is 24 and there is now one teacher for 17 pupils at primary level, including resource teachers etc.

Children with special needs and those from disadvantaged areas are getting more support than ever before to help them to make the most of their time at school. Indeed, with the thousands of extra primary teachers hired by this Government, recent years have seen the largest expansion in teacher numbers since the expansion of free education. Furthermore, the Government is committed to providing even more primary teachers next year to reduce class sizes.

As the Deputy knows all primary schools are staffed on a general rule of at least one classroom teacher for every 28 children. Of course, schools with only one or two teachers have much lower staffing ratios than that — with two teachers for just 12 pupils in some cases and so on — but the general rule is that there is at least one classroom teacher for every 28 children in the school. Next year (2007/2008 school year) this is being reduced to 27 children per classroom teacher.

A further initiative that has been of direct benefit to primary schools has been the change in the criteria for developing schools. For the current school year the threshold for getting a developing school post was reduced specifically to help schools that are seeing large increases in enrolments each year. Over 280 such posts were sanctioned in the 2006/07 school year compared to 170 in 2005/06.

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

I assure the 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.

Physiotherapy Services.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1517 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of trainee physiotherapists currently being educated; the number of third level bodies that provide training courses in physiotherapy; if she has plans to increase the output of qualified physiotherapists in view of the chronic shortage of such skilled professionals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1322/07]

In May 2002 my Department approved the provision of 175 additional therapy entrants to tackle the shortages of physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists as identified in the report "Current and Future Supply and Demand Conditions in the Labour Market for Certain Professional Therapists", which was undertaken by Dr. Peter Bacon and Associates in 2001.

Within this provision there was an annual increase of entrants of 25 approved for Physiotherapy. This increased intake will result in a significant increase in the number of Physiotherapists graduating from the third level sector. Courses in Physiotherapy are available in University College Dublin, Trinity College and the University of Limerick.

There are no plans to further increase the intake into physiotherapy courses at present. The following table shows the student numbers on physiotherapy courses in the 2005/06 academic year.

Physiotherapy Academic Year 2005-2006

Number of students as of 1st March 2006

Full-time

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

UCD

61

59

53

52

UL

27

29

31

26

TCD

43

35

40

46

School Services Staff.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1518 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if there are proposals under consideration by her Department to amend the arrangements under which schools can employ secretarial staff; if her Department makes pension arrangements in respect of school secretaries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1341/07]

My Department provides funding towards the cost of secretarial services in the case of secondary schools under two separate schemes. One is the 1978/79 scheme for the employment of school secretaries in secondary schools under which my Department meets the full cost of salary. The 1978/79 scheme is being phased out as posts become vacant and no new posts are being created.

The 1978/79 scheme has been superseded by a more extensive school support grant scheme towards the funding of ancillary services in schools including secretarial services. The scheme is flexible in nature giving Boards of Management and schools discretion as to the manner in which these services are provided.

Under that scheme each school receives a grant from my Department for the provision of secretarial and other ancillary services. It is a matter for each school to determine how best to meet its secretarial requirements. My Department has no direct role in the pay or conditions of service of secretaries employed directly by schools under these arrangements. There are no proposals at present to change this position.

There have been significant improvements in recent years in the level of funding for voluntary secondary schools. I wish to draw the attention of the Deputy to my announcement of further significant increases in the context of the 2007 estimates. From 1 January 2007 the standard per capita grant has been increased by a further €18 to €316 per pupil. In addition, the support services grant has been increased by a further €30 for voluntary secondary schools, which includes a further equalisation measure, to €189 per pupil. For such schools this cumulative increase of €48 per pupil will bring the aggregate grant to over €500 per pupil from 1 January 2007. These grants are in addition to the per capita funding of up to €40,000 per school that is also provided by my Department to secondary schools towards secretarial and caretaking services. For example in the case of a secondary school with 500 pupils, this brings the annual grants towards general expenses and support service to over €290,000.

The provision that I have made, in the context of the 2007 estimates, for these significant increases in the funding of voluntary secondary schools is a clear demonstration of my commitment to prioritise available resources to address the needs of schools.

Special Educational Needs.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1519 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to her Department’s decision to admit special needs assistants employed in primary schools to membership of the superannuation scheme, further personnel employed at schools are under consideration for admission to this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1342/07]

In 2006 my Department introduced a contributory superannuation scheme for certain caretakers employed in primary schools. The caretakers concerned are those who are employed under the 1979 Scheme. The superannuation scheme provides that membership will be effective from 1 September 2001 in the case of eligible caretakers in employment at that time.

I should add the 1979 scheme is being phased out. It has been superseded by a more extensive school support grant scheme towards the funding of ancillary services in schools, including caretaking services. The grant scheme, by its nature, is flexible and gives management authorities discretion as to the manner in which caretaking service, among other services, are provided. Staff engaged by schools under the grant system are paid by the management authorities of the schools and are non-pensionable.

Arising from recent pension reforms and in conjunction with the coming into effect of the Protection of Employees (Part-time Work) Act 2001 and the Protection of Employees (Fixed-Term Work) Act 2003 arrangements are being finalized to admit to ongoing pensionability part-time staff whose wholetime comparators have already had access to a pension scheme. In this connection substitute service given by primary teachers will be pensionable on an ongoing basis with effect from 1 September 2001. Pensionability is also being extended to unqualified teachers who are in service on or after 1 September 2001. A circular setting out the detailed arrangements is being prepared and will be issued shortly.

School Services Staff.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1520 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the arrangements under which schools secretaries are employed; if there are proposals under consideration to alter or amend these arrangements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1343/07]

My Department provides funding towards the cost of secretarial services in primary schools under two separate schemes. One is the 1978 scheme under which my Department meets the full cost of salary. These secretaries are paid directly through my Department's payroll. The 1978 scheme is being phased out. The new Ancillary Services Grant scheme has superseded the 1978 scheme.

The new Ancillary Services grant scheme is a more extensive scheme covering the funding of ancillary services in primary schools, including secretarial services. The scheme is flexible in nature giving Boards of Management and schools discretion as to the manner in which secretarial services are provided.

Under the new scheme the arrangement is that each school receives a grant from my Department for the provision of secretarial and other ancillary services. It is a matter for each school to determine how best to meet its secretarial requirements. My Department has no direct role in the pay or conditions of service of secretaries employed directly by schools under these arrangements.

There are no proposals at present to change this position.

Special Educational Needs.

Seán Crowe

Question:

1521 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on whether applied behaviour analysis is the most effective intervention for children with autism; and if she will give a commitment to ensure that all children with autism here receive evidence based interventions. [1358/07]

Richard Bruton

Question:

1641 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will introduce clear criteria for deciding when children would benefit from the applied behavioural analysis system of education in order that there would be a solid policy framework for the development of ABA schools. [2031/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1521 and 1641 together.

The Deputy will be aware of my commitment to ensuring that all children, including those with autism receive an education appropriate to their needs, preferably through the primary and post primary school network. My Department supports a multi-skills approach in regard to the education of children with autism where a range of teaching methods are available e.g. Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH), ABA (Applied Behavioural Analysis), Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). This ensures that a range of teaching methods can be applied specifically to the needs of individual pupils. In this regard my Department has established:

180 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.

14 Stand Alone facilities providing an Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) specific methodology on a pilot basis — 2 of these facilities have yet to be established.

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. Pupils with autism who are fully integrated into mainstream school receive individual teaching support for a number of hours per week as well as support from special needs assistants and specialist equipment if required. As a further support, many smaller schools which have autism units can now have an administrative principal to assist with the establishment and running of specialist intervention locally.

I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department's professionals have reviewed research on educational interventions for children with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). It is clear that this research does not support the exclusive usage of applied behaviour analysis (ABA) as a basis for national educational provision for children with autism. Rather the research supports the position that educational intervention for children with ASD needs to be child-centred and individual — tailored to meet the needs of each child — rather than matching the needs of a child to one particular version of one intervention.

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

My Department is of the opinion that teachers need to have a knowledge and understanding of general teaching principles and approaches as well as additional training in the range of approaches which are appropriate for teaching children with ASD. Teachers who have pupils with autism receive additional training in a range of educational and behavioural interventions including TEACCH, PECS and ABA. Each of these approaches can assist a child with ASD achieve their potential.

Board Meetings.

Tony Gregory

Question:

1522 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has received a request from a group (details supplied) in Dublin 7 for a representative to attend board meetings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1359/07]

My Department has been in correspondence with O'Devanney Gardens Regeneration Group. A representative has been appointed. There is a meeting scheduled to take place tomorrow between officials from my Department and an official from O'Devanney Gardens Regeneration Group.

School Accommodation.

Tony Gregory

Question:

1523 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department will assess future needs for primary school accommodation in an area (details supplied) in Dublin 7 where local national schools are full to capacity and where there will be a significant population increase arising from new apartment developments planned for the district. [1360/07]

The future needs for primary school accommodation in the Dublin 7 area are being assessed in the context of applications on hands for major capital funding from a number of schools. In common with all such applications, the Department carries out a detailed examination of the demographics of an area together with planned housing developments etc. to ensure that any planned capital investment will meet the needs of an area as a whole for the foreseeable future.

Progress on individual projects is then subject to the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects. Schools in rapidly developing areas are prioritised under these criteria.

Schools Building Projects.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1524 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 437 of 28 November 2006, if an application will be approved with her primary building unit for the school in County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1393/07]

Denis Naughten

Question:

1729 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 437 of 28 November 2006, if an application will be approved with her primary building unit for the school in County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2963/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1524 and 1729 together.

An application has been received in my Department from the school referred to by the Deputy under the Small Schools Scheme 2007. All applications received under this scheme are currently being assessed and the list of successful applicants will be published shortly.

School Enrolments.

Tony Gregory

Question:

1525 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of new places available in each of the all-Irish secondary schools in Dublin City and County for September 2007; if there are waiting lists for each of these schools; if any of these schools have submitted requests to her Department for funding for additional classrooms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1405/07]

Three all-Irish schools currently serve the needs of Dublin City at post primary level. These are:

Coláiste Mhuire, Navan Road, Dublin 7

Scoil Chaitríona, Glasnevin, Dublin 9

Gaelcholáiste Reachrann, Donaghmede, Dublin 13.

The three schools had a total first year intake of 156 students and an overall enrolment of 727 pupils as of 30th September 2005.

Coláiste Mhuire has an application with the Department for a new school building. This has been assigned a Band rating of 2.2 under the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects. The school is currently located in temporary accommodation on the grounds of St Joseph's School for the Deaf on the Navan Road.

Scoil Chaitríona was recently awarded almost €1.2 million to replace all of its windows. There is no further application on hands for capital funding for this school.

Gaelcholáiste Reachrann is located on the Grange Community College campus in Donaghmede. An extension to provide extra accommodation for both schools is currently in architectural planning. The school has a total enrolment of 191 pupils and it will have the capacity to enrol up to 450 students in the long-term.

Five all-Irish schools serve the needs of South County Dublin at post primary level. These are:

Coláiste Chillian, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

Coláiste Cois Life, Lucan, Co. Dublin

Coláiste Eoin, Stillorgan, Co. Dublin

Coláiste Íosagáin, Stillorgan, Co. Dublin

Coláiste Íde, Tallaght, Dublin 24

These five schools had a total first year intake of 316 students and an overall enrolment of 1,779 pupils as at 30th September 2005.

Coláiste Chillian was recently awarded funding to upgrade a Science Laboratory under the Summer Works Scheme 2007. The Department has no application from the school for additional accommodation.

Coláiste Cois Life recently received a new school building for a long term projected enrolment of 600 pupils. Its enrolment in 2005 was 235 pupils.

Coláiste Eoin has not applied for additional accommodation, however, it did receive funding for the replacement of windows under the Summer Works Scheme 2006.

Coláiste Íosagáin has not applied for additional accommodation, however, it too received funding for the replacement of windows under the Summer Works Scheme 2006.

Coláiste Íde also received funding for external works under the Summer Works Scheme 2006. This school has not applied for any additional accommodation.

My Department is not aware of waiting lists at all-Irish post primary level in Dublin. However, enrolments are a matter for individual Boards of Management.

Tony Gregory

Question:

1526 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department will assist three children from a school (details supplied) in Dublin 1 who have been unable to obtain a place in a Meánscoil Lán-Ghaeilge for September 2007. [1406/07]

The selection and enrolment of pupils in second-level schools is the responsibility of the school management authorities. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking second level places in an area. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice. As schools may not have a place for every applicant, a selection process may be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants.

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.

Research Funding.

Pat Carey

Question:

1527 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will identify a programme subhead to enable the presenter (details supplied) of a research paper to recoup the cost to them of their involvement at a conference; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1407/07]

My Department does not have any provision of funding available for the re-coupment of such costs. It is standard International Practice for these fees to be charged by Conference Partners when the person concerned presents a research paper in this manner. Any issues regarding the level and payment of such fees are the responsibility of the presenter of the paper and the hosts/organisers of the conference in question.

School Staffing.

Dan Neville

Question:

1528 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will rescind the decision to terminate the employment of a special needs assistant at a school (details supplied) in County Limerick in view of the fact that the person has been employed there since April 2002. [1423/07]

Since 1 January 2005, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through the local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications for special educational needs supports from primary and post primary schools. Special Need Assistant (SNA) support is provided specifically to address the care needs of pupils with special educational needs.

My officials have been in contact with the NCSE regarding the case referred to by the Deputy. The SENO has advised that the child to whom the SNA was assigned has left the school and that there are no other children in need of SNA support in the school at this time. The SENO has already been in direct contact with the school on this issue.

School Curriculum.

Finian McGrath

Question:

1529 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if there have been complaints, cases or incidents where minority religions have tried to impose their views on the religious ethos of Catholic schools; and if she will clarify the rights of all religions in schools here. [1442/07]

My Department has no record of receiving complaints in relation to minority religions trying to impose their views on the religious ethos of Catholic schools.

Pupils and parents enjoy a number of legal rights regarding their choice of school for primary education. These derive from the Constitution, legislation and my Department's rules. Statutory rights to choice of school derives from the Education Act 1998, section 6 of which provides for a number of objects to which those concerned with the implementation of the Act must have regard, including promoting "the right of parents to send their children to a school of the parents' choice having regard to the rights of patrons and the effective and efficient use of resources".

Existing legislation acknowledges the rights of the individual with regard to values and beliefs and makes provision for the wide range that now exists in Irish society. Under Section 30 of the Education Act (1998), no student can be required to attend instruction in any subject which is contrary to the conscience of the parent of the student. The Act also requires that, in prescribing curricula for recognised schools, as Minister I must take due account of the characteristic spirit of a school or type of school.

Section 15 of the Act requires boards of management of schools to uphold and be accountable to the Patron for upholding the characteristic spirit of the school including the moral, religious, social, educational and spiritual values which inform the ethos of the school.

My Department recognises the rights of the different church authorities to design curricula in religious education and to supervise their teaching and implementation. This right is enshrined in the Education Act (1998). Consequently, although religious education is part of the Curriculum for Primary Schools and schools are obliged to allocate 30 minutes per day for religious instruction, the content of the religion programme is determined by the Patron of the school.

Vaccination Programme.

Pat Breen

Question:

1530 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on establishing a hepatitis B inoculation scheme for the staff of a school (details supplied) in County Clare and similar type schools because of the potential exposure of staff to hepatitis B. [1458/07]

It is a matter for the Board of Management of the school to which the Deputy refers to make appropriate arrangements to put suitable preventative measures in place in line with the current Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland, published by the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland.

Pre-School Services.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

1531 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has recently received correspondence from a special pre-school service (details supplied) seeking re-consideration of an earlier decision by her Department not to fund the service; if she will reconsider the possibility of providing funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1459/07]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

1675 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has made a decision in relation to the funding of an ABA pre-school (details supplied) in County Dublin, following receipt of extra information from the applicant, as requested by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2292/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1531 and 1675 together.

I can confirm that my Department has received the correspondence referred to by the Deputy. The correspondence will be considered by my Department and a response will issue to the applicant in due course.

The Deputy will be aware of my commitment to ensuring that all children with special educational needs receive an education appropriate to their needs, preferably through the primary and post primary school network.

The current position is that my Department has sanctioned 16 pre-school classes for children with autism. In addition, 12 autism facilities, some of which are providing an applied behavioural analysis model of response to children with autism, are currently operating. These facilities can cater for children with autism of pre-school age.

The Deputy is aware that a specific function of the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is to identify appropriate educational placements for all children with special educational needs. The NCSE, through the SENOs, will continue to develop and co-ordinate additional provision, where necessary.

Schools Building Projects.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

1532 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to a building for a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1475/07]

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.

Physical Education Facilities.

Joan Burton

Question:

1533 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made by her in progressing the construction of a sports hall for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; if her attention has been drawn to the large number of pupils at this school and of the pressing needs for additional accommodation to facilitate sports facilities for male and female students in the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1486/07]

The proposed PE Hall project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. The school was listed in my announcement of 29 May 2006 as a project to progress to tender and construction.

We are currently awaiting a stage 2, 3 (detailed sketch scheme) submission from the schools Design Team. When the complete stage 2, 3 submission is received in my Department, my Officials will arrange a meeting with the School and the Design Team in order to evaluate the documentation. It is envisaged that unless there are very exceptional circumstances involved, the meeting will be sufficient to authorise the project to progress to the next stages of architectural planning and, in due course, to tender and construction.

Questions Nos. 1534 to 1536, inclusive, answered with Question No. 1426.
Question No. 1537 answered with Question No. 1460.
Question No. 1538 answered with Question No. 1461.

Departmental Schemes.

Dan Neville

Question:

1539 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the inclusion of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick in the summer works scheme 2007 for the provision of off street parking for buses and cars to ensure safe exit and entry points for children as the present situation is intolerable and extremely hazardous due to the congestion at the school gate. [1492/07]

The school referred to above, applied under the Summer Works Scheme 2007 for the development of a new car-park area, a set down area and entrance. On the 8 January 2007, I announced details of the schools to receive funding to improve facilities under the Summer Works Scheme 2007. However, due to the volume of applications received it was not possible to allocate funding to all proposed projects. It will be open to the school to apply for funding under the Summer Works Scheme 2008.

Home Tuition.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

1540 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in the event of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford being sanctioned for home tuition for the 2007/2008 school year and bearing in mind the tremendous progress being made by the pupil with the present tuition provider, she will also sanction the present tuition provider for the 2007/2008 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1513/07]

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

Having reviewed a number of applications for home tuition, details regarding the qualifications of some of the proposed tuition providers gave rise to concern. The Deputy will appreciate, that as home tuition takes place outside of the normal school framework, there is need to ensure that tuition providers are appropriately qualified to give education to the children concerned. The usual requirement is a fully qualified teacher. However, other qualifications are acceptable depending on the individual needs of the child. A comprehensive review of qualifications has taken place in consultation with my Department's Inspectorate resulting in a definitive list of qualifications acceptable under the scheme as appropriate to the individual pupils. In this context the clarity that now exists in relation to qualifications should assist the parents concerned in sourcing suitable tutors.

Nominated tuition providers with qualifications other than teaching qualifications have been accepted for the first school term this year to allow time to undertake the review. In cases where the tuition provider is not approved a direction has been given to recruit a tuition provider with suitable qualifications. However my Department is prepared to facilitate parents/guardians who experience difficulties in recruiting a tuition provider with suitable qualifications by extending the sanction with the current tuition provider until the end of the school year 2006/07 to facilitate the recruitment process.

I wish to advise the Deputy that the parents/guardians of all children who are sanctioned home tuition for the 2007/2008 school year will be obliged to recruit a suitably qualified tuition provider in line with my Department's guidelines.

As the Deputy is aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) came into operation on 1st January 2005. One of the specific functions of the NCSE, through its network of local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is to ensure that there is sufficient educational provision available within the primary and post primary sector for all children with special educational needs. It is open to the parent to contact a school directly with a view to having their child enrolled. Contact may also be made with the relevant SENO through the NCSE, Mill Street, Trim, Co. Meath, telephone number (046) 9486400 or by accessing the NCSE website at www.ncse.ie.

Schools Building Projects.

John McGuinness

Question:

1541 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if the school building programme for a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny, will be advanced as quickly as possible to design stage in view of the demand on the school due to the increase in the local population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1514/07]

The School Planning Section of the Department is in receipt of an application for grant aid for major capital works from the management authority of the school to which the Deputy refers.

The application has been assessed in accordance with published prioritisation criteria for large scale works and was assigned a band 2 rating.

The long term projected staffing for the school has been agreed with the management authority of the school and the proposed work will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme from 2007 onwards

Grant Payments.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1542 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when an education grant will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1549/07]

The candidate referred to by the Deputy incorrectly submitted her student grant application to County Kildare VEC. The application is proper to Kildare County Council, which is currently examining the details in this case. The awarding body will be in contact with the candidate in question as soon as they have reached a decision on her grant application.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1543 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when an education grant will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1550/07]

The decision on eligibility for third level or further education grants is a matter for the relevant local authority or VEC. Officials of my Department have been in contact with County Kildare VEC, the assessing body in this case, which has confirmed that it is awaiting further information from the candidate in question in order to establish the candidate's eligibility for a third level grant.

The application will receive further consideration by County Kildare VEC on receipt of the requested information.

School Transport.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

1544 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will examine the possibility of having an extra school bus provided to facilitate the children at a school (details supplied) in County Galway which is situated in an isolated area of declining population where the current school bus arrangements are not satisfactory leaving young pupils waiting considerable lengths for transport as pupils come from a wide catchment area to this school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1591/07]

Bus Éireann operates the school transport service on behalf of my Department. Routes are planned in such a way as to ensure that, as far as possible, eligible pupils have a reasonable standard of service, while at the same time, ensuring that school transport vehicles are fully utilised in the most efficient and cost effective manner. Bus Éireann have advised my Department that the pupils from the areas concerned have a level of service within the guidelines of the school transport scheme.

Third Level Fees.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

1545 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps she proposes to take to abolish the student capitation fee which has risen to 260% in the past 11 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1593/07]

The student charge is levied by third level institutions to defray the costs of examinations, registration and students services. The student charge is €800 for the 2006/2007 academic year. All students who are eligible for means tested student support have the student charge paid on their behalf by the Local Authorities or the Vocational Education Committees, in addition to any maintenance grant and tuition fee grant they are entitled to. I have no plans to abolish this charge.

Student Support Schemes.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

1546 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps she will take to introduce and streamline a number of separate support schemes administered by various different bodies operating for students embarking on third level education as the criteria for eligibility varies from scheme to scheme; and if she will introduce a standard scheme resolve and streamline to simplify the confusing maze of student support schemes. [1595/07]

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

1547 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals she has to reform the student grants system to ensure that provision is made for essential child care costs where necessary for a student. [1596/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1546 and 1547 together.

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

To effect these administrative and service improvements requires the introduction of a new statutory basis for the scheme to replace the existing arrangements which involve a mix of statutory and non-statutory administrative schemes. Accordingly, the Government has approved the drafting of a new Student Support Bill which will place all student support schemes on a statutory footing for the first time, including providing for the designation of an appropriate awarding authority and for the general basis on which grants will be awarded to eligible students. Work on the Bill is at an advanced stage and I hope to be in a position to publish the Bill early in 2007. The maintenance grants are reviewed annually and improvements made as necessary, having regard to available resources.

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

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

1548 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals she has to increase the value of the student maintenance grant to support students with essential day to day costs of participating in higher education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1597/07]

As the Deputy will be aware, major improvements have been made by this Government in both the income limits and the payment levels for third level grants.

It has been the practice in recent years to increase the level of maintenance grants annually, at least in line with inflation. This year, in line with this policy, I announced increases of 3% in the ordinary maintenance grant to give a maximum grant of €3,110 in the 2006/07 academic year.

In addition, the reckonable income limits for ordinary maintenance grants have been increased by 5.3% for the 2006/07 academic year. This increase exceeds the increase in the average industrial wage for the September to September reference period. The top limit for grant eligibility where there are less than four dependent children has been increased from €44,350 to €46,700, ensuring that a significantly higher number of students from households with moderate incomes will not have to pay the Student Service Charge of €800.

Special Rates of Maintenance Grant, sometimes referred to as "top-up" grants, payable to disadvantaged grant holders, were introduced with effect from the 2000/01 academic year. This year's schemes are giving particular priority to addressing inequities in participation of students from the lower socio-economic groups through both rate and threshold increases in the Special Rates of Maintenance Grant. The annual income threshold for the special rate of grant was increased by 7.18% to €16,748. It is estimated that over 12,500 students in receipt of the special rate element of maintenance grants will see this grant increased by 22.48%, with the maximum rate for the 2006/2007 non-adjacent grant increased to €5,970. The maximum rate for the 2006/2007 adjacent rate increased to €2,390.

Under my Department's student maintenance grant schemes, I am committed to ongoing improvements in the student support schemes including increasing the rates and income limits, as resources permit.

Educational Disadvantage.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

1549 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps she proposes to take to widen and improve access to third level education for marginalised groups which would include individuals from low income backgrounds, mature and part-time students, students with disabilities and students from minority groups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1598/07]

My Department is managing a focused programme of investment in measures from early education to improve access to and participation in higher education by students from under-represented groups in that sector.

There are clear indications that the increased investment of resources in this area over the last decade and more is now paying dividends and that targets for participation in higher education that were set in the 2001 Report of the Action Group on Access to Higher Education and the last National Development Plan 2000-2006 have been reached. For example, participation by mature entrants to full-time higher education has grown from 4.5% in 1998 to almost 10% in 2006. Students with a disability have risen from 0.8% of the undergraduate population in 1998 to2.4%. Surveys conducted by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) also indicate that access to higher education by young people from under-represented socio-economic groups continues to improve. For example, in 2004 between 33% and 40% of young people from the semi- and unskilled socio-economic group nationally went on to study in higher education compared to only 23% in 1998. These targets will be reviewed and new targets developed in 2007, particularly as linked to the implementation of the new National Development Plan 2007-2013.

The access programmes of third level institutions are targeting students in the first and second level sector, adult learners returning to education, learners with a disability, members of the travelling community and more recently members of new migrant communities in Irish society. In 2003, the National Office for Equity of Access to Higher Education was established as part of the HEA to co-ordinate and develop policy and funding measures to improve access to higher education by under-represented groups to all publicly funded third level institutions. A new funding model, being phased in by the HEA from 2006 onwards, will reflect further progress by higher education institutions in improving access for these groups.

In addition to the very substantial student support measures managed by my Department, including the targeted special rate of maintenance grant, in 2006 the National Office managed the allocation of over €16 million in Third Level Access funding for the direct support of students through the Fund for Students with a Disability, the Student Assistance Fund and the Millennium Partnership Fund. This led to improvements in the timing and guidelines for the allocation of these funds. In 2006, over 2,000 students with a disability received funding from the Fund for Students with a Disability — an increase of some 330 students (20%) over the previous year.

The National Office for Equity of Access to Higher Education is currently implementing a three-year Action Plan for the period 2005-2007. One of the key outcomes of this plan has been the first national evaluation of higher education access programmes. A practical framework of policies and initiatives that are required for a successful access programme has emerged from this evaluation process. This framework will underpin and inform the work both of my Department and of the National Office and its partners in the higher education sector going forward. Implementation and the monitoring of progress will also be linked to the strategic development and allocation of core funding, including access funding, by the HEA and the allocation of increased third level access funding through the new National Development Plan 2007-13.

Teaching Qualifications.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

1550 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the fact that every year teachers training students undergo placement for at least six weeks and they are assessed on every aspect of the profession including the quality of the resources, suitability of clothing resulting in an anomaly where the students with most resources may get the highest marks, she will be prepared to accept the proposals of the Union of Students in Ireland to introduce a subsidy provision for travelling expenses and other learning aids which are recommended in the new curriculum amounting to €66.63 per week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1601/07]

The position is that teaching practice is an integral part of the curriculum for the training of both primary and post-primary teachers and, as such, my Department does not provide special financial assistance for students towards costs associated with teaching practice.

The Deputy will be aware that teacher education programmes provided in approved third level institutions are, however, approved courses for the purposes of the Higher Education Grants Scheme. Under the terms of the Scheme, grant holders who are required to participate in off-campus placement as part of their course of study may have their grant entitlement paid in the normal manner. Accordingly, student teachers who are eligible for grant assistance continue to receive their entitlements while undertaking teaching practice.

In addition, my Department allocates funding each year to third level institutions under the Student Assistance Fund. This fund is available in order to assist students who may be experiencing difficulties in continuing their studies because of financial hardship. The disbursement of this funding is a matter for individual institutions in line with guidelines issued by my Department.

I am satisfied that student teachers on teaching practice placements in schools are assessed on the quality of their work.

My Department has no plans to introduce an additional scheme of financial assistance, over and above the current provision, in relation to the training of teachers.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Seán Crowe

Question:

1551 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the average class sizes for both primary and secondary level. [1616/07]

At primary level, for the 2005/06 school year, the average class size excluding integrated pupils was 24.1 and the average class size including integrated pupils was 24.5.

At second level, for the 2005/06 school year, the average class size was estimated at 18.9.

Note: Average Class size including integrated pupils incorporates those pupils with special education provision that are integrated with ordinary pupils in ordinary classes. Average Class size excluding integrated pupils does not incorporate those pupils with special education provision that are integrated with ordinary pupils in ordinary classes.

School Security.

John Perry

Question:

1552 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if plans are in place to increase funding for schools, to specifically improve security measures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1617/07]

John Perry

Question:

1636 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will immediately approve funding specially for the improvement of security in large schools or schools in urban areas to combat this large and growing problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2001/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1552 and 1636 together.

I appreciate the concerns of school communities regarding vandalism of school property and security. Individual school authorities are responsible in the first instance for health and safety issues, including making adequate security arrangements, at schools. School authorities should liaise with their local Gardai who are best placed to provide practical advice and support and to make recommendations on how best to mitigate the potential risk to the school.

Primary school authorities may use their minor works grant in conjunction with any insurance policy payments to deal with urgent issues relating to security matters. In November last I increased funding for the minor works grant by 44% on the previous year and around €27m was paid out to primary schools throughout the country to enable thousands of small scale works to be completed without the need to interact with my Department.

Other avenues for grant-aid from my Department to provide improved security measures include the Summer Works Scheme and Emergency Works Grants. With regard to the Summer Works Scheme, I recently announced that 1179 projects at close to 1000 schools, both primary and post-primary, will be funded this year at a total cost of just under €120m.

In 2007, €305 million will be spent on projects in primary schools, while €229 million is being allocated to schools in the post primary sector. Since 1997 a total of €3 billion has been invested in school buildings and this has delivered over 7,800 school building projects. This further investment of €534m will build on these achievements and will focus in particular on the provision of school accommodation in areas where the population is growing at a rapid rate.

Teaching Qualifications.

Seán Crowe

Question:

1553 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on making training in recognising autistic spectrum disorder part of the professional training of all frontline education professionals. [1633/07]

At the outset, I would like to inform the Deputy that the formal recognition of Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), as per Departmental Circular SP ED 02/05, is a matter for clinical psychologists or other relevant professionals, but not frontline educational professionals such as teachers. Frontline education professionals are trained to recognise the signs and difficulties associated with ASDs in order for them to facilitate the referral of pupils with ASDs for appropriate assessment.

The existing pre-service teacher training programmes in the Colleges of Education (primary teacher training) include specific elements aimed at enabling all student teachers to recognise and deal with children with special educational needs, including pupils with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

At second level, there are elements to both the Higher Diploma in Education and the Education Degree programmes in the University of Limerick, as part of a general alertness orientation programme, on the variety of learning difficulties which pupils may have — this also covers the issue of ASD.

My Department holds ongoing discussions with the Colleges of Education and Universities to ensure that appropriate responses are made at pre-service level in relation to the continuing needs of all trainee teachers to acquire knowledge of, and familiarity with, the needs of pupils with special educational needs, including ASD.

I would like to point out that my Department has developed a strategy to meet the continuing professional development of teachers working with pupils with special educational needs. This strategy has resulted in a major expansion in the range of post-graduate professional development programmes for teachers. These programmes, which are available annually, include the "Masters in Special Educational Needs (MSEN)", "Combined Post-Graduate Diploma Programme of Continuous Professional Development for Teachers involved in Learning Support and Special Education" and the "Graduate Certificate Course in the Education of Pupils with Autism". It is a central feature of all these courses that teachers are given the necessary skills and expertise to recognise Autistic Spectrum Disorders as well providing the training to meet the needs of students with ASD and special educational needs in general.

Ongoing support in the area of Special Educational Needs is provided by the Special Education Support Service (SESS). The SESS was established as part of the Department's overall strategy continuing professional development of teachers working with pupils with special educational needs and it undertakes a number of approaches to address the training needs with a view to enhancing the teaching and learning for children with special educational needs. The SESS provides a dedicated support team of expert teachers delivering a range of supports to schools through seminar delivery and individual school visits. In 2006, over 4,000 training places were funded by the SESS to enable teachers access a range of autism training. The recognition of Autistic Spectrum Disorders forms an integral part of all supports provided by the SESS. This support and training in the recognition of ASDs informs training across the educational spectrum, both in mainstream and special schools. Given the training and support available, I am satisfied that there is comprehensive training and support available to all frontline education professionals in the recognition of Autistic Spectrum Disorders.

Special Educational Needs.

Seán Crowe

Question:

1554 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation regarding the All Ireland Autism Centre for Excellence at Middletown; and her views on the need for an all Ireland legislative framework to ensure the strategic delivery of services from Middletown across the island of Ireland. [1634/07]

Seán Crowe

Question:

1642 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if a chief executive has been appointed for the All Ireland Autism Centre for Excellence at Middletown. [2038/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1554 and 1642 together.

As the Deputy is aware my Department and the Department of Education in Northern Ireland are jointly engaged in the development of the Middletown Centre for Autism in County Armagh. Both Departments have jointly funded the purchase of the former St. Joseph's Adolescent Centre, Middletown and plan to refurbish the property with a view to developing a Centre of Excellence for children and young people with autism throughout the island of Ireland. The Centre will be dedicated to improving and enriching the educational opportunities of children and young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorders. Four key services will be provided by the Centre:

a learning support service (on a residential basis),

an educational assessment service,

a training and advisory service, and

an autism research and information service.

The Centre will be run by a limited company and requires a Board of Directors which will be provided for under a Memorandum and Articles of Association. I am satisfied that these arrangements will ensure the strategic delivery of services from Middletown across the island of Ireland.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the CEO for the Middletown Centre has been selected and it is expected that appointment to the position will made in April of this year.

Officials from both Departments are working closely on this project and this interaction between the two Departments will continue over the coming months with a view to ensuring that the Centre becomes operational as quickly as possible.

School Closures.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1555 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the action that will be taken for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 5 after its closure in June 2007; the reason for its closure; the educational arrangements that will be put in place for current students after the closure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1635/07]

A decision was taken by the Trustees of the school to which the Deputy refers that it will close in June 2007.

This decision was taken because, in line with demographic changes in the area, the school has experienced a steady decline in enrolments in recent years. Current enrolments in feeder primary schools indicate that this decline will continue.

In fact, a general decline in enrolments in the area where the school is located has resulted in spare capacity of an estimated 2,300 places at post primary level.

Coupled with the decline in enrolments, the Department was also concerned about the ability of the school in question to offer a broad and balanced curriculum given the relatively small number of pupils enrolled.

In all of the circumstances, the Department concurred with the Trustees decision to close the school.

When it closes, ownership of the school property, which is currently vested in the trustees, will revert to the Department. In the period leading up to the closure, the Department will consider all available options with regard to its future use.

Given the extent of spare capacity at post primary level in the general area, the Department does not envisage any difficulty in the residue of pupils securing alternative places. Normally a closing school assists its pupils to secure places in the event of any difficulty arising.

Schools Building Projects.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1556 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 502 of 17 October 2006, the status of a building project; when it will be approved by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1668/07]

Officials from my Department met representatives from the school referred to by the Deputy and the schools Design Team in late 2006. At the meeting it was agreed that further documentation would be forwarded to my Department. This information has now been received and is currently being examined.

When my officials are satisfied that all Stage 3 documentation for this project is in order, devolved authority will be given to the school authorities to progress the project to tender and construction.

Education Schemes.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

1557 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on reviewing the decision not to award an educational grant to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 13; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1671/07]

The Maintenance Grant Scheme for Students attending Post Leaving Certificate courses is administered by the Vocational Educational Committees on behalf of my Department.

Under the Scheme eligible students may continue to receive grant assistance for the normal duration of an approved course subject to the usual terms and conditions of funding. In this regard clause 6.3 provides, inter alia, that:

A grant is tenable for the normal duration of the approved PLC Course and is renewable annually subject to satisfactory participation, attendance and the approval of the Vocational Education Committee.

Grants may not be paid in respect of a second period of attendance at the same level for a course approved for the purposes of this scheme, irrespective of whether or not a grant was paid previously. The Vocational Educational Committee will have discretion to waive this provision in exceptional circumstances such as serious certified illness.

I understand from Officials in my Department that the candidate referred to by the Deputy has previously pursued a PLC course at FETAC level 6 (formally known as FETAC level 3) and is currently pursuing a course at the same level. I regret that under the above provisions of the PLC Scheme the candidate in question is ineligible to receive any further funding at PLC level.

Schools Refurbishment.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1558 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the allocation of funding provided to a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim under the summer works scheme 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1673/07]

Denis Naughten

Question:

1559 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the allocation of funding provided to a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim under the summer works scheme 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1674/07]

Denis Naughten

Question:

1560 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the allocation of funding provided to a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim under the summer works scheme 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1675/07]

Denis Naughten

Question:

1561 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the allocation of funding provided to a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon under the summer works scheme 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1676/07]

Denis Naughten

Question:

1562 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the allocation of funding provided to a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon under the summer works scheme 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1677/07]

Denis Naughten

Question:

1563 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the allocation of funding provided to a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon under the summer works scheme 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1678/07]

Denis Naughten

Question:

1564 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the allocation of funding provided to a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon under the summer works scheme 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1679/07]

Denis Naughten

Question:

1565 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the allocation of funding provided to a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon under the summer works scheme 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1680/07]

Denis Naughten

Question:

1566 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the allocation of funding provided to a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim under the summer works scheme 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1681/07]

Denis Naughten

Question:

1567 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the allocation of funding provided to a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim under the summer works scheme 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1682/07]

Denis Naughten

Question:

1568 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the allocation of funding provided to a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim under the summer works scheme 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1683/07]

Denis Naughten

Question:

1569 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the allocation of funding provided to a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim under the summer works scheme 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1684/07]

Denis Naughten

Question:

1570 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the allocation of funding provided to a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim under the summer works scheme 2007. [1685/07]

Denis Naughten

Question:

1571 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the allocation of funding provided to a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim under the summer works scheme 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1686/07]

Denis Naughten

Question:

1572 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the allocation of funding provided to a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim under the summer works scheme 2007. [1687/07]

Denis Naughten

Question:

1573 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the allocation of funding provided to a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim under the summer works scheme 2007. [1688/07]

Denis Naughten

Question:

1574 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the allocation of funding provided to a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon under the summer works scheme 2007. [1689/07]

Denis Naughten

Question:

1575 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the allocation of funding provided to a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon under the summer works scheme 2007. [1690/07]

Denis Naughten

Question:

1576 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the allocation of funding provided to a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon under the summer works scheme 2007. [1691/07]

Denis Naughten

Question:

1577 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the allocation of funding provided to a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon under the summer works scheme 2007. [1692/07]

Denis Naughten

Question:

1578 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the allocation of funding provided to a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon under the summer works scheme 2007. [1693/07]

Denis Naughten

Question:

1579 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the allocation of funding provided to a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon under the summer works scheme 2007. [1694/07]

Denis Naughten

Question:

1580 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the allocation of funding provided to a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon under the summer works scheme 2007. [1695/07]

Denis Naughten

Question:

1581 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the allocation of funding provided to a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon under the summer works scheme 2007. [1696/07]

Denis Naughten

Question:

1582 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the allocation of funding provided to a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon under the summer works scheme 2007. [1697/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1558 to 1582, inclusive, together.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I have approved funding for 641 primary and 324 post-primary schools around the country to complete 1,137 essential small scale capital projects under the 2007 Summer Works Scheme. Over €119.5m will be spent this summer on a variety of essential projects in schools such as gas, electrical and mechanical works, roof replacements and repairs, windows replacement, toilet upgrades, structural improvements and access works. This is a significant increase of over €40m on the 2006 funding. These works are deemed to be absolutely necessary and I am pleased to have been able to provide more Boards of Management and Trustees with funding to deal with the expanded scheme this year.

The increase in numbers of schools applying and projects involved is proof that this scheme works well for all. The projects approved have been assessed as being priority projects by the individual schools themselves. There is also the minimum of disruption for the school community as work is carried out during the summer months.

It is evident that the scheme has proved to be a great success since it was first introduced in 2004. By this summer over 3,000 projects will have been carried out in our primary and post primary schools across the country at a cost of just under €300m. The works taking place are of enormous benefit to the whole school community.

All the schools covered by Summer Works Initiative are being contacted directly by the School Building Unit of my Department with details of the grant aid being provided and instructions on how to proceed.

It is not the policy of my Department to provide cost information on projects not yet tendered as to do so could compromise the tender process.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1583 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the allocation of funding provided to a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon under the summer works scheme 2007. [1698/07]

Denis Naughten

Question:

1584 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the allocation of funding provided to a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon under the summer works scheme 2007. [1699/07]

Denis Naughten

Question:

1585 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the allocation of funding provided to a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon under the summer works scheme 2007. [1700/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1583 to 1585, inclusive, together.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I have approved funding for 641 primary and 324 post-primary schools around the country to complete 1,137 essential small scale capital projects under the 2007 Summer Works Scheme. Over €119.5 million will be spent this summer on a variety of essential projects in schools such as gas, electrical and mechanical works, roof replacements and repairs, windows replacement, toilet upgrades, structural improvements and access works. This is a significant increase of over €40 million on the 2006 funding. These works are deemed to be absolutely necessary and I am pleased to have been able to provide more Boards of Management and Trustees with funding to deal with the expanded scheme this year.

The increase in numbers of schools applying and projects involved is proof that this scheme works well for all. The projects approved have been assessed as being priority projects by the individual schools themselves. There is also the minimum of disruption for the school community as work is carried out during the summer months.

It is evident that the scheme has proved to be a great success since it was first introduced in 2004. By this summer over 3,000 projects will have been carried out in our primary and post primary schools across the country at a cost of just under €300 million. The works taking place are of enormous benefit to the whole school community.

All the schools covered by Summer Works Initiative are being contacted directly by the School Building Unit of my Department with details of the grant aid being provided and instructions on how to proceed. It is not the policy of my Department to provide cost information on projects not yet tendered as to do so could compromise the tender process.

Higher Education Schemes.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

1586 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the recent campaign by the Union of Students in Ireland, 12 days 12 Ways to Improve Third Level Education; if she will ensure all the issues are examined by her Department officials; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1724/07]

I am aware of the campaign referred to by the Deputy and I wish to stress that the Government and I are committed to continually improving our higher education sector.

Higher education in Ireland has come through a period of major expansion. More than 30,000 new third level places have been created since this Government took Office in 1997 and there are now some 168,000 students in the system. The most recent participation study confirms the continuing trend. It shows that the national admission rate was 55% in 2004, up from 44% in 1998. Overall investment in the sector on a per annum basis has more than doubled over that period. This now stands at some €1.9 billion for this year.

Support for reform and development at third level and the creation of world class excellence at fourth level are now central Government priorities. The new National Development Plan 2007-2013, which was announced recently, recognises the critical role of higher education in the national innovation system that will be the basis of Ireland's economic and social development. The Plan identifies the full funding of the sector — over €13 billion through the period — as a key strategic investment under the Plan.

The ongoing development and expansion of the sector under the Plan will be supported by enhanced investments in the development of campus infrastructure — with an almost €2 billion dedicated building programme — and through further support for the programme of reform and development that is underway in the sector. Over €510 million has been provided under an extended Strategic Innovation Fund, which will support institutional reforms, promote innovations in teaching and learning, widen access and enable the development of world class Fourth level activity.

As the Deputy will be aware, major improvements have also been made by this Government in both the income limits and the payment levels for third level grants. This year I announced increases of 3% in the ordinary maintenance grant to give a maximum grant of €3,110 in the 2006/07 academic year. In addition, the reckonable income limits for ordinary maintenance grants have been increased by 5.3% for the 2006/07 academic year. The top limit for grant eligibility where there are less than four dependent children has been increased from €44,350 to €46,700.

Special Rates of Maintenance Grant, sometimes referred to as "top-up" grants, payable to disadvantaged grant holders, were introduced with effect from the 2000/01 academic year. This year's schemes are giving particular priority to addressing inequities in participation of students from the lower socio-economic groups through both rate and threshold increases in the Special Rates of Maintenance Grant. The annual income threshold in 2006/07 for the special rate of grant has been increased by 7.18% to €16,748. The maximum rate of the "top-up" grant has been increased by some 22.5% bringing the adjacent grant rate to €2,390 and the non-adjacent grant rate to €5,970.

The targeted investments that this Government is now making in our higher education infrastructure, in promoting excellence through system wide collaboration and change, in widening access and in creating a vibrant fourth level sector is a clear demonstration of this Government's support for the higher education sector.

Departmental Funding.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

1587 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the recent publication of the Mature Student Directory of Irish Third Level Institutions; her views on whether this will become a valuable resource for many; if she will confirm that her Department will support the publication with appropriate funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1725/07]

A Mature Student Directory was published last October by the Network of Irish Mature Student Officers (NIMSO). It provides information on courses, admission requirements and the financial and academic supports for adults who are considering entry to higher education. A recent evaluation of higher education access programmes by the National Office for Equity of Access to Higher Education of the Higher Education Authority (HEA) identifies better communication with prospective students as a key element of best practice and partnership between an institution and the wider community in which it operates.

In 2006, over €8million in funding for access activities, including the provision of information and guidance resources for mature students, was allocated as part of the mainstream, core grant of the seven universities and other HEA-funded institutions. This funding builds on almost €45million in targeted initiative funding for the development of access programmes and infrastructure allocated to HEA institutions between 1996 and 2005. Some 30% of this funding was designated specifically for initiatives targeting increased participation by mature students.

Funding for access and retention activities in the Institute of Technology sector (currently €1.3million per annum) is also allocated by my Department. Under recent legislation, the institutes have been designated as HEA-funded institutions and in the future, mainstream funding for the institutes, including access funding, will be allocated by the HEA. Access and life-long learning strategies of the universities and the institutes of technology are also being supported through the Strategic Innovation Fund.

The first allocation of €42 million under this fund was made by the HEA in 2006, €10 million of which is for projects supporting access and lifelong learning.

Special Educational Needs.

Seán Crowe

Question:

1588 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the most up to date information her Department has in relation to the prevalence of autistic spectrum disorders here; and if she will proactively support an all-Ireland study of island wide prevalence of ASDs. [1728/07]

The recommendations of the Task Force on Autism suggest that for planning purposes my Department should assume a prevalence rate of 56 children in 10,000 have Autistic Spectrum Disorders which equates to 1 in 178 children. This is not dissimilar to the prevalence rate in the United States which is 1 in 166 children.

The Deputy will be aware that my Department and the Department of Education in Northern Ireland are jointly engaged in the development of the Middletown Autism Centre in County Armagh. The Centre of Excellence will be dedicated to improving and enriching the educational opportunities of children and young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorders. One of the key services to be provided by the Centre is an autism research and information service.

The training research and information service division will establish links throughout Ireland with appropriate bodies in the area of autism. This division will provide a forum for the discussion of relevant research findings and a platform for national and international experts in the field of autism. I am confident that the Centre of Excellence with its proposed local and regional links will enhance services for pupils with autism throughout Ireland.

The Deputy will also be aware that the functions of the National Council for Special Education include conducting and commissioning research on matters relevant to the functions of the Council and, as it considers appropriate, to publish in such form and manner as the Council thinks fit the findings arising out of such research.

School Accommodation.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

1589 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to ensure that enough primary school places are available for local children in the Dublin 6 and Dublin 4 areas, particularly Milltown in view of recent primary school closures and the lack of places that currently exist; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1732/07]

At primary level, three new schools have been provided in the Dublin 4 area within the last ten years — Gaelscoil Lios Na Nóg, John Scottus NS and Ioclainn na Pailirise NS. In addition four new classrooms are being provided at St Mary's Central National School, Donnybrook and one classroom plus ancillary accommodation is to be provided at St Matthew's National School, Sandymount. In the Dublin 6 area two new schools have been provided in recent years — Cheeverstown Special School and Gaelscoil Mologa. In addition, an extension project for the Presentation Primary School in Terenure is at an advanced stage of architectural planning.

These are practical examples of the extent of the extra provision being made in terms of additional school places throughout the area. These and many other initiatives represent huge capital investment and demonstrate the commitment to meeting the needs of the area concerned. The Department is satisfied that there is considerable spare capacity in the Dublin 4 and Dublin 6 areas. The Department's responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places. This approach ensures that the use of existing accommodation is maximised and that the development and support of one school over others does not occur.

The School Planning Section of the Department will keep the position under review to ensure that any additional emerging needs are met as expeditiously as possible.

School Discipline.

Paul McGrath

Question:

1590 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 2006 and to date in 2007. [1734/07]

Paul McGrath

Question:

1591 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. [1735/07]

Paul McGrath

Question:

1667 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason information promised by way of Parliamentary Question Nos. 498 and 499 of 5 December 2006 has not been provided; when said information is expected to be available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2243/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1590, 1591 and 1667 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, the total data requested is not available at present. The most recent data available refers to the school year 2004/05. This was also the first year that suspensions data was recorded.

The NEWB has informed my Department that analysis of the 2005/06 data, is currently ongoing. On completion of this analysis the information will be collated to provide the data requested by the Deputy. As an interim measure and in response to the question tabled on 5th December I will arrange for a reply to issue to you with the available data. On the remaining data I will reply directly to the Deputy when that data is to hand.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

1592 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of civil servants and other staff employed in her constituency office; and the grade and remuneration of each. [1746/07]

There are currently 5.5 staff working in my constituency office. The grades of these officers are as follows: 1 Higher Executive Officer; 1 Staff Officer (working on a half time basis); 2 Clerical Officers; 1 Personal Assistant (Higher Executive Officer level); 1 Personal Secretary. The amount paid in respect of salary for these officers is in accordance with the Department of Finance Salary Scales for the relevant grades.

Paul McGrath

Question:

1593 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of civil servants and other staff in her press office and the grade and remuneration of each staff member. [1761/07]

There are currently 5 staff working in my Department's Press Office. The grades of these officers are as follows: 1 Press Officer; 2 Higher Executive Officers; 1 Executive Officer; 1 Clerical Officer. The amount paid in respect of salary for these officers is in accordance with the Department of Finance Salary Scales for the relevant grades.

Site Acquisitions.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1594 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 340 of 14 December 2006, if the site has been acquired; when funding will be approved for the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1773/07]

The Office of Public Works (OPW) are acting on behalf of my Department on the acquisition of the site in question which comprises two lots of land. The acquisition of the lands is not yet finalised, however, agreement has been reached with each of the landowners, subject to Contract. The OPW are still waiting for draft contracts from the landowner's solicitors. On completion of the site acquisition the project can be considered further in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2007 — 2013. Over €4.8 billion will be provided for school building infrastructure under the new NDP 2007-2013.

Capitation Grants.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

1595 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on an extra allocation of capitation funding for schools in the northern geographical parts of Ireland as a direct consequence of colder climatic conditions which result in additional usage of fuel consumption in order to provide adequate heating conditions for students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1779/07]

Schools' running costs are met by my Department's scheme of capitation grants. These grants are intended to contribute towards the general operating costs of schools which would include heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance, painting, teaching aids and other miscellaneous charges.

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 from 1st January, 2007. This represents an increase of over 186% in the standard rate of capitation grant since 1997.

The amount of grant paid to an individual school is determined by the enrolment in the school subject to a minimum grant of €8,734.80 in the case of a school with 60 pupils or less and a maximum grant of €72,790 in the case of a school with 500 or more pupils. Furthermore enhanced rates of capitation funding are paid in respect of children with special educational needs who attend special schools or special classes attached to mainstream schools. The current rates range from €400.00 to €619.50 per pupil.

The standard rate of capitation grant is paid to all primary schools except Gaelscoileanna located outside of Gaeltacht areas which receive an additional €25.39 per pupil over and above the standard rate grant. There have been significant improvements in recent years in the level of funding for voluntary secondary schools.

I wish to draw the attention of the Deputy to my announcement of further significant increases in the context of the 2007 estimates. From 1 January 2007 the standard per capita grant was increased by a further €18 to €316 per pupil. In addition, the support services grant was increased by a further €30 for voluntary secondary schools, which includes a further equalisation measure, to €189 per pupil. For such schools this cumulative increase of €48 per pupil brings the aggregate grant to over €500 per pupil from 1 January next. These grants are in addition to the per capita funding of up to €40,000 per school that is also provided by my Department to secondary schools towards secretarial and caretaking services. For example in the case of a secondary school with 500 pupils, this brings the annual grants towards general expenses and support service to over €290,000.

The provision that I have made, in the context of the 2007 estimates, for these significant increases in the funding of schools is a clear demonstration of my commitment to prioritise available resources to address the needs of schools. I have no plans to introduce regional variations in capitation rates, as suggested by the Deputy.

School Transport.

Willie Penrose

Question:

1596 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath has not been supplied with school transportation; if she will take steps to ensure that transport is provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1787/07]

Under the terms of the Primary School Transport Scheme, only eligible children qualify for free transport. In order to be eligible, children must live at least 3.2 kilometres from, and be attending, their nearest national school. Bus Eireann has advised that the service currently in operation is catering for all eligible pupils that have applied for transport.

However children who do not qualify for free transport on distance grounds may be allowed to travel as concessionary fare-payers. This may be allowed subject to the conditions that there are spare seats available after all fully eligible children have been catered for, and provided there is no extra State cost involved by way of altering or extending the route of the service or by providing an additional or larger bus.

Where fare-paying transport is sought to a school other than the nearest, the written agreement of the Board of Management of the nearest school is required, to the provision of transport. This agreement has been received in relation to the pupil referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied. The parents should contact their local Bus Éireann office on a term by term basis regarding the availability of spare seats.

Schools Refurbishment.

Martin Ferris

Question:

1597 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will examine the possibility of acquiring part of the commonage adjacent to a school (details supplied) in order that safe parking facilities can be provided for people leaving and collecting children from school. [1797/07]

The school referred to by the Deputy applied under the Summer Works Scheme 2007 for improved car parking facilities. On the 8 January 2007, I announced details of the schools to receive funding to improve facilities under the Summer Works Scheme 2007. However, due to the volume of applications received it was not possible to allocate funding to all proposed projects. It will be open to the school's management authority to re-apply for funding for the required works as part of the 2008 Summer Works Scheme.

School Transport.

Michael Ring

Question:

1598 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if the additional information mentioned in Parliamentary Question No. 336 of 14 December 2006, has been received; if so, the position regarding same; and when will the family hear from her. [1798/07]

Under the terms of the Primary School Transport Scheme, only eligible children qualify for free transport. In order to be eligible, children must live at least 3.2 kilometres from, and be attending, their nearest national school.

Bus Éireann have advised that the pupil referred to by the Deputy resides 2.08 km from the school he is attending and therefore does not meet the eligibility criteria. However, children who do not qualify for free transport on distance grounds may be allowed to travel as concessionary fare-payers. This may be allowed where there are spare seats available after all fully eligible children have been catered for, and provided there is no extra cost involved to the State by way of altering or extending the route of the service or by providing an additional or larger bus. The parents should contact their local Bus Éireann office on a term-by-term basis regarding the availability of spare seats.

Schools Building Projects.

Tom Hayes

Question:

1599 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in the case of a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary which has applied for additional facilities; if all information requested from the school has been received; and when a decision will be made in this case. [1807/07]

The application for additional facilities referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. In October of 2005 my Department wrote to the School Authorities with issues that needed addressing on a stage 1 / 2 submission (outline sketch scheme with costings). The School's response was examined and discussed at a meeting with my Officials in January of 2006. At that meeting the design considerations of the School in question, particularly in relation to the site, highlighted new concerns over the viability of further development regarding effluent discharge.

In February of 2006, my Department wrote to the School Authorities requesting them to carry out a site suitability test for the discharge of effluent to ground waters indicating that when this was completed my Department would be in a position to further progress the School's building project.

In August of 2006 a Feasibility Study was carried out by the School's Design Team and this documentation was reviewed by my Department's Technical staff who indicated that the current School site was very small and had a number of constraints. My Department requested the school authorities to explore the availability of an alternative site that would meet all the criteria, as a contingency plan, should the existing site not prove to be viable.

When this information is received in my Department, my Officials will be in a position to further progress the proposed building project at the School in question.

Special Educational Needs.

Seán Crowe

Question:

1600 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if, in the context of promoting inclusion of children with special needs in mainstream schools, she will intervene to ensure that the current teaching arrangement in the school is maintained as recommended by the person’s psychologist. [1819/07]

The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has been operational since 1st January 2005 and is responsible for processing applications for special educational needs supports. I understand that the child in question is in receipt of 5 hours resource teaching support and shared access to a special needs assistant (SNA). In addition to this my Department has recently approved funding to the school for assistive technology for this pupil.

The mainstream staffing of a primary school for a particular school year is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on the 30th September of the previous school year and by reference to a staffing schedule. This staffing schedule for the current school year 2006/07 is outlined in Primary Circular 0023/2006 which was issued to all primary schools.

The staffing of the school referred to by the Deputy comprises of a Principal and two mainstream class teaching posts, based on an enrolment of 49 pupils at 30th September, 2005. The school also has the services 1 Permanent Learning Support/Resource teacher and 1 Permanent Shared Resource teacher. The Board of Management has submitted a report indicating that there were 44 pupils enrolled in the school on the 30th September 2006. The mainstream staffing of the school for the 2007/08 school year will be determined on that figure and by reference to the staffing schedule for the 2007/2008 school year. I understand that work is currently underway in my Department on the preparation of the schedule which, when finalised, will issue to all primary schools.

Educational Disadvantage.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

1601 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will immediately review the DEIS scheme in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that this disadvantaged scheme for secondary schools has been an extremely successful scheme in helping disadvantaged students and without it there will be disastrous consequences for this school; if she will acknowledge the major crisis she has engineered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1831/07]

Jerry Cowley

Question:

1602 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will immediately review the DEIS scheme in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that this disadvantaged scheme for secondary schools has been an extremely successful scheme in helping disadvantaged students and without it there will be disastrous consequences for this school; if she will acknowledge the major crisis she has engineered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1832/07]

Jerry Cowley

Question:

1603 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will immediately review the DEIS scheme in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that this disadvantaged scheme for secondary schools has been an extremely successful scheme in helping disadvantaged students and without it there will be disastrous consequences for this school; if she will acknowledge the major crisis she has engineered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1833/07]

Jerry Cowley

Question:

1604 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will immediately review the DEIS scheme in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that this disadvantaged scheme for secondary schools has been an extremely successful scheme in helping disadvantaged students and without it there will be disastrous consequences for this school; if she will acknowledge the major crisis she has engineered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1834/07]

Jerry Cowley

Question:

1605 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will immediately review the DEIS scheme in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that this disadvantaged scheme for secondary schools has been an extremely successful scheme in helping disadvantaged students and without it there will be disastrous consequences for this school; if she will acknowledge the major crisis she has engineered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1835/07]

Jerry Cowley

Question:

1606 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will immediately review the DEIS scheme in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that this disadvantaged scheme for secondary schools has been an extremely successful scheme in helping disadvantaged students and without it there will be disastrous consequences for this school; if she will acknowledge the major crisis she has engineered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1836/07]

Jerry Cowley

Question:

1607 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will immediately review the DEIS scheme in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that this disadvantaged scheme for secondary schools has been an extremely successful scheme in helping disadvantaged students and without it there will be disastrous consequences for this school; if she will acknowledge the major crisis she has engineered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1837/07]

Jerry Cowley

Question:

1608 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will immediately review the DEIS scheme in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon in view of the fact that this disadvantaged scheme for secondary schools has been an extremely successful scheme in helping disadvantaged students and without it there will be disastrous consequences for this school; if she will acknowledge the major crisis she has engineered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1838/07]

Jerry Cowley

Question:

1625 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will immediately review the DEIS scheme in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that this disadvantaged scheme for secondary schools has been an extremely successful scheme in helping disadvantaged students and without it there will be disastrous consequences for this school; if she will acknowledge the major crisis she has engineered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1880/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1601 to 1608, inclusive, and 1625 together.

DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the action plan for educational inclusion, provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and a new integrated School Support Programme (SSP). DEIS will bring together and build upon a number of existing interventions in schools with a concentrated level of disadvantage.

The process of identifying schools for participation in DEIS was managed by the Educational Research Centre (ERC) on behalf of my Department and supported by quality assurance work co-ordinated through the Department's regional offices and the Inspectorate.

A review mechanism was put in place to address the concerns of schools that did not qualify for inclusion in DEIS but regarded themselves as having a level of disadvantage which was of a scale sufficient to warrant their inclusion in the programme. The review process operated under the direction of an independent person, charged with ensuring that all relevant identification processes and procedures were properly followed in the case of schools applying for a review. The closing date for receipt of review applications was 31 March, 2006. The Group submitted a report and the review is now concluded. Schools who applied for a review were informed of the outcome in August, 2006.

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 receive support in line with their level of disadvantage.

Under DEIS I recently announced the provision of 80 new posts to add to the 370 posts already in place in order to extend the Home School Community Liaison service to any of the DEIS schools that do not currently have the service. In addition, all schools will continue to receive HSCL services after 2006/2007. HSCL services will continue to be provided to some 650 schools (370 primary and 282 second level 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 coordinators working with families of disadvantaged children across both primary and second level.

As a result of the identification process and subsequent review, 68 primary schools and 8 second level schools in Mayo have been included in the School Support Programme and nearly 20% of all schools in the rural strand of the programme are in Mayo.

School Transport.

John Perry

Question:

1609 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the case of persons (details supplied) in County Leitrim in relation to their school transport; if she will ensure that concessionary tickets are made available to the family; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1842/07]

Under the terms of the Primary School Transport Scheme, only eligible children qualify for free transport. In order to be eligible, children must live at least 3.2 kilometres from, and be attending, their nearest national school.

However children who do not qualify for free transport on distance grounds may be allowed to travel as concessionary fare-payers. This may be allowed subject to the conditions that there are spare seats available after all fully eligible children have been catered for, and provided there is no extra State cost involved by way of altering or extending the route of the service or by providing an additional or larger bus.

Where fare-paying transport is sought to a school other than the nearest, the written agreement of the Board of Management of the nearest school is required. The parents should contact their local Bus Éireann office regarding the availability of spare seats.

Question No. 1610 answered with Question No. 1450.

Educational Disadvantage.

Michael Ring

Question:

1611 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools nationally, both primary and secondary, that appealed their exclusion from DEIS; and the number of these that were successful. [1867/07]

The process of identifying primary and second-level schools for participation in DEIS was managed by the Educational Research Centre (ERC) on behalf of my Department and supported by quality assurance work co-ordinated through the Department's regional offices and the Inspectorate.

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

As a result of the identification process, 840 schools were invited to participate in the SSP. These comprised 640 primary schools (320 urban/town schools and 320 rural schools) and 200 second-level schools. Following on the review process, an additional 40 schools (35 primary and 5 second level) were included in the SSP. The total number of schools that made an application under the review process was 341 and this included 228 primary schools and 113 second level schools.

Michael Ring

Question:

1612 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if the DEIS effectively penalises schools that have succeeded, due to effective use of funding, to improve their retention rates and results of their students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1868/07]

DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the action plan for educational inclusion, provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and a new integrated School Support Programme. DEIS will bring together, and build upon, a number of existing interventions in schools with a concentrated level of disadvantage.

The process of identifying primary and second level schools for participation in DEIS was managed by the Educational Research Centre (ERC) on behalf of my Department and was supported by quality assurance work co-ordinated through my Department's regional offices and the Inspectorate. The ERC's overall approach was guided by the definition of educational disadvantage in the Education Act (1998), section 32(9), as: " — the impediments to education arising from social or economic disadvantage which prevent students from deriving appropriate benefit from education in schools".

In the case of second level schools, the Department supplied the ERC with centrally-held data from the Post-Primary Pupils and State Examinations Commission databases and from data holdings for the Free Books Scheme. While retention rates were one of the variables used to determine eligibility for inclusion in DEIS, they were not the only measure to be taken into account. The other determinants for eligibility were:- Medical card data for Junior Certificate candidates (including Junior Certificate School Programme candidates); Junior Certificate exam results aggregated to school level (expressed as an Overall Performance Scale score, which was based on each students performance in the seven subjects in which s/he performed best).

Overall, for a school to be eligible for extra resources under DEIS, it was considered that there ought to be evidence that a school was experiencing educational problems (e.g. below average on retention rates and/or Junior Certificate performance) and had above average percentage enrolment of students from poor backgrounds.

Enhancing attendance, progression, retention and attainment are central to the DEIS action plan and have been given high priority at both national and EU level. The EU have set a target of not more than 10% early school leavers by 2010 and the new National Development Plan has set a high-level goal for improving attainment at second level.

Michael Ring

Question:

1613 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools nationally, on a county basis, both primary and secondary, not included in DEIS. [1869/07]

The document below sets out the number of primary and second-level schools, on a county basis, that are not included in the School Support Programme under the DEIS action plan. DEIS is a school support programme designed to focus resources on the most disadvantaged schools in an area.

Table 3.1 — Number of Second Level Schools Classified by County/Local Authority Area

County

Secondary

Vocational

Community

Comprehensive

Total

No. of Second Level Schools Included in DEIS

Total No. of Secondary Schools not included in DEIS

Carlow

5

5

1

0

11

2

9

Cavan

4

5

1

1

11

2

9

Clare

8

7

2

1

18

2

16

Cork

51

28

9

2

90

19

71

Donegal

4

14

6

2

26

12

14

Dublin

115

47

21

5

188

60

128

Galway

26

14

6

1

47

11

36

Kerry

16

8

2

1

27

5

22

Kildare

15

10

3

0

28

9

19

Kilkenny

8

7

1

0

16

5

11

Laois

5

4

2

0

11

2

9

Leitrim

2

5

1

1

9

0

9

Limerick

22

11

2

1

36

11

25

Longford

4

4

1

0

9

4

5

Louth

11

5

1

0

17

5

12

Mayo

17

8

3

0

28

8

20

Meath

6

7

4

0

17

4

13

Monaghan

6

6

0

0

12

4

8

Offaly

5

5

2

0

12

3

9

Roscommon

4

3

1

0

8

1

7

Sligo

7

7

1

0

15

4

11

Tipperary

19

11

1

0

31

7

24

Waterford

12

5

1

0

18

5

13

Westmeath

10

4

1

0

15

4

11

Wexford

11

7

2

0

20

8

12

Wicklow

10

10

1

1

22

6

16

Total

403

247

76

16

742

203

539

Table 2.17 — Number of National Schools by County

County

No. of Primary Schools per county*

No. of schools in DEIS (Rural strand)

No. of Schools in DEIS (Urban band 1)

No. of Schools in DEIS (Urban band 2)

Total No. of Primary Schools in DEIS

Total No. of Primary Schools not in DEIS

Carlow

40

4

0

2

6

34

Cavan

78

6

1

3

10

68

Clare

117

10

1

4

15

102

Cork

356

18

18

16

52

304

Donegal

175

81

0

6

87

88

Dublin

416

1

116

42

159

257

Galway

233

37

8

6

51

182

Kerry

141

19

0

5

24

117

Kildare

96

3

2

6

11

85

Kilkenny

76

2

0

2

4

72

Laois

64

1

1

0

2

62

Leitrim

41

9

0

1

10

31

Limerick

143

5

18

0

23

120

Longford

40

6

3

0

9

31

Louth

70

1

8

7

16

54

Mayo

179

64

3

1

68

111

Meath

106

1

0

3

4

102

Monaghan

64

6

0

3

9

55

Offaly

68

5

1

7

13

55

Roscommon

94

16

0

2

18

76

Sligo

69

10

1

3

14

55

Tipperary

161

8

2

5

15

146

Waterford

74

1

1

9

11

63

Westmeath

73

3

3

2

8

65

Wexford

102

11

2

7

20

82

Wicklow

81

4

1

6

11

70

Total

3,157

332

190

148

670

2,487

*Special Schools not included in figures.

Disadvantaged Status.

Michael Ring

Question:

1614 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the effect the loss of disadvantaged status will have on school development planning in view of the fact that the planning was based on the premise that such schools would retain this status; if the policies and procedures developed in consideration of the resource allocation entitlements under disadvantaged status will be rendered null and void; and if so, the way schools which have been informed that they will lose disadvantaged status can plan forward. [1870/07]

The DEIS initiative is designed to ensure that the most disadvantaged schools benefit from a comprehensive package of supports, while other schools continue to get support in line with the level of disadvantage among their pupils. I wish to assure the Deputy that schools which have not qualified for inclusion in DEIS and which are receiving additional resources under pre-existing schemes for addressing disadvantage will continue to receive support in line with their level of disadvantage.

For most schools local circumstances including enrolment levels, staffing, resources and pupil backgrounds can change quite significantly over time and consequently aspects of their school development plans will need to be continuously amended in light of these changes in circumstances. While the majority of school plans, including administrative policies and procedures as well as curricular plans, should not be in need of major re-drafting in schools whose disadvantaged status has changed, assistance is being provided by Facilitators from my Department's School Development Planning Support Service to these schools to identify, amend and implement such changes to plans as may be necessitated by any change in local circumstances.

Educational Disadvantage.

Michael Ring

Question:

1615 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the way some primary and secondary schools within the same catchment or feeder area will gain or lose disadvantaged status under the new integrated schools support programme under the DEIS scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1871/07]

Michael Ring

Question:

1617 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if all future initiatives targeting educational disadvantage will be focused solely on DEIS schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1873/07]

Michael Ring

Question:

1620 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of the schools excluded from DEIS from September 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1876/07]

Michael Ring

Question:

1621 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will immediately review and address the anomalies in the new integrated schools support programme under the DEIS scheme which have been outlined nationwide by schools, both national and secondary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1877/07]

Michael Ring

Question:

1632 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in County Mayo will be allowed to retain its disadvantage status after the 2006 to 2007 school year; if she will reconsider this school for inclusion under DEIS; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1889/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1615, 1617, 1620, 1621 and 1632 together.

DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the action plan for educational inclusion, provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and a new integrated School Support Programme (SSP). DEIS will bring together and build upon a number of existing interventions in schools with a concentrated level of disadvantage.

The new action plan represents a shift in emphasis away from individual initiatives, each addressing a particular aspect of the problem, with the new plan adopting a multi-faceted and more integrated approach. This is the first time that an integrated educational inclusion strategy has been developed for 3-18 year olds in this country. Targeting resources at the most disadvantaged schools who are working to counteract educational disadvantage will continue to be a priority for the Government.

The process of identifying schools for participation in DEIS was managed by the Educational Research Centre (ERC) on behalf of my Department and supported by quality assurance work co-ordinated through the Department's regional offices and the Inspectorate.

A review mechanism was put in place to address the concerns of schools that did not qualify for inclusion in DEIS but regarded themselves as having a level of disadvantage which was of a scale sufficient to warrant their inclusion in the programme. The review process operated under the direction of an independent person, charged with ensuring that all relevant identification processes and procedures were properly followed in the case of schools applying for a review. The closing date for receipt of review applications was 31 March, 2006. The Group submitted a report and the review is now concluded. Schools who applied for a review were informed of the outcome in August, 2006.

As a result of the identification and review process, 873 schools have been included under the DEIS action plan. These comprised 670 primary schools and 203 second-level schools. 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 receive support in line with their level of disadvantage.

Michael Ring

Question:

1616 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will immediately review the DEIS in view of the fact that there is no continuation of support for the students or parents and families of students progressing from primary to secondary level. [1872/07]

Enhancing attendance, progression, retention and attainment are central to DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) the action plan for educational inclusion, which is being implemented at present in 873 schools comprising 670 primary schools (338 urban/town schools and 332 rural schools) and 203 second-level schools. This represents a shift in emphasis away from individual initiatives, each addressing a particular aspect of the problem, with the new plan adopting a multi-faceted and more integrated approach. This is the first time that an integrated educational inclusion strategy has been developed for 3-18 year olds in this country.

The key principle of early intervention, to identify and help children at risk of leaving school early, is a major component of DEIS, with a continuing emphasis being placed on the development of effective transfer programmes for pupils making the transition to second-level, by building on the existing work of the HSCL scheme and the School Completion Programme in this area.

The School Completion Programme was established to directly target those in danger of dropping out of the education system and is a key component of my Department's strategy to discriminate positively in favour of children and young people who are at risk of early school leaving. In line with current thinking, the Programme favours an integrated cross-community and cross-sectoral approach based on the development of local strategies to ensure maximum participation levels in the education process. It entails targeting individual young people, both in and out of school, and arranging supports to address inequalities in educational access, participation and outcomes. A key component of the School Completion Programme (SCP) is developing strong links between primary and post-primary schools in disadvantaged areas.

The Home School Community Liaison (HSCL) Scheme is a key intervention to improve the educational outcomes of children from disadvantaged areas by promoting active cooperation between their parents and teachers and encouraging community involvement. Through their work with parents, HSCL officers seek to raise parents' awareness of the need to encourage their children to work hard at school and to help parents to improve their own capacities to enhance their children's educational progress and to assist them in developing relevant skills.

Progression from primary to second-level is recognised as a crucial transition period in a child's education. Initiatives such as Familiarisation Days and week-long transfer programmes for new entrants to second level have been shown to have very positive results in helping children to make a smooth transition to their new school. The strengthening of such programmes are being prioritised under DEIS.

Question No. 1617 answered with Question No. 1615.

Michael Ring

Question:

1618 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will immediately introduce a fair review of all schools currently excluded from DEIS using agreed and internationally approved criteria; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1874/07]

Michael Ring

Question:

1619 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the rationale for selecting data, particularly in relation to medical cards that is seriously outdated, when the DEIS initiative was rolled out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1875/07]

Michael Ring

Question:

1622 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason her Department chose a set of primary indicators for disadvantage in the new integrated schools support programme under the DEIS scheme that are out of line with international practice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1878/07]

Michael Ring

Question:

1623 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason pupil achievement and retention is being used as a primary indicator for disadvantage in the new integrated schools support programme under the DEIS scheme in view of the fact that these indicators fail to recognise the more basic social and economic indicators; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1879/07]

Jerry Cowley

Question:

1644 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation which exists in Achill Island, County Mayo, where all 11 primary feeder schools on the island are included in the DEIS scheme; the reason only one of the two post-primary schools on the island has been included in the DEIS scheme; her views on whether this situation urgently needs to be addressed and reviewed; if this is an example of the discrimination involved with the required criteria for inclusion in the DEIS scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2046/07]

Jerry Cowley

Question:

1645 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation which exists in Erris, north County Mayo, where all 20 primary feeder schools in the region are included in the DEIS scheme; the reason only one of the two post-primary schools in this isolated disadvantaged region has been included in the DEIS scheme; her views on whether this situation urgently needs to be addressed and reviewed; if this is an example of the discrimination involved with the required criteria for inclusion in the DEIS scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2055/07]

Michael Ring

Question:

1698 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the necessary steps to ensure that a national school is recognised as existing in a disadvantaged area. [2451/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1618, 1619, 1622, 1623, 1644, 1645 and 1698 together.

DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the action plan for educational inclusion, provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and a new integrated School Support Programme (SSP). DEIS will bring together, and build upon, a number of existing interventions in schools with a concentrated level of disadvantage. The process of identifying primary and second-level schools for participation in DEIS was managed by the Educational Research Centre (ERC) on behalf of my Department and supported by quality assurance work co-ordinated through the Department's regional offices and the Inspectorate.

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

In the primary sector, the identification process was based on a survey carried out by the ERC in May 2005, from which a response rate of more than 97% was achieved. The analysis of the survey returns from primary schools by the ERC identified the socio-economic variables that collectively best predict achievement, and these variables were then used to identify schools for participation in the School Support Programme. The variables involved were: % unemployment; % local authority accommodation; % lone parenthood; % Travellers; % large families (5 or more children); % pupils eligible for free books.

In the case of second-level schools, the Department supplied the ERC with centrally-held data from the Post-Primary Pupils and State Examinations Commission databases. Based on an analysis of these data, the variables used to determine eligibility for inclusion in the School Support Programme were as follows: Medical card data for Junior Certificate candidates (including Junior Certificate School Programme candidates); Junior Certificate retention rates by school; Junior Certificate exam results aggregated to school level (expressed as an OPS — "Overall Performance Scale" — score). This was based on each student's performance in the seven subjects in which s/he performed best — Leaving Certificate retention rates by school.

The identification process was in line with international best practice and had regard to and employed the exiting and most appropriate data sources available. A review mechanism was put in place to address the concerns of some schools that did not qualify for inclusion in DEIS but regarded themselves as having a level of disadvantage of a scale sufficient to warrant their inclusion in the programme. As a result of the identification and review process, 873 schools have been included under the DEIS initiative. These comprised 670 primary schools (338 urban schools and 332 rural schools) and 203 second level schools.

The review process operated under the direction of an independent person, charged with ensuring that all relevant identification processes and procedures were properly followed in the case of schools applying for a review. The review Group submitted a final report and the review process is now concluded.

Questions Nos. 1620 and 1621 answered with Question No. 1615.

Questions Nos. 1622 and 1623 answered with Question No. 1618.

Psychological Service.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

1624 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the 74 national schools in County Galway that do not have access to the services provided by the National Educational Psychological Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1881/07]

As the deputy will be aware all primary and post primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA). 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.

In respect of Galway currently 165 of the 239 national schools within the county (69% of schools and 77% of Pupils ) have a NEPS psychologist assigned to them, the remaining 74 have provision made under the SCPA. I attach a list of these schools for the Deputy's information.

Roll No.

County

School

Address

01000E

Galway

Esker N S

Athenry, Co. Galway

06489S

Galway

S N An Tsaileain

Tuam, Co. Galway

08379V

Galway

Gortanumera N S

Ballyshrule, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

08512U

Galway

Iomair N S

Killimor, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

08958O

Galway

S N An Eanaigh Cailini

Ballyglunin, Co. Galway

09069L

Galway

S N An Bhain Mhoir

Claregalway, Galway

10095T

Galway

S N Naomh Treasa

Killure, Ahascragh, Co. Galway

10863P

Galway

S N Na Coille Glaise

Ahascragh, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

11675T

Galway

S N An Eanaigh B

Ballyglunin, Co. Galway

12138V

Galway

S N Ceathru Na Laithigh

Tuam, Co. Galway

12606F

Galway

Crumlin N S

Ballyglunin, Co. Galway

12954F

Galway

S N Bhride

Turloughmore, Co. Galway

13665D

Galway

S N An Cillin

Ballyshrule, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

14273O

Galway

S N Padraig Naofa

Lisin Na Heilte, Boyounagh, Castlerea, Co. Galway

14278B

Galway

Scoil Naomh Padraig

Knockroon, Headford, Co. Galway

14294W

Galway

Brierfield N School

Tuam, Co. Galway

14377D

Galway

S N Cill Conaill

Cill Conaill, Beal Atha Na Sluagh, Co. Na Gaillimhe

14383V

Galway

S N Padraig Naofa

Bealach Liath, Beal Atha Garta, Co. Gaillimh

15228O

Galway

S N Padraig Naofa

Corr Gharra, Mountbellew Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

15475I

Galway

Kilconly N S

Kilconly, Tuam, Co. Galway

15531P

Galway

Scoil Mhuire,

Newtown,, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon.

15796F

Galway

S N Cor An Droma

Claregalway, Co. Galway

15997P

Galway

St Brendan's N.S.

The Square, Eyrecourt, Co. Galway

16121B

Galway

Attymon N S

Attymon, Athenry, Co. Galway

16410I

Galway

Ballinderry N S

Cummer, Tuam, Co. Galway

16464I

Galway

Castleblakeney N S

Castleblakeney, Co. Galway

16803E

Galway

Newtown G N S

Mainistir, Tuam, Co. Galway

16804G

Galway

Sn Chlair Na Gaillimhe

Baile Clar Na Gaillimhe, Co. Na Gaillimhe

16857E

Galway

S N Naomh Uinseann

Cul Arann, Turloughmore, Co. Galway

16936A

Galway

S N Naomh Padraig

Creagmore, Baile Clar Na Gaillimhe, Gaillimh

17071R

Galway

S N Baile A Mhoinin

Droichead, Beil An Atha Mhoir, Ballinasloe Co Galway

17197Q

Galway

S N An Leath Bhaile

Tuaim, Co. Na Gaillimhe

17485V

Galway

S N Padraig Naofa

Fothaine, Ath Eascrach, Beal Atha Na Slua, Co. Na Gaillimhe

17490O

Galway

S N Lorcain Naofa

Tigneatha, Baile Locha Riach, Co. Na Gaillimhe

17529P

Galway

S N Iomair Naofa

Brackloon Cill Tulcha, Beal Atha N Riogh, Co. Na Gaillimhe

17631G

Galway

Ceathru Na Ngarrdhanta

Tuam, Co. Galway

17807R

Galway

S N Cathair Geal

Cathair Geal, Tuam, Co. Galway

17863E

Galway

Scoil Iarlatha Naofa

Mionloch, Beal Atha Na Slua, Co. Na Gaillimhe

17870B

Galway

Scoil Bhreandain Naofa

Cluain Fhearta, Beal Atha Na Sluaigh, Co. Na Gaillimhe

17877P

Galway

Scoil Muire Naofa

Mionloch, Beal Atha Na Slua, Co. Na Gaillimhe

17934B

Galway

Scoil Bhride

An Cnoc Bhreac, Beal Atha Na Sluaigh, Co. Na Gaillimhe

17980I

Galway

Scoil Mhuire

Cloonminda, Castlerea, Co. Galway

17998E

Galway

Sn Muire An Tsolais

Sn Muire An Tsolais, Mota Grainne Oige, Ballinasloe Co Galway

18021H

Galway

Sn An Croi Ro Naofa

Beal Clair, Co. Na Gaillimhe

18097R

Galway

Togala Mhuire

Cill Tulcha, Athenry, Co. Galway

18111I

Galway

S N Gort Na Gaoithe

Gort Na Gaoithe Tuamard, Beal Atha Na Slua, Co. Na Gaillimhe

18113M

Galway

S N Cill Solain

Killasolan, Caltra, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

18125T

Galway

Scoil Naomh Mhuire

An Creagan, Beal Atha Na Sluaigh, Co. Na Gaillimhe

18222R

Galway

Sn Ceathru Na Gaoithe

Milltown, Tuam, Co. Galway

18289D

Galway

Scoil Naomh Iosef

Castlehackett, Belclare Tuam, Co. Galway

18309G

Galway

Scoil Bride

Brierfield, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

18332B

Galway

Scoil Naomh Padraig

Magh Locha, Co. Na Gaillimhe

18460K

Galway

Sn Baile An Mhuilinn

Baile An Mhuillinn, Tuam, Co. Galway

18560O

Galway

S N Baile Nua B

Ballyglunin, Co. Galway

18572V

Galway

Glenamaddy NS

Glenamaddy NS, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

18636V

Galway

S N Bheanain

Tuam, Co. Galway

18746F

Galway

Sn Muine Mhea

Athenry, Co. Galway

19047H

Galway

St Josephs Special Sch

Thomas Hynes Road, Newcastle, Co. Galway

19201O

Galway

Holy Family School

Renmore, Galway

19275U

Galway

Barnaderg Central Sch

Tuam, Co. Galway

19276W

Galway

St. Colmans Mxd N S

Cummer, Tuam, Co. Galway

19283T

Galway

Ballymacward Central SC

Ballymacward Central SC, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

19380R

Galway

Kilkerrin Central Sch

Cile Choirin, Beal Atha Na Sluaighe, Co. Na Gaillimhe

19388K

Galway

Clonberne Central Sch

Clonberne, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

19506N

Galway

Cappatagle Central Sch,

Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

19567K

Galway

Scoil Aine

St. Anne S Special Sch., Taylors Hill, Galway

19770H

Galway

Gurteen Central NS

Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

19828M

Galway

Sn Cearn Mor

Uaran Mor, Co. Na Gaillimhe

19841E

Galway

Glinsk N S

Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

19996K

Galway

St Brendans Ns

Portumna, Co. Galway

20040A

Galway

St Brendans N S

Belmont, Cloghans Hill, Tuam, Co. Galway

20070J

Galway

Rosedale School

Woodlands Centre, Renmore, Galway

20211B

Galway

Galway North Ed.Tog. N.S.

C/O Currylaur, Tuam

20237T

Galway

Gaelscoil Riada

Beal Atha An Ri, Gaillimh

Question No. 1625 answered with Question No. 1601.

Special Educational Needs.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1626 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide a specialist teacher for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1883/07]

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.

I am aware of the circumstances of the person to whom the Deputy refers and have been advised that an appropriate school placement is available with access to qualified teachers should they avail of this placement.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1627 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received an application for an autistic unit for County Mayo from concerned parents; if she will give approval and funding for such a unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1885/07]

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.

I wish to confirm that my Department has received the application referred to by the Deputy. My officials have requested additional information in support of the application and it will receive further consideration following receipt of this information.

Physical Education Facilities.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1628 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the date for commencement and provision of a physical education hall for a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1886/07]

I am pleased to confirm that I have authorised the PE Hall project for this school to progress through architectural planning and on to tender and construction as soon as all stages of the planning process are complete.

The project is currently at Stage 4/5 (Detailed Design/Bill of Quantities). In September 2006 a number of queries were raised by my Department and a response from County Mayo VEC is awaited.

When this information is received, officials in my Department hope to be in a position to progress this project to Stage 6 (Tender Action and Report).

Enda Kenny

Question:

1629 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress she has made in respect of the provision of a physical education hall at a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1887/07]

Enda Kenny

Question:

1655 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the consideration that has been given to the provision of a physical education hall at a school (details supplied) in County Mayo following its having been assessed under the relevant prioritisation criteria; when she expects to approve the hall; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2133/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1629 and 1655 together.

The provision of PE Halls at post-primary level is considered an integral part of the design stage for any major refurbishment programme of existing school buildings. All applications received in my Department are banded in accordance with the prioritisation criteria put in place following consultation with the Education partners.

The PE hall project at the school referred to by the Deputy has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria, and the project is being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Schools Building Projects.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1630 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science when it is intended to provide a new primary school at Carrowkennedy, Liscarney, Westport, Co. Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1882/07]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that Tender Documents for the new primary school at Carrowkennedy are being prepared at present and it is envisaged that this project will go to tender in February/March 2007.

School Transport.

Michael Ring

Question:

1631 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason persons (details supplied) in County Mayo are paying for their school transport in view of the fact that they are over two miles from their primary school. [1888/07]

Bus Éireann which is responsible for the operation of the school transport service have advised that the family referred to by the Deputy is eligible for free school transport and has been offered seating on an existing service. This service is operating within the guidelines of the school transport scheme. The family concerned should liaise with Bus Éireann regarding the suitability of the service available.

Question No. 1632 answered with Question No. 1615.

Special Educational Needs.

Michael Ring

Question:

1633 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science when a home tuition application for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved. [1890/07]

I can confirm that an application for home tuition for the pupil referred to by the Deputy was considered in my Department and a decision on the application was conveyed to the parents on the 19th December 2006.

School Accommodation.

Michael Ring

Question:

1634 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science when an on-site technical assessment will be carried out in relation to the long-term accommodation needs of a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; and the reason no response issued from the planning section of her Department in this regard. [1891/07]

School Planning Section of my Department are in the process of examining the school's current and long term needs and have been in regular contact with the school authorities in this regard. On completion of this assessment a decision will be made on how best to address the school's accommodation needs. A site visit will also be required in order to inform the final brief for the project and my officials will be in contact with the school authority in due course to arrange a time for this visit.

Schools Building Projects.

John Perry

Question:

1635 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will give a firm commitment that funding will be sanctioned under the application for grant aid small school scheme 2007 to a school (details supplied) in County Sligo for the provision of a mainstream classroom, resource room, principal’s office and general purpose PE Hall; when it will be approved; the amount that will be approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2000/07]

An application has been received in my Department from the school referred to by the Deputy under the Small Schools Scheme 2007. The list of successful applicants will be published shortly.

Question No. 1636 answered with Question No. 1552.

School Accommodation.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

1637 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the intake of first year students for September 2007 at a school (details supplied) in County Galway; if her attention has been drawn to the rising population trends in the Kinvara, Oranmore and Gort areas of south Galway; her views on whether the existing school can provide facilities as a co-educational school for up to 500 pupils within its catchment area inside the next four years with only a modest financial investment necessary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2016/07]

My Department's immediate concern in relation to a school closure is to ensure that there will be sufficient accommodation available in the general area for pupils who would have normally enrolled in the closing school. Following the announcement of a phased closure of the school referred to by the Deputy by the Trustees, my Department met with a local Action Group and more recently Gort Community School who outlined their concerns in relation to the announcement by the Trustees. The examination of the information received is underway in the Department. As part of this examination, an analysis is also being carried out on matters such as population growth, demographic trends, current and projected enrolments, recent and planned housing developments and the capacity of existing schools to meet the immediate demand for accommodation.

Schools Building Projects.

Dan Neville

Question:

1638 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science her response to the request for an emergency works grant to replace the central heating system at a school (details supplied) in County Limerick. [2024/07]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that funding for the works in question has been approved by the Building Unit of my Department and the school authorities informed of the decision.

Dan Neville

Question:

1639 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding her Department’s response to the proposal to build an extension to a school (details supplied) in County Limerick consisting of resource room, learning support room, principal’s office, secretary’s office and general purpose room. [2025/07]

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.

Dan Neville

Question:

1640 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science when funding will be provided for an extension to a school (details supplied) in County Limerick. [2027/07]

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.

Question No. 1641 answered with Question No. 1521.
Question No. 1642 answered with Question No. 1554.

Grant Payments.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

1643 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has received a youth grant application through the VEC on behalf of a centre (details supplied) in County Mayo; the positioning of this application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2045/07]

My Department has not received an application for a youth grant from Co. Mayo VEC on behalf of Centre in question. I understand that an application was made to Co Mayo VEC for funding for the Centre from the Dormant Accounts Fund, the administration of which is the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

Questions Nos. 1644 and 1645 answered with Question No. 1618.

Schools Building Projects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1646 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to additional permanent accommodation required for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare to cater for pupils and teachers and so on, plus ancillary accommodation requirements; the timeframe for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2057/07]

I can confirm to the Deputy that the Department is in receipt of an application for large scale capital funding from the school to which the Deputy refers. The project has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale capital projects. Progress on the proposed works is being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme from 2007 onwards.

Psychological Service.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1647 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a clinic (details supplied) which undertakes psychological assessments of children, wrote in November 2006 asking parents if they would still like their child to be seen, confirming that there is a waiting time of about three years from the time of receiving a referral and stating that they have no control over this situation; if she will immediately increase the allocation of funds and personnel to the clinic in order to reduce the waiting time; if this cannot be done the immediate action she will take to pay for private psychological and psychoeducational assessments having regard to the importance of early intervention in a child’s educational and career life; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2071/07]

As the Deputy will be aware all primary and post primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA). 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 clinic referred to by the Deputy falls under the jurisdiction of the HSE and therefore, it would not be appropriate for me to make comment.

I can inform the Deputy that discussions are currently underway between the Departments of Education and Health and Children with regard to the implementation of both the Disability Act and the EPSEN Act and these discussions will have a focus on early intervention and provision.

Question No. 1648 answered with Question No. 1453.

Grant Payments.

Pat Breen

Question:

1649 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in County Clare has been refused a grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2075/07]

The Maintenance Grant Scheme for Students attending Post Leaving Certificate courses is administered by the Vocational Education Committees on behalf of my Department.

The application for grant assistance for the candidate referred to by the Deputy must be assessed under the terms of my Department's Maintenance Grant Scheme for Students Attending Post Leaving Certificate Courses 2006. Clause 3.2 of the PLC Scheme sets out the condition under which a candidate is deemed to be ineligible to apply for funding, it states that:—

"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."

Under this provision, students holding a qualification no higher than a FETAC Level 5 (formally known as a FETAC (NCVA) Level 2 qualification) may receive grant assistance in respect of an approved PLC course which offers progression.

I understand from officials in my Department that the candidate referred to by the Deputy has completed the Photography Level 2 Progression Award and the Photography Level 3 Progression Award at Limerick Senior College which are both on the PLC approved list. Unfortunately, the Higher Professional Diploma course in the Limerick Senior College is not an approved course under the Department's PLC Scheme and therefore I regret that under the above provisions of the PLC Scheme the candidate in question is ineligible to be considered for grant assistance under the Post Leaving Certificate Scheme.

School Accommodation.

Seán Crowe

Question:

1650 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the predicament of a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and the action she will take to resolve the situation. [2077/07]

An application has been received from the school to which the Deputy refers for the rental of accommodation to meet its needs. The Department has asked the school authority to provide costings. When this information has been received and assessed, a decision will issue directly to the school.

Schools Refurbishment.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1651 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the application for the summer works grant 2007 for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare was refused; if the criteria used that excluded the school required safety measures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2078/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1682 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if a review will be undertaken to provide parking facilities and replacement of windows at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare which pose a serious health and safety issue to teachers and pupils; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2320/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1651 and 1682 together.

The management authority of the school in question applied for funding for car parking and replacement of windows and doors under the Summer Works Scheme 2007. Car parking was listed as the Priority 1 project. Under the prioritisation system these works were classed Category 10 (External Environment). Unfortunately the category applying to this type of project was not reached.

The school authority, however, also submitted an application under the Emergency Works Grant for funding for the works in question. I am pleased to inform the Deputies that the Building Unit of my Department has recently approved funding for these works.

School Curriculum.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1652 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received a copy of proposals from the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment regarding reform of the Irish Language curriculum at second level; if so, when these proposals were received; the progress made to date in evaluating these proposals; the date by which she will make these recommendations and her evaluation of same, public; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2091/07]

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

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

A discussion paper "Curriculum provision in Irish in post primary schools", has been submitted to me by the NCCA on 19 December 2006, as a proposal for public consultation. My Department is currently evaluating these proposals and I have arranged to meet the Council on the matter very shortly.

Schools Refurbishment.

Dan Neville

Question:

1653 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will reconsider the decision to refuse capital grant aid under the summer works scheme 2007 to a school (details supplied) in County Limerick. [2102/07]

The school referred to by the Deputy applied under the Summer Works Scheme 2007 for provision of a hard court play area. On the 8th January 2007 I announced details of the schools to receive funding to improve facilities under the Summer Works Scheme 2007. However, due to the volume of applications received it was not possible to allocate funding to all proposed projects. My Department's School Planning Section has received an appeal on this decision from the school authority which will be considered further by the Department.

School Accommodation.

Paddy McHugh

Question:

1654 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to address the substandard accommodation at a school (details supplied) in County Galway in view of the fact that moneys previously allocated are inadequate to cover the cost of the extension and upgrading required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2108/07]

Paul Connaughton

Question:

1703 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to overcrowding at a school (details supplied) in County Galway; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that the facilities are three classrooms and three portocabins which have to accommodate five mainstream teachers, two resource and one full time learning support teacher; if her attention has also been drawn to the fact that the existing school is substandard with health and safety issues and is overrun with dampness, poor insulation, poor ventilation, inadequate heating and poor sewerage facilities; when a new school or completely modernised and expanded school will be provided at Aughrim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2581/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1654 and 1703 together.

A re-assessment of projected enrolments, demographic trends and housing developments in the area, has recently been completed in my Department and the long term projected staffing has been notified to the school authorities. My Department will draw up schedules of accommodation for the project which will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Question No. 1655 answered with Question No. 1629.

Computerisation Programme.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1656 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the allocation for provision of computers that she will provide for 2007 to a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2134/07]

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 €11,500 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.

Schools Refurbishment.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1657 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the name of each school from County Mayo from which applications have been received for the summer works scheme 2007; the nature of the work involved in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2135/07]

This information is not readily available in the format requested by the Deputy. Officials of School Planning Section of the Department are currently compiling details of applications received as sought and this will be forwarded to the Deputy shortly.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1658 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science when the summer works scheme for primary and secondary schools for 2007 will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2136/07]

I announced details of my Department's 2007 Summer Works Scheme for primary and post-primary schools on the 8th January 2007.

I have provided funding of just under €120m to close to 1000 schools around the country to complete 1137 essential smaller scale capital projects under the Scheme. The list of schools approved for funding under the Scheme includes 641 primary and 324 post- primary schools. The projects funded include gas, electrical and mechanical works, roof replacements and repairs, windows replacement, toilet upgrades, structural improvements and access works.

The funding available for 2007 shows a major increase of over €40m in excess of that provided in 2006. These works are deemed to be absolutely necessary and I am pleased that I have been able to provide more Boards of Management and Trustees with funding to deal with the expanded scheme this year.

The increase in numbers of schools applying and projects involved is proof that this scheme works well for all. The projects approved have been assessed as being priority projects by the individual schools themselves. There is also the minimum of disruption for the school community as work is carried out during the summer months.

It is evident that the scheme has proved to be a great success since it was first introduced in 2004. By this summer over 3,000 projects will have been carried out in our primary and post primary schools across the country at a cost of just €300m. The works taking place are of enormous benefit to the whole school community.

All the schools covered by Summer Works Initiative are being contacted directly by the Building Section of my Department with details of the grant aid being provided and instructions on how to proceed.

Higher Education Grants.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1659 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if a higher education grant is available to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15, who received their second level education here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2152/07]

The decision on eligibility for third level grants is a matter for the relevant local authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is desired. It appears that no such advice or instruction has, to date, been sought in the case of the student referred to by the Deputy.

If an individual applicant considers that s/he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, s/he may appeal to the relevant local authority or VEC.

Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by the relevant local authority or VEC, and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in his/her case, a letter outlining the position may be sent to my Department. Alternatively, as already indicated, the local authority or VEC may, itself, in exceptional circumstances, seek clarification on issues from my Department. However, it is not open to me, or my Department, to depart from the terms of the maintenance grants schemes in individual cases.

Schools Building Projects.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

1660 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of an extension to a school (details supplied) in County Kerry to replace existing prefabs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2153/07]

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

1710 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the extension to a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2711/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1660 and 1710 together.

An application for capital funding towards the provision of an extension at the school has been received from the school. Officials in the Department will carry out an examination of all the relevant factors such as current and projected enrolment, demographic trends and the likely impact of ongoing and proposed housing developments in the area with a view to determining the long term accommodation needs of the school. When this is finalised, the application will be considered for progression in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Special Educational Needs.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

1661 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of legal cases her Department is currently contesting against parents of children with special educational needs who have initiated legal proceeding against the State; the estimated costs involved in defending these cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2182/07]

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

1662 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science the legal cost to the State per year over the past five years of cases involving children with special educational needs who have initiated legal proceedings against the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2183/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1661 and 1662 together.

There are 72 cases involving children with special educational needs currently ongoing in which my Department is a named party. The Deputy will be aware of my position on the issues of litigation in special educational needs and can be assured that neither I nor my Department take lightly any decision to defend cases concerning children with special educational needs.

Cases are generally only litigated where no potential settlement is acceptable to both sides and the Government's authority to decide issues of policy is in question. The State has an obligation under the Constitution to provide for primary education. In the context of children with special educational needs, that education must be appropriate to their requirements.

The State decides on an appropriate form of provision, having regard to the advice available to it from relevant experts in the National Educational Psychological Service, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, the inspectorate and independent experts. The Department is not complacent in dealing with these cases and attempts, wherever possible, to reduce the potential for litigation and the levels of legal costs where they arise.

I would like to emphasise that legal costs incurred by the State in defending those cases which are brought to court, are not met directly by my Department. In accordance with financial procedures in cases involving damages or compensation against the State, costs are generally charged to the Chief State Solicitor's Office Vote as sanctioned by the Attorney General. With reference to the costs incurred by my Department which are payment of legal costs of solicitors acting on behalf of children with special educational needs the costs for the last five years are as follows:

Year

2002

2,466,169.84

2003

3,766,276.53

2004

5,160,555.16

2005

1,211,529.68

2006

620,880.43

Finally I wish to assure the Deputy that I am most anxious that all children receive an education appropriate to their needs and I will continue to prioritise the issue of special educational needs and, in co-operation with the National Council for Special Education and the education partners ensure that children with special educational needs are adequately resourced to enable them to meet their potential.

Higher Education Grants.

Jack Wall

Question:

1663 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if a submission by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be investigated and the relevant information supplied in regard to the person’s application to further their education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2211/07]

The decision on eligibility for third level grants is a matter for the relevant local authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is desired. It appears that no such advice or instruction has, to date, been sought in the case of the student referred to by the Deputy.

Officials in my Department have been in contact with the awarding authorities in Kildare and they have no application for the student referred to by the Deputy.

If an individual applicant considers that s/he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, s/he may appeal to the relevant local authority or VEC.

Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by the relevant local authority or VEC, and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in his/her case, a letter outlining the position may be sent to my Department. Alternatively, as already indicated, the local authority or VEC may, itself, in exceptional circumstances, seek clarification on issues from my Department. However, it is not open to me, or my Department, to depart from the terms of the maintenance grants schemes in individual cases.

School Accommodation.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

1664 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application for extra accommodation to a school (details supplied) in County Donegal. [2215/07]

An application has been received in my Department from the school referred to by the Deputy under the Permanent Accommodation 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.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

1665 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the concerns amongst parents and teaching staff that sufficient plans have not been made by her Department to deal with primary school requirements in view of the rapid population growth in Wicklow Town, as well as in response to the housing proposals put forward in the current version of the Wicklow Town Development Plan; if her Department will make a formal request for an increase in the amount of land zoned community or educational; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2232/07]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

1666 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the discussions that have taken place with Wicklow county planners in relation to educational provision as part of the new Wicklow Town Development Plan. [2233/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1665 and 1666 together.

Under the current Wicklow Town Development Plan approximately 510 acres of land have been zoned for residential purposes. The Local Authority is expecting a population increase in the town of 11,704 persons as per the County Development Plan 2004 — 2010.

Following a full analysis of the Census for 2002, it emerged that, nationally, 11.3% of the population was of primary school going age and 8.5% was of post primary school going age (these percentages will be revised if necessary when a full analysis of the Census for 2006 becomes available). Using the projected population increase this means that there will be a requirement to provide an extra 1,323 primary school places and 995 post primary school places. As in all cases, the Department will be seeking to maximise existing provision where this is possible to meet the shortfall. The Department has as part of the review Wicklow Town Development Plan 2002 requested the local authority to reserve two sites and these will be developed according as the need arises. Taking existing school expansion and potential green field site development together, the Department is satisfied that adequate provision will be made for the area.

Question No. 1667 answered with Question No. 1590.

Willie Penrose

Question:

1668 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has now considered additional information submitted by the board of management of a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath for the erection of a new school in view of the comprehensive information submitted in relation to the current population and demographic change and future additional population of 1,049 people as predicted by Westmeath County Council; her views on the fact that the board has secured a green field site of four acres for a new school as the present site is far too small to accommodate such large numbers both current and projected; and if in this context she will ensure that the board of management are given approval to proceed with the building of this school which is necessary for the school going population in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2255/07]

The recent application for major capital funding from the school concerned is being examined by the Department in the context of the published prioritisation criteria for assessing large scale building projects.

Higher Education Grants.

John McGuinness

Question:

1669 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a higher education grant was not approved in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1 in view of the fact that the person is aged 21 years, lives independently and the parents live abroad with little income; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2256/07]

The decision on eligibility for maintenance grants is a matter for the relevant local authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is desired.

Under the terms of my Department's four Student Maintenance Grant Schemes, grants are payable to candidates pursuing approved full-time courses who meet prescribed conditions, including those pertaining to nationality, residency, means, age and previous academic attainment.

Under the residency requirement a candidate's parents, or in the case of an independent mature candidate, the candidate herself/himself, must have been resident in the State from the 1st October of the year prior to entry on an approved course. The candidate, referred to by the Deputy, is under 23 years of age and must, therefore, be assessed by reference to parent(s) income and residency status.

However, applicants who do not meet the residency requirement may be eligible for a fees only grant (registration fee only). In order to be assessed the candidate should apply to the Local Authority in whose administrative area the College is situated. It is not open to me, or to my Department, to depart from the terms of the schemes in individual cases.

School Staffing.

Tony Gregory

Question:

1670 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science if additional teaching hours can be considered for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9 for September 2007 to enable the school to take on additional pupils from another school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2257/07]

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. 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.

Special Educational Needs.

Joan Burton

Question:

1671 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the measures she has taken to ensure that schools adhere to best practice guidelines for children with special needs, in particular, the measures she has taken to enforce the provisions of the 2004 Act; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2258/07]

My Department's Inspectorate carries out annual inspections of a significant sample of mainstream and special schools each year through its system of Whole School Evaluation (WSE). There is a particular focus on provision for special needs in these evaluations. Practice is evaluated and advice and recommendations are given to ensure best practice and continuous development. These reports are published and available to all schools, and all interested parties, on my Department's website.

Training and support for teachers and schools is provided by the Special Education Support Service (SESS), and the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) is available to schools to provide assessments and advice. All pre-service courses have a module on providing for pupils with special educational needs and in-career courses on best practice are regularly organised for teachers by my Department.

The Inspectorate also conducts thematic studies of aspects of special education, identifies and highlights best practice and recommends improvements. Recent reports published are: "An Evaluation of Special Classes for Pupils with Specific Speech and Language Disorder" and "An Evaluation of Educational Provision for Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders".

The National Council for Special Education recently submitted its Implementation Report, which sets out its views and recommendations on a plan for the implementation of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004. The report is currently being examined by my Department.

School Enrolments.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1672 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children attending each of the schools, primary and post-primary in the town of Naas, County Kildare; the number of school places available at the schools; the size of the classes in each case; her proposals to meet the future accommodation needs in each case; if she has satisfied herself that sufficient preparation is being made to provide in full for all the accommodation needs for the foreseeable future in view of the expansion in the population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2287/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1742 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the degree, in respect of each of the schools within the town of Naas, County Kildare, primary and post-primary, to which she proposes to provide adequate school places, having regard to the requirements as set out by the respective school authorities; if she will implement a plan to address overcrowded classrooms, insufficiency of accommodation or other attendant facilities relative to the primary and post-primary sector; her proposals to deal with these issues within the next 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3021/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1672 and 1742 together.

I am aware that Naas like many areas located within close proximity to Dublin, continues to experience population growth, a position that almost inevitably places some strain on existing educational provision. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that a range of significant measures has been undertaken by the Department to address the current and future need for pupil places in the area.

In the Naas locality, at primary level, an entire new school has been provided at Killashee while temporary accommodation has been provided at Scoil Corbain, St. Conleth's & St Mary's NS and St. Conleth's Naofa. Temporary accommodation has also been approved at Caragh NS, Gaelscoil Nás na Ríogh and Scoil Naomh Brighde.

A brand new state of the art sixteen classroom school together with a double autistic unit was also opened in September 2005 in Naas town. Another brand new sixteen classroom school is planned for Gaelscoil Nás na Ríogh. This project commenced architectural planning this year. Additionally, there are proposals to improve accommodation at St. David's National School and Two Mile House National School. The long term accommodation needs of the national schools at Ballycane, Caragh and the Convent of Mercy are also currently being assessed.

The indications are that, between them, these developments will be sufficient to meet the needs of the area into the future, however, as with all areas experiencing significant population growth, the Department will be keeping the situation under review. It is open to the school authorities to apply for additional accommodation where necessary.

Site Acquisitions.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1673 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the full extent of the progress in regard to the acquisition of the site for the new national school at Kill, County Kildare; if the site has been transferred and agreement reached with all the parties concerned; the extent to which the precise scale and level of accommodation has been agreed; when the project will go to tender in view of the urgent nature of the need to relocate from the existing school site; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2288/07]

The Office of Public Works, which acts on behalf of my Department generally on the acquisitions of sites for schools, has identified a suitable site for St. Brigid's National School in Kill. Agreement on the site acquisition has been reached subject to contract. While draft contracts have been exchanged, I am advised that the conveyancing process continues to be delayed pending an outcome of a planning application by the vendor.

In the meantime, I announced, in November 2006, that this project is to commence architectural design so that preliminary progress can be made on the delivery of the new primary school in Kill. Subject to the securing of the site, my School Building Section is examining options, including the use of generic design, to speed up delivery of this project.

Schools Building Projects.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

1674 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science when a decision will be made on an application for grant aid for major capital works for a school (details supplied) in County Cork; if the growing demand for school places in the area will be taken into account in ensuring a speedy decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2289/07]

The management authority of the school have submitted an application under the Small Schools Scheme 2007. This application is being assessed along with all other applications made under this scheme and the list of successful applicants will be published shortly.

Question No. 1675 answered with Question No. 1531.

Special Educational Needs.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

1676 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the criteria used in deciding whether to approve funding for ABA schools for children with autism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2293/07]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

1677 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if a decision has been made on an application for funding for an ABA school (details supplied) for children with autism in Limerick; if not, when she expects to decide on the application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2295/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1676 and 1677 together.

The Deputy will be aware of my commitment to ensuring that all children, including those with autism receive an education appropriate to their needs, preferably through the primary and post primary school network. My Department supports a multi-skills approach in regard to the education of children with autism where a range of teaching methods are available e.g. Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH), ABA (Applied Behavioural Analysis), Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). This ensures that a range of teaching methods can be applied specifically to the needs of individual pupils. In this regard my Department has established:

180 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.

14 Stand Alone facilities providing an Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) specific methodology on a pilot basis — 2 of these facilities have yet to be established.

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. Pupils with autism who are fully integrated into mainstream school receive individual teaching support for a number of hours per week as well as support from special needs assistants and specialist equipment if required. As a further support, many smaller schools which have autism units can now have an administrative principal to assist with the establishment and running of specialist intervention locally.

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

I can confirm that my Department received an application from a group in Limerick for funding to establish an ABA facility under the pilot scheme. The application is being considered in the context of all such applications. It is expected that a decision on this application will be made shortly.

Teachers’ Remuneration.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

1678 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason two teachers appointed as ICT advisers in January 2004 to education centres (details supplied), were treated differently; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2296/07]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

1679 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in January 2004, a temporary teacher would have been eligible for secondment in keeping with the Temporary Workers Act 2003; if so, the reason it was not sanctioned to a specific temporary teacher who was appointed as an ICT adviser in January 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2297/07]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

1680 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science when she will give full consideration to the issue of the underpayment of the ICT advisers in teachers centres (details supplied) in comparison to their colleagues in the rest of the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2302/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1678 to 1680, inclusive, together.

My officials are examining the issues raised by the Deputy and I will advise the Deputy of the outcome of this examination once completed.

School Accommodation.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

1681 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in transferring a school (details supplied) to suitable accommodation until its permanent school has been built; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2305/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1743 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if recent developments whereby she or her Department have encouraged two or more schools to share the same building is expected to become commonplace in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3022/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1754 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science her reason for encouraging the sharing of accommodation at schools (details supplied) in County Kildare; if a particular timescale is applicable in respect of the sharing of the facilities; the reason this proposal was not referred to in response to parliamentary questions in respect of both schools in the past six months; if she has given an undertaking to the authorities of both schools as to when they will each have full possession of their promised requirements on their respective school sites; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3033/07]

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1755 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science when the decision was made to move a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when initial correspondence was issued from her Department to the patrons or boards of management of both schools; when a determination was made by her Department on whether this move would be made; when this was agreed with the schools in question and the terms of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3055/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1681, 1743, 1754 and 1755 together.

The Department has decided to make vacant accommodation in a State owned building being partly used by one primary school available to another for a period of two years. Under the correct protocol, this decision was communicated to the respective Patrons in April 2006. It is a matter for the Patrons, as the ultimate authority in a school, to address the matter with their Boards of Management.

There are three advantages to the move. Firstly, the school moving in will be removed from temporary accommodation. Secondly, both schools will be able to share the running costs of the building — a source of concern for the current tenant school. Thirdly, a multi-million euro State owned asset will be fully used sooner than anticipated bearing in mind that it is incumbent on the Department to ensure that the use of State owned assets are maximised at all times in the taxpayers' interest.

The Department and the Patron jointly appointed a facilitator to plan for and effect the move. In planning the move, the facilitator took next September's intake requirement for both schools into account. The Department is satisfied that both schools will fit comfortably this year and next and that there is no basis for any suggestions that the schools will not be able to enrol junior infants next year. The Department hopes that the Boards of Management concerned will work together to allay any fears which their respective parent bodies might have in this regard. The Department also hopes that the Boards will work together to ensure the success of this short term measure in the best interests of the children concerned.

Question No. 1682 answered with Question No. 1651.

Special Educational Needs.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1683 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will examine the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare where an educational psychologist has recommended the provision of a special needs assistant; and if same will be provided. [2321/07]

As the Deputy is aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through the local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from schools for special needs supports, including special needs assistant (SNA) support.

My officials have been in contact with the NCSE regarding the pupil referred to by the Deputy. The NCSE has advised that an application for SNA support for the pupil in question was considered by the local SENO and I can confirm that additional SNA support has been sanctioned to the school. This level of additional SNA support will be reviewed in June 2007.

Schools Building Projects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1684 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation in regard to the provision of permanent classroom accommodation for a school (details supplied) at a site in County Kildare; when she expects to advance the project on the site; when the school will be open for occupation in the permanent accommodation; when she first entered into discussions to relocate the school from its current prefabricated accommodation to the first floor at another school in County Kildare; if this is on a temporary or permanent basis; the reason information regarding these proposals was not conveyed in the reply to Parliamentary Question Nos. 1367 of 27 September 2006 or 519 of 28 November 2006; the current or intended position in regard to the future development of both schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2322/07]

The permanent School Building project referred to by the Deputy is at early stage of architectural planning. My Department wrote to the Design Team on the project on the 20th September 2006 requesting a stage 1/2 submission (Outline sketch scheme with costings) and this submission is expected in my Department by the end of February this year.

When this stage 1/2 submission is received in my Department, my Officials will arrange a meeting with the School Authorities and their Design Team in order to evaluate the documentation. It is envisaged that unless there are very exceptional circumstances involved, the meeting will be sufficient to authorise the project to progress to the next stages of architectural planning. Progression of the project to tender and construction will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2007-2011

My Department first raised the idea of moving Gaelscoil Nás na Ríogh to share the Scoil Bhríde building on a very temporary basis with the respective Patrons in April 2006. This is the correct protocol. It is then a matter for the Patrons, as the ultimate authority in a school, to address the matter with their Boards of Management. My responses to the previous parliamentary questions referred to by the Deputy gave account of the position on the basis of the questions asked.

Site Acquisitions.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

1685 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a new building was sanctioned by her in 2004 for a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; if her attention has been drawn further to the fact that to date no progress has been made by her Department in acquiring a site for the new building, that at present the school is full and unable to enrol pupils from the area who have made application and that this situation is exacerbated and continues to worsen due to the scale of housing development in the area leaving parents unable to find school places for their children; when her Department will acquire the site; when building will commence; when the school will be ready for occupation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2335/07]

The Department has acknowledged the need to relocate the existing primary school referred to by the Deputy to a greenfield site. The issue of the site is being actively progressed in consultation with South Dublin County Council and the relevant landowners. When this matter has been finalised, progress on the proposed project can be considered under the School Building Programme.

Third Level Fees.

Michael Noonan

Question:

1686 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person over 23 years of age who returns from abroad on unpaid leave to take a one year masters course in the University of Limerick is entitled to a grant or tax relief; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2336/07]

The decision on eligibility for maintenance grants is a matter for the relevant local authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is desired.

Under the terms of my Department's four Student Maintenance Grant Schemes, grants are payable to candidates pursuing approved full-time courses who meet prescribed conditions, including those pertaining to nationality, residency, means, age and previous academic attainment.

Under the residency requirement a candidate's parents, or in the case of an independent mature candidate, the candidate herself/himself, must have been resident in the State from the 1st October of the year prior to entry on an approved course.

It is not open to me, or to my Department, to depart from the terms of the schemes in individual cases. However, Section 473A, Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997, provides tax relief, at the standard rate of tax, for tuition fees paid in respect of approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including certain approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in E.U. Member States and in non EU countries. The application form (I.T. 31 Form) to claim tax relief on tuition fees is available from the Revenue Commissioners. Further information is available from your Local Tax Office or alternatively from the Revenue Commissioners' Internet site at www.revenue.ie.

Schools Recognition.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1687 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the Steiner-Waldorf method of education; and if she will provide State recognition to Steiner schools in primary education. [2360/07]

The New School Advisory Committee (NSAC) has received applications for the recognition of two Multi-Denominational English medium primary schools in respect of schools which are currently using the method of education referred to by the Deputy.

The New Schools Advisory Committee (NSAC) is an independent advisory group and was established to process applications for the recognition of new primary schools and to make recommendations thereon to the Minister. As Minister it is my role to consider the report and recommendations made to me by the NSAC at the end of their deliberative process and to make a decision on the recommendations made. As these applications are under consideration by the NSAC, the Deputy will appreciate that, at this point in time, it would be not be appropriate for me to comment on any particular application currently under consideration by the NSAC.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1688 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of submissions received in relation to each school regarding two applications for State recognition by schools (details supplied) as part of the public consultation phase and the number for and against each school gaining recognition; and when a decision will be made on the schools applications for recognition. [2361/07]

In relation to the proposed schools seeking recognition that the Deputy refers to, the New School Advisory Committee has received to date 280 submissions/responses as part of the public consultation process of which some 227 were in favour and 53 against the applications.

The next step in the process is the formal application for recognition for which the closing date is 31 January 2007. The New Schools Advisory Committee (NSAC) is an independent advisory group which was established to process applications for the recognition of new primary schools and to make recommendations thereon to the Minister. As these applications are under consideration by the NSAC, the Deputy will appreciate that, at this point in time, it would be not be appropriate for me to comment on any particular application currently under consideration by the NSAC.

School Staffing.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

1689 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will grant an increase in hours for practical subject teachers in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2362/07]

My Department allocates additional teaching hours to Vocational Education Committees to support the delivery of education programmes in a range of facilities including special schools under the heading Co-Operation Hours with Other Institutions. These allocations are made in response to specific applications which are submitted by the relevant VECs in advance of the commencement of the school year to which they relate.

St Brigid's Special School is currently in receipt of 1,350 Co-Operation Hours. Co. Louth VEC has sought an increase of 418 hours in their allocation for the 2006/2007 school year. My Department is currently arranging a review of allocations to VECs under Co-Operation Hours with Other Institutions and the needs of St. Brigid's will be considered in the context of this review.

Schools Building Projects.

Jack Wall

Question:

1690 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if the positioning of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare has been agreed by her Department; if so, when the placement will take place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2368/07]

The Building project for the School referred to by the Deputy is at early stage of architectural planning. The School in question which, together with a Gaelscoil is going to be located on the grounds of the old Sundai School, has a proposed brief consisting of the refurbishment of the existing dormitory building plus the provision of 4 additional classrooms, a stand alone general purpose room plus all ancillary site works.

My Department are in receipt of a stage 3 submission (detailed design with costings). If necessary my Officials will arrange a meeting with the School Authorities and the Design Team on the project in order to evaluate the documentation and it is envisaged that unless there are very exceptional circumstances involved, the meeting will be sufficient to authorise the project to progress to tender and construction as per my announcement of the 29th November last.

Schools Recognition.

Jack Wall

Question:

1691 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application by a school (details supplied) in County Kildare for permanent recognition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2369/07]

The question of permanent recognition for the school to which the Deputy refers is currently under consideration in the Department. The school will be contacted directly in the matter as soon as possible.

An Teanga Ghaeilge.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1692 D’fhiafraigh Mr. Sargent den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta cá fhad ar an meán a thógann sé uirthi litir a fhreagairt as Béarla i gcomparáid leis an méid ama a thógann sé uirthi litir a fhreagairt as Gaeilge. [2383/07]

Braitheann an méid ama a thógtar litir a fhreagairt i nGaeilge nó i mBéarla ar ábhar na litreach.

Schools Building Projects.

Michael Ring

Question:

1693 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason funding for the renovation of the second floor of a school (details supplied) in County Mayo was taken away from them; when can we expect funding for two extra classrooms for that school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2402/07]

The Office of Public Works, who carry out the Asbestos Remediation Programme on behalf of my Department, surveyed the school and the prefabs on site for asbestos in 2004. Asbestos was found to be present in certain areas of the school and in a four classroom prefab. The Office of Public Works carried out remediation works on the school in 2005 and all asbestos in the building was removed. However due to the age of the prefab and the presence of asbestos, the Office of Public Works recommended that this prefab be demolished.

Officials in my Department authorised the OPW to replace this prefab with a new prefab and these works were carried out by the OPW in 2006. This project will be funded in full by the Department of Education & Science. The Planning Section of the Department has received an application for major capital funding from the management authority of the school. The application has been assessed and will be considered in the context of the National Development Plan 2007-2013.

School Transport.

Michael Ring

Question:

1694 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the outcome of the review of the school bus transport service to a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; if her Department liaised with the transport liaison officer for County Mayo as promised in this regard; the outcome of same; and the changes there will be to the bus service to this school. [2403/07]

Bus Éireann operates the school transport service on behalf of my Department. Routes are planned in such a way as to ensure that, as far as possible, eligible pupils have a reasonable standard of service, while at the same time, ensuring that school transport vehicles are fully utilised in the most efficient and cost effective manner.

Bus Éireann have advised my Department via the Transport Liaison Officer for Co Mayo that the pupils on the bus route to the school referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied have a level of service within the guidelines of the school transport scheme.

Special Educational Needs.

M. J. Nolan

Question:

1695 Mr. Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to an application by a national school (details supplied) in County Carlow for the provision of special language classes for national school pupils with speech and language difficulties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2426/07]

As you may be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through the local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special needs supports, including applications for the establishment of special classes. Responsibility for enrolment to these classes rests with the individual school authority. A speech and language class can cater for up to 7 children and the children in the class have access to a speech and language therapist.

The position relating to the application referred to by the Deputy is that the local SENO was approached by the Health Service Executive (HSE) in the context of identifying a suitable school that is willing to host a special class for speech and language disorders in County Carlow. A school has been identified. The provision of speech and language therapy to the class is a matter for the HSE and funding is provided to the HSE for such purposes. The SENO is currently awaiting clarification on the availability of speech and language therapy support to the class.

Schools Recognition.

Billy Timmins

Question:

1696 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of applications she has received seeking recognition for Gaelcholáistí since 1997; the order by date these were received; the number of these that have received official recognition; the order of same; if and when the remainder will receive recognition; the way the recognition order of merit was decided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2435/07]

The information is not readily available in the format requested by the Deputy. Officials of the School Planning Section of the Department are currently compiling the requested data and this will be forwarded to the Deputy shortly.

State Examinations.

Pat Carey

Question:

1697 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to cap the charge that schools place on students for leaving and junior certificate mock exams, in view of the fact that these are compulsory in many schools and regarded as part of the school curriculum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2450/07]

The position regarding the alleviation of entry fees for the State examinations is that students who are covered by the means-tested general medical services card scheme, either directly or as the dependants of medical card holders, are not liable to pay fees. Mock examinations are not part of the State examinations system, and therefore my Department has no function in respect of the fees that are charged for these examinations.

As regards the overall resources available to schools, there have been significant improvements in recent years in the level of funding for voluntary secondary schools. I wish to draw the attention of the Deputy to my announcement of further significant increases in the context of the 2007 estimates. From 1 January 2007 the standard per capita grant was increased by a further €18 to €316 per pupil. In addition, the support services grant was increased by a further €30 for voluntary secondary schools, which includes a further equalisation measure, to €189 per pupil. For such schools this cumulative increase of €48 per pupil brings the aggregate grant to over €500 per pupil from 1 January. These grants are in addition to the per capita funding of up to €40,000 per school that is also provided by my Department to secondary schools towards secretarial and caretaking services. For example in the case of a secondary school with 500 pupils, this brings the annual grants towards general expenses and support service to over €290,000.

Question No. 1698 answered with Question No. 1618.

Schools Building Projects.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1699 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to establish a permanent building for a school (details supplied) in County Dublin. [2456/07]

The school referred to by the Deputy has an application with the Department for a new school building. The application has been assessed in accordance with the prioritisation criteria agreed with the educational partners. Fingal County Council is making a site in Donabate available to the Department for educational purposes. A portion of this site is currently occupied by Donabate/Portrane Educate Together NS which is housed in temporary accommodation. The site, which is adjacent to a community centre, is sufficiently large to develop a multi school campus arrangement comprising a primary and a post primary facility.

Progress on this project will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2006 to 2011 and in light of the recommendations outlined in the Area Development Plan for North Dublin, East Meath and South Louth, which has recently been published in draft format.

School Staffing.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

1700 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science when adequate additional co-operation hours for practical subjects will be allocated to a school (details supplied) in County Louth; the reason children attending this school are not being treated equally to other children in preparation for examinations; if this situation is in breach of the Equal Status Act 2000 and the Education for People with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act; if her attention has been drawn to the situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2494/07]

My Department allocates additional teaching hours to Vocational Education Committees to support the delivery of education programmes in a range of facilities including special schools under the heading Co-Operation Hours with Other Institutions. These allocations are made in response to specific applications which are submitted by the relevant VEC's in advance of the commencement of the school year to which they relate.

St Brigid's Special School is currently in receipt of 1,350 Co-Operation Hours. Co. Louth VEC has sought an increase of 418 hours in their allocation for the 2006/2007 school year. My Department is currently arranging a review of allocations to VEC's under Co-Operation Hours with Other Institutions and the needs of St. Brigid's will be considered in the context of this review.

Schools Building Projects.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

1701 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department will assist in the provision of car parking facilities for a school (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2557/07]

The school to which the Deputy refers made an application under the Summer Works Scheme 2007 (SWS) for an upgrade to its toilet and car parking facilities. The school identified the toilet upgrade as its number one priority and I am pleased to inform the Deputy that this project was approved to proceed. The works will be carried out over the coming summer months.

Under the published prioritisation criteria governing the Scheme, external environment projects fall into category ten. This category was not reached this year but it is open to the school to re-apply under the Sumer Works Scheme 2008 for these works. Alternatively it may use its minor works grant to address the issue.

School Transport.

Seán Crowe

Question:

1702 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the regulations that private bus operators have to adhere to in order that they be allowed provide a bus service for school going children. [2580/07]

Bus Éireann which operates the school transport service on behalf of my Department has advised that private bus operators contracted on school bus routes are required to meet an extensive range of regulations and standards as set out by the Department of Transport for use of buses in a public place. These include the production of a current Road Passenger Transport Operator's Licence and a road worthiness certificate in the case of buses over one year old. Contractors must also produce a current Tax Clearance Certificate, Public Service Vehicle Licence, road tax and insurance. In addition, contractors may only use nominated drivers that are subject to medical examination and are licensed to drive the size of vehicle required. Furthermore, all dedicated vehicles operating within the school transport scheme must be equipped with seat belts.

Question No. 1703 answered with Question No. 1654.

School Accommodation.

John Deasy

Question:

1704 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a school (details supplied) in County Waterford has only barely over 40% of the space per pupil recommended for classrooms in Circular 0097/2006 from her Department, that the cloakroom is being used as a resource room, that a learning support room has also to be used as a multipurpose room, library and computer room and that there is no staff room or principal’s room; the status of the application from the board of management for an extension; when funding will be made available for that extension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2586/07]

I can confirm that the Department is in receipt of an application for capital funding from the management authority of the school to which the Deputy refers under the Small Schools Scheme 2007. Applications under this scheme are currently being assessed and a list of successful applicants will be published shortly.

Schools Building Projects.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

1705 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made on the provision of a new national school in Gortahork, County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2678/07]

The Office of Public Works (OPW) who acts on behalf of my Department generally on the acquisition of sites for schools has been asked to source a suitable site for Gortahork National School. My Department has been advised that the OPW has advertised for sites and a technical assessment of the proposals has been carried out. The OPW is in negotiations with owners of potentially suitable sites and has also liaised with the Local Authority on pre-planning issues.

When the site acquisition process is complete, consideration will be given to the progression of the project in the context of the Schools Building and Modernisation Programme 2007-2013. Over €4.8 billion will be provided for school building infrastructure under the new NDP 2007-2013.

Adult Education.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

1706 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will confirm that her Department will provide the necessary funding in order that the City of Waterford Vocational Educational Committee can continue its adult education programme in the 2007 and 2008 academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2681/07]

My Department provides funding for the Further and Adult education programmes of VECs annually. This arrangement will continue in 2007 and 2008. The disbursement of these funds is a matter for each VEC, which decides the nature of the Further and Adult Education service to be provided in its area and the manner in which the funds should be spent. Expenditure by VECs on their programmes must remain within budget.

School Transport.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

1707 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will review the boundaries of the catchment areas for primary and post primary schools for school transport purposes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2682/07]

Catchment boundaries are not used to determine eligibility for school transport to primary schools. Catchment boundaries have their origins in the establishment of free post-primary education in the late 1960's and were determined following consultation with local educational interests. For planning purposes, the country was divided into geographic districts, each with several primary schools feeding into a post-primary centre with one or more post-primary schools. The intention was, and continues to be, that these defined districts facilitate the orderly planning of school provision and accommodation needs.

Reviews of specific catchment boundaries may be carried out where appropriate. A number of reviews have been carried out over the years where, for example, a new post-primary school is established in an area where previously there was none or, conversely, where a "sole provider" school closes due to declining enrolment.

The Area Development Planning Initiative, involving an extensive consultative process carried out by the Commission on School Accommodation, will also inform future revisions to catchment areas. An Area Development Plan takes account of demographic changes and projects future enrolments for existing schools and new schools if required. Catchment boundary changes will be made where the implementation of the recommendations in an Area Development Plan requires such adjustments. I do not propose at this stage to have a general countrywide review of catchment boundaries.

Schools Building Projects.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

1708 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of a new primary school to replace the existing building and prefabs at a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2709/07]

The accommodation needs of the school in question are under consideration by the School Planning Section of my Department. In order to ensure that the appropriate level of accommodation is provided, officials in School Planning Section are currently reassessing the long-term projected staffing figure on which accommodation needs will be based. Once this figure has been determined, it will used in conjunction with information gathered on a recent technical visit to the school, with a view to making an informed decision on how best to deliver the required accommodation.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

1709 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the extension to a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2710/07]

An application for capital funding towards the provision of an extension has been received from the school and has been assessed and the long term projected staffing, on which the accommodation needs will be based, has been determined and notified to the school authority. In order to determine how best to provide for the school's accommodation needs into the future, it will be necessary to have a technical assessment of existing buildings carried out. Officials from School Planning Section will be in contact with the school authority to arrange such a visit.

Question No. 1710 answered with Question No. 1660.

Special Educational Needs.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1711 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of her continuous assertions that school based educational provision as opposed to home tuition is the preferred medium for the delivery of education to children with special educational needs, she has taken steps to correct the anomaly whereby a July education programme is provided to such children but a similar programme does not exist for the month of June, therefore leaving second level school students with special educational needs without school based educational provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2732/07]

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1713 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has received a formal request from a school (details supplied) in County Kildare to fund school based educational provision for the month of June as distinct from the month of July each year, commencing in June of 2007 to accommodate the needs of students within the school’s special education unit; if so, the stage this application is at; if a decision has been made by her Department regarding this request; if so, what that decision is; if other such requests have been received from other schools around the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2734/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1711 and 1713 together.

My Department's support package for the July Education Programme is available to all special schools and mainstream primary schools with special classes catering for children with autism who choose to extend their education services through the month of July. The Department also provides for a July Programme for pupils with a severe/profound general learning disability. The package includes special nationally agreed rates of remuneration for teachers and special needs assistants involved in the July Programme. Participating schools also receive a special rate of capitation funding in respect of pupils participating in the programme. Funding is also available to facilitate the provision of school transport and escort services for the children.

All relevant schools are encouraged to participate in this initiative in the interest of the children in question. If schools are not participating in the July Education Programme, home tuition is offered as an alternative for the pupils who would normally attend such schools. My Department is currently considering proposals to extend the July Programme service to post primary schools catering for pupils with autism. In this regard, the development of appropriate support measures to facilitate post primary schools in participating in this programme is being examined. My Department is evaluating existing arrangements with a view to formalising a programme in consultation with all concerned.

Departmental Staff.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1712 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of staff within her Department who work exclusively with special educational needs matters; the number of staff within her Department, as distinct from the National Council for Special Education, that handle issues surrounding special educational provision at primary school level; the number of staff within her Department, as distinct from the NCSE, that handle special issues surrounding special educational provision at secondary school level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2733/07]

The provision of appropriate educational intervention and supports for children and young adults with special educational needs is a key Government priority. At primary level, there are now over 5,500 teachers working directly with children with special educational needs against fewer than 1,500 in 1998. At post-primary level, over 2,300 wholetime equivalent teachers support special needs students against 200 in 1998. In addition, there are over 8,200 whole time equivalent Special Needs Assistants in primary and post-primary schools supporting the care needs of these students.

As well as this significant increase in the numbers of additional teachers and special needs assistants directly providing appropriate education and care supports for children with special educational needs, further investment has taken place in the provision of specialist school accommodation, assistive technology and equipment. In addition, specific focussed training and school support is available through the Special Education Support Service — which now has 14 full time seconded teachers and 25 part-time associates — and which had contact with some 15,000 teachers in the last year. The National Council for Special Education has also been established and is in operation since 1 January 2005 with over 90 members of staff working exclusively in supporting students with special educational needs.

Within my own department, staff in a number of areas are assigned to duties in relation to special needs education. There are 34.5 officers who are working exclusively with special needs provision. This figure is inclusive of administrative staff and school inspectors. These officers are responsible for the administration of a range of special education programmes as well as the development of departmental policy on special education. There are a further number of officers in other areas of my Department who deal with special education matters as part of their wider brief. These areas include Teacher Education Section, Post Primary Teachers Section, School Transport, Planning and Building Unit, School Inspectorate etc.

In addition to the above, the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) of my Department supports the personal, social and educational development of all children in Primary and Post-Primary schools, having particular regard for children with special needs. Currently some 127 Psychologists are employed directly by NEPS providing, in general, cross-sectoral support to both Primary and Post-Primary schools and pupils.

Question No. 1713 answered with Question No. 1711.

Schools Building Projects.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

1714 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation regarding the urgent need for an extension to a school (details supplied) in County Cavan where children are overcrowded in seven prefabs and teachers have no accommodation; when permission will be given to build; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2735/07]

The long term projected staffing, on which the accommodation needs of the school referred to by the Deputy will be based, has recently been determined and notified to the school authority. A site visit will be required in order to inform the final brief for the project and my officials will be in contact with the school authority at the appropriate time to arrange a mutually convenient time for this visit. Following the site visit, the brief will be completed and the project will then be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme.

School Staffing.

Billy Kelleher

Question:

1715 Mr. Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of extra teachers she will recruit for national schools in 2007 and 2008; if she envisages more national school teacher training places being provided; if so, the breakdown of the increased places in the various teacher training colleges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2738/07]

The 2007 Estimates include provision for another 800 primary teachers for the 2007/2008 school year. 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.

There will be approximately 1,280 graduates from the Colleges of Education and it is also estimated that there will be circa 400 graduates from the Hibernia College in 2007. The level of student intake to the Colleges of Education is determined annually by my Department and it takes account of the supply of, and demand for, primary teachers while also having regard to available resources. The demand for primary teachers is influenced by a number of factors including: the application of the agreed staffing schedule; demographic trends; the number of teachers opting to take career breaks; the number of secondments approved; and the age at which teachers opt to retire on a voluntary basis. The creation of additional posts in a particular school year and the retention of posts arising from the allocation of the demographic dividend also affect the demand for teachers. It is considered necessary for my Department to regulate the intake to the colleges as they are fully funded by the taxpayer. Finally, my Department does not have authority to regulate the intake of students to private institutions.

School Enrolments.

David Stanton

Question:

1716 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has carried out studies into the projected enrolment in primary schools in Youghal for September 2007; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that some schools may have to refuse enrolment of pupils due to overcrowding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2739/07]

I would like to inform the Deputy that from data available to my Department, pupil enrolments in the primary schools in the Youghal area are relatively stable. None of the primary schools in the area have submitted applications under the Permanent Accommodation Scheme 2007 or for the Rental of Temporary Accommodation for additional classroom accommodation for September next.

Psychological Service.

David Stanton

Question:

1717 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of people currently awaiting assessments to be carried out with reference to the scheme for commissioning psychological assessments under the National Educational Psychological Service of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2740/07]

David Stanton

Question:

1719 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the procedure schools should undertake regarding the scheme for commissioning psychological assessments under the National Educational Psychological Service Agency where schools are allowed a number of free psychological assessments per annum, in cases were the number of children requiring psychological assessments exceeds the number of psychological assessments allowed under the scheme; the number of cases where this has occurred; her plans to review this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2742/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1717 and 1719 together.

As the deputy will be aware all primary and post primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA). 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.

Under the SCPA an allocation of assessments is made annually to schools commensurate with 2% of its pupil enrolment and it is in the first instance the responsibility of the school Principal to identify and prioritise pupils for assessment under the process. No waiting lists are therefore available to NEPS in this regard.

It has always been the policy of NEPS, within the normal boundaries of finance and process, to endeavour to respond positively and flexibly to extraordinary need and circumstance as presented by school authorities on occasion and I would suggest Principals who have urgent needs for pupil assessment in excess of their allocation should discuss the matter with the local NEPS Regional Director.

It does mention however that the introduction of the General Allocation Model for primary schools last year, supported by the provision of over 600 extra resource teachers, means that children with high-incidence special needs now longer have to undergo an individual assessment before they can get access to extra support. Notwithstanding this benefit level of assessments allowed to each school has not changed allowing school Principals extra flexibility in the range of pupils that can be assessed.

David Stanton

Question:

1718 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the services that the National Educational Psychological Service makes available to schools and students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2741/07]

The National Educational Psychological Service supports the personal, social and educational development of all children in Primary and Post-Primary schools through the application of psychological theory and practice in education having particular regard to children with special educational needs.

All primary and post-primary schools have access to psychological assessment either directly from the National Educational Psychological Service of my Department or through the Scheme for Commissioning of Psychological Assessments (SCPA). In addition to psychological assessment NEPS provides assistance to all schools and school communities that experience critical incidents regardless of whether or not they have a NEPS psychologist assigned to them, it is worthy of mention that some 100 such incidents took place and were responded to by NEPS in this regard in 2005/06.

Also in relation to all schools, NEPS processes applications for Reasonable Accommodation in Certificate Examinations and responds to queries in relation to individual children from other sections of my Department and from specialist agencies. NEPS also provides a service to children with visual impairment irrespective of the school which they attend.

Question No. 1719 answered with Question No. 1717.

School Transport.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

1720 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science the provisions her Department is making to accommodate school transport to a school (details supplied) in County Galway; and if her Department will sanction a much needed school bus and driver, both of which have been already sourced by parents of children attending the school. [2827/07]

Bus Éireann operates the school transport service on behalf of my Department. Routes are planned in such a way as to ensure that, as far as possible, eligible pupils have a reasonable standard of service, while at the same time ensuring that school transport vehicles are fully utilised in the most efficient and cost effective manner.

Bus Éireann have advised my Department that the pupils from the areas concerned have a level of service within the guidelines of the school transport scheme.

Schools Building Projects.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

1721 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in relation to a school (details supplied) in County Wexford, her Department will provide funding to meet the cost of security fencing to surround the school premises; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2828/07]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that officials from my Department have been in contact with the school authorities to advise on how to apply for funding for the works in question as part of the large scale building project currently taking place at their school.

Higher Education Grants.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

1722 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to provide for mature students who move out of the family home during their undergraduate studies to ensure they will still be eligible for funding under the higher grant education schemes by the vocational educational committee and local authorities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2829/07]

My Department funds four maintenance grant schemes for third level and further education students which are administered by the Local Authorities and the Vocational Education Committees.

Generally speaking, students who are entering approved courses at undergraduate or postgraduate level for the first time are eligible for maintenance grants where they satisfy the relevant conditions as to age, residence, means and nationality.

Under the terms of the Department's maintenance grants schemes, and in accordance with the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Act 1992, a mature student is defined as a candidate who is at least 23 years of age on the 1st January of the year of entry or re-entry to an approved course.

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

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

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

Generally speaking, candidates continue to be assessed under the terms and conditions of the Scheme appropriate to their year of entry. Accordingly, candidates who where not classified as Independent Mature Students at the time of entry, or re-entry, to an approved course may not generally be assessed as such for the duration of their course.

Consultancy Contracts.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

1723 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the information sought in a parliamentary question dated 8 December 2006 has not been provided; and the amount spent on consultants in each of the years 1997 to 2006. [2845/07]

The information requested by the Deputy was forwarded to him by letter yesterday. I regret the delay in sending this information to the Deputy.

However, it was necessary to undertake a comprehensive trawl of all units of my Department.

Schools Building Projects.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1724 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans she has to provide a permanent school building for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; the projected timescale for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2871/07]

The permanent School Building project referred to by the Deputy is at early stage of architectural planning. My Department wrote to the Design Team on the project on the 20th September 2006 requesting a stage 1/2 submission (Outline sketch scheme with costings) and this submission is expected in my Department by the end of February this year.

When this stage 1/2 submission is received in my Department, my Officials will arrange a meeting with the School Authorities and their Design Team in order to evaluate the documentation. It is envisaged that unless there are very exceptional circumstances involved, the meeting will be sufficient to authorise the project to progress to the next stages of architectural planning.

Progression of the project to tender and construction will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2007-2013. Over €4.8 billion will be provided for school building infrastructure under the new NDP 2007-2013.

School Accommodation.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1725 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will seek the support of the boards of management of all the national schools in the Naas town area for the full opening of the new national school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2872/07]

As the Deputy may be aware the new school to which he refers opened in September 2005. The school was given approval to enrol two Junior Infant Classes per year and, when fully occupied, will operate as a two-stream 16-classroom school. This incremental development is common to all newly established schools to ensure that a shortage of accommodation at the school is avoided by an over enrolment in the early stages and crucially, to ensure that the enrolments and staffing levels in other schools in the area, where older pupils would inevitably be drawn, are not adversely affected.

Notwithstanding this position and as an exceptional matter, the school authority has been given approval to enrol three junior infant classes for the 2006/07 school year only, on the grounds that this will not impact negatively on the other schools in question.

Approval was also been given to enrol an additional 40 pupils up the classes that could not obtain places in other schools in the area. Pupils moving into the area in the course of the school year can also enrol in the school on the same basis. In this way all eligible pupils seeking places should be accommodated.

In the meantime, the Department has decided to make vacant accommodation in the building in question, which is State, owned available to another school for a period of two years.

The Department and the Patron have jointly appointed a facilitator to plan for and effect the move. The Department hopes that the Boards will work together to ensure the success of this short term measure in the best interests of the children concerned.

School Transport.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

1726 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in relation to ongoing school transport issues in County Wexford, she will determine if the Wexford transport liaison officer has been instructed by her Department to use the map on the website to determine eligibility for 2007; if so the basis on which the Wexford map was replaced without review or consultation; if notice of changed catchment has been notified to Wexford schools and parents; if the transport liaison officer has been instructed, in relation to the Blackwater area, to use the boundary on the Wexford section or the boundary on the Kilmuckridge section of that map since they both show different boundaries for Blackwater; and if not, if the transport liaison officer has been instructed to reinstate the official vocational education committee map which has always been used to determine school transport eligibility in County Wexford. [2885/07]

Under the terms of the Department of Education and Science Post Primary School Transport Scheme, a pupil is eligible for transport if he or she resides 4.8 kilometres or more from his or her local post primary education centre, that is, the centre serving the catchment area in which he or she lives. The scheme is not designed to facilitate parents who choose to send their children to a post primary centre outside of the catchment area in which they reside.

There have been no changes to the catchment boundary map used for determining eligibility for school transport in Co. Wexford. No instruction has been given to the Transport Liaison Officer in Co. Wexford to use any map other than the definitive catchment boundary map originally drawn up by my Department's School Planning Section.

I do not propose at this stage to carry out a review of catchment boundaries in Co. Wexford.

Third Level Courses.

Finian McGrath

Question:

1727 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will intervene on the decision by Trinity College Dublin to close the three-year acting degree. [2902/07]

The position is that the universities are autonomous institutions and my Department does not have any function in their day to day operational affairs.

The universities receive a block grant from the Higher Education Authority and it is a matter for each institution to determine how it is allocated internally.

Site Acquisitions.

Jack Wall

Question:

1728 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the basis for the development of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare in regard to obtaining a permanent site for the school; the input the board of management has in regard to such a decision; the input the patron has in regard to such a decision; and if her Department through its agencies has investigated a site in regard to the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2938/07]

The school in question is operating with provisional recognition from the Department and as such the school authorities are responsible for accommodation issues. The question of permanent recognition for the school, to which the Deputy refers, is currently under consideration in the Department. The school will be contacted directly in the matter as soon as possible. Schools must have permanent recognition status before they can be considered for capital funding.

Question No. 1729 answered with Question No. 1524.

Schools Building Projects.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1730 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science when a design team will be appointed for the required extension to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2985/07]

I can confirm to the Deputy that the Department is in receipt of an application for large scale capital funding from the school to which the Deputy refers. The project has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale capital projects. Progress on the proposed works is being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme from 2007 onwards.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1731 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if the school authority of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare have been advised on the next steps to initiate the design phase of the new school building; the advise that was offered; and if funding is available for 2007 to commence construction of this project if the architectural planning is completed. [2986/07]

Representatives of the Board of Management of the school to which the Deputy refers attended an Information Seminar in Tullamore on 13 December hosted by the School Building Section. The steps necessary to initiate the design phase of the eighty building projects announced by me in November were discussed at that meeting and all schools were advised that architectural design teams would be appointed to their projects over the coming months. My School Building Section will begin advertising for these design teams shortly through the public procurement portal, www.etenders.gov.ie.

Progression of all projects to tender and construction will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2007-2013. Over €4.8 billion will be provided for school building infrastructure under the new NDP 2007-2013.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1732 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if the stage three documentation has been received in respect of the new school building project for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if advanced design has been approved; if funding is available in 2007 to commence construction of this project if the architectural planning is completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2987/07]

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 2006 and one that I recently announced in November 2006 to proceed to tender and construction. 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 July of this year and 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 to tender and construction as mentioned above.

Psychological Service.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1733 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science when, in view of her recent announcement regarding the provision of additional educational psychologists for national schools, these psychologists will be appointed; the number that will be allocated to the Kildare region in view of the fact that 55% of national schools in County Kildare have no educational psychologist service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2988/07]

As the Deputy will be aware all primary and post primary schools have access to psychological assessments. Such access being provided either directly through the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA). Schools that do not currently have NEPS psychologists assigned to them may avail of the SCPA, whereby the school can have an assessment carried out by a member of the panel of private psychologists approved by NEPS, and NEPS will pay the psychologist the fees for this assessment directly.

I have been pleased recently to announce a 17% increase in the budget for NEPS in 2007 which will allow for the recruitment of 31 extra psychologists bringing the complement in this regard up to 158.

Planning and preparation is well advanced within my Department in relation to the recruitment of the extra staff and it is envisaged that all will be in place during the coming year. Decisions in relation to the actual placement of the extra will be made in the context of existing and developing priorities for the National Education Psychological Service.

School Enrolments.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1734 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of pupils in national schools in County Kildare enrolled for the 2006 and 2007 school year in class size ranges 0 to 9, 10 to 19, 20 to 24, 25 to 29, 30 to 34, 35 to 39 and 40 and over. [2992/07]

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1735 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children enrolled in each national school in County Kildare for the 2006 and 2007 school year; and the number of national school teachers in each individual school. [2993/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1734 and 1735 together.

The information requested by the Deputy is not yet available for 2006/07.

School Accommodation.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1736 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science when technical staff from her Department will visit a school (details supplied) in County Kildare, with a view to verifying the required additional accommodation in the school following agreement on the long term accommodation needs of the school. [2997/07]

I can confirm to the Deputy that the Department is in receipt of an application for large scale capital funding from the school to which the Deputy refers. The project has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale capital projects. Progress on the proposed works is being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme from 2007 onwards.

Schools Building Projects.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1737 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received the stage one and stage two documentation in relation to the required extension to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare. [3005/07]

A Design Team was appointed to the project on the School referred to by the Deputy on the 28th November last and the School Authorities were instructed to inform their Design Team to prepare a stage 1/2 submission (Outline sketch scheme with costings).

The stage 1/2 documentation is now awaited and when this is received in my Department, my Officials will arrange a meeting with the School Authorities and their Design Team in order to evaluate the documentation. It is envisaged that unless there are very exceptional circumstances involved, the meeting will be sufficient to authorise the project to progress to the next stages of architectural planning.

Progression of the project to tender and construction will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2007-2013. Over €4.8 billion will be provided for school building infrastructure under the new NDP 2007-2013.

Special Educational Needs.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1738 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has concluded her examination of the National Council for Special Education implementation report in relation to the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004. [3007/07]

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) recently submitted its Implementation Report which sets out its views and recommendations on a plan for the implementation of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004. The report is currently being examined by my Department.

While the report focuses on the implementation of the Education for Persons with Special Education Needs Act 2004, it does have regard to the implementation of Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 and the need for the health and education sectors to work in close cooperation to ensure the proper implementation of both acts.

Schools Building Projects.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1739 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if a design team has been appointed for the new school building project for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare. [3012/07]

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1740 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will reiterate her categoric assurance that funding is available in 2007 to commence construction of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare once the site is transferred and the design phase is completed. [3013/07]

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1758 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the stage the building project at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare is at; the arrangements that are being put in place for the accommodation of the school in September 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3058/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1739, 1740 and 1758 together.

The Office of Public Works, which acts on behalf of my Department generally on the acquisitions of sites for schools, has identified a suitable site for St. Brigid's National School in Kill. Agreement on the site acquisition has been reached subject to contract. While draft contracts have been exchanged, I am advised that the conveyancing process continues to be delayed pending an outcome of a planning application by the vendor.

In the meantime, I announced, in November 2006, that this project is to commence architectural design so that preliminary progress can be made on the delivery of the new 32 classroom primary school in Kill.

My School Building Section is examining options, including the use of generic design, to speed up delivery of this project. Over €4.8bn has been allocated for schools infrastructure under the new NDP 2007-2013.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1741 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if the new school building project for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare is being built in line with the construction timeframe set. [3015/07]

Construction on the school building project referred to by the Deputy commenced in May 2006. The project is currently on target and it is envisaged that the school will be ready for occupation in September 2007.

Question No. 1742 answered with Question No. 1672.
Question No. 1743 answered with Question No. 1681.

School Accommodation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1744 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science her immediate proposals to meet the accommodation needs at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if her attention has been drawn to the long standing and well documented requirements of the school in question; when she will meet these requirements in full by way of permanent accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3023/07]

A Design Team was appointed on the School referred to by the Deputy on the 28th November last and the School Authorities were instructed to inform their Design Team to prepare a stage 1/2 submission (Outline sketch scheme with costings).

The stage 1/2 documentation is now awaited and when this is received in my Department, my Officials will arrange a meeting with the School Authorities and their Design Team in order to evaluate the documentation. It is envisaged that unless there are very exceptional circumstances involved, the meeting will be sufficient to authorise the project to progress to the next stages of architectural planning.

Progression of the project to tender and construction will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2007-2013. Over €4.8 billion will be provided for school building infrastructure under the new NDP 2007-2013.

Schools Building Projects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1745 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the completion and fitting out of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3024/07]

Construction on the school building project referred to by the Deputy commenced in May 2006. The project is currently on target and it is envisaged that the school will be ready for occupation in September 2007.

School Accommodation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1746 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the provision of permanent classroom accommodation at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3025/07]

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 2006 and one that I recently announced in November 2006 to proceed to tender and construction. 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 July of this year and 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 to tender and construction as mentioned above.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1747 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the degree to which each school, primary and post primary in Celbridge, County Kildare has adequate permanent accommodation and places to meet their requirements; her plans to address the issue on an imminent or ongoing basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3026/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1752 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the full, current and anticipated extent of the accommodation and other facility needs, now and for the foreseeable future in view of the expansion of the population in respect of both primary and post primary schools in Maynooth, County Kildare; if she has satisfied herself of the likelihood of meeting all such requirements on time or within a reasonable timescale; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3031/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1747 and 1752 together.

The recommendations in the N/M4 Area Development Plan, which was published in May 2005 by the Commission on School Accommodation, will form a vital framework in which future decisions about school planning and provision in the areas referred to by the Deputy will be made. Progress on individual recommendations will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme from 2007 onwards subject to the prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects.

Special Educational Needs.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1748 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which she has provided or will provide facilities to meet the requirements of children with autism at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3027/07]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that facilities for the teaching of children with autism were included in the new school building in question and are now in operation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1749 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the action she has taken to facilitate the operation of the special autism unit at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when the unit will become fully operational; if staffing and other outstanding issues have been fully resolved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3028/07]

I am familiar with the staffing and other issues in the school referred to by the Deputy.

I have requested that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) formally submit to my Department an up to date report on the situation with recommendations on how to proceed.

School Accommodation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1750 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the degree, in respect of each of the schools, primary and post-primary in Clane, County Kildare, to which further accommodation needs or other facilities need to be met in the short or long term; if she has met in full the requirements as set out by the various school authorities to date; if she has satisfied herself in view of the expanding population that the necessary additional facilities in each case are expected to be provided on time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3029/07]

At primary level, to meet the long term needs of the Clane area, it has been determined that the existing primary school requires to be developed into a 24 classroom facility (a three stream school) with appropriate ancillary accommodation. This has been agreed with the school authority. The project has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and it has been assigned a Band 2 rating.

Progress on the project is being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme from 2007 onwards.

While the Department has no application for capital funding at post primary, it is keeping the situation under review.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1751 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to accommodation or other requirements at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if in view of the increased population, she has satisfied herself that she can meet in full the expected requirements as set by the school authorities as they arise; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3030/07]

I can confirm to the Deputy that the Department is in receipt of an application for large scale capital funding from the school to which the Deputy refers. The project has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale capital projects. Progress on the proposed works is being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme from 2007 onwards.

Question No. 1752 answered with Question No. 1747.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1753 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the action she has taken or proposes to take to reduce class sizes in all primary and second level schools throughout County Kildare having particular regard to the disadvantageous pupil teacher ratio that currently prevails; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3032/07]

As the Deputy will be aware, there are now no less than 4,000 extra teachers in our primary schools, compared with 2002. Furthermore, there are nearly 7,000 more primary teachers than there were in 1997. This represents the largest increase in teacher numbers since the expansion of free education. The number of primary teachers in Kildare has increased by 60% under this Government.

The average class size in our primary schools is 24 and there is now one teacher for 17 pupils at primary level, including resource teachers etc.

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.

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 want to assure the Deputy that I am very conscious of the particular pressures on schools in Kildare and that addressing their needs is a priority for me.

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

On the Post Primary side allocations are approved by my Department on an annual basis in accordance with generally applied rules relating to recognised pupil enrolment. In general a ratio of 18:1 is applied in respect of recognised pupils on established Junior Certificate, Leaving Certificate, repeat Leaving Certificate and Transition Year Programmes and a ratio of 16:1 is applied in respect of recognised pupils on the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme, Post leaving 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. Significant improvements have been made in the pupil teacher ratio at post primary level in recent years. The ratio has fallen from 16:1 in the 1996/97 school year to 13.2:1 in the 2005/06 school year. The improvements we have made in school staffing in recent years are absolutely unparalleled.

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 schools to ensure that increased resources lead to better outcomes for our children.

Questions Nos. 1754 and 1755 answered with Question No. 1681.

School Site Ownership.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1756 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science if the land on which a school (details supplied) in County Kildare is constructed is owned by her Department; if so, when it was handed over to her Department by the previous owner; when her Department took over the legal title for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3056/07]

The site in question is not yet in the ownership of the Minister. Its legal transfer, which is near conclusion, is being handled by the Office of the Chief State Solicitor.

Schools Building Projects.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1757 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science if she anticipates the permanent buildings for a school (details supplied) will be in place for September 2008; the stages that remain outstanding on the construction of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3057/07]

The permanent School Building project referred to by the Deputy is at early stage of architectural planning. My Department wrote to the Design Team on the project on the 20th September 2006 requesting a stage 1/2 submission (Outline sketch scheme with costings) and this submission is expected in my Department by the end of February this year.

When this stage 1/2 submission is received in my Department, my Officials will arrange a meeting with the School Authorities and their Design Team in order to evaluate the documentation. It is envisaged that unless there are very exceptional circumstances involved, the meeting will be sufficient to authorise the project to progress to the next stages of architectural planning. There are 9 stages of architectural planning of which going to tender and construction is stage 6.

Progression of the project to tender and construction will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2007-2013. Over €4.8 billion will be provided for school building infrastructure under the new NDP 2007-2013.

Question No. 1758 answered with Question No. 1739.

School Accommodation.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1759 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the delivery of the M4-N4 project; the elements of the project that have been commenced; the elements that remain to be commenced; her plans for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3059/07]

As the Deputy will be aware, the local area development plan for the N4/M4 corridor is the framework document for the Department's long-term educational strategy at both primary and post-primary level for the area concerned. The recommendations in the plan are being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme subject to the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects.

Home Tuition.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1760 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on changes to the arrangements announced late in 2006 in relation to home tuition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3060/07]

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

Having reviewed a number of applications for home tuition, details regarding the qualifications of some of the proposed tuition providers gave rise to concern. The Deputy will appreciate, that as home tuition takes place outside of the normal school framework, there is need to ensure that tuition providers are appropriately qualified to give education to the children concerned. The usual requirement is a fully qualified teacher. However, other qualifications are acceptable depending on the individual needs of the child. A comprehensive review of qualifications has taken place in consultation with my Department's Inspectorate resulting in a definitive list of qualifications acceptable under the scheme as appropriate to the individual pupils. In this context the clarity that now exists in relation to qualifications should assist the parents concerned in sourcing suitable tutors.

Nominated tuition providers with qualifications other than teaching qualifications has been accepted for the first school term this year to allow time to undertake the review. In cases where the tuition provider is not approved a direction has been given to recruit a tuition provider with suitable qualifications. However my Department is prepared to facilitate parents/ guardians who experience difficulties in recruiting a tuition provider with suitable qualifications by extending the sanction with the current tuition provider until the end of the school year 2006/07 to facilitate the recruitment process.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1761 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the average class size of schools in disadvantaged areas; the number of schools in such areas that have class sizes of 25 to 30 pupils; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3068/07]

My Department has in the past operated a number of schemes to tackle educational disadvantage and reduce class sizes in schools in disadvantaged areas. These existing schemes are being integrated into the new action plan for educational inclusion, DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) which I launched in 2005, one aspect of which will be more staffing for the most disadvantaged schools. Under the plan, there has been a reduction in class sizes to 24:1 at senior level and 20:1 at junior level in the 190 primary schools serving communities with the highest concentrations of disadvantage.

Participating schools in the Giving Children an Even Break programme which was launched in 2001 were supported to implement a maximum class size of 20:1 in junior classes and 27:1 in senior classes.

The Breaking the Cycle project which was launched in 1996 provided staffing supports to implement maximum class size of 15: 1 in junior classes and 27:1 in senior classes for 32 schools in designated areas of disadvantage.

Prior to that the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme which was launched in 1984 benefited participating schools by providing ex-quota concessionary posts which were not determined by reference to enrolment. The recommended guideline for the maximum class size for schools that were designated disadvantaged was 29:1. When a designated disadvantaged school exceeded this guideline an additional mainstream teaching post, referred to as a maximum class size post, was sanctioned by my Department.

Class reductions in the 32 schools under the Breaking the Cycle project and in the 211 schools under the Giving Children an Even Break will continue in operation in the schools concerned.

School authorities have been reminded that my Department allocates adequate staffing to schools to ensure that the maximum class size guidelines under DEIS are implemented in both junior and senior classes. If schools are unable to operate within these guidelines, due for example to increased enrolments, they may make a submission on the matter to my Department for consideration.

Site Acquisitions.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1762 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will reconsider moving a school (details supplied) in Dublin 22 to an area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3069/07]

Enda Kenny

Question:

1763 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the discussions that have taken place regarding acquiring a site for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3070/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1762 and 1763 together.

The Department has acknowledged the need for a site for a permanent building for the school referred to by the Deputy. The site on which the school is currently located is not available, however, a 0.93 acre site adjacent to the school was offered. This is even smaller than the current school site and is not adequate to provide a modern purpose built 16 classroom school with the full range of ancillary accommodation which all new schools enjoy. Circa 2.5 acres is the minimum amount of land required.

Enormous difficulties were encountered in trying to acquire a site in what is a built up urban area. In fact, no suitable site at all emerged under the acquisition process. In the circumstances the Department had to consider other options and was fortunate that the County of Dublin Vocational Education Committee not alone had land that could be developed but was willing to make this land available.

There are any number of schools up and down the country that start in one location and are permanently located in another. It also has to be remembered that unlike other primary schools, Gaelscoileanna do not have catchment areas and are not, therefore, confined to being accommodated in specific locations although the Department will always try to re-locate schools as close to an original location if this is possible. It is not realistic, however, in a large urban area to expect this to be easily achieved. School communities themselves are usually aware of local land issues so re-locations are rarely if ever a problem particularly when what is on offer is a multi million Euro investment to ensure that the children concerned have a comfortable high quality learning environment. The Department will be providing transport for eligible pupils when the move takes place.

School Staffing.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1764 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the arrangements she has made to make it more attractive for men to participate in primary teaching; the encouragement programmes and incentives that she will provide in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3120/07]

The decreasing numbers of males entering the teaching profession is an issue that is of concern to me. I believe that it is important to attract more men into teaching for a number of reasons, not least of which is the positive role models that teachers provide in children's lives and the desirability of having both male and female role models in our schools.

I genuinely believe that teaching is an attractive profession for both men and women. Teaching is fulfilling work which makes a huge social contribution.

This Government wants to attract and reward the best teachers. In addition to increasing teachers' salaries, we have also undertaken other initiatives to enhance the status of the profession. Not least of these is the establishment of the Teaching Council as a professional regulatory body.

In November, 2005 I launched the Report of the Primary Education Committee, ‘Males into Primary Teaching.' The Primary Education Committee was established in order to examine a range of issues in relation to males entering primary teaching, and to make recommendations on short-term and long-term strategies to increase the numbers in this regard. The Report draws on the professional insight of key experts in this area as well as drawing on a number of relevant research studies.

One of the key recommendations in the Committee's report is that a co-ordinated promotion campaign, which would encourage boys as well as girls to enter primary teaching, should be undertaken. This promotion campaign commenced on 24 January, 2006 and is currently ongoing. The campaign focuses on a number of key target audiences, including students, parents, teachers and guidance counsellors.

All other recommendations contained in the report have also received consideration within my Department, and the level of males entering primary teaching will continue to be closely monitored.

Departmental Staff.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1765 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of persons engaged in project management in her Department that have recognised qualifications in that area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3217/07]

My Department engages external project management expertise as required to work on specific building projects in order to deliver my Department's School Building Programme.

At present there are 2 technical managers, 1 senior architect, 1 architect, and 14 architectural assistants in my Department's Planning & Building Unit who have qualifications in the area of project management. My Department is committed under its Human Resources Strategy to the development of its staff through training. Courses are provided as required to address identified skills needs.

National Minimum Wage.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1766 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Defence the number of staff in his Department currently earning the national minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department currently earning not more than €1 per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department’s agencies currently earning the national minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department’s agencies currently earning not more than €1 per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff who are employed by contractors to his Department currently earning the national minimum wage; the number employed by contractors of his Department currently earning not more than €1 per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; the number of staff in his Department’s agencies currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; the number of staff who are employed by contractors to his Department currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43752/06]

All staff in the Department of Defence and its Agencies earn in excess of the current national minimum wage, and there are no staff earning just one euro above the current national minimum wage. All other details requested by the Deputy are in the table below:

The number of staff who are employed by contractors to his Department currently earning the national minimum wage

5

The number employed by contractors of his Department currently earning not more than one euro per hour more than the minimum wage

4

The number of staff in his Department currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by Sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000

None

The number of staff in his Department’s agencies currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by Sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000

None

The number of staff who are employed by contractors to his Department currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by Sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000

None

Overseas Missions.

Finian McGrath

Question:

1767 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied), a survivor of Niemba ambush is not satisfied with the official report; and if he will set the historical record straight. [1014/07]

In February 2006 the Chief of Staff appointed Col. Tom Behan to examine all aspects of the Niemba ambush. I accepted the findings of his Report and addressed the matter during Priority Questions on 16 November 2006. I would like to reiterate my congratulations to Col. Behan for the time and effort he has expended in researching this sensitive and harrowing episode in Irish Military History.

The ambush occurred almost forty-six years ago. It was the first such action involving the horrific deaths of Defence Forces personnel on a scale which still remains unique. It has never been very far from public consciousness and I would like again to publicly acknowledge the sacrifice made by all the members of the patrol at that time and extend my deepest sympathies to the families of all those who died.

On the 8th of November, 1960, an eleven man patrol, commanded by Lt. Kevin Gleeson was attacked by a large number of Baluba tribesmen while on patrol from their base at Niemba and were quickly overwhelmed. There are two principal areas of controversy in regard to the record of this ambush both concerning Trooper Browne and Private Kenny. The first question is where exactly did Trooper Browne die. From the extensive research and interviews carried out by Col. Behan, his final conclusion is that Trooper Browne fired his weapon to distract the Baluba attackers from their task of beating Private Kenny to death. He further concludes, on the balance of probabilities, that Trooper Browne managed to then escape his pursuers, wounded or otherwise, making his way to the village of Tundula only to be killed by hostile Balubas two days later. Therefore, the previous supposition that he died at the ambush site and that Baluba tribesmen carried away his remains cannot be substantiated. Likewise, the conclusion outlined above that he died at Tundula cannot be definitively substantiated.

The second area of controversy in regard to the record of the Niemba ambush is what did Trooper Browne do to contribute to the survival of Private Kenny. The report clearly concludes that prior to his escape from the ambush site, Trooper Browne fired his weapon at the Balubas who were intent on beating Private Kenny to death, thereby distracting them and saving his life. The Medal Board convened in 1961 awarded Trooper Browne the Military Medal for Gallantry.

While I am aware that a survivor of the Niemba Ambush is not satisfied with the official report, I refer again to the fact that Col Behan sets out in his report that he is satisfied that there is no material extant which he did not uncover and which would provide new evidence capable of proving conclusively any one version of the events which are the subject of dispute in relation to the Niemba Ambush. Equally he is clear of the lack of definitive material, which could establish beyond doubt all that occurred in the course of the Niemba Ambush. It must be borne in mind that only two known living persons could every have known what exactly happened in this action and it is a certainty that neither of them were aware of all the events which took place in the course of the action.

I wholeheartedly recognise and acknowledge that both Private Kenny (particularly in view of the serious wounds and injuries he sustained), and Private Fitzpatrick survived a horrific encounter with hostile forces, displaying courage, fortitude and tenacity in order to survive until finally rescued. I commend them both for the selfless service they have given their country.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

1768 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the number of civil servants and other staff employed in his constituency office; and the grade and remuneration of each. [1745/07]

The details requested by the Deputy are as follows:

Grade

Salary Scale

Special Advisor

€80,408–€99,457

Personal Assistant

€43,445–€55,147

Personal Secretary

€21,632–€41,736

Executive Officer

€30,027–€47,641

Staff Officer

€32,606–€43,536

Clerical Officer

€21,625–€35,071

Clerical Officer

€22,633–€35,830

Clerical Officer × 2

€22,766–€36,913

Paul McGrath

Question:

1769 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the number of civil servants and other staff in his press office and the grade and remuneration of each staff member. [1760/07]

The details regarding personnel in the Department of Defence Press Office are as follows:

Grade

Salary Scale

Press Advisor

€80,408–€99,457

Press Officer — Assistant Principal

€61,755–€77,003

Executive Officer

€28,523–€47,039

In addition to dealing with media related matters on behalf of the Minister and the Department, the Press Office is also responsible for dealing with all Freedom of Information requests to the Department.

Defence Forces Personnel.

Niall Blaney

Question:

1770 Mr. Blaney asked the Minister for Defence the number of Army personnel who were called before the medical board over the past five years; the number who failed and the rank they held within the Army; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1939/07]

The military authorities have advised that no readily available or centralised data set of information exists on the number of personnel who were called before a Medical Board prior to 1 April 2006. I do not believe that the costs or inconvenience of collating this material for a full five-year period would be merited or justifiable. However, I can provide details of the total numbers of persons actually discharged from the Army on medical grounds in the years 2002 to 2006 inclusive.

BRIGADE

BQMS

CQMS

SGT

CPL

PTE

RECRUIT

TOTAL

1 S Bde

NIL

2

2

4

16

1

25

2 E Bde

NIL

2

1

1

2

NIL

6

4 W Bde

NIL

NIL

1

2

34

NIL

37

DFTC

1

NIL

4

3

17

NIL

25

TOTAL

1

4

8

10

69

1

93

In addition, I am advised by the military authorities that eight (8) Naval Service personnel and five (5) Air Corps personnel were discharged from the Permanent Force on medical grounds in the same period 2002-2006.

I am informed by the military authorities that the number of personnel called before a Medical Board in the period from 1 April 2006 up to 31 December 2006 was forty-six (46) composed as follows:

(i) 42 Army personnel

(ii) 2 Air Corps personnel

(iii) 2 Naval Service personnel

Seventeen of these forty-six Medical Boards are ongoing.

Twenty-nine (29) Medical Boards have been completed, with the following outcomes:

(i) 4 personnel were found to be within Defence Forces Medical Standards (all Army)

(ii) 25 were found by the Medical Boards to be below Defence Forces Medical Standards. Of these, fourteen personnel appealed the decision (thirteen Army, one Naval Service)

(iii) One appeal against the determination of the Medical Board was upheld (Army).

Overseas Missions.

John Gormley

Question:

1771 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces currently stationed in Afghanistan; the cost to the State of this mission; if he will withdraw these people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2219/07]

On 20 December, 2001, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1386 authorising the establishment of an International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) for six months to assist the Interim Afghanistan Authority in the maintenance of security in Kabul and the surrounding areas. The authorisation of ISAF has been extended by the UN Security Council since then. NATO assumed the lead in ISAF on 11 August, 2003. The current Commander of ISAF, which has a strength of approximately 32,000 personnel, is Lt. Gen David Richards (UK).

Ireland has participated in ISAF in Afghanistan since 5 July, 2002, following the Government Decision of 2 July, 2002 authorising the provision of seven members of the Permanent Defence Force for service with the force.

Seven Irish personnel are currently serving with the force. Three personnel are serving as staff officers with the ISAF HQ in Kabul and four personnel are deployed in Liaison Teams in the Regional Command Capital (RC(C)) Kabul. The Liaison Teams specifically liaise between the RC(C) and the Afghan National Directorate of Security, Kabul Police and the United Nations Assistance Mission to Afghanistan (UNAMA).

The annual cost to the State of this mission is approximately €225,000.

It is proposed that the Defence Forces will continue to serve with ISAF in the immediate future, subject to ongoing review by my Department and the Military Authorities.

Defence Forces Strength.

M. J. Nolan

Question:

1772 Mr. Nolan asked the Minister for Defence the strength of the Defence Forces; when it is proposed to recruit again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2286/07]

The strength of the Permanent Defence Force on 31 December 2006, the latest date for which detailed figures are available, as advised by the military authorities was 10,477. A detailed breakdown of the numbers in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps by rank and gender are in the form of the following Tabular Statement.

The White Paper on Defence of February 2000 sets out a figure of 10,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force, comprising 930 for the Air Corps, 1,144 for the Naval Service and 8,426 for the Army. It is my intention to maintain the established Government policy of ongoing recruitment to the Defence Forces. Recruitment into the Permanent Defence Force will continue to maintain the strength at the level set out in the White Paper as required to meet military needs.

Strength of the Defence Forces 31 December 2006

Lt Gen

Maj Gen

Brig Gen

Col

Lt Col

Comdt.

Capt.

Lt.

Total Offrs.

SM

BQMS

CS

CQMS

SGTS

CPLS

Total NCOs

Ptes.

Cadets

Total

Army

1

2

6

39

128

327

294

267

1,064

32

38

135

243

1,024

1,558

3,030

4,371

71

8,536

Air Corps

0

0

1

2

14

30

53

36

136

7

3

50

12

127

184

383

320

26

865

Naval Service

0

0

1

2

12

46

47

50

158

6

7

78

16

203

196

506

397

15

1,076

Total

1

2

8

43

154

403

394

353

1358

45

48

263

271

1354

1938

3919

5088

112

10,477

Lt Gen = Lieutenant General; Maj Gen = Major General; Brig Gen = Brigadier General; Col = Colonel; Lt. Col = Lieutenant Colonel; Comdt = Commandant; Capt = Captain; Lt. = Lieutenant; SM = Sergeant Major; BQMS = Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant; CS = Company Sergeant; CQMS = Company Quartermaster Sergeant; SGTS = Sergeants; CPLS = Corporals; NCOS = Non Commissioned Officers; PTES = Privates.

Decentralisation Programme.

Jack Wall

Question:

1773 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence the position of the decentralisation of his Department to Newbridge and the Army headquarters to the Curragh, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2367/07]

The Government decision on decentralisation, announced by the Minister for Finance in his Budget statement on 3 December 2003, provides for the transfer of all of my Department's Dublin based civil service staff to Newbridge, Co. Kildare. The number of staff to be relocated to Newbridge is 200. A total of 338 personnel, of which 60 are from within the Department, have opted to move to Newbridge. An additional 38 staff from outside my Department have been assigned to this Department from the Central Applications Facility for the purpose of relocating to Newbridge. Twenty-two members of staff who opted not to move to Newbridge have volunteered to transfer to other Government Departments that have units that are proposed for decentralisation, and some have already moved to their new Departments. Of the remaining personnel in my Department who have opted to remain in Dublin, nineteen have been reassigned.

The Office of Public Works is in advanced negotiations with Kildare County Council in relation to the acquisition of a site in Newbridge and a decision regarding the acquisition of the identified site in Newbridge is expected shortly. The tenders for the design and construction of the buildings in Newbridge were received by OPW on 24 October 2006 and 7 tenders are currently being evaluated. Once this site is acquired, I would anticipate that my Department will relocate to Newbridge by late 2008.

The Government decision also provides for the transfer of 300 Defence Forces Headquarters staff to the Curragh, Co Kildare. OPW conducted a briefing on 18 Dec 2006 in McKee Barracks, Dublin at which the chief architect of the OPW project team made a detailed presentation covering aspects of site location in the Curragh, building design and proposed access routes to the new building.

This project is a "client-led design and build" programme with a contract being placed for construction of the "shell and core" of the building and OPW then conducting full fit-out at the final stage.

The following is the current schedule of dates for the project:

Planning application — April 2007

Shell/core tender process complete — December 2007

Contract documents issued — Feb 2008

Shell/core contract (13 months) — complete Mar 2009

Fit-out — complete Dec 2009

Comhfhreagras Rannach.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1774 D’fhiafraigh Mr. Sargent den Aire Cosanta cá fhad ar an meán a thógann sé air litir a fhreagairt as Béarla i gcomparáid leis an méid ama a thógann sé air litir a fhreagairt as Gaeilge. [2395/07]

Ní choimeádtar staidreamh maidir leis an achair a thógann sé freagra a thabhairt ar chomhfhreagras, mar ní bheadh sé praiticiúil é sin a dhéanamh. Tá polasaí na Roinne seo maidir le freagra a thabhairt ar chomhfhreagras leagtha amach in ár Seirbhís do Chustaiméirí: Plean Gníomhartha 2004-2007 agus in ár gCairt do Chustaiméirí chomh maith. Déanann an Roinn seo, ‘admháil ar gach comhfhreagras, scríofa agus leictreonach, laistigh de 3 lá oibre óna fháil, mura féidir freagra cinnte a thabhairt taobh istigh de 5 lá. Tabharfaimid freagra cinnte, nuair is féidir, ar gach comhfhreagras taobh istigh de 15 lá oibre. Mura féidir freagra cinnte a thabhairt taobh istigh den tréimhse seo, seolfaimid freagra eatramhach chugat ag míniú an cháis taobh istigh de 15 lá oibre. Má scríobhann tú chugainn as Gaeilge, freagróimíd i nGaeilge'.

Ag cloí leis an bpolasaí seo, ní dhéanann an tAire idirdhealú idir comhfhreagras as Béarla agus comhfhreagras as Gaeilge.

Regional Airports.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

1775 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Defence if, in respect of the question of a second Dublin airport since 1995 his Department has been consulted or has considered the use of Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnell, as a second commercial airport for Dublin; and the conclusion reached for same. [2455/07]

Periodic interest by the private sector has been expressed during the past decade or so in relation to the use of Casement Aerodrome for Civil Aviation purposes. The establishment of facilities for civil aviation purposes is, however, primarily a matter for the Minister for Transport. Under the Irish Aviation Authority Act, 1993, aerodromes under my authority are precluded from regulation by the Irish Aviation Authority. Only the regulation of military aviation activities at military aerodromes comes within my remit. Before any consideration could be given to having commercial aviation at Baldonnel it would be necessary to bring Casement Aerodrome within the licensing and regulatory control of the Irish Aviation Authority, this would require an amendment to Section 3 of the Irish Aviation Authority Act, 1993. This is a matter for consideration in the first instance by the Minister for Transport.

Defence Forces Property.

Bernard Allen

Question:

1776 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence if he has received a bid from Cork City Council for lands at the Camp Field, Cork, adjacent to Collins Barracks; if that bid has been accepted; and the value of the bid. [2833/07]

An offer from Cork City Council has recently been accepted by my Department in respect of lands at the Camp Field, Collins Barracks, Cork. The matter has been referred to the Chief State Solicitor's Office to complete the necessary legal formalities. Pending completion of a Contract of Sale, however, it would not be appropriate to disclose the purchase price.

EU Council Meetings.

John Gormley

Question:

1777 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the meeting of EU Defence Ministers in Brussels on 14 November, 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2936/07]

A meeting of EU Defence Ministers in GAERC formation took place in Brussels on 13 November, 2006. In tandem with the Defence Minister's meeting, there was a Ministerial level meeting of the EDA Steering Board.

The meeting began with a discussion on the development of Military Capabilities. The Director General of the EU Military Staff (DGEUMS) updated Ministers on the process towards the development of Headline Goal 2010. Ministers heard that EU Battlegroups will achieve full operational capability in January 2007 with two Battlegroups continually on stand-by for 6 month periods. Commitment are fully in place up to the end of 2008 and for the first semester of 2010. Among other issues discussed was the Maritime Dimension of ESDP. DGEUMS informed Ministers that an overview paper on the Maritime Dimension Study would be completed by the end of 2006. Ministers were also informed of the development of the Rapid Response Air Initiative (RRAI) study. This study is to bring forward proposals allowing for the rapid generation of the air capabilities listed in the Headline Goal 2010. The study is due to be completed by end-2007. DGEUMS advised Ministers that a proposal by France on Sharing Training Facilities within the EU would provide the opportunity for EU Member States to share national military training and education facilities. The initiative aims at reinforcing ESDP and enhancing interoperability.

The meeting also discussed EUFOR RD Congo mission, which was launched in support of MONUC, the UN mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The effectiveness of the EU mission in supporting MONUC was instrumental to the success of the recent elections in the DRC. On the issue of Civil Military Co-ordination (CMCO), the Presidency reported on the outcome of the CMCO Seminar held on the 7th and 8th September, which stressed the importance for improved sharing of information amongst all EU actors so as to increase the overall effectiveness and coherence of the EU's contribution to crisis management operations.

At the meeting of the EDA Ministerial Steering Board, the Agency's Financial Framework 2007 — 2009 was discussed. While the Budget 2007 had been agreed in principle at the Preparatory Committee on 3 November (and agreed by the Steering Board on this occasion), agreement was not reached in relation to the Agency's Financial Framework 2007-2009. Ireland together, with a number of other member States, could not support the level of increase in the amount of the operational budget being sought by the Agency, which would see a rise from €5 million in 2007 to €10 million in 2009 in the R&T Operational Budget. Ireland, in tandem with a large number of other member States, is of the view that, for the most part, R&T defence projects which do not have general application, should be funded through the ad-hoc project mechanism by those member States which have an interest in the particular project and not through the general operational budget. The general operational budget should mainly be used to fund initiatives which are of common interest to the member States as a whole. Against this background and in the absence of a detailed work programme for the framework period, Ireland could not support the Financial Framework proposal.

The Steering Board approved the work programme 2007 and agreed on a major Joint Investment Force Protection Project as well as a programme for the development of Software Defined Radio (SDR). The Steering Board also agreed to the revision of the Financial Rules of the EDA and the modalities for the establishment of the EDA Staff Committee. In relation to a discussion on Indicators and Strategic Targets, Ireland suggested that, in tandem with the further work proposed on the strategic targets, work on the indicators and on the purpose and meaning of these indicators should continue with a further report to the Steering Board in May 2007.

Departmental Staff.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1778 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Defence the number of persons engaged in project management in his Department that have recognised qualifications in that area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3216/07]

There are 16 staff working in the Department who have received training in project management.

The training received by these staff was provided by bodies such as the Institute of Public Administration and the Civil Service Training and Development Centre, who deliver training programmes that are recognised across the public sector.

In 12 cases the training programmes related exclusively to the project management area. In the remaining cases the staff have acquired formal qualifications where project management was a discipline of the course that lead to the qualification.

While staff trained in project management are engaged in that area of work from time to time within the Department, at the present time one staff member is engaged in project management on a full-time basis.

Sustainable Development.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

1779 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will grant the request of Comhar, the National Sustainable Development Council to be consulted directly on policy issues at the same level of input as NESC and NESDO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43847/06]

Comhar — the Sustainable Development Council is a forum for national consultation and dialogue on all issues relating to sustainable development. The members of the Council are drawn from fiver pillars; the State sector, economic sectors, environmental NGOs, social/community NGO's and the professional/academic sector. Comhar has as its mandate to advance the national agenda for sustainable development, to evaluate progress in this regard, to assist in devising suitable mechanisms and advising on their implementation, and to contribute to the formation of a national consensus. In performing this role Comhar contributes to policy making on a broad range of matters either directly or on request from the Government.

By way of a recent example, Comhar was requested by the Minister for Finance to make a submission on the National Development Plan. The resulting submission was informed by Comhar's three day conference National Development Plan — towards sustainability held in October, 2006 which engaged academics, policy makers and a range of other stakeholders on the theme of sustainable development in prospect of the new NDP. The NDP moreover has now endorsed sustainability as one of its key cross-sectoral concerns.

The role of Comhar war also reaffirmed in Towards 2016. This explicitly commits to strengthening the role of Comhar in the ongoing process of policy development in the context of environmental sustainability.

Comhar will, over the coming months, be an important partner in the review of the National Sustainable Development Strategy being coordinated by my Department.

Control of Dogs.

John Gormley

Question:

1780 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of people who have a dog licence; the amount of money this raises; the number of people prosecuted for not having a dog licence; the estimated number of people who do not have a dog licence who own a dog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1325/07]

The Control of Dogs Acts 1986 and 1992 place statutory responsibility for dog control and licensing services on local authorities. The implementation of these Acts is vested in local authorities who have power to appoint dog wardens, to provide shelters for stray and other dogs, to impose on-the-spot fines for a number of offences and to take prosecutions.

Information supplied by local authorities to my Department for 2005 — the most recent year for which statistics are available — shows that the number of individual dog licences issued was 195,769 and the number of general dog licences issued was 391. The income which accrued to local authorities in 2005 from licence fees, on-the-spot fines and pound fees etc. was in excess of €2.5 million. 253 prosecutions were taken by local authorities for breaches of licensing requirements.

Information relating to the number of people who own a dog but do not have a dog licence is not available in my Department.

Overgrazing of Livestock.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1781 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the arrangement that has been arrived at in respect of the numbers of sheep to be retained by sheep farmers in the Buckagh Shramore area of Newport following discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1820/07]

Enda Kenny

Question:

1782 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has reached a conclusion on the number of sheep that sheep farmers in the Shramore and Buckagh areas of Newport, County Mayo, will be entitled to herd on the Neiphin Beg range; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that subsequent to agreements being reached with State agencies that particular numbers of sheep would be allowed to return to the hills, that sheep farmers have been informed that such arrangements no longer apply, and that farmers are being informed that they may only herd as little as 25 sheep in future; if his attention has further been drawn to the economic consequences and the disruption of livelihoods that this involves; if he has considered the implications of the breaking of commitments to farmers in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1960/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1781 and 1782 together.

Overgrazing of livestock 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 (SPA) 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. A Commission Reasoned Opinion of 18 October 2006 states that the Irish authorities must implement measures and demonstrate improvements in this area and in other commonages.

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. This will be achieved through the amendment of existing REPS plans, or the preparation of an agri-environmental farm plan through a special National Parks and Wildlife Service scheme. General principles applicable to these amended plans have already been agreed with farming interests and are as follows:

All active farmers who wish to continue to farm with the SPA must be in an approved agri-environmental plan.

The full destocking as provided for in the commonage plans will be delivered.

There will be a closed period in commonages (and adjacent unfenced privately owned SPA) for five months (November to December and February 15th to May 15th) during which there will be no stock allowed go to the hills.

Farm planners have been issued with guidelines on appropriate stocking regimes based on the condition of the commonages to which farmers wish to return stock.

Compensation is payable in the NPWS scheme for destocked sheep (€27 per ewe) and offwintered sheep (€40 per ewe). Where their existing REPS plans do not provide for this destocking, NPWS will also pay €2000 per annum to each farmer.

The purpose of the initiatives is to ensure that ecological recovery takes place in damaged commonages in the area. The number of sheep that are allowed return to the commonage is based on the best available scientific advice. Farmers will be given a summer allocation of stock to the hill for seven months, which may be increased if returned for a period shorter than seven months.

I fully expect that the destocking measures negotiated locally and summarised above will be implemented and that the infringement proceedings taken by the European Commission can also be resolved on this basis.

Control of Dogs.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

1783 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce legislation to outlaw the ownership of pit bull terriers here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2866/07]

Mary Upton

Question:

1811 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has plans to introduce further legislation regarding the ownership and control of certain breeds of dogs, following reports of the tragic incident in the UK where a young child was mauled to death by a dog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1097/07]

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

1835 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the recent tragic event in Liverpool, he has plans to review the effectiveness of the Control of Dogs Acts; if his attention has been drawn to the public interest in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1431/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1783, 1811 and 1835 together.

The Control of Dogs Acts 1986 and 1992 place statutory responsibility for dog control and licensing services on local authorities. The implementation of the Acts is vested in local authorities who have power to appoint dog wardens, to provide shelters for stray and other dogs, to impose on-the-spot fines for a number of offences and to take prosecutions. Local authorities may also may bye-laws in relation to the control of dogs within their functional areas.

The Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 made under the above Acts, place controls on ten breeds of dogs including the American Pit Bull Terrier, the English and Staffordshire Bull Terrier breeds. The controls, which must be observed when the dog is in a public place, require that these dogs, or types and crosses thereof, must be kept on a short lead by a person over 16 years of age who is capable of controlling them and that they are securely muzzled. Furthermore, the Control of Dogs Act 1986 gives specific powers to the courts to order that a dog, which the court considers dangerous, must be kept under proper control or be destroyed.

I consider that these arrangements provide a workable regulatory framework for enforcement by local authorities and I do not propose to ban the owning of any particular dog breed at this stage. However, I propose to review existing control measures to consider, for example, if the micro-chipping of dogs could bring benefits to dog control. I have also asked Dublin City Council for a report of the recent incident in Finglas.

Licensed Vehicles.

M. J. Nolan

Question:

1784 Mr. Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of vehicles on roads here in 1970, 1980, 1990, 2000 and 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2896/07]

The total number of licensed vehicles at the end of the years in question were:

Year

Number

1970

558,403

1980

911,031

1990

1,054,259

2000

1,682,221

2006

2,296,393

Proposed Legislation.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

1785 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his projected timetable for the publication and enactment of legislation to remove the obstacles preventing the sale of local authority flats and apartments to local authority tenants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3163/07]

Bernard Allen

Question:

1803 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will sanction the sale of apartments to Cork City Council which was recommended by an expert working group over twelve months ago. [43841/06]

Arthur Morgan

Question:

1837 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when his Department will publish the relevant legislation that will allow local authorities to sell local authority flats to their tenants. [1473/07]

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

1839 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the introduction of legislation to deal with a new tenant purchase scheme which will allow apartment owners who are tenants of local authorities to be able to buy out their properties; if such a Bill is due to come before Dáil Éireann in this session; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1493/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1785, 1803, 1837 and 1839 together.

The Government has approved the drafting of the Social Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006, which provides, inter alia, for the sale of local authority apartments to tenants under certain conditions. The drafting of the Bill is being advanced as quickly as possible.

Archaeological Sites.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1786 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied that the works in the Gaghra Valley near the Hill of Tara are being carried out according to directions issued by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3366/07]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

1864 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has investigated the allegations that the clear regulations which he set down in relation to the construction of the M3, particularly the works in the vicinity of the Hill of Tara, are not being obeyed; when these investigations were conducted and the findings of this investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2002/07]

I propose to take to Questions Nos. 1786 and 1864 together.

The route of the proposed M3 road development has been archaeologically assessed through geophysical surveys and test trenching and all of the identified areas of archaeological interest have been or are being fully excavated and recorded as required under directions given in accordance with the provisions of the National Monuments Acts.

Regular reports are furnished to my Department and regular inspections are carried out by my Department of the archaeological excavations being carried out by the road authority. On the evidence of these reports and inspections, I am satisfied that the statutory directions in relation to these works are being fully complied with.

On the 4 of January last an archaeologist from my Department inspected sites where both tree felling and archaeological works are being carried out. Based on a report of that inspection, I can confirm that, while there was some surface disturbance caused by machinery, no archaeological material or objects have been disturbed by the recent tree felling operation. These tree felling operations, which were a necessary part of the advance preparatory works for the road scheme, only took place within the land-take for the road scheme. The trees were cut to stump level. The removal of the tree stumps will be carried out under archaeological supervision during the construction phase of the project.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

1787 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding phase 2 of Castleisland sewerage scheme, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3288/07]

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

1838 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has approved the preliminary report for Castleisland stage II sewerage scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1479/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1787 and 1838 together.

Stage 2 of the Castleisland Sewerage Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 as a scheme to commence construction in 2007 at an estimated cost of €5.57 million.

Further consideration will be given to Kerry County Council's Preliminary Report for the scheme on receipt of the additional information requested from the Council by my Department.

Planning Issues.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

1788 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will publish guidelines on landscape and landscape assessment which have been in draft form since 2000. [43693/06]

There have been a number of key developments in the area of landscape character assessment since the publication of the draft Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Landscape and Landscape Assessment for public consultation in 2000. These include Ireland's ratification of the European Landscape Convention in 2002, which aims to promote landscape protection, management and planning, and to organise European co-operation on landscape issues. The rationale of the Convention is to encourage public authorities to adopt policies and measures at local, regional, national and international level for protecting, managing and planning landscapes throughout Europe so as to maintain and improve landscape quality, to bring the public, institutions and local and regional authorities to recognise the value and importance of landscape and to take part in related public decisions.

More recently, my Department has undertaken extensive consultations with key relevant stakeholders with an interest in Landscape Character Assessment, such as the Heritage Council and other Government Departments and agencies with a view to seeing how landscape issues should be taken forward further in the context of planning policy.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

1789 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will finalise the guidelines for planning authorities on development plans which have been in draft form since April 2006. [43694/06]

The Draft Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Development Plans were published for public consultation in April 2006, and 49 comments and submissions have been received.

The consideration of these comments and submissions is nearing completion I intend issuing the finalised Guidelines to planning authorities before the end of the first quarter of 2007. The guidelines will be issued as Ministerial guidelines under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, which provides that planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála must have regard to the provisions of any such guidelines in the exercise of their planning functions.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

1790 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide copies of all records held by his Department relating to payment of grants for the construction of the Castleconnor group water scheme in west Sligo as referred to in his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 519 of 5 December 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43695/06]

The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Burial Grounds.

Pat Breen

Question:

1791 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied with the current provisions regarding the regulations covering burial grounds in the Public Health (Ireland) Act 1878 (Part III), as amended by the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act 1948, the Local Government Act 1994, and the rules and regulations for the Regulation of Burial Grounds 1888 and subsequent amendments; if he will make further amendments to these Acts particularly as they would relate to a limit on the number of internments for a given grass covered plot over specified time periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43716/06]

Local authorities, acting in their capacity as burial boards, are responsible for the management, regulation and control of burial grounds provided by them, and it is their responsibility to ensure that the regulations in relation to the depth of graves and the number of interments therein are adhered to. I have no proposals at this stage for amendment of the legislation or associated regulations.

Urban Renewal Schemes.

Finian McGrath

Question:

1792 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether having environmentally attractive and well managed urban areas is a key factor in international competitiveness. [43730/06]

It is generally recognised that cities and urban areas can make a major contribution to the achievement of the objectives of the EU's renewed Lisbon Strategy, which focuses on attaining increased growth and competitiveness, higher productivity and employment, and strengthened social cohesion, in a general context of balanced regional development and sustainability.

A range of factors influence the economic performance and competitiveness of cities, their capacity to attract geographically mobile activities and skilled workers, and to support innovation and entrepeneurship. These include the availability and quality of educational, healthcare and other social services, the scope of cultural and recreational amenities, transport services and infrastructure, the quality of the natural and built environment, and governance performance.

The National Development Plan 2007-2013 sets out the economic and social investment priorities needed to support the continued development of a competitive and internationalised economy which will deliver high quality sustainable employment in a regionally balanced manner. This plan, though its wide range of initiatives and proposed investments, seeks to ensure that the Gateways and Hubs identified under the National Spatial Strategy has the capacity to deliver growth and drive the social, economic and physical development of their wider regions in an environmentally sustainable manner.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

M. J. Nolan

Question:

1793 Mr. Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when funding will be made available to Kilkenny County Council for the provision of a new sewerage scheme in Kilmacow, County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43744/06]

The Kilmacow Sewerage Scheme is approved for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 under the Rural Towns and Villages Initiative at an estimated cost of €2.84 million.

My Department has approved the Preliminary Report and construction stage budget for the scheme. Under new streamlined procedures I have introduced to speed up progress on the Investment Programme, Kilkenny County Council may now advance the scheme to construction without further reference to my Department.

National Minimum Wage.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1794 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of staff in his Department currently earning the national minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department currently earning not more than €1 per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department’s agencies currently earning the national minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department’s agencies currently earning not more than €1 per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff who are employed by contractors to his Department currently earning the national minimum wage; the number employed by contractors of his Department currently earning not more than €1 per hour more than the minimum wage; the number of staff in his Department currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; the number of staff in his Department’s agencies currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; the number of staff who are employed by contractors to his Department currently earning less than the national minimum wage, including those earning the sub-minimum wage as defined by sections 15 and 16 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43755/06]

There are no staff serving in my Department, or in agencies under the aegis of my Department, earning the national minimum wage, less than the national minimum wage, or at a rate of one euro in excess of the national minimum wage. Supported work placements in the National Parks and Wildlife Services area of my Department are, however, provided for five individuals with special needs. The individuals concerned are paid at the minimum wage so as to ensure that they can still avail of their full disability allowance from the Department of Social and Family Affairs. Full disability allowance is payable in such circumstances provided the individual concerned does not earn in excess of €120 per week from such a placement.

My Department does not have details in relation to payments made to individual employees of external contractors engaged by the Department. However, when tendering for such services, my Department requires that potential contractors are in compliance with the necessary statutory terms and conditions applicable to all workers in the State, including, where appropriate any Joint Labour Committee Agreements.

Planning Issues.

Richard Bruton

Question:

1795 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on introducing more simplified planning application requirements for persons proposing to widen their gateway onto the public road. [43775/06]

Generally, planning permission is needed for any development of land or property unless the development is specifically exempted from this requirement. Under the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, the provision of a hard surface within the curtilage of a house is exempt from the requirement to obtain planning permission, subject to certain conditions. However, this does not include the widening of a gateway or access to the property.

The widening of a gate or access to a property may seem like a relatively minor development; however it may have significant impacts on road safety, neighbouring properties or the appearance of a house or row of houses. Where this is the case, I consider it appropriate that these issues should fall to be considered by the planning code. Equally, I do not think that the introduction of different planning application processes for different types of development would deliver a more streamlined or simplified planning system overall.

Indeed, where possible I have taken steps to standardise procedures for the making of planning applications. The Planning and Development Regulations 2006 provide, among other things, for a standardised application form for use in all instances, in all planning authority areas. This standardisation will provide clarity in the system and in the processing of applications and will ensure that all relevant information is available to the planning authority in making its decision.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

1796 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the bond being demanded by local authorities is so high that it is preventing small builders from building small housing estates; and if he has issued guidelines to local authorities on what would be an appropriate bond requirement. [43793/06]

Sections 34(4)(g) and 180(2)(b) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 Act provide that a planning authority may attach a condition to a planning permission requiring the giving of adequate security for the satisfactory completion of a development, and, if the development is not subsequently completed satisfactorily, may apply the security to that satisfactory completion. The matter of what is an adequate amount to complete any particular development is a matter for the local authority involved to determine, having regard to the circumstances pertaining in its area. However, in the interests of those purchasing a property in a development, it is essential that the bond be significant to enable the local authority carry out the work if the developer defaults.

Animal Welfare.

Mary Upton

Question:

1797 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the report of the working group on dog breeding establishments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43794/06]

Mary Upton

Question:

1810 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to implement the recommendations of the task force on dog breeding establishments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1096/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1797 and 1810 together.

Work on implementation of the majority recommendations of the working group which was established to review the management of dog breeding establishments is currently underway in my Department. The process includes the development of standards for relevant dog breeding establishments and the drafting of new Regulations under the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 and 1992. The work will be completed, and a new system of regulation will be put in place, as soon as practicable.

EU Directives.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

1798 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures he will take to protect natural flora and fauna in view of the European Court of Justice finding C-183/05. [43800/06]

This judgment of the European Court of Justice relates to the position obtaining in 2003, when a Reasoned Opinion was received by Ireland from the Commission. Since then, substantial progress has been made in addressing the matters to which the judgment relates.

The legal measures required on foot of the judgment were provided for in the Habitats (Amendment) Regulations 2005. Substantial progress has also been made on the development and implementation of action plans and programmes for the monitoring and protection of species on Annex IV of the Habitats Directive. My Department continues to consult with the European Commission on progress to ensure full compliance with the judgment.

Local Authority Housing.

Damien English

Question:

1799 Mr. English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of units of housing that have been constructed to completion in County Meath for each of the years 2002 to 2005 and to date in 2006, with a breakdown for the Kells, Trim, Navan, Slane and Dunshaughlin areas of Meath County Council, in tabular form. [43809/06]

Data on the number of house completions in County Meath from 2002 to 2005 are available in the Housing Statistics Bulletins which are available in the Oireachtas Library and on the Department's website at www.environ.ie. I have very recently announced completions data for 2006 and these included 3,746 housing completions in County Meath in 2006.

The county data are based on the information supplied on the applications for connection to the ESB. More detailed data within each county are not available.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Damien English

Question:

1800 Mr. English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of new social housing family units excluding affordable and senior citizens housing which have been completed by Meath County Council; and if he will provide a breakdown by electoral area in tabular form. [43823/06]

Damien English

Question:

1801 Mr. English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of new social housing family units excluding affordable and senior citizens housing which have been completed by Westmeath County Council, specifically in the Coole electoral area. [43824/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1800 and 1801 together.

The number of social housing dwellings completed and acquired by local authorities in 2006 to the end of September, including Meath and Westmeath County Councils, are available on the Department's website at www.environ.ie. The figures for the full year 2006 are currently been complied by my Department and will be published in due course in the Department’s Annual Housing Statistics Bulletin for 2006 and on the Department’s website.

The figures are published on a local authority basis and exclude affordable housing units but include units completed for senior citizens. Figures broken down by electoral area are not available to the Department.

Damien English

Question:

1802 Mr. English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of money awarded to Meath County Council as payments in lieu of the requirements of Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 to date; the number of affordable homes delivered in each area to date; the breakdown of affordable homes by those given under Part V and those built directly by the local authority, in tabular form. [43825/06]

Information on activity under Part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2006 up to end September 2006, including payments in lieu of land transfers, is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. A breakdown of the number of houses provided under the various affordable schemes in each local authority area up to end September 2006 is also available on this website. Information is also published in my Department's Housing Statistics Bulletins, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library.

Question No. 1803 answered with Question No. 1785.

Fire Services.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

1804 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the proposals he has in regard to the setting up of the national fire authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43857/06]

In February 2005, I announced a Fire Services Change Programme in response to key fire services and fire safety recommendations of the Review of Fire Safety and Fire Services in Ireland. This Programme sets out the strategy for the future development of the fire service and includes measures addressing the development of community fire safety programmes, the development of a risk based approach to the determination of fire cover standards, the introduction of a competency-based approach to recruitment, retention and career progression in the fire service and the enhancement of health, safety and welfare programmes within the fire service.

Work on the Change Programme is being carried out by a dedicated Project Team and is progressing satisfactorily. My priority under the Fire Services Change Programme is not to pursue further institutional change at this time but to use the available resources to bring about direct improvements in these key areas.

Motor Taxation.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

1805 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the situation in relation to a person (details supplied) who is unable to obtain trade plates as they do not pay rates on business premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43865/06]

The trade plate system is administered by the motor tax offices of the local authorities in accordance with the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1992.

One of the legal requirements of obtaining a trade plate is that the motor trader submits to the local motor tax office satisfactory evidence of the valuation of the relevant business premises for local rating purposes or planning permission for such premises; these matters are prescribed by the Regulations as alternatives. There is a right of appeal to the District Court against the refusal of a motor tax office to grant a trade plate.

Environmental Policy.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

1806 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 515 of 5 December 2006, when he is to receive the preliminary proposals referred to in the reply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43943/06]

As indicated in the reply to Question No. 515 of 5 December 2006, my Department is examining possible options, including examples of the practices adopted in other countries, to deal with hedges of the type referred to. I expect to receive proposals in the near future.

Planning Issues.

Michael Lowry

Question:

1807 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the recourse available to a community when an enforcement notice issued under the planning and development regulations is not complied with and legal proceedings are not forthcoming from the local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1011/07]

Complaints about planning enforcement should be made in writing to the planning authority in the first instance. Any person who is not satisfied with the service he or she has received from a planning authority may complain to the Director of Planning Services in that authority or to the Office of the Ombudsman.

In addition, section 160 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 empowers the High Court, on the application of a planning authority or any other person, by order to require a person to do anything the Court considers necessary to ensure that an unauthorised development is not carried out or continued. Section 161 enables the Court to make the person convicted under the Act to pay to the planning authority or any other person the costs and expenses of the action, measured by the Court.

Housing Management Companies.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

1808 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will ensure that action is taken to address the concerns of residents of private apartment complexes who have difficulty with management companies especially on issues of public safety, such as for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8. [1012/07]

Property management companies are generally constituted under the Companies Acts and are required to comply with the provisions of company law. Their membership consists of apartment owners themselves and in some cases nominees of the developer. Rights and obligations of property owners in relation to management companies, arise from company law provisions and also from private contracts entered into by them in the purchase of the property.

In the case of private rented accommodation, landlords are obliged to ensure that the dwelling complies with the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations, 1993. Complaints in relation to non-compliance should be made to the relevant local authority, which is responsible for the enforcement of the Regulations. The Residential Tenancies Act 2004 also provides for tenants' complaints in relation to management company responsibilities to be dealt with.

Building Regulations set out requirements in relation to fire safety in the design and construction of buildings. Related technical guidance on fire safety in buildings deal with matters such as the provision of stairways, windows for escape and rescue purposes in buildings and requirements for emergency vehicle access to buildings. Responsibility for compliance with the Building Regulations is a matter for the owner or builder of a building. Enforcement of these regulations is vested in the local Building Control Authority, in this instance Dublin City Council. Similarly, matters relating to the provision of fire services and response to fires are for the fire authority concerned.

Papers have recently been published by the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement and the Law Reform Commission in relation to property management companies and multi-unit developments. Both papers are currently subject to a public consultation process and the need for measures to be taken in this area, including any legislative changes, will be considered by the relevant Departments and agencies in the light of this.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1809 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received the preliminary report on the development of a sewerage scheme for the village of Creggs, County Galway; if the local authority will be afforded an opportunity in 2007 to undertake fresh assessments of their needs and priorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1072/07]

The Creggs Sewerage Scheme was ranked as fourth priority by Galway County Council in the list of sewerage schemes submitted by the Council in response to my Department's request to local authorities last year to undertake fresh assessments of the needs for capital works in their areas and to prioritise their proposals on the basis of the assessments.

The priorities adopted by local councils in their assessments will be taken into account in the framing of the next phase of my Department's Water Services Investment Programme.

Question No. 1810 answered with Question No. 1797.
Question No. 1811 answered with Question No. 1783.

Local Authority Housing.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

1812 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the crisis faced by those people who purchased their homes in local authority housing estates who now find that they cannot continue to live in their homes due to an unprecedented and rapid deterioration in the condition of the estate; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that such homeowners, including the elderly in particular, are being forced to leave due to high levels of crime, intimidation, stress and drug dealing and are left with houses that are now virtually worthless and cannot be sold; if his attention has further been drawn to the extent of this problem in four estates (details supplied) in Limerick; and if, in view of the fact that these people bought their homes from the local authority in good faith, he will consider establishing a specific scheme to buy back such houses in estates which have become uninhabitable in part due to failures of both local and central Government. [1098/07]

I have no proposals to introduce a scheme requiring local authorities to purchase privately owned houses which were purchased under the discounted terms of the tenant purchase scheme or otherwise. The issue of the purchase of a private house, including one which had previously been in the ownership of a local authority, and which the local authority may intend to add to their housing stock, is entirely a matter for the individual local authority concerned.

Local authorities have extensive powers under the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997 to deal with the problem of anti social behaviour. In fulfilment of commitments in the Housing Policy statement — Building Sustainable Communities, I am reviewing the provisions of this Act with a view to strengthening their powers and I hope to bring forward legislative proposals in this regard as soon as possible this year.

Primary responsibility for dealing with law and order issues rests with the Garda Síochána and in this regard, the powers of the Gardaí in dealing with anti social behaviour were enhanced under the provisions of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. The Garda Síochána Act 2005 further supports these efforts and provides for the establishment of joint policing committees — representative of local authorities, the Gardaí, other public bodies and community interests — whose statutory function includes reviewing the level and patterns of anti-social behaviour and advising on measures to tackle such behaviour.

In relation to the estates in Limerick, the Government towards the end of 2006 appointed Mr. John Fitzgerald, former Dublin City Manager, to lead an initiative to address social exclusion, crime and disorder issues in Moyross. Mr. Fitzgerald has been asked to work with existing agencies and community groups to identify immediate actions that can be implemented in Moyross; in particular seeking to overcome any blockages that might currently exist to delivering local solutions. He has also been asked to bring forward suggestions about the regeneration of Moyross and other disadvantaged areas of Limerick including Southill in the context of the wider strategic development of the Limerick/Shannon Gateway.

Planning Issues.

Pat Carey

Question:

1813 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the course of action available to an individual or group of individuals who wish to make an appeal to An Bord Pleanála but do not have the financial resources to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1099/07]

Any person making a planning appeal is required to pay a fee as a contribution towards the cost of administering the planning appeal system. Section 144(1) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 provides that, subject to the approval of the Minister, An Bord Pleanála may determine fees in relation to appeals, referrals and other matters coming before the Board. An application from An Bord Pleanála for approval to a fee structure was approved in March 2003. The current fee for the making of third party appeals to An Bord Pleanála is set at €210.

Section 144(1) also provides that a determination in relation to fees may provide for an exemption, waiver, remission or refund in particular circumstances. The question of making a further determination to allow for a waiver of fees in specific circumstances is therefore a matter for the Board in the first instance. However, it is important to note that any proposals to waive or reduce fees for any group have to be balanced against the necessity to ensure that the planning appeal system is adequately resourced and that the cost is fairly distributed among the users of the system.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Pat Breen

Question:

1814 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when works will commence on the Broadford sewerage scheme in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1100/07]

The Broadford Sewerage Scheme is approved for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 under the Rural Towns and Villages Initiative.

I approved Clare County Council's revised Preliminary Report for the scheme last month and it is now a matter for the Council to advance it to construction as soon as possible in accordance with the new accelerated procedures which I have introduced for the Water Services Investment Programme.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Mary Upton

Question:

1815 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has plans to change the rules for clawback payments on the selling on of affordable housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1101/07]

The requirement for a clawback is necessary to ensure that there is no short-term profit taking on the resale of houses provided under the various affordable housing schemes at a discount from market value. There are no plans at present to alter the clawback arrangements under the existing schemes.

The clawback arrangements that might apply in relation to any additional initiatives for the provision of affordable housing would fall to be addressed in the context of the introduction of any such initiative.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Bernard Allen

Question:

1816 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received an application for capital funding for the improvement of water supply at Blarney, County Cork, in view of the very serious problems with water pressure in the area arising from the development of a business park adjacent to Blarney which has affected the water pressure in Blarney and in view of the proposal to build a huge volume of houses in areas adjacent to Blarney; and when a decision will be made on the application for capital funding. [1166/07]

I have approved an extension of the Blarney Water Supply to Station Road under the Serviced Land Initiative measure of my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007. My Department is awaiting information requested from Cork County Council to enable the Exchequer funding for the scheme to be determined. However, under new streamlined procedures I have introduced for the Serviced Land Initiative, it is open to the Council to advance the scheme to construction in the meantime.

Cork County Council has also included other water supply proposals for Blarney in the list of schemes the Council has submitted to my Department in response to the Department's request to all local authorities last year to undertake fresh assessments of the needs for capital works in their areas and to prioritise their proposals on the basis of the assessments. The Blarney proposal has been ranked 36th of the water services schemes for the Council's Southern Division. The priorities adopted by the members of Cork County Council will inform the next phase of my Department's Water Services Investment Programme.

John McGuinness

Question:

1817 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide funding for a group (details supplied) to enable the organisation to continue its work in Kilkenny, Waterford and Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1167/07]

My Department recoups to local authorities 90% of their approved current expenditure on the provision of accommodation and related services for homeless persons in accordance with the provisions of Section 10 of the Housing Act 1988. Much of this expenditure is operationalised through projects managed by voluntary bodies. My Department has not to date received specific proposals from any of the local authorities in the South East for funding of homeless services to be provided by the organisation referred to. My Department have agreed to meet with representatives of the organisation to discuss its concerns about future funding for its services. However, any decisions on funding for its services would be a matter in the first instance for the local authorities concerned.

Environmental Policy.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1818 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans he has to introduce legislation on the compulsory labelling of farm plastic indicating that the recycling levy has been paid by the manufacturer; when such legislation will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1168/07]

Under the Waste Management (Farm Plastics) Regulations 2001, producers — i.e. manufacturers and importers — of farm plastics (silage bale wrap and sheeting) are required to take steps to recover farm plastics waste which they have placed on the market or alternatively to contribute to, and participate in, compliance schemes to recover the waste in question. The Irish Farm Film Producers Group (IFFPG) is currently the sole approved body in Ireland for the purposes of implementing a compliance scheme for the recovery of farm plastics waste. IFFPG has now launched a new labelling system for farm plastics placed on the market by its members to support compliance with the requirements of the scheme and to reduce scope for unfair competition from ‘free riders' in the market. Compliance with the labelling system is now a compulsory condition of membership of the approved scheme.

The labelling of levied farm plastic is part of a package of measures agreed in May 2006 between my Department and the IFFPG to ensure improved farm plastics collection services for farmers. Under the new arrangements, the scheme is funded by a combination of the levies paid by the producer members of IFFPG who run the scheme and funding from weight based collection charges paid by farmers availing of the service. This is improving the operational efficiency of the scheme by incentivising the presentation of clean, dry plastic by farmers. In addition, to address the issue of accumulated backlogs of farm plastic, designated facilities are being provided on a temporary, once-off basis by local authorities where farmers may deposit stockpiled farm plastic.

The final element in the agreed package of measures is the implementation of new systems by IFFPG to improve traceability of levied farm plastic. I have taken a personal interest in the development of the IFFPG scheme. It is ambitious and seems to be well designed. I believe the new arrangements being put in place carry a sufficient incentive for compliance on the part of producers and, while the operation of the scheme is kept under continuous review, there are no further legislative proposals at this stage.

The level of recycling of farm plastic is very impressive. As the Deputy will be aware, I introduced a system to provide further support for the collection of farm plastics last year. This has further boosted the collection of plastic waste in Ireland.

Road Network.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1819 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 182 of 27 April 2006, if he will meet a delegation from Roscommon, Sligo and Mayo County Councils regarding their proposals for the R294 which was submitted to his Department; if he will approve funding for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1174/07]

In March 2005, Sligo County Council submitted to my Department a copy of a report prepared jointly by Sligo, Mayo and Roscommon County Councils regarding the condition of the R294 between Ballina and Boyle. The report proposed a number of both short and long term improvement works to the route. My Department responded that it would be open to the relevant county councils to include the short term Restoration Improvement Works in their Restoration Programmes for 2006 onwards. In addition, it would be open to the councils to prioritise appropriate works on this route for funding under the Specific Improvements Grant Scheme in subsequent years.

In June 2005 local authorities were invited to submit proposals to my Department for inclusion in the 2006 to 2008 Restoration Improvement Programme. Sligo County Council has included three schemes on the R294 under its Restoration Improvement Programme for 2007. This year the Council has received Restoration Improvement grant allocations totalling €234,179 for works on these three schemes at Lough Talt, Knockalass and Rathscanlon. Roscommon County Council has included one scheme on the R294, for works at Tinacarra-Drumanone, under its 2007 Restoration Improvement Programme, for which it has received a grant allocation of €60,000 this year.

In August 2006, local authorities were invited to submit applications for consideration for funding under the 2007 Specific Improvements Grant scheme. Under the 2007 Specific Improvements Grant Scheme Sligo County Council has been allocated a grant of €366,000 for improvement works on the R294 at Mullaghroe. This was the only application for the R294 submitted to my Department by any of the three councils for consideration for funding in 2007 under the scheme.

My Department will again be seeking applications under the Specific Improvements Grant scheme later this year and it will be open to Sligo, Mayo and Roscommon County Councils to submit applications for consideration for further funding under this scheme in 2008. Further meetings on this matter are not planned at present.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Pat Breen

Question:

1820 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the examination of Clare County Council’s contract documents for the Scarriff, Feakle, Quilty sewerage scheme will be complete; the expected timetable for the roll out of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1204/07]

This scheme is approved for construction in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005 –2007 and my Department's examination of Clare County Council's Contract Documents for the scheme will be finalised as soon as possible.

Pat Breen

Question:

1821 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he expects his Department to have assessed the preliminary report from Clare County Council on the proposed Kilrush and Kilkee sewerage schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1205/07]

The Kilkee and Kilrush Sewerage Schemes, which are being advanced as a joint project, are approved for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007. Further consideration will be given to Clare County Council's Preliminary Report for the schemes on receipt of the additional information which was requested from the Council last month.

Dan Neville

Question:

1822 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding provision of a sewerage scheme for Athea village, County Limerick. [1264/07]

Dan Neville

Question:

1850 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the provision of an upgraded sewerage scheme at Askeaton, County Limerick. [1717/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1822 and 1850 together.

The Athea and Askeaton Sewerage Schemes, which are being advanced as part of a grouped project that also involves Foynes, Glin and Shanagolden, are approved for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007. My Department is awaiting submission of Limerick County Council's Preliminary Reports for the project.

Local Authority Services.

Paddy McHugh

Question:

1823 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will facilitate the introduction of a national waiver scheme for waste collection charges to be administered by local authorities and which shall be available from all refuse collection operators; if he will instruct his Department officials to draw up guidelines for such a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1265/07]

Waste management services have traditionally been provided at a local level, with individual arrangements being locally determined and tailored to local circumstances. The present legal framework, as determined by the Oireachtas, reflects this. In accordance with section 52 of the Protection of the Environment Act 2003, the determination of waste management charges, and any associated waiver scheme, is a matter for the relevant local authority, where it acts as the service provider. Similarly, where a private operator provides the collection service, it is a matter for that operator to determine charges. However, my Department has asked local authorities to engage with commercial waste collectors to agree on arrangements to assist lower income households by offering alternatives to periodic lump-sum payments.

In August last year, I published a consultation paper on options for future regulation of the waste sector. Submissions were invited on whether there is a need for a regulator for the sector, if so on what model of regulator might be most appropriate and on what powers any such regulator should be given. Among the possible powers discussed in the paper is the power to impose a public service obligation so that services can be extended to situations which do not provide a fully economic return. Following consideration of the submissions received, which is currently underway, I intend to finalise further policy proposals.

Housing Management Companies.

Joan Burton

Question:

1824 Ms Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the ODCE Consultation Paper and Draft Guidance on the Governance of Apartment Owners Management Companies published by the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement on 12 December 2006; his views on the Consultation Paper of the Law Reform Commission on Multi Unit Developments and Management Companies published on 19 December 2006; his further views on the conclusion of both reports that new legislation is urgently required in this area; when he will bring legislation on management companies to Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1266/07]

The recent papers by the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement and the Law Reform Commission are welcome and contain valuable information and recommendations in relation to property management companies and multi-unit developments. Both papers are currently subject to a public consultation process and the need for measures to be taken in this area, including any legislative changes, will be considered by the relevant Departments and agencies in the light of this.

The Government have already approved proposals by the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform for legislation to establish a Property Services Regulatory Authority to regulate property service providers, including property managing agents, which perform management and maintenance work in many multi-unit developments. The Tánaiste has also announced that an inter-Departmental committee will be established to assist in the development of a coherent legislative response to issues generally relating to property management companies.

Litter Pollution.

John Gormley

Question:

1825 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of people prosecuted for litter offences in 2006; the number of on the spot fines made; the way this compares to 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1327/07]

Statistics on local authority enforcement action, including the number of prosecutions taken and the number of on-the-spot fines issued, are submitted by local authorities to my Department every six months; these figures are available in the Oireachtas Library.

The number of prosecutions taken and on-the-spot fines issued for the first six months of 2006 — the most recent information available — are 1367 and 14,162 respectively. For the whole year 2005, 2197 prosecutions were taken and 26,614 on-the-spot fines issued. Extrapolating from the January to June 2006 figures, local authorities are maintaining the increased levels of enforcement action seen in recent years and the full 2006 figures, when available, should be up on those recorded in 2005.

John Gormley

Question:

1826 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason he will not appoint someone to deal specifically with the problem of litter as recommended by IBAL; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1328/07]

IBAL is one of a number of anti-litter initiatives supported by my Department. It is aimed at raising public awareness of litter pollution and energising support for local authority anti-litter activities.

In August last year, following the publication of a litter survey which they had carried out in Dublin, IBAL suggested that a litter commissioner should be put in place to manage litter in Dublin City. Under the Litter Pollution Acts 1997 to 2003 primary responsibility for developing and implementing responses to litter pollution rests with local authorities. In Dublin City Council, delegated responsibility for litter management is assigned to the appropriate Assistant City Manager. As far as my Department is aware, Dublin City Council consider this organisational arrangement to be appropriate and have not developed proposals, either internally or to my Department, in response to the IBAL suggestion.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

1827 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the proposed new sewerage treatment plant for Kinvara, County Galway; if the design build and operate aspect of this scheme will have to be sanctioned by his Department; the role Galway County Council will now play given that the preliminary report has been signed off; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1371/07]

The Kinvara Sewerage Scheme has been approved for construction in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007. I approved Galway County Council's Preliminary Report for the scheme last month. Under new procedures I have introduced to speed up progress with the Programme, the Council is now free to advance all the elements of the scheme to construction without further reference to my Department.

Special Areas of Conservation.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1828 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 145 of 31 May 2006, when the person will be issued with their top up payment for the purchase of special area of conservation bog; the reason for the ongoing delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1389/07]

Legal advice has been sought regarding the amount of compensation, if any, due to the applicant in this case. This advice is being considered and the applicant will be informed as soon as a decision is reached.

Archaeological Sites.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1829 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 1530 of 27 September 2006, the status of the conservation study of the Rathcroghan archaeological complex; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1392/07]

In 2006, my Department commissioned Oxford Archaeology Ltd to undertake a conservation study to inform future policy-making on the care, maintenance and conservation of the nationally important archaeological monuments in the Rathcroghan area.

To date, site visits have been undertaken by the consultants and the required public consultation process has taken place. It is anticipated that the report on the conservation study will be completed in the first quarter of 2007.

Private Rented Accommodation.

Pat Carey

Question:

1830 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the suggestion that private landlords are reluctant to register with the PRTB as it exposes them to a tax liability; if this apparent reduction in registrations is having an affect on the availability of rental properties in the private sector; if it is having an impact on rent levies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1409/07]

Registration of tenancies is a matter for the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB). My Department has no indication from PRTB of a failure by landlords to register tenancies due to concerns about tax liability. I understand that there has been a steady increase in the number of tenancies registered with the Board since its establishment and that further increases have resulted from a requirement in the Finance Act 2006 that landlords must register a tenancy with the Board in order to claim qualifying refurbishment expenditure and interest relief against rental income. Tenancy registration fees are also tax deductible.

It is an offence under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 for a landlord to fail to register a tenancy with the PRTB. Such an offence would, on summary conviction, be subject to a fine not exceeding €3,000 and a term of up to six months in prison.

Planning Issues.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1831 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he proposes to require communications companies or their agents who erect communications antenna, masts or aerials on roofs of upper portions of buildings in built up areas to formally communicate to the local authority the nature of the antenna, masts or aerial, the purpose for which it has been erected, the strength of the signal and any other technical information related to such apparatus in view of the fact that local authorities are not able to inform residents adjacent to such buildings where these masts are located as to the nature and content or composition of the signals being transmitted and have no idea as to what the environmental or medical impacts and side effects there may be; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1415/07]

In general, planning permission must be sought for the erection of an antenna support structure or mast. The Planning and Development Regulations 2001 set out certain exemptions in this area. These include, subject to certain conditions, works carried out by a statutory undertaker authorised to provide a telecommunications service comprising:

the attachment of additional antennae to an existing antenna support structure (subject to a maximum of 12 antennae),

the erection of an antenna support structure in place of an existing antenna support structure, and

the attachment of antennae to certain existing structures, such as lamp posts, flag poles, CCTV poles, electricity pylons and certain public or commercial buildings.

One of the conditions that a statutory undertaker must comply with in order to avail of any of the exemptions referred to above is that the field strength of the non-ionising radiation emissions from the site must not exceed the limits specified by the Commission for Communications Regulation.

In the case of the third exemption, that is the attachment of antennae to certain existing structures, there is a requirement on the statutory undertaker to notify the planning authority, in writing, of the proposed location of any such structure at least 4 weeks before the attachment of antennae to an existing structure.

The Commission for Communications Regulation is responsible for ensuring that telecommunications operators comply with their licence conditions relating to non-ionising radiation. It is also the function of the Commission to ensure that all operators are compliant with the international guidelines for general exposure to electromagnetic fields from telecommunications masts and antennae. Planning authorities have no function in this matter.

Under the standard licence conditions, a telecommunications operator, must notify the Commission for Communications Regulation of the location (including geographic coordinates) of new base stations. The locations of the sites are published by the Commission for Communications Regulation in map form for public viewing on the website http://www.askcomreg.ie/ mobile/ ViewMobileSites.36.LE.asp.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

1832 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason the sewerage treatment plans at Kilkerrin, Dunmore and Leenane in County Galway have not yet commenced; if his Department has still not returned the file to Galway County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1421/07]

These schemes are approved for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 under the Rural Towns and Villages Initiative. I approved Galway County Council's Tender Documents for the treatment plants last year and my Department has also responded to certain technical issues the Council subsequently submitted for consideration. Further progress on the scheme is a matter for the Council.

Local Authority Staff.

Richard Bruton

Question:

1833 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the local authorities that have achieved the current 3% target for employing persons with a disability in the local government sector; if he will set out the authority that has the best record in this area and the authority that has the worst record in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1429/07]

The local authority sector as a whole has exceeded the Government's target of 3% for the employment of people with disabilities in the public sector each year since 2001. The information requested is set out in the following table for 2005, the latest year for which statistics are available.

Total Workforce

Total number of PWD employed

% Workforce PWD

Local Authority (County Councils, including Town Councils)

Carlow

335

9

2.69

Cavan

486

3

0.62

Clare

1,003.5

39

3.88

Cork

2,542

76

2.99

Donegal

1,181

16

1.35

Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown

1,304

43

3.29

Fingal

1,543

60

3.88

Galway

1,032.22

34

3.29

Kerry

1,222.7

63

5.10

Kildare

1,026

27

2.62

Kilkenny

626

20.5

3.27

Laois

401.6

15.5

3.86

Leitrim

331

10

3.02

Limerick

778.5

26

3.33

Longford

342.5

10

2.93

Louth

733

27

3.93

Mayo

1206.5

61.3

5.08

Meath

750

24

3.20

Monaghan

442.18

14

3.16

North Tipperary

515

26

5.04

Offaly

491

13

2.64

Roscommon

585

22

3.76

Sligo

558.69

18

3.22

South Dublin

1,370

51

3.72

South Tipperary

711.5

22

3.09

Waterford

566.5

16

2.83

Westmeath

664

8.5

1.28

Wexford

861.02

24

2.78

Wicklow

917.9

28

3.05

City Council

Cork City Council.

1,527

72

4.72

Dublin City Council.

6585.75

282

4.28

Galway City Council

469.5

9

1.91

Limerick City Council.

567.6

20

3.52

Waterford City

444

24.5

5.51

Local Authority Housing.

Richard Bruton

Question:

1834 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason his Department has not sanctioned the recently reviewed scheme of letting priorities by South Dublin County Council, that was submitted by this council to his Department some time ago; when his Department will be in a position to sanction the new scheme of letting priority for this local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1430/07]

South Dublin County Council's revised scheme of letting priorities was approved by my Department in December 2006.

Question No. 1835 answered with Question No. 1783.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

1836 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will approve an application from Cork County Council to carry out remedial works at a location (details supplied) in County Cork. [1432/07]

Cork North County Council submitted proposals to my Department in April 2006 for funding to undertake a remedial works scheme at the estate in question. My Department has issued approval in principle to the Council to proceed with the scheme but has requested additional information to enable further consideration to be given to the proposal. It is my Department's intention to convey its definitive response to the Council on receipt of the information requested.

Question No. 1837 answered with Question No. 1785.
Question No. 1838 answered with Question No. 1787.
Question No. 1839 answered with Question No. 1785.

Housing Grants.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

1840 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the proposals he has in regard to addressing the problems surrounding the disabled person’s grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1515/07]

Jerry Cowley

Question:

1851 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some older persons, living alone and without immediate family, are experiencing difficulties with applying for or availing of the disabled persons grant scheme or the essential repairs grant scheme 2006 as they have not got the insight or ability to obtain quotations and so on from builders; his views on whether hands-on help and assistance is needed in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1718/07]

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1910 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will announce new proposals for the operation of the disabled persons grant scheme. [3009/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1840, 1851 and 1910 together.

The administration of the Disabled Persons and Essential Repairs Grant schemes is a matter for the local authorities within the framework laid down in statutory regulations which, as far as practicable, is designed to give an appropriate degree of flexibility at local level. Local authorities are encouraged to operate the schemes in a sympathetic and flexible manner, having regard to the needs of the applicants.

In recent years local authorities have made significant improvements in the range of customer care services and supports they supply. Among these improvements are web-based customer support services, lo-call customer care phone services and customer care desks. Older persons experiencing difficulties with grant application processes or any other services offered by local authorities can access the customer care supports offered by their own local authority. The services of Citizen Information Centres can also be utilised by applicants experiencing difficulties applying for the Disabled Persons or the Essential Repairs Grant schemes.

A review of the Disabled Persons Grant scheme, which incorporated the conditions governing the Essential Repairs Grant scheme and the Special Housing Aid for the Elderly scheme, has been completed within my Department. The aim of the review was to ensure that the available resources are targeted to those in most need of assistance, to streamline, as far as possible, the procedures governing the operation of the grant schemes, and to introduce a level of consistency in operation across local authorities.

Proposals for the future operation of the schemes will be announced shortly in the context of a new Housing Policy Statement. The specific needs of older applicants will be further considered in the context of the administrative guidance on the revised grant schemes, which I intend to issue to local authorities later this year.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

1841 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the Government will meet the Kyoto targets in regard to greenhouse gas emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1516/07]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 126 of 12 December 2006. The Government is committed to meeting Ireland's commitments under the Kyoto Protocol and has recently established a Ministerial Taskforce on Climate Change to finalise the revised National Climate Change Strategy on foot of the related consultation process. I intend that the revised strategy will be published as soon as possible.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1842 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when funds will be made available to upgrade the waste water treatment plant at Ballymore Eustace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1551/07]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 596 of 17 October 2006. The position is unchanged.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

1843 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to a scheme (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1575/07]

The Moville/Greencastle Sewerage Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 as a scheme to commence construction in 2007 at an estimated cost of €9 million. My Department is awaiting the submission by Donegal County Council of a Preliminary Report for the scheme.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

1844 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to a water supply (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1576/07]

The Inishowen Regional Water Supply Scheme was ranked as second priority by Donegal County Council in the list of water and sewerage schemes submitted by the Council in response to my Department's request to local authorities last year to undertake fresh assessments of the needs for capital works in their areas and to prioritise their proposals on the basis of the assessments.

The priorities adopted by the members of Donegal County Council will be taken into account in the framing of the next phase of my Department's Water Services Investment Programme which I intend to launch within the next few months.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

1845 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the proposals he has to introduce measures to increase the stock of affordable and rented housing. [1592/07]

NDP 2007-2013, which was launched last week, announced a €18 billion investment programme in housing over the next seven years. This programme sets targets of 60,000 new units of social housing together with some 40,000 affordable homes to be delivered over the plan period. In addition, further households will benefit under contractual arrangements with landlords for existing properties transferring from the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Rent Supplement Scheme to the Rental Accommodation Scheme.

This level of output, together with accommodation made available through vacancies and other social housing measures, means that an estimated 140,000 new households will have their accommodation needs met over the coming seven years. Action under the NDP to rejuvenate existing social housing will be intensified and the provision of grant aid to adapt private housing to meet the needs of people with a disability and the needs of older people will also be supported.

Planning Issues.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

1846 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of planning applications received by local authorities in each quarter of 2006; if he will give similar figures for each quarter in 2004 and 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1619/07]

The table, based on returns made by all planning authorities, sets out the number of planning applications received by planning authorities for each of the 4 quarters of 2004 and 2005 and the first 3 quarters of 2006. Returns for the 4th quarter of 2006 are currently being received.

Planning Applications

Quarter 1

Quarter 2

Quarter 3

Quarter 4

2004

20,380

22,585

21,302

24,076

2005

18,447

22,135

21,410

22,185

2006

20,468

24,781

24,289

Local Authority Housing.

Michael Lowry

Question:

1847 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason a successful pilot scheme (details supplied) in County Tipperary will not be continued and sufficiently resourced into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1637/07]

The Housing Management Initiative Grant Scheme provides financial assistance for new and innovative pilot or pathfinding projects in the area of housing management. Thurles Town Council had received funding in 3 previous years for the piloting of the position of Tenant Liaison Officer and accordingly, was no longer considered eligible for pilot project funding under the scheme. In approving a grant under the 2005 scheme, the Town Council was informed that the approval did not include any commitment by my Department to any future funding beyond the allocation made in 2005.

The management of its social housing stock is the responsibility of each individual local authority. It is now a matter for Thurles Town Council to evaluate the experience of the project undertaken to date (as required under the terms of the scheme) and to consider whether it proposes to continue the position of tenant liaison officer. The purpose of the scheme is to encourage local authorities to develop housing management approaches and mainstream these where considered appropriate.

Turbary Rights.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1848 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason for the delay in issuing payment to a person (details supplied) for the purchase of bog in County Roscommon; when the payment will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1662/07]

The person involved was offering a specific type of turbary right which had originally been purchased from the Land Commission. It transpired that it was not possible to transfer this type of turbary right to the State, but only to extinguish the right. The complex issues involved in cases of this kind have now been resolved and they are being moved forward.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1849 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason for the delay in issuing payment to a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon for the purchase of bog; when the payment will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1663/07]

I am informed that the Chief State Solicitor's Office (CSSO) were in communication with the Solicitor acting for the person concerned in October last seeking to clarify the issue of ownership of the lands. The CSSO have yet to receive a response to this request.

Question No. 1850 answered with Question No. 1822.
Question No. 1851 answered with Question No. 1840.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

1852 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of civil servants and other staff employed in his constituency office; and the grade and remuneration of each. [1748/07]

The staffing composition of my constituency office and the grade and remuneration of each are set out in the table.

Permanent Civil Servants

Temporary Unestablished Civil Servants

Full time Equivalents

Grade

Full time Equivalents

Title

2

Executive Officer

1

Personal Assistant (HEO grade)

2.5

Clerical Officer

1

Personal Secretary (Secretarial Assistant grade)

The salary scales for all administrative grades (except Secretarial Assistants) are available on the Department of Finance website (www.finance.gov.ie). Circular 41/2006 sets out the current salary scales. The weekly salary scale (incremental) for Secretarial Assistants as at 1 December 2006 is:

414.56

437.87

465.49

503.52

541.52

581.64

621.15

658.09

695.77

731.54

758.10

770.69

786.68*

799.85*

*Long Service Increments.

Paul McGrath

Question:

1853 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of civil servants and other staff in his press office and the grade and remuneration of each staff member. [1763/07]

The staffing composition of my Department's Press Office and the grade and remuneration of each are set out in the table.

Number

Grade

1

Press Officer (Principal Officer grade)

1

Higher Executive Officer

1

Executive Officer

1.5

Clerical Officer

The salary scales for all administrative grades are available on the Department of Finance website (www.finance.gov.ie): circular 41/2006 sets out the current salary scales.

Waste Disposal.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1854 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action taken in relation to plastic bottle waste from the time it is collected from a local authority recycling bin. [1792/07]

National waste statistics for all waste streams are published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), most recently in National Waste Report 2005. National Waste Reports do not provide separate data for plastic bottles but successive reports have shown increases in the recovery rate for plastic packaging; this is recovered both through segregated collections in some areas and through the expanded national network of bring banks and civic amenity sites put in place in recent years. The recovery rate for plastic packaging increased from 0.6% in 1998 to 24.1% in 2005, which exceeds the material specific target for 2011 set for plastic packaging recovery in the Directive 2004/12/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council amending the original Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste.

The National Waste Report 2005 also indicates the Ireland relies significantly on foreign based materials recycling infrastructure. The Report states that of 50,859 tonnes (86.7%) of plastic waste — including plastic packaging — were exported for recycling in 2005 while 7,828 tonnes (13.3%) were recycled in Ireland. 30,522 tonnes were exported to the United Kingdom, the principal destination for plastic waste exported from Ireland, while a further 16,467 tonnes were exported to China, the next most common destination.

The export of waste is regulated by local authorities, in accordance with Council Regulation (EEC) No. 259/93 of 1 February 1993 on the supervision and control of waste within, into and out of, the European Community. Shipments of waste for recovery which are in compliance with the EU Waste Shipment Regulation are permissible to non-EU destinations subject to any applicable restrictions of that Regulation.

While there has been recent progress in the provision of more infrastructure within Ireland to process materials recovered for recycling, for example in the development of new facilities to process waste electrical and electronic equipment, it should be noted that clean segregated materials are a sought after resource which are freely traded under EU and international law. This is supported by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Decision of C(92)39 Final on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Wastes Destined for Recovery Operations which notes that the recovery of valuable materials and energy from wastes is an integral part of the international economic system and that well established markets exist for, and can contribute to, the collection and processing of such materials within OECD member countries.

While international trade in waste is consistent with Government policy insofar as it supports improved performance in recycling, the Government also recognises the value of a more developed recycling infrastructure in Ireland. To this effect, a Market Development Group was established by Government in 2004 with a view to identifying market opportunities for materials recovered for recycling. A Market Development Programme — focusing on the priority waste streams of paper, plastic and organics — is currently being finalised and will be published shortly.

Waste Management.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1855 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount raised by the plastic bag levy for each year since its commencement with a detailed description of the way these funds have been spent for each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1824/07]

Since the inception of the plastic bag levy, receipts remitted to my Department by the Revenue Commissioners amount to €69.7 million. Amounts raised by the plastic bag levy in respect of each year since its commencement are set out in the table.

Year

€m

2002

10.428

2003

12.883

2004

15.278

2005

17.485

2006 to Quarter ending 30 September

13.648

Total

69.722

A total of €194 million was spent to date from the Environment Fund on a wide range of activities, including in particular the following:

Waste Management Infrastructure and the subvention of Local Authority Recycling Operational Costs;

Environment Awareness, including the Race Against Waste campaign, and various litter initiatives;

the enhanced waste management enforcement initiatives currently being taken by local authorities and the Office of Environmental Enforcement (OEE);

the National Waste Prevention and Market Development Programmes;

Research & Development in the Environmental Protection Agency; and

contributions to International Environment Funds.

Copies of the Environment Fund's Annual Accounts up to and including 2005 are available in the Oireachtas library.

Grant Payments.

Michael Ring

Question:

1856 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their de-stocking payment. [1894/07]

There is no record of an application for compensation being received in my Department from this person. I understand from enquiries made by staff in my Department to the Department of Agriculture and Food, that the person named does not qualify for a de-stocking payment from my Department because he is a participant in the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) for the last number of years. Included in the REPS payment is an element specifically related to compensation for de-stocking sheep.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1857 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a location has been decided for the Breaffy sewerage treatment plant and ancillary structures in Castlebar, County Mayo; if so, where it will be located; the planned capacity of the scheme; the cost of the scheme including ancillary works; if private interest is involved, either in construction or operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1896/07]

The Breaffy Sewerage Scheme has been ranked as sixteenth priority by Mayo County Council in the list of water services schemes submitted by the Council in response to my Department's request to local authorities last year to undertake fresh assessments of the needs for capital works in their areas and to prioritise their proposals on the basis of the assessments.

The priorities adopted by the members of Mayo County Council will be taken into account in the framing of the next phase of my Department's Water Services Investment Programme. More detailed information in relation to the Council's proposal for this scheme may be obtained from the Council.

Road Network.

Michael Ring

Question:

1858 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funding that has been approved for a road (details supplied) in County Mayo. [1897/07]

The maintenance and improvement of non-national roads in County Mayo is a matter for Mayo County Council to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State grants provided by my Department. The 2007 non-national roads grant allocation of €27,274,625 to Mayo County Council represents a 12% increase on the initial 2006 allocation to the Council.

In June 2005, local authorities were invited to submit proposals to my Department for inclusion in the 2006 to 2008 Restoration Improvement Programme. As part of its proposed programme of works for 2008, Mayo County Council included a scheme for improvement works on the R314 at Derrynameel, between Belmullet and Barnatra, at a cost of €315,000. The significant funding provided by my Department in 2007 to Mayo County Council under the Restoration Improvement Programme will enable the Council to carry out works on this scheme this year, a year ahead of schedule.

Mayo County Council may also use the discretionary improvement grant, provided by my Department, towards the carrying out of works on the road between Belmullet and Barnatra. The discretionary improvement grant allocation to Mayo County Council in 2007 is €1,651,000. The selection of works to be funded from this grant allocation is a matter for Mayo County Council.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Michael Ring

Question:

1859 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in relation to this recent announcement, the scheme (details supplied) in County Mayo will be under the polluter pays principle; the cost of the scheme to the local authority; if an extension to Louisburgh is included in the funding announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1898/07]

I have approved Mayo County Council's Contract Documents for the extension of the Lough Mask Regional Water Supply Scheme from Shrah to Westport and for the upgrading of the Tourmakeady Treatment Plant under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005 –2007. The value of the local contribution toward the overall capital cost of the works will be determined when Mayo County Council furnishes an appropriate Water Services Pricing Policy report to my Department.

I have also given the Council approval to prepare Contract Documents for a connection to Louisburgh from the Lough Mask Regional Water Supply Scheme. An appropriate Pricing Policy report is also awaited from the Council in relation to this scheme to enable the apportionment of the capital funding to be determined.

Waste Management.

Michael Ring

Question:

1860 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to introduce a regulator for the waste sector; his further plans to impose a public service obligation in order that refuse services will be provided where they would not otherwise be economically feasible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1899/07]

In August last year, I published a consultation paper on options for future regulation of the waste sector. Submissions were invited on whether there is a need for a regulator for the sector, if so on what model of regulator might be most appropriate and on what powers any such regulator should be given. Among the possible powers discussed in the paper is the power to impose a public service obligation so that services can be extended to situations which do not provide a fully economic return. Following consideration of the submissions received, which is currently underway, I intend to finalise further policy proposals.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Michael Ring

Question:

1861 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a scheme (details supplied) in County Mayo will be included in his Department’s investment programme for water and sewerage projects. [1900/07]

The Achleam Sewerage Scheme has been ranked as fifteenth priority by Mayo County Council in the list of water services schemes submitted by the Council in response to my Department's request to local authorities last year to undertake fresh assessments of the needs for capital works in their areas and to prioritise their proposals on the basis of the assessments.

The priorities adopted by the members of Mayo County Council will be taken into account in the framing of the next phase of my Department's Water Services Investment Programme.

Road Network.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

1862 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if funding will be made available by his Department to prevent coastal erosion of a stretch of the R561 road the Inch, Annascaul, County Kerry, and the bridge known as the Trench Bridge, The Maharees, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1902/07]

The improvement and maintenance of non-national roads in county Kerry is a matter for Kerry County Council to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State Grants provided by my Department. The initial selection and prioritisation of projects to be funded from these grants is a matter for the Council. In 2007, the initial non-national roads grant allocation to Kerry County Council is €22,281,800, which represents an increase of 8% on the initial 2006 allocation.

Over the period 2000-06 Kerry County Council has received grants of over €4.3 million from my Department for improvement works to the R561 under the Specific Improvements Grant scheme. In 2007 an allocation of €250,000 has been made to the Council under the scheme for improvement works on the R561 from Castlemaine to Annascaul — from Ardroe Cross to Redcliff.

In December 2006, Kerry County Council approached my Department seeking funding for works at the R561 between Inch and Annascaul. The council was informed that any application for funding for coastal protection works should be directed to the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. As regards road works, the Council was advised that my Department would be prepared to consider any proposal from the Council to adjust its 2007 specific grant proposals, originally submitted to my Department by the Council in September 2006, to include eligible works at this location. In the event, such a proposal was not submitted by the Council. Kerry County Council has not submitted an application to my Department in respect of works to the Trench Bridge.

Kerry County Council may also use the Discretionary Improvement grant provided by my Department to fund eligible improvement works on non-national roads and bridges. In 2007 a Discretionary Improvement grant allocation of €1,186,000 has been made to Kerry County Council. This is an increase of 3% on the 2006 allocation to the Council.

Water Quality.

Marian Harkin

Question:

1863 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the towns both above and below 2000 in population that do not comply with article 4 of Directive 91/271/EEC urban waste water directive. [1987/07]

Article 4 of EU Council Directive 91/271/EEC requires secondary treatment of urban wastewater discharges arising after 31 December 2005 from agglomerations above a population equivalent of 2,000 in the case of fresh or estuarial waters and 10,000 in the case of coastal waters. All remaining infrastructural schemes required in this context are approved for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007. The agglomerations concerned are set out in the table.

The position regarding discharges from agglomerations below a population equivalent of 2000 is set out in the EPA's Urban Waste Water Discharges in Ireland — A Report for the Years 2002/2003, which is available in the Oireachtas Library.

County

Agglomeration

Clare

Clarecastle

Cork

Carrigaline Cobh Kinsale Passage Monkstown Skibbereen Youghal

Donegal

Ballyshannon Dungloe Falcarragh Killybegs Moville Rathmullan

Dublin

Howth (part of) Lusk

Dún Laoghaire Rathdown

Shangannagh

Galway

Clifden

Mayo

Kiltimagh

Sligo

Sligo

Wexford

New Ross

Waterford

Tramore Waterford City

Wicklow

Arklow Bray Newtownmountkennedy

Question No. 1864 answered with Question No. 1786.

Waste Disposal.

Michael Ring

Question:

1865 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will investigate an incident (details supplied) in County Mayo; if he is satisfied that due process took place in this matter and that all stakeholders and resource users were given prior warning of the event; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2085/07]

The operation and management of local authority landfill and wastewater infrastructure is a matter for the local authority concerned, in this instance Mayo County Council. Landfill operations are subject to compliance with the conditions in the relevant waste licence issued by the Environmental Protection Agency.

EU Directives.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1866 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position of the Government toward the proposed soil directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2096/07]

In general the Government welcomes the proposal of the EU Commission for a Directive establishing a framework for the protection of soil. We agree that it is appropriate to have an EU-wide initiative but, given the diverse nature and conditions of soils in Member States, policies need to be flexible and adaptable.

This proposal for a directive is part of a package adopted by the Commission in September 2006 arising from the 6th Environmental Action Programme. Although soil protection provisions exist in the body of Community legislation there is no specific legislation on soil protection. The package aims to fill this gap and has the objective of establishing a common strategy for the protection and sustainable use of soil based on the principles of integration of soil concerns into other policies, preservation of soil functions within the context of sustainable use, prevention of threats to soil and mitigation of their effects, as well as restoration of degraded soils to a level of functionality consistent at least with the current and approved future use.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1867 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason the Merchants Shipping Act 1992 was not included in the legislation listed under S.I. No. 378 of 2005 to be brought under the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations in view of the fact that this legislation has recently licensed a commercial air boat on the River Blackwater, a cSAC under the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations. [2132/07]

The issue referred to in the Question will be considered in the context of amendments to the Natural Habitats Regulations which I intend to make later this year.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

1868 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the percentage of the 93,419 houses and apartments completed in 2006 that were social housing units provided by local authorities. [2216/07]

The number of social housing dwellings completed and acquired by local authorities in 2006 is currently been complied by my Department and will be published in due course in the Department's Annual Housing Statistics Bulletin for 2006 and on the Department's website at www.environ.ie.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Willie Penrose

Question:

1869 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the proposed new sewerage scheme for the village of Castletown-Geoghegan; if progress has been made in this matter as there have been plans in place for the installation of this sewerage scheme which is extremely necessary for the village and the surrounding areas for a considerable period of time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2254/07]

In April 2005 my Department conveyed approval to Westmeath County Council to proceed with the Castletown-Geoghegan Sewerage Scheme as an independent project. This scheme is being funded under my Department's devolved Rural Water Programme and it is, accordingly, a matter for the Council to arrange for the invitation of tenders and the commencement of work.

Planning Issues.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

1870 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the proposals he has to regulate the standard and upkeep of landings in front of neighbourhood shops or otherwise extend the powers of local authorities to so regulate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2276/07]

Under the Planning and Development Act 2000, planning authorities may provide, in their development plans and local area plans, general planning standards to be met in the provision of neighbourhood facilities. When granting planning permission for a neighbourhood shop, planning authorities may impose conditions relating to the standard and upkeep of shop fronts and landings. Furthermore, local authorities have powers to maintain and regulate such areas under waste management and litter legislation.

In addition, where a planning authority deems a particular area to be of special importance to the civic life or the architectural, historical, cultural or social character of a city or town, section 84 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 provides for the preparation of a scheme setting out specific development objectives for the area. Such schemes can include objectives for the renewal, preservation, restoration, development or redevelopment of the streetscape including the coordination and upgrading of shop-frontages.

I consider that the powers available to local authorities in this regard are sufficient and further regulation is not envisaged at present.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

1871 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he will take to redress the numerous adverse effects, long sufferings and losses suffered by the many residents and land owners in neighbourhoods of unauthorised quarries due to local authorities not being responsible and not enforcing the planning laws; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2278/07]

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

1872 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the accountability he envisages against planning authority officials who have failed to enforce the planning laws resulting from An Bord Pleanála determinations in view of the fact that the Ombudsman highlighted the lack of enforcement on unauthorised quarries in his 2000 Annual Report. [2279/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1871 and 1872 together.

Enforcement of planning control is a matter for the appropriate planning authority, which can take action if a development does not have the required permission, or where terms of permission have not been met.

The Planning and Development Act 2000 gave substantial additional powers to planning authorities in the enforcement area: for instance, they are now entitled to retain fines imposed by Courts for planning offences to help finance more active planning control. The 2000 Planning Act, as amended by the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006, also provides that planning authorities may refuse to grant planning permission to any developer who has seriously failed to comply with a previous planning permission. The effect of the 2006 amendment has been to reverse the burden of proof so that the applicant must now apply to the High Court if he or she wishes to have the decision overturned.

The 2000 Act also imposed new obligations on planning authorities in the enforcement area: there is now a statutory obligation on a planning authority to issue a warning letter in relation to written complaints regarding unauthorised development. There is also a statutory obligation to carry out an investigation and expeditiously decide whether an enforcement notice should be issued.

The draft Development Management Guidelines, which I will issue in final form shortly, and which will be statutory guidelines to which planning authorities must have regard in the exercise of their functions, emphasis the importance of planning enforcement, stating that the introduction of a culture of enforcement is critical to ensure that the planning control system works properly and for the benefit of the whole community.

In addition, my Department is currently exploring possibilities with City and County Managers for the establishment of a planning enforcement network. This would be designed to enable practitioners in planning authorities to share practical experiences and expertise to help equip them to carry out their enforcement role as effectively as possible and to develop new perspectives on best practice in planning enforcement.

In relation to quarries in particular, section 261 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, which was commenced with effect from 28 April 2004, introduced a once-off system of registration for all quarries, except those for which planning permission was granted in the last 5 years. Under the registration system, quarry operators were required to register with planning authorities by 27 April 2005. Following registration, a planning authority can impose conditions on the operation of a pre-October 1964 quarry or may require such a quarry to apply for planning permission and submit an Environmental Impact Statement in certain circumstances. Authorities can also restate, modify or add to conditions on the operation of a quarry that has received planning permission more than 5 years ago.

Local Authority Housing.

Jack Wall

Question:

1873 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position of rental subsidy housing and the application of tenants to purchase such housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2370/07]

There is no provision at present in the voluntary housing schemes for the purchase of individual houses by tenants. However, it was agreed under Housing Policy Framework — Building Sustainable Communities that consideration would be given in consultation with the voluntary and co-operative sector, to pilot a tenant purchase scheme for some new voluntary homes under the scheme.

The modalities of such a scheme have been the subject of ongoing discussion between my Department and representatives of the voluntary and co-operative housing sector including the Irish Council for Social Housing and National Association of Building Co-operatives. Submissions recently received from a number of these organisations with regard to a pilot tenant purchase scheme have been examined in my Department. A number of issues have been identified by the voluntary and co-operative sector which require further examination and consultation. The introduction of such a scheme including any legislative element, will be determined in the coming months.

Jack Wall

Question:

1874 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position of the refurbishment of a housing estate (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2371/07]

My Department sanctioned the provision of funding to Athy Town Council in March 2006 for refurbishment works to houses at Carbery Park / Townspark in Athy under the Remedial Works Scheme. I understand that discussions are underway with the contractor concerning the scope and cost of the works. Once these discussions have concluded it will be a matter for the Council, subject to final approval, to enter into a contract with the contractor to enable work to commence as soon as possible.

Comhfhreagras Ranna.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1875 D’fhiafraigh Mr. Sargent den Aire Comhshaoil, Oidhreachta agus Rialtais Áitiúil cá fhad ar an meán a thógann sé air litir a fhreagairt as Béarla i gcomparáid leis an méid ama a thógann sé air litir a fhreagairt as Gaeilge. [2396/07]

Tá sé mar aidhm ag mo Roinn gach comhfhreagras, as Gaeilge nó as Béarla, a fhreagairt laistigh de 15 lá oibre, mar atá leagtha síos i gCairt Sheirbhísí Chustaiméirí na Roinne. I gcás nach féidir seo a dhéanamh, eisíonn mo Roinn freagra eatramhach ina mínítear an chúis leis seo agus cén uair a mbeidh freagra níos iomláine le fáil.

National Parks.

Billy Timmins

Question:

1876 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to ensure State lands under his control are maintained in a manner similar to those maintained by farmers in the REP scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2436/07]

The Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS), operated by the Department of Agriculture and Food is designed to encourage farmers to carry out farming activities in an environmentally friendly manner. Most of the land that is under the responsibility of my Department is in the form of National Parks and Nature Reserves and as such it is managed for nature conservation purposes rather than agriculture. The standards by which these properties are managed are set out in the guidelines of the World Conservation Union (IUCN) and in national and European legislation on wildlife, habitats and species. Certain lands under the control of my Department are used for agriculture and are managed to organic farm standards which would be a higher standard than required under REPS (other than in the case of an organic farm).

Local Authority Housing.

John Curran

Question:

1877 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he expects to make a decision on an application made by South Dublin County Council for funding for phase two of the refurbishment works programme at Quarryvale, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. [2480/07]

The proposal as submitted will be discussed with the local authority as part of the Housing Action Plan process, which is to commence shortly.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

1878 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if financial assistance is made available to local authorities for the provision of replacing windows; when this funding became available; the amount of funding which was allocated for 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2490/07]

The management and maintenance of local authority housing stock is a matter for each individual local authority. Under revised arrangements, effective from 1 January 2007, local authorities may use Internal Capital Receipts from the sale of local authority houses to undertake improvement works to their housing stock, including window replacement as part of a Remedial Works Scheme or planned maintenance programme.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Michael Ring

Question:

1879 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding a water scheme (details supplied) in County Mayo; when the local authority first submitted the request for funding for this scheme; the estimated cost of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2495/07]

The Kilmaine and Shrule Water Supply Scheme is approved for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 at an estimated cost of €5.41m. Mayo County Council's first claim for recoupment of expenditure incurred on this scheme was submitted to my Department on 8 November 2004.

Further consideration will be given to Mayo County Council's Design Review Report and Contract Documents for the scheme on receipt of additional information requested from the Council earlier this month.

Local Authority Housing.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

1880 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there are guidelines in place covering housing and community regeneration schemes; the length of time such guidelines are in place; the person who ensures they are adhered to in such schemes; if there are plans to amend guidelines; if they are available to members of the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2496/07]

In 2006, the Centre for Housing Research, which is funded by my Department and local authorities, produced good practice guidelines on this matter entitled Regenerating Estates, Rebuilding Vibrant Communities. These guidelines, which are available on the Centre for Housing Research website, www.chr.ie, contain detailed recommendations to assist housing authorities in implementing regeneration strategies for their estates. More generally, my Department considers proposals for housing regeneration having regard to the individual requirements of the estate and the overall objective of building sustainable communities.

Departmental Staff.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1881 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has satisfied himself that sufficient resources are available to ensure that requests for information under national and European legislation to his Department are being acknowledged and responded to within the required timeframe. [2502/07]

My Department has a dedicated unit dealing with requests for information under various national and European legislation, including the Freedom of Information Acts 1997 — 2003; the European Communities Act 1972 (Access to Information on the Environment) Regulations 1998 and the European Communities (Re-Use of Public Sector Information) Regulations 2005. There is a dedicated officer responsible for ensuring that all requests are immediately acknowledged and that replies issue from the appropriate decision makers within the required timeframes. Staff in the unit also provide a knowledge resource for decision makers within the Department.

Special Areas of Conservation.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1882 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps left to take to complete the designation process of special areas of conservation and special protection areas; the timeframe proposed in relation to same. [2503/07]

To date, Ireland has identified over 585 areas as special areas of conservation or special protection areas, covering in excess of 1.4m hectares including marine sites. This includes 11% of the terrestrial area of the State.

The final main tranche of designations of candidate Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) relate to salmon rivers. In December 2006 some 17,500 landowners were notified. Landowners were given a statutory 3 months period within which to object on scientific grounds to the proposals to designate the SACs. I intend that the designation of these final areas, and the determination of any remaining appeals on earlier designations, will be completed as urgently as possible. I am committed to ensure that the requirements of the European Commission in this regard are met as urgently as possible.

Further SPAs will be designated over the next two years.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1883 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress of the Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board in addressing the appeals received, determined, their results, and the cases pending relating to special areas of conservation and special protection areas. [2504/07]

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1884 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will place the Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board on a statutory footing. [2505/07]

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1885 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will have the Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board continue to hear appeals against national designations as natural heritage areas after the completion of the European designation process. [2506/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1883 to 1885, inclusive, together.

The Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board has received a total of 260 appeals to date. Of these, 51 remain to be determined, including 38 relating to special areas of conservation and special protection areas.

An analysis of the recommendations of the Board indicates that 32 appeals were successful, 57 were partially successful, 46 were unsuccessful while the remaining 74 appeals were either withdrawn by the appellants or else rejected by the Board because of the appellants failing to supply the requisite scientific report in support of their appeals.

My Department's priority is to ensure that, in line with the Partnership Agreement, Towards 2016, the Appeals Board operates within a clear timeframe. Consideration will be given to the future role of the Board in the context of new Habitats Regulations which I intend to bring forward later this year.

In this regard, I am anxious to ensure that the current appeals are dealt with as expeditiously as possible as part of national efforts to conclude the designation process under the Habitats Directive.

Natural Heritage Areas.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1886 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in the designation of natural heritage areas; and the timeframe proposed for the completion of the process. [2507/07]

Proposals for designation of Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) were originally published in 1994, and that the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 provided a statutory basis for the designation of NHAs.

155 sites have been formally proposed as NHAs and 148 of these have already been designated for the conservation of raised and blanket bog under individual Statutory Instruments. The other seven proposed sites have been selected for their ornithological interest and work is being advanced to bring draft Statutory Instruments for these to completion.

Priority is now being given to completion of Ireland's suite of NATURA 2000 sites under the EU Habitats and Birds Directives and it is not planned to publish further proposals for NHAs in 2007. However, preparatory work required for such proposals is proceeding with a view to designating further NHAs from 2008 onwards.

Special Areas of Conservation.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1887 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the resources available within his Department for nature conservation; and if he is satisfied that sufficient resources have been allocated to the Parks and Wildlife Service to ensure that the designation and protection of special areas of conservation and special protection areas will in practice meet Ireland’s legal obligations under European law. [2508/07]

Sufficient funding has been provided in my Department's estimates of expenditure for the NPWS to carry out its functions in 2007, including work in relation to the designation of nature conservation sites.

The resource requirement of NPWS and other services of my Department are however kept under ongoing review to ensure adequate service provision.

EU Directives.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1888 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied that the Irish Habitats Regulations 1997 provide sufficient powers and duties and that there are sufficient measures in practice to ensure Ireland meets it’s legal obligations under European law. [2509/07]

I am fully committed to meeting Ireland's legal obligations under the Habitats Directive. In that regard, I have already made substantial additional provisions to the Habitats Regulations 1997 in the Habitats (Amendment) Regulations 2005. I envisage making further amending regulations in this active area of EU law.

Special Areas of Conservation.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1889 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the draft conservation plans for special areas of conservation and special protection areas, detailing when they will be published for public consultation; and if not, the consultation that will be permitted. [2510/07]

Conservation plans for 42 Special Areas of Conservation have been through public consultation with land owners and local interests and will shortly be available on my Department's appropriate website, www.npws.ie. Consultation on draft plans for over 60 SACs will be carried out during the course of 2007.

My Department is reviewing the sufficiency of the Special Protection Area network and the boundaries of some 150 individual SPA sites, in relation to which landowners will be notified during 2007. Draft conservation plans for these sites will then be produced and brought to consultation.

The consultation process on conservation plans involves the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department arranging a series of local meetings to discuss the contents of the draft plan. All known landowners, Heritage Officers of local authorities and relevant NGOs are notified and advertisements are placed in local media. Meeting are normally held in a clinic style, to facilitate the best exchange of information and views. A 3-month period is allowed for receipt of submissions on the content of the plan, after which the plan is finalised and published.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1890 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the compensation agreed under the special areas of conservation and special protection areas with landowners; and the further compensation envisaged. [2511/07]

Under the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations, 1997 the owner or user of land in a special area of conservation (SAC) or special protection area (SPA) is entitled, by way of compensation, to an amount equal to the loss suffered as a result of restrictions imposed due to designation of the land. There are a number of compensation schemes in place, such as:

the Cessation of Turf Cutting Scheme whereby my Department will purchase raised bog at the rate of up to €3,500 per acre; an incentive payment currently standing at €4,800 is also available to applicants under this Scheme;

the NPWS Farm Plan Scheme whereby my Department draws up and pays for an individual farm plan for landowners in designated areas. This Plan will include a specific payment for costs and losses incurred due to restrictions imposed as a result of designation; and

the Shannon Callows Agreement which sets out certain prescriptions for farming practices in the Callows and provides compensation for the costs to farmers in applying these prescriptions.

As new SACs and SPAs are designated, or should further restrictions be required on farming practices in existing designated areas, my Department will continue to ensure that the landowners concerned are compensated for actual losses they suffer as a result of any restrictions imposed on the current use of the land.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1891 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the arrangements whereby his Department may on request reduce an area adjacent to sensitive nutrient poor lakes designated as part of a special area of conservation or special protection areas if the landowner agrees to put down permanent markers of the area excluded. [2512/07]

There is no standardised or formal arrangement in place along the lines suggested in the question. Each case involving a nutrient poor lake or habitat must be considered on its scientifically based merits.

In general, a landowner may have a proposed designation of land as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) or a Special Protection Area (SPA) reviewed through making an objection to designation on scientific grounds in writing to my Department along with a clear map of the land in question. Such objections must be made within a three-month period of the site being notified.

The area will then be reviewed within my Department. Should the landowner be dissatisfied with the outcome they have an option to refer their case to the Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board.

Meteorological Statistics.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

1892 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the annual daily mean temperature for each year since records began for each of the Dublin observation and recording points or stations. [2587/07]

The information requested is set out in the following table.

Mean Temperature (deg. C)

Year

Phoenix Park

Casement Aerodrome

Dublin Airport*

1890

9.1

1891

8.6

1892

8.0

1893

9.7

1894

8.9

1895

8.4

1896

9.3

1897

9.4

1898

9.9

1899

9.5

1900

8.9

1901

8.7

1902

8.8

1903

8.7

1904

8.9

1905

9.1

1906

9.0

1907

8.7

1908

9.4

1909

8.6

1910

8.7

1911

9.4

1912

8.8

1913

9.1

1914

9.4

1915

8.4

1916

9.1

1917

8.5

1918

9.2

1919

8.4

1920

9.5

1921

10.2

1922

8.6

1923

9.0

1924

9.1

1925

8.8

1926

9.5

1927

9.1

1928

9.3

1929

9.0

1930

8.9

1931

9.0

1932

9.3

1933

9.9

1934

10.1

1935

9.5

1936

9.2

1937

9.2

1938

9.9

1939

9.6

1940

9.4

1941

9.1

1942

9.2

9.2

1943

9.8

9.7

1944

9.7

9.4

1945

10.4

10.1

1946

9.3

9.2

1947

9.4

9.1

1948

10.0

9.7

1949

10.5

10.2

1950

9.4

9.1

1951

9.1

8.9

1952

9.3

9.0

1953

10.0

9.8

1954

9.3

9.2

1955

9.4

9.3

1956

9.1

9.1

1957

9.9

9.8

1958

9.5

9.4

1959

10.2

10.2

1960

9.5

9.5

1961

9.8

9.8

1962

8.8

8.8

1963

8.7

8.7

1964

9.6

9.6

1965

9.6

9.0

1966

9.6

9.5

1967

9.4

9.1

9.4

1968

9.4

9.1

9.5

1969

9.2

8.9

9.3

1970

9.6

9.3

9.6

1971

10.0

9.6

10.1

1972

9.1

8.9

9.4

1973

9.6

9.4

9.8

1974

9.1

9.0

9.4

1975

9.9

9.6

10.0

1976

9.7

9.5

9.8

1977

9.4

9.2

9.6

1978

9.4

9.3

9.7

1979

8.7

8.7

9.0

1980

9.1

9.2

9.6

1981

9.3

9.3

9.6

1982

9.5

9.5

9.8

1983

9.8

9.8

10.2

1984

9.5

9.5

9.9

1985

8.9

8.9

9.2

1986

8.5

8.5

8.8

1987

9.1

9.0

9.5

1988

9.4

9.5

10.0

1989

10.5

10.0

10.6

1990

10.2

10.0

10.5

1991

9.5

9.3

9.9

1992

9.5

9.4

10.0

1993

9.3

9.1

9.8

1994

9.7

9.5

9.5

1995

10.4

10.1

9.9

1996

9.4

9.1

9.0

1997

10.5

10.2

9.9

1998

10.3

10.0

9.9

1999

10.4

10.0

9.8

2000

9.8

9.7

9.3

2001

9.9

9.5

9.3

2002

10.6

10.2

9.9

2003

10.4

10.2

9.8

2004

10.4

10.0

9.8

2005

10.5

10.2

10.0

2006

10.6

10.5

10.2

* Note: The Instrument enclosure at Dublin Airport was moved to an airfield site in 1993.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

John Deasy

Question:

1893 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the grant application for the Blenheim sewerage scheme by Waterford City Council under the rural water programme small schemes; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an estate (details supplied) is in a rural area and was initially part of the Waterford County Council administrative area; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that it would cost each household there approximately €8,333 to connect the estate to the Waterford main drainage scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2588/07]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

1902 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the proposals he has to provide funding to Waterford City Council to extend the current main sewerage scheme to the Blenheim Heights Estate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2940/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1893 and 1902 together.

Proposed sewerage works in Blenheim are ranked 4th of six sewerage schemes included in the list of schemes submitted by Waterford City Council in response to my Department's request to all local authorities last year to undertake fresh assessments of the needs for capital works in their areas and to prioritise their proposals on the basis of the assessments.

The priorities adopted by the members of Waterford City Council will be taken into account in the framing of the next phase of my Department's Water Services Investment Programme.

The operation of the Rural Water Programme is confined to the administrative areas of county councils and, consequently, this form of Programme funding is not available to urban authorities.

Architectural Heritage.

Michael Ring

Question:

1894 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when funding will be made available for a project (details supplied) in County Mayo in order that the substantial works needed can be completed. [2607/07]

The Heritage Council requested special funding from my Department in 2004 to permit them to grant assist emergency repairs to the roof of this property which has the status of a demesne of national importance. Total grant assistance of €1,149.000 has been allocated over the past three years, with the final tranche to be drawn down shortly, (upon certification of completion of work scheduled for 2006). In addition, the project has also received special payments totalling €44,500 over this period from the Heritage Council towards a conservation report and for architect's fees.

The Heritage Council has estimated that completion of the roofing works will cost a further €1m in 2007 and grant assistance for the entire amount is being sought. This proposal was recently received in my Department and is being considered. The Heritage Council is in consultation with the owners of the property regarding other conservation work which is required and to ensure that adequate provision is made to protect the structure for the future.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

1895 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to sewerage schemes in Derrybeg Bunbeg, Killybegs and Bundoran in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2675/07]

The Gweedore Sewerage Scheme, which will serve Dore, Bunbeg and Derrybeg, and the Killybegs and Bundoran Sewerage Schemes are approved for funding under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007.

My Department is awaiting confirmation from Donegal County Council that land and wayleave acquisition has been completed to facilitate consideration of the Council's Tender Documents for the Gweedore scheme. I approved the Council's Preliminary Report for the Killybegs Scheme in November 2006. The Preliminary Report for the Bundoran Scheme is under examination in my Department and is being dealt with as quickly as possible.

Michael Ring

Question:

1896 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans in place to upgrade a sewerage system (details supplied) in County Mayo. [2729/07]

The Newport Sewerage Scheme is approved for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 under the Rural Towns and Villages Initiative.

My Department is awaiting submission of Mayo County Council's revised Preliminary Report for the scheme.

Special Areas of Conservation.

Liz McManus

Question:

1897 Ms McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he will take, in view of the fact that motorcyclists with specially adapted vehicles and quads have caused irreparable damage to the fragile environment due to their persistent riding of these machines on hills (details supplied), to stop this vandalism and to repair the damage to these special areas of conservation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2831/07]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 433 of 22 November 2006.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Seán Ryan

Question:

1898 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the shared ownership affordable housing scheme accommodates a first time buyer who is a native of this country, works in England and who wishes to return to the country providing they meet the age, income and other general criteria of the scheme. [2888/07]

The administration of the Shared Ownership Scheme in individual cases is a matter for each local authority, which must assess such applications on their merits having regard to the relevant eligibility criteria. These do not exclude applications from emigrants returning to this country.

Local Authority Housing.

Michael Ring

Question:

1899 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the applications received from Mayo County Council in relation to a project (details supplied) in County Mayo; the date each application was submitted on; the funding provided for each application; the estimated cost of each application; the number of houses affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2897/07]

The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Local Authority Staff.

Michael Ring

Question:

1900 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the breakdown by county of the amount each person was paid under the scheme of performance related awards for managers, assistant managers and directors of services annually from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2898/07]

The Committee for Performance Awards in the Local Government Sector was established to deal with the assessment of performance awards for senior managers in local authorities. The Committee's mandate is to make an independent determination/scrutiny of awards in accordance with a scheme formulated by my Department with the approval of the Department of Finance and which is consistent with principles recommended by Report No. 38 of the Review Body on Remuneration in the Public Sector.

The Committee's reports for 2003, 2004 and 2005, which are available in the Oireachtas Library, include details of the distribution of awards as a percentage of pay, the range of monetary value of awards and the number of recipients. The Committee's 2005 report includes details of total awards and number of participants by local authority.

In accordance with advice provided by the Information Commissioner in relation to the corresponding civil service scheme, information naming officials and individual amounts paid to them is deemed a personal record and consequently is not made publicly available.

Local Authority Charges.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

1901 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether there is an anomaly in that pensioners and others who would normally be entitled to either total or partial waiver in respect of refuse charges are unable to obtain same where the local authority has contracted out the collection system or an area is only covered by a private operator; and if he will arrange to amend the regulations in order that this anomaly can be removed. [2906/07]

Waste management services have traditionally been provided at a local level, with individual arrangements being locally determined and tailored to local circumstances. The present legal framework, as determined by the Oireachtas, reflects this. In accordance with section 52 of the Protection of the Environment Act 2003, the determination of waste management charges, and any associated waiver scheme, is a matter for the relevant local authority, where it acts as the service provider. Similarly, where a private operator provides the collection service, it is a matter for that operator to determine charges. I have asked local authorities to engage with commercial waste collectors to agree on arrangements to assist lower-income households by offering alternative payment methods to an annual lump-sum.

I have also recently published a consultation paper on the possible economic regulation of the waste sector. Submissions have been invited on whether there is a need for a regulator for the sector, on what model of regulator might be most appropriate and on what powers any such regulator should be given. Among the possible powers discussed in the paper is the power to impose a public service obligation which might facilitate the provision of a waste collection service to households where there is a geographical or financial barrier to service provision. When I have considered submissions in response to the consultation I will determine what policy proposals to take forward.

Question No. 1902 answered with Question No. 1893.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Shane McEntee

Question:

1903 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the report of a technical working group representing his Department, Meath and Louth County Council and Drogheda Borough Council examining water services in east and south Meath is complete; if the groups recommendations will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2948/07]

I understand that the Technical Working Group has very recently completed its work and that a report on its findings will be circulated to all relevant parties.

Planning Issues.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1904 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has implemented in full Planning and Development Regulations 2005 S.I. No. 364 of 2005; the conditions under which persons will be required to seek planning permission to facilitate turf cutting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2962/07]

The Planning and Development Regulations 2005 were commenced in full on 14 July 2005.

The Planning and Development Regulations 2001 provided an exemption for peat extraction from the requirement to obtain planning permission or to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) where the extraction occurred in a new or extended area of less than 10 hectares, or in a new or extended area of 10 hectares or more, where the drainage of the bogland commenced prior to the coming into force of these Regulations.

These provisions were amended by the Planning and Development Regulations 2005 to provide that where an exempted development was likely to have significant effects on the environment by reference to criteria set out in the EIA Directive, an Environmental Impact Assessment must be carried out.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1905 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he expects work to commence on the upper Liffey Valley sewerage scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2989/07]

The Upper Liffey Valley Sewerage Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 as a scheme to commence construction in 2007.

Last December I approved Kildare County Council's Preliminary Report for the expansion of the wastewater treatment plant at Osberstown; the Council may now prepare contract documents for this element of the scheme. The Council's Preliminary Report for the collection networks in Clane, Johnstown, Kilcullen, Kill, Naas, Newbridge, Prosperous and Sallins is under examination in my Department and is being dealt with as quickly as possible.

Local Authority Funding.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1906 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount allocated to each local authority under the local government fund in each of the years 2002 to 2007. [2990/07]

The general purpose grants from the Local Government Fund to local authorities for the years 2002-2007 are set out in the following table.

L.G.F. General Purpose Allocation 2002-2007

Local Authority

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Carlow County Council

7,727,102

8,550,012

9,728,045

10,682,438

11,791,970

12,536,458

Cavan County Council

11,704,245

12,763,044

15,140,507

16,821,425

18,075,814

19,526,749

Clare County Council

9,524,638

11,389,001

13,119,878

13,831,947

14,741,484

15,672,190

Cork County Council

36,503,870

40,885,788

45,568,050

49,050,276

51,554,596

54,809,504

Donegal County Council

24,197,831

27,501,531

32,298,892

35,713,379

38,547,272

41,556,957

Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council

27,889,622

29,105,207

32,523,127

35,043,452

37,109,051

39,451,937

Fingal County Council

23,067,650

24,054,842

26,968,845

28,844,494

30,317,184

32,231,264

Galway County Council

23,788,328

26,308,990

29,413,192

32,616,878

35,296,907

38,490,666

Kerry County Council

17,025,044

18,851,104

21,515,805

23,399,482

25,497,932

27,600,743

Kildare County Council

15,303,344

16,541,890

19,507,617

21,799,170

23,893,115

26,476,801

Kilkenny County Council

12,672,851

13,852,731

16,247,569

17,878,074

19,226,389

20,827,594

Laois County Council

11,363,361

12,345,838

14,627,815

15,968,328

17,019,082

18,336,335

Leitrim County Council

9,498,936

10,486,848

11,875,969

13,063,981

14,168,597

15,465,369

Limerick County Council

16,466,828

18,548,018

20,810,886

22,513,686

24,160,987

26,101,406

Longford County Council

8,637,773

9,673,977

11,266,561

12,508,061

13,296,084

14,657,063

Louth County Council

8,286,979

9,464,262

10,739,283

11,496,518

12,083,486

13,390,136

Mayo County Council

22,136,892

25,330,464

29,752,341

32,568,821

35,170,634

38,012,273

Meath County Council

17,715,578

18,532,580

21,849,991

23,776,226

26,089,431

28,583,173

Monaghan County Council

9,441,027

10,492,148

11,880,507

13,287,104

14,363,459

15,718,151

North Tipperary County Council

11,773,642

12,742,525

15,073,723

16,453,791

17,775,415

19,357,349

Offaly County Council

9,398,295

10,371,348

12,287,077

13,965,967

14,662,707

16,230,539

Roscommon County Council

15,188,170

15,832,438

17,802,907

19,318,766

20,646,920

22,198,317

Sligo County Council

11,293,523

12,050,669

13,910,355

15,161,087

16,617,403

17,723,150

South Dublin County Council

18,652,158

19,498,244

21,870,507

23,442,061

24,638,923

26,194,505

South Tipperary County Council

14,282,421

15,729,880

18,176,993

19,813,401

21,643,602

23,696,915

Waterford County Council

13,319,771

15,342,673

17,556,648

18,900,701

20,618,871

22,848,496

Westmeath County Council

12,428,512

14,592,028

16,598,009

18,088,035

19,562,134

21,387,695

Wexford County Council

13,295,995

15,021,831

16,899,923

19,026,652

20,163,308

22,172,296

Wicklow County Council

12,296,360

13,954,952

15,717,095

17,437,258

18,791,404

20,311,251

Cork City Council

17,525,439

18,326,457

20,571,177

22,070,779

24,267,960

26,892,180

Dublin City Council

57,409,551

73,385,905

81,537,355

86,806,479

93,847,042

100,310,537

Galway City Council

6,420,782

6,777,613

7,765,314

8,306,487

8,765,669

9,357,649

Limerick City Council

7,619,444

8,498,080

9,670,037

10,401,855

11,025,361

11,721,449

Waterford City Council

5,406,076

6,105,503

7,017,618

7,538,868

8,030,490

8,537,496

Clonmel Borough Council

2,269,576

2,421,693

2,817,955

3,026,749

3,246,558

3,454,446

Drogheda Borough Council

3,722,263

3,603,075

4,025,247

4,305,655

4,525,485

4,947,336

Kilkenny Borough Council

1,377,642

1,442,748

1,665,800

1,791,342

1,882,801

2,001,672

Sligo Borough Council

2,298,982

2,400,941

2,692,269

2,896,281

3,137,649

3,335,745

Wexford Borough Council

1,563,233

1,823,350

2,051,811

2,208,137

2,320,876

2,467,405

Arklow Town Council

1,112,004

1,166,484

1,313,449

1,404,822

1,539,764

1,706,267

Athlone Town Council

1,382,775

1,448,086

1,625,701

1,751,512

1,911,434

2,032,113

Athy Town Council

425,786

503,912

608,994

651,493

714,073

777,620

Ballina Town Council

954,232

1,116,909

1,325,492

1,415,439

1,529,354

1,676,625

Ballinasloe Town Council

622,481

657,380

767,615

823,783

902,912

963,718

Birr Town Council

489,878

578,258

682,765

732,175

787,852

846,550

Bray Town Council

3,301,399

3,474,089

3,872,222

4,163,243

4,375,802

4,778,238

Buncrana Town Council

656,785

693,056

788,491

845,720

888,899

945,020

Bundoran Town Council

433,667

461,014

531,192

571,006

600,159

638,050

Carlow Town Council

1,354,267

1,418,438

1,592,826

1,704,188

1,822,194

1,937,239

Carrickmacross Town Council

359,740

421,203

487,049

530,247

572,465

628,815

Carrick-on-Suir Town Council

763,946

805,527

913,204

997,256

1,093,049

1,211,246

Cashel Town Council

460,020

488,421

567,942

609,661

668,223

717,796

Castlebar Town Council

775,867

816,902

925,816

985,490

1,035,805

1,101,201

Castleblaney Town Council

285,462

341,136

418,735

451,925

479,048

510,858

Cavan Town Council

598,736

632,685

759,510

816,951

858,661

912,873

Clonakilty Town Council

444,449

472,227

543,626

592,585

622,840

662,163

Clones Town Council

367,283

391,974

454,638

499,544

547,528

606,735

Cobh Town Council

918,659

965,405

1,090,484

1,171,706

1,231,529

1,327,858

Dundalk Town Council

4,172,913

4,138,586

4,609,045

4,947,412

5,235,951

5,599,979

Dungarvan Town Council

765,637

806,262

914,019

985,620

1,035,942

1,101,346

Ennis Town Council

1,657,136

1,932,278

2,162,594

2,311,619

2,429,641

2,583,037

Enniscorthy Town Council

907,640

965,667

1,090,773

1,172,357

1,232,213

1,310,009

Fermoy Town Council

569,464

628,253

754,330

810,242

861,728

916,133

Kells Town Council

322,291

374,777

435,569

465,921

492,876

527,987

Killarney Town Council

1,221,266

1,329,029

1,573,427

1,679,917

1,785,532

1,942,242

Kilrush Town Council

407,641

455,517

536,551

585,584

620,096

675,554

Kinsale Town Council

294,376

316,151

370,562

396,511

418,957

445,408

Letterkenny Town Council

858,624

902,969

1,021,252

1,098,543

1,174,987

1,249,170

Listowel Town Council

560,208

592,616

677,119

726,879

780,150

841,180

Longford Town Council

918,833

965,586

1,090,684

1,171,116

1,230,909

1,308,623

Macroom Town Council

372,429

442,018

536,650

574,137

617,174

656,139

Mallow Town Council

694,561

815,691

973,415

1,048,414

1,105,565

1,175,365

Midleton Town Council

364,232

388,801

451,120

509,574

566,376

602,134

Monaghan Town Council

879,573

918,660

1,038,651

1,118,222

1,182,079

1,256,710

Naas Town Council

826,340

968,554

1,152,089

1,297,736

1,422,392

1,512,195

Navan Town Council

404,697

430,885

497,784

536,408

573,212

616,374

Nenagh Town Council

801,600

870,607

986,146

1,056,881

1,116,928

1,197,754

New Ross Town Council

661,857

698,331

794,340

904,943

973,173

1,033,315

Skibbereen Town Council

318,755

341,505

398,676

428,360

450,230

478,655

Templemore Town Council

396,553

439,380

507,204

579,703

624,685

688,381

Thurles Town Council

716,680

755,347

857,562

922,598

989,427

1,069,192

Tipperary Town Council

590,438

624,056

711,980

785,111

862,904

917,384

Tralee Town Council

2,482,838

2,592,152

2,894,291

3,108,105

3,275,876

3,482,699

Trim Town Council

403,941

430,099

496,912

536,670

569,104

614,994

Tullamore Town Council

964,947

1,039,534

1,172,681

1,254,885

1,318,955

1,402,227

Westport Town Council

635,116

670,521

763,503

816,087

857,753

911,907

Wicklow Town Council

1,180,573

1,257,638

1,414,524

1,516,377

1,634,559

1,737,757

Youghal Town Council

854,504

898,684

1,016,500

1,098,495

1,158,759

1,231,917

Totals

592,406,833

659,443,488

751,712,404

816,987,264

877,353,776

947,657,949

Local Authority Staff.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1907 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will enter into discussions with the Department of Finance with a view to lifting the public service recruitment embargo in local authorities in the greater Dublin region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2991/07]

I am continuing to keep the overall employment position in the local government sector under regular review, having regard to the need to deliver quality front line services and achieve value for money within the parameters of Government policy on public service employment generally. My Department maintains appropriate contact with the Department of Finance in this matter.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1908 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on allowing works at Leixlip village as part of the recently approved lower Liffey Valley sewerage scheme, to advance ahead of the main works in view of the smell which exists in the village, should a case for same be made by Kildare County Council. [2994/07]

I have recently approved Kildare County Council's contract documents for the collection systems for the Lower Liffey Valley Sewerage Scheme. Subject to no significant adverse effects on the cost or delivery of the overall project, the phasing of any particular element of the project is now within the discretion of the County Council.

Local Government Elections.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1909 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the fact that it is only two and a half years from the next local government elections in 2009, he has concluded his consideration of the issuing of regulations under the Local Government Act 2001 to allow by order the establishment of new town councils. [2995/07]

The Local Government Act 2001 modernises the legislative framework, supports community involvement with local authorities in a more participative local democracy and underpins generally the programme of local government renewal. The 2001 Act also facilitates improved access, interaction, linkages and service provision for all towns and areas with their respective county councils. Local authorities, as part of the local government modernisation programme, have extensive capacity to innovate and adapt to changing circumstances and local demands, including those of economic and population growth.

I am considering the steps necessary to commence the relevant provisions of the 2001 Act in respect of new town councils and I am in discussion with local government interests in this regard, as the opportunities arise. I continue to keep the position under review, while consolidating progress on quality customer service measures, with the aim of ensuring good accessible local government service delivery for all towns.

Question No. 1910 answered with Question No. 1840.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1911 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the number of apartments being offered to local authorities under the affordable housing scheme and as the size of many of these two bedroom apartments is often no more than 650 square feet, he will consider reviewing the claw back scheme in order that purchasers requiring to move to larger accommodation due to changing needs are not prevented from doing so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3061/07]

Units sold to first time buyers under the various affordable housing schemes at a significant discount from market value contain a clawback provision, in order to prevent short-term profit taking on the resale of the house to the detriment of the objectives of the schemes.

While there are no plans at present to alter the terms of the schemes in respect of persons wishing to move to larger accommodation, I am committed to keeping them under review.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1912 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of affordable housing units offered to applicants by each local authority in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3062/07]

The latest information, up to end September 2006, on activity under the various Affordable Housing Schemes is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. Information is also published in my Department's Housing Statistics Bulletins, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1913 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of affordable houses provided by the State in each of the years 2002 to 2007; the number in each of the Dublin local authority areas (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3071/07]

Information on affordable housing activity up to end September 2006 in each local authority area is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. Information is also published in my Department's Housing Statistics Bulletins, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1914 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of occasions, in relation to Part 5 of the Housing Regulations, where instead of building, developers have provided money to local authorities areas (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3072/07]

Information on activity under Part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2006 up to end September 2006, including summary information on payments in lieu of land transfers, is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. Information is also published in my Department's Housing Statistics Bulletins, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library. Detailed information on the number of individual financial transactions finalised is not available in my Department.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1915 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of social houses provided by the State in each of the years 2002 to 2007; the number in each of the Dublin local authority areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3073/07]

The number of social housing dwellings completed and acquired by local authorities, including the four Dublin local authorities, in the years 2002 to 2005 are published in the various Department's Annual Housing Statistics Bulletin and on the Department's website at www.environ.ie. Figures for 2006 to the end of September are available on the Department's website while figures for the full year 2006 are currently been complied by my Department and will be published in due course in the Department's Annual Housing Statistics Bulletin for 2006 and on the Department's website. Under the new National Development Plan there is a commitment to commence or acquire 27,000 dwellings over the period 2007-2009.

National Parks.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1916 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will designate the Liffey Valley as a national park; the protection the area currently enjoys; his plans for the future of the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3074/07]

The Office of Public Works, in association with Dublin City Council and Fingal, Kildare and South Dublin County Councils, commissioned ERM to draw up a strategy for the Liffey Valley. The report, Towards a Liffey Valley Park was published in November 2006 and it is being considered by the implementing authorities concerned.

The report does not recommend the designation of the Liffey Valley as a National Park nor would this be possible at present given that only State lands are comprised in Irish National Parks.

The development plans of the relevant local authorities provide the primary land use protection policies for the Liffey Valley. In addition parts of the Valley are covered by special designations. The area between Chapelizod and Lucan is protected by a Special Area Amenity Order and part of the valley is designated as a proposed Natural Heritage Area (site code 128).

Local Authority Funding.

Michael Ring

Question:

1917 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if funding will be provided for a road (details supplied) in County Mayo when the submission is received from the local authority. [3124/07]

The improvement of non-national roads in County Mayo is a matter for Mayo County Council to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State grants provided by my Department. I announced the 2007 non-national road grant allocations on 18 January 2007. Grants totalling €27,274,625 were allocated to Mayo County Council, representing an increase of 12% on the 2006 initial allocation to the Council.

In 2006, my Department sought applications from local authorities for consideration for funding under the 2007 Specific Improvements Grant scheme. The initial selection of projects under this scheme is a matter for local authorities. Mayo County Council submitted 9 applications, all of which received an allocation in 2007. The Council's submission did not, however, include an application for works on the R312 between Castlebar and Erris.

Mayo County Council may also use the discretionary improvement grant provided by my Department towards the carrying out of such works. In 2007 the discretionary improvement grant allocation to Mayo County Council is €1,651,000, an increase of 3% on the 2006 initial allocation to the Council. The selection of works to be funded from this allocation is a matter for Mayo County Council.

Departmental Staff.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1918 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of persons engaged in project management in his Department that have recognised qualifications in that area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3219/07]

Records in relation to staff who have attended formal training courses in project management are only available in my Department for the last four years. In that period, 39 members of staff received such training. Other staff members who have third level qualifications in areas such as engineering, science, architecture and business would have completed courses on project management as part of their qualifications.

In addition; such staff members are facilitated by my Department in participating in professional development and training activities undertaken by their appropriate professional institutions. Further information in relation to the number of staff members who have recognised project management skills is not readily available at this time. My Department has committed, however, under its Towards 2016 action plan, to undertake a skills audit in the Department in 2007: this audit will inter alia clarify the extent of project management skills in the Department.

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