Written Answers.

Defence Forces Retirement Scheme.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

13 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Defence the plans he has to increase the retirement age of commandants and lieutenant colonels from 56 years of age and 58 years of age to 60 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2771/07]

Eamon Ryan

Question:

29 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Defence if consideration is being given to raising the age of retirement for Army officers to 60; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2931/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 29 together.

There are no immediate plans to extend the retirement age of officers in the Defence Forces. The 2000 White Paper on Defence and the earlier Defence Force Review Implementation Plan both recommended reduction to retirement ages in an effort to address the age profile and fitness of the Defence Forces. The White Paper also envisaged officers attaining senior rank at a younger age.

In addition a key element in military life is the need for personnel to maintain a level of fitness for combat readiness. This requirement must be balanced with the need to retain experience and expertise, particularly at managerial level in the Defence Forces.

I am aware of the recent changes in the retirement age for new recruits to other parts of the public service. I will continue to monitor the operational and other needs of the Defence Forces in this regard and remain mindful of ongoing experiences elsewhere in the public services.

Decentralisation Programme.

Phil Hogan

Question:

14 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the decentralisation of the Civil Defence to Roscrea, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2779/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

An advance party of 12 staff of the Civil Defence Board moved to temporary accommodation in Roscrea in September 2004 in preparation for the relocation of the Headquarters of the Civil Defence Board to their new decentralised location.

The Board's new purpose built Headquarters in Benamore, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary opened in May 2006 and training courses for Civil Defence volunteers commenced at that time.

I had the pleasure of officially opening the new premises on the 12th of September 2006. Now that the decentralisation of the Civil Defence Board has been completed, approximately 25 staff are working in Roscrea. The Roscrea location is included on the Central Applications Facility for those who may have an interest in vacancies arising there in the future.

Question:

276 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which Irish troops have trained alongside EU or NATO troops in preparation for EU battlegroup deployment. [3277/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 15, 34, 38, 257, 259 and 276 together.

Discussions on Ireland's participation in the Nordic Battlegroup are continuing with Sweden, which is the Framework Nation. There have been a number of detailed discussions between Department officials and the Defence Forces with their Swedish counterparts, including technical discussions on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU is an agreement between the participants comprising the Nordic Battlegroup, namely Sweden, Norway, Finland and Estonia, which sets out principles in relation to the operation, deployment and management of the Nordic Battlegroup. Sweden, on behalf of the Nordic Battlegroup, has advised that it will welcome a contribution from Ireland, subject to Ireland's agreement to sign the MoU for the Nordic Battlegroup, without amendment. We are currently finalising the letter of accession to the MoU on the Nordic Battlegroup. Once the letter of accession has been agreed and cleared by the Attorney General's Office, a process which is currently in train, it will be laid before Dáil Éireann. I plan to seek Dáil approval to sign the MoU in the coming weeks.

At this point in time we have agreed in principle the overall shape of our contribution to the Nordic Battlegroup. Our contribution will amount to some 80 to 100 personnel involving an E.O.D./I.E.D.D. team with its own security detail, together with staff posts at the Operational and Force headquarters. E.O.D./I.E.D.D. means Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Improvised Explosive Device Disposal respectively. E.O.D. relates to normal type munitions whereas I.E.D.D. generally refers to devices devised by terrorist groups, such as car bombs etc.

This level of operational commitment will only arise should the Battlegroup be called on to undertake an operation. The number of personnel involved operationally during the standby period, where the Battlegroup has not been mobilised to undertake an operation, will be of the order of 10 personnel. As part of the initial preparatory and familiarisation phase of the Nordic battlegroup, the first member of the Defence Forces to be deployed to the Force Headquarters in Sweden is due to take up duty next month.

Any contribution to a Battlegroup will be met within the context of the overall ceiling of 850 personnel serving overseas at any one time set in the White Paper on Defence and will have no adverse impact on our existing peace support operations.

Most Battlegroup training will take place in the contributing member States — i.e. Irish troops will mainly be trained in Ireland. That said, some level of joint training with other Battlegroup elements will be required. It is planned that joint training of the Nordic Battlegroup elements, including field manoeuvres, will take place in Sweden in September/October 2007 for a period of approximately 3 to 4 weeks. This is the only joint field training envisaged. There are no plans, proposals nor any requirement for field training with NATO troops or troops from other EU countries in the context of our participation in the Nordic Battlegroup. Sweden, on behalf of the other participating States, has also accepted that there will be no joint training exercises in Ireland.

Irrespective of our participation in the Nordic Battlegroup in 2008, possible participation in future Battlegroups with other EU partners is also under active consideration.

Casement Aerodrome.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

16 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Defence the areas of south Dublin under the standard flight path to the east west runway at Casement Aerodrome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2795/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

Aircraft flying the standard instrument approach from the East to Runway 29 at Casement Aerodrome would normally over-fly Dún Laoghaire, Monkstown, Stillorgan, Mount Merrion, Goatstown, Dundrum, Churchtown, Rathfarnham, Willbrook, Templeogue, Tymon North, Kilnamanagh and Belgard.

Defence Forces Recruitment.

Johnny Brady

Question:

17 Mr. J. Brady asked the Minister for Defence the number of existing members of the Permanent Defence Force and Reserve Defence Force who have been commissioned into the officer ranks in the past two years; his plans for the commissioning of serving non-commissioned officers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2838/07]

Phil Hogan

Question:

36 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Defence when an officers course for non-commissioned officers will be held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2781/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 36 together.

Significant progress has been made recently in implementing schemes to enable more commissioning from the ranks.

The revised cadetship competition is now seen as the primary means of commissioning from the ranks. The cadetship competition has been revised to increase the maximum entry age to 28 and to award bonus marks to candidates with previous experience in the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) or Reserve Defence Force (RDF).

Results for the 2005 and 2006 cadetship competitions were encouraging with a total of 28 applicants with military service in the Defence Forces being successful in the 2005 cadetship competition and a further 23 applicants with military service being successful in the 2006 cadetship competition.

In addition, in the past two years, 3 members of the Defence Forces were commissioned as officers from Direct Entry Competitions for appointments as Engineer Officers in the Corps of Engineers and Conductors in the Army School of Music.

Consultations with the representative associations are nearing completion regarding the conditions for an internal Commissioning From the Ranks competition, which it is intended to hold in the near future. This competition will provide an opportunity for enlisted personnel who have passed the cadet entry age to compete for entry on a potential Officers Course and ultimately, a commission. The competition offers the possibility of enhancing the Officer Corps with the skills and expertise of these personnel. The outcome of this competition will inform policy on the issue of similar future competitions.

Naval Service Vessels.

John Deasy

Question:

18 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Defence the replacement programme for the naval patrol vessels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2784/07]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

41 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Defence the details of the €180 million upgrade of the naval fleet recently announced; when he expects the specialist group of senior civil servants and Naval and Army officers to report back with recommendations on the replacement vessels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2929/07]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

269 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Defence the maximum age of a vessel in the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2635/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 18, 41 and 269 together.

In the White Paper on Defence in 2000, the Government decided that the Naval Service would be developed around the provision of an eight-ship flotilla. The Naval Service is currently operating with the recommended eight ships.

As a general guide, the objective would be to replace vessels after approximately 30 years service. On this basis, three vessels LE Emer (which is the oldest having been commissioned in 1978), LE Aoife (commissioned in 1979) and LE Aisling (commissioned in 1980) would be due for replacement in the next 3 to 5 years.

The Government is committed to continuous investment in the equipment needs of the Naval Service to enable it to carry out the roles assigned to it. A vessel replacement strategy for the Naval Service is currently under examination in my Department and I expect proposals will be submitted to me for decision in the coming weeks. Subject to my consideration of the proposals, the programme will begin with the tender process in the first half of this year with the expectation of placing a contract for the first ship in early 2008.

A continuous process of refurbishment combined with a vessel replacement strategy ensures that the operational capability of the Naval Service is maintained at a very high level.

Naval Service.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

19 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Defence his views on whether the Naval Services are underresourced in view of the recent sinking of several fishing trawlers and the worsening of weather conditions off the Irish coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2930/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

I would like to begin by expressing my condolences and sincere sympathy to the families and friends of those who died as a result of the sinking of the Pere Charles and Honeydew II fishing vessels.

The Irish Coast Guard has overall responsibility for the provision of maritime Search and Rescue services within the Irish Search and Rescue Region. The role of the Defence Forces in Search & Rescue involves the provision of service to the civil authorities as and when required. Other organisations, including An Garda Síochána and the Commissioners of Irish Lights, are also involved in the provision of service to the Irish Coast Guard in relation to maritime Search and Rescue.

The Naval Service provided support to the Irish Coast Guard by way of ships and personnel in the recent Search and Rescue/Recovery operations off the Irish coast. Four of the eight Naval Service vessels were tasked with assisting in the search for the missing vessels over the course of the operations, and the Naval Service Diving Section participated in diving operations to locate the Pere Charles until the search operation was discontinued.

I am satisfied that the Naval Service is well equipped to provide assistance to the Coast Guard in search and rescue or recovery as required, and I commend the Naval Service for their unquestionable professionalism and dedication in such difficult situations.

Denis Naughten

Question:

20 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Defence his contingency plans to expand the Naval Service in the event of Ireland’s area of sea shelf responsibility being extended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2769/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

In the White Paper on Defence in 2000, the Government decided that the Naval Service would be developed around the provision of an eight-ship flotilla. The Naval Service operates a fleet of eight ships categorised as follows:

1 × Helicopter Patrol Vessel (HPV)

2 × Large Patrol Vessels (LPV)

3 × Offshore Patrol Vessels(OPV)

2 × Coastal Patrol Vessels (CPV)

The strength of the Naval Service on 31st December 2006, the latest date for which detailed figures are available, as advised by the military authorities was 1,082.

The Government is committed to continuous investment in the equipment needs of the Naval Service to enable it to carry out the roles assigned to it. A vessel replacement strategy for the Naval Service is currently under examination in my Department and I expect proposals will be submitted to me for decision in the coming weeks. Subject to my consideration of the proposals, the programme will begin with the tender process in the first half of this year with the expectation of placing a contract for the first ship in early 2008. I expect two of the ships will be similar to the Roisin class with one larger vessel capable of an extended patrol range.

A continuous process of refurbishment combined with a vessel replacement strategy ensures that the operational capability of the Naval Service is maintained at a very high level.

The current Exclusive Fishery Limits extend to 200 miles offshore and cover an area of 132,000 square miles. The Naval Service currently patrols the entire 200-mile limit and periodically patrols beyond these limits to protect specific fisheries. These patrols are carried out on a regular and frequent basis and are directed to all areas of Irish waters as necessary. The number of Patrol Vessels on patrol in Irish waters at any one time varies between three and seven. The Naval Service is committed to having at least three vessels on patrol within the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone at any one time.

The fleet completes around 1,680 patrol days per annum and, on a daily basis, an average of over four Naval Service vessels are deployed on patrol throughout the year. The Naval Service has met the requirements of its operational tasking to date.

The question of an extension of the area of sea shelf responsibility from its current limits, including the timing of any such change, is primarily a matter for the Department of Foreign Affairs. If this process is successful and Ireland's claim is accepted, it may give rise to some new duties for the Naval Service. This issue will be kept under review with the relevant Departments; namely the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, so as to ensure that the requirements for any additional Naval Service inputs will be factored into the overall planning process in each Department.

Defence Forces Equipment.

John Deasy

Question:

21 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Defence the radar capability of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2786/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The Defence Forces has a radar capability used for national security and Aid to the Civil Power operations.

The main Radar capability of the Defence Forces is the Flycatcher Radar System. This equipment was procured in 2002 from the Dutch Armed Forces. It is used to carry out the Target Acquisition and Fire Control of the Bofors EL70 40mm Air Defence Guns. Each radar unit is capable of controlling 3 Guns and its purpose is to provide an effective defence against airborne threats flying at low and very low level. The system has an operational range of up to 20km.

A crew of two or three operates the system. The complete Radar weighs about 6000 kg and is carried on a two- axle trailer. There are eight (8) of these radars in service with the Defence Forces. The system is normally deployed for VIP visits, transits and summits.

The other main radar capability is the Giraffe G40 Radar; the Defence Forces have one system in service. This equipment was procured new from Ericssons of Sweden in 1986. It is used to exercise command and control over RBS 70 Surface to Air Missile Firing Units when deployed. It has an operational surveillance range of up to 40km and an altitude ceiling of 15kms. It can be used to exercise command and control on up to 9 RBS 70 missile Firing Units.

The Equipment has a crew of 4 (Commander, Radar Operator, and two operators), and is mounted on a 6X6 MAN Truck. It is deployed regularly for VIP Visits/Transits and summits.

The Defence Forces also operate the AMSTAR Ground Surveillance Radar. This is a man portable system used mainly by Artillery Observers for target acquisition and tracking. It is capable of detecting vehicles depending on type at ranges of 12 –35 KM, Helicopters at ranges of 10 –18 KM and Infantry at 7-12 KM. It has been deployed on Peace Support Operations in UNMIL. There are eight (8) of these radars in service with the Defence Forces.

The radar assets available to the Defence Forces are related to the level of threat and are considered by the military authorities to be appropriate and adequate in this regard.

Overseas Missions.

Dan Boyle

Question:

22 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Defence the number of medical personnel, including dentists, serving overseas with Irish soldiers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2925/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The number of military medical personnel, including dentists, serving overseas on 29th January 2007, as advised by the military authorities, is provided in the form of a Tabular Statement, which I proposed to circulate with the Official Report.

Medical personnel serving overseas with Irish soldiers at 29th January 2007

Mission	Doctors	Medics	Dentists
UNIFIL	1	4	Nil
UNMIL	2	11	Nil
KFOR	Nil	3	Nil
UFOR	Nil	1	Nil
Total	3	19	Nil

The provision of medical, dental and pharmaceutical support to the Defence Forces in the execution of their Roles as assigned by Government is co-ordinated by the Medical Corps of the Defence Forces. Military medical services and their facilities exist to maintain the health of the Defence Forces and to support them in operational and overseas activities.

Ensuring that the medical needs of Irish troops are fully catered for is an important element of the planning in all overseas missions. This planning is typically done in conjunction with other participating contingents with a view to ensuring access to the appropriate Level 1 treatment facilities as well as surgical facilities. In addition, both pre and post deployment testing is routinely conducted so as to alleviate concerns regarding health issues. Troops are fully immunised against known disease risks. In addition, the Defence Forces deploy their own sanitation and water purification plant as necessary.

Defence Forces Training.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

23 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Defence the reason two members of the Army, as reported in a publication (details supplied) attended a three week All-arms Tactical Targeting Course conducted by the British army in Wiltshire, England; the purpose of the course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2934/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The Defence Forces are required to maintain the highest standards in preparation for meeting the roles assigned to them by Government, including participation in multinational peace support operations.

The Royal School of Artillery runs an All Arms Tactical Targeting (AATT) Course at its training camp in Larkhill, Wiltshire. Two junior officers from the Permanent Defence Force were students on a recent AATT Course there. Both officers serve in artillery roles.

The AATT Course offers students of different nationalities, various ranks and varying experience, the opportunity to learn the targeting process to the point where they would be competent members of a Brigade Headquarters targeting cell. The majority of students have a background in artillery.

This course has offered the Defence Forces exposure to the most up-to-date information available in targeting and also the experience of exercising with contemporary operating procedures.

Departmental Reports.

Pat Carey

Question:

24 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Defence if he will conduct further reviews of the implementation in the Defence Forces of the 2002 The Challenge of a Workplace report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2790/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The Defence Forces and the Department have taken a wide variety of initiatives and have devoted extensive resources to this issue, since Dr Eileen Doyle and the External Advisory Committee presented their original report "The Challenge of a Workplace" in March 2002. This independent report addressed the entire range of interpersonal issues within the Defence Forces. Its contents and recommendations were accepted in full.

An Independent Monitoring Group was established in May 2002 to oversee the implementation of the recommendations of the original Doyle Report. The Independent Monitoring Group's own progress report, "Response to the Challenge of a Workplace", which was launched by my predecessor on 24 September, 2004, is available on the Defence Forces website and describes in detail the very significant progress achieved since the publication of the original Doyle Report in 2002.

The ongoing implementation of the recommendations of the Doyle report has been one of the highest priorities for the Defence Forces and the Department since its publication. Policies on equality, dignity and bullying are being constantly communicated to all ranks. I am satisfied that the military authorities are alert and vigilant to this issue and are committed to addressing the matter in a continuing and proactive manner through educational modules on interpersonal relationships which are now embedded in career courses for all ranks.

It is reiterated that bullying is not training for anything. It has always been acknowledged that addressing issues within the realms of interpersonal conduct is a long-term task. However, with substantial and vigorous leadership, there is every confidence that the proper environment will be maintained throughout the Defence Forces. The correct ethos is being incorporated in training at all levels and the resources necessary to assist personnel in tackling difficulties where they may arise are being maintained.

The following steps have been taken:

Firm guiding principles have been set out in the Defence Forces Dignity in the Workplace Charter

A major educational awareness programme is ongoing throughout the Defence Forces.

A new Administrative Instruction on Interpersonal Relationships was introduced in March 2003. The Instruction and a users guide were distributed to every member of the Defence Forces.

Some 232 Designated Contact Persons (DCPs) have been fully trained and are deployed throughout all Defence Forces posts and barracks, both countrywide and overseas. The DCPs will facilitate the operation of the formal and informal procedures that may be used by any party wishing to institute a complaint.

An independent external confidential "Free Phone" Helpline and Counselling Service was set up for members of the Permanent Defence Force in March 2003.

An independent pilot project of Exit Interviews seeking the experiences and views of outgoing members of the Permanent Defence Force was conducted.

Leadership training has been given by external experts and has been the subject of NCO focus groups with an emphasis on "training the trainers"

Changes in Cadet School Instruction have been initiated and issues concerning the ranking, selection and training for Cadet School instructors are being addressed.

Defence Force Regulations, Administrative Instructions, policies and procedures have been reviewed by an Equality Steering Group under a Labour Court chairperson.

An officer within the Defence Forces Human Resources Management Section has been assigned responsibility for Equality matters

A Training Circular entitled "Military Code of Conduct for Students and Instructors in all Training Environments" was issued in 2004 and was followed by an extensive series of associated workshops for all relevant personnel.

In addition, the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces has been appointed, and her Office is now well established and functioning.

The Independent Monitoring Group recommended that a professional review of progress within the Defence Forces should take place in 2007 and that it should be published. My Department is currently preparing to initiate this review.

Overseas Missions.

John Gormley

Question:

25 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Defence the impact of the recent election results in Serbia on KFOR and Irish participation as the framework nation for KFOR until August 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2924/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

KFOR was established in June 1999 to support the maintenance of civil law and order within Kosovo, so as to develop a climate of safety and security, which will enable the transfer of increased responsibility to the civil authorities.

Ireland has participated in the KFOR since August 1999. The Irish contingent currently comprises an APC Mounted Infantry Group of some 215 personnel including a number of personnel in staff posts at various KFOR Headquarters.

A reorganisation and downsizing of the forces in KFOR, including the Irish contingent, was planned and had partly commenced when civil disturbances broke out in March 2004 in Kosovo. That downsizing was deferred to allow the situation to settle, this remains the current situation. Having regard to the fragility of the peace in Kosovo and subject to ongoing assessments of the situation on the ground, Ireland has decided to maintain a continued presence in KFOR in 2007/2008.

In September 2006, the Government agreed to the Defence Forces undertaking an additional responsibility as Framework Nation for the Multinational Task Force Centre (MNTF (C)) in KFOR from August 2007. This will be a new development for the Defence Forces as we have never before commanded a brigade size force in multinational PfP-led peace support operation. Undertaking this new responsibility will contribute significantly to the development of the Defence Forces, improving its capabilities and heightening its profile as a professional and well-organised force within the international peacekeeping community.

As the Deputy will be aware, parliamentary elections took place in Serbia on 21 January last. In Kosovo, participation in these elections was confined to the Serbian community (approx. 5% of the population). Following the elections, in which no single party obtained an overall majority of seats, political negotiations are under way on the formation of a new coalition Government in Serbia. These negotiations are anticipated to last for a period of up to 90 days. It is not expected that either the election results or this negotiation process will have any particular impact on KFOR or on the Irish participation in KFOR. KFOR's mandate will continue as before until amended or withdrawn by the UN Security Council in the context of decisions on the future status of Kosovo, which are expected in the first half of this year.

Defence Forces Reserve.

Denis Naughten

Question:

26 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Defence when he expects that members of the Reserve Defence Forces will be permitted to serve overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2767/07]

Martin Brady

Question:

61 Mr. M. Brady asked the Minister for Defence when, in the context of the Reserve Defence Force review implementation process, he anticipates that reserve force personnel may be selected for overseas duties; the categories or reserve personnel that may be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2791/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 61 together.

The White Paper on Defence outlines the blue print for a new Reserve Defence Force. An Implementation Plan has been developed that will ensure the realisation of the White Paper vision and this will be rolled out over the period to end 2009. The new Reserve will have a clearly defined role, an enhanced relationship with the PDF, better equipment and training and opportunities to serve on overseas peace support missions.

The Reserve has already seen significant improvements in terms of clothing, equipment, training and resourcing. It is now organised along similar lines to the PDF and the introduction of the integrated element of the Reserve is currently being addressed. All of these changes will enhance the capabilities of the Reserve as well as improving interoperability with the PDF. These factors are significant enablers in facilitating any future participation by Reserve personnel in overseas missions.

An important change recommended by the study of the reserve is that members of the Army reserve and Naval Service Reserve should be considered for participation in overseas peace support missions. While there are no immediate plans for participation by members of the Reserve in overseas missions, policies to support the selection of suitably qualified personnel for overseas duties will be developed over the lifetime of the Implementation Plan, over the period to the end of 2009. In other countries, service by Reservists on overseas peace support missions is quite common, although as specified in the Plan, any such participation by members of the Reserve is likely to be in specialised areas such as medical, transport, engineering and communications and information services. This will also be subject to personnel having suitable qualifications, their personal availability and appropriate advance training.

Development of policies to support the selection of suitably qualified Reserve personnel for overseas duties will include consideration of the impact of overseas duties on the employment of Reserve personnel. The question of legislation will also be considered in this context.

National Emergency Plan.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

27 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Defence if he will continue the programme of major simulated exercises of the Task Force on Emergency Planning; when the next major simulated exercise is due to be run; the scenario that will be simulated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2796/07]

Pat Carey

Question:

64 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Defence when the public information campaign on emergency planning is expected to commence; the reasons the campaign is being undertaken; the research on which it is based; the nature and extent of the campaign; the number of simulated exercises that have taken place in 2005 and 2006; the plans for further simulated exercises in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2789/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 64 together.

As chairman of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, I have stressed, on many occasions, the importance that I attach to departments and key public authorities having structured exercise programmes in place.

I believe that the development of these programmes is essential in order to refine and develop the arrangements that exist, to improve them through review and revision, and to generally provide the basis for an increased confidence in the emergency planning process. The Deputy will be aware that specific responsibility for emergency planning functions remains with the relevant lead government department and it is a matter for each department to implement its own structured exercise programme.

It is intended that structured exercises will play a part in the public information and awareness campaign on emergency planning which is to get underway in the near future. The campaign, which was approved by Government in October 2006, is being undertaken to raise public awareness of the ongoing work on emergency planning being undertaken by government departments and public authorities. The campaign will also advise the public that they too have a responsibility to make preparations and take some precautions.

Following consultation with government departments and key public authorities involved in emergency planning, I decided, in late 2005, to initiate a market research programme into public attitudes and awareness of emergency planning in Ireland. The results of this research found that public awareness of emergency planning issues is low.

Based on the results of this market research, a communications company was commissioned to devise a strategy on the approach to be taken by Government for implementation of the campaign. A request for tenders in respect of advertising and PR services for the campaign was issued in November 2006 through the EU Journal. Tenders have been received and are being examined by my Department at present.

Defence Forces Reserve.

Martin Brady

Question:

28 Mr. M. Brady asked the Minister for Defence the payments and allowances paid to members of the Reserve Defence Force; the number of persons who joined the Reserve Defence Forces in 2005 and 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2792/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The payments and allowances paid to members of the Reserve Defence Force are as follows:

Reservists of the First Line Reserve, who are former members of the Permanent Defence Force, are paid an annual gratuity.

Reservists of the Second Line Reserve, during attendance on training, are paid:

Basic pay for Second Line Reservists, being the 1st point of the pay scale for the equivalent rank in the PDF;

Naval Allowance in the Naval Service Reserve;

Patrol Duty Allowance in the Naval Service Reserve;

Security Duty allowances, where applicable;

Initial and replacement Uniform Allowances;

Children's Allowance to personnel enlisted pre-1st January 1979;

Technical pay to designated personnel;

Annual Gratuity, subject to meeting certain attendance criteria.

The total pay and allowances expenditure for Second Line Reservists, and the total expenditure for annual gratuities to First Line Reservists, in 2005 and 2006 came to €7,843,907 and €7,979,624, respectively. These figures do not include non-payroll items such as Unit Fund Grants, mileage, etc.

The numbers that enlisted in the Second Line Reserve in 2005 and 2006 were 1,087 and 1,144, respectively.

Question No. 29 answered with QuestionNo. 13.

Defence Forces Recruitment.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

30 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence his views on setting a world standard by introducing a legislative restriction explicitly guaranteeing that children under the age of 18 will not participate in hostilities, become a target of attack or be sent to serve abroad as part of the Defence Forces under any circumstances. [2954/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

I do not intend to raise the minimum age for recruitment to either the Permanent Defence Force or to the Reserve Defence Forces to a minimum of 18 years of age.

The Deputy's question may refer to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict, which was adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations in May 2000.

Ireland signed the Optional Protocol to the Convention on 7 September 2000 and ratified the instrument on 18 November 2002. The text of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict is available on the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs (www.dfa.ie). The position is that Ireland is, in fact, fully compliant with the Optional Protocol.

With reference to the terms of the Optional Protocol, the particular matters for which I have direct Ministerial responsibility relate to the recruitment to, and the deployment within, the Defence Forces of persons who are under 18 years of age. The position with regard to the recruitment and deployment of persons under 18 years of age within the Defence Forces is briefly as follows.

PDF Service Overseas

All military personnel who are under 18 years of age are specifically precluded from any service abroad under the terms of the policy of the Defence Forces, as enunciated in Defence Forces Administrative Instructions.

PDF Service at Home

As general service enlistment is immediately followed by a basic training period of several months, before the recruit is ‘passed out' as an active member of the Permanent Defence Force and therefore liable to the normal range of military duties, the possibility of a 17 year old soldier being exposed to a ‘hostile' incident on duty at home is, in reality, quite small.

Service in the Reserve Defence Force (RDF)

As regards the Reserve Defence Force, there are about 350 or so serving members of the Reserve Defence Force aged 17. Members of the Reserve are not accepted as being trained to the minimum standard required for Reserve operations until they have completed their ‘Three Star Private' Course which is conducted in the second year of service. Therefore, as 17 is the minimum age for RDF entry, Reserve entrants are not eligible for Reserve operations until they are at least of age 18. Members of the Reserve are precluded from ‘Aid to Civil Power' operations within the State. Similarly, members of the Reserve cannot serve overseas.

Minimum Age of Recruitment to both PDF and RDF

Under Defence Forces Regulations and Administrative Instructions, the minimum age for ‘general service enlistment' to all branches of the Defence Forces is 17 years of age. This is also the minimum age of entry for cadets who enter the Permanent Defence Force to undergo a structured intense programme of training of more than 12 months duration which leads to the award of a Commission as a junior Officer.

There is one exception to the legal minimum age of 17 provided for in military Regulations. These Regulations currently permit the recruitment of trade ‘apprentices' for the PDF specifically as trade apprentices from the age of 16 onwards. Such ‘apprentice' entrants are assigned to special technological courses of training and study lasting for 3-4 years, both within military colleges and at civilian colleges. Any apprentice recruit aged 16 at entry would be 19-20 by the time they qualified in their technical/ technological specialty. Apprentices are not assigned to any military duties at all until they have fully completed their specialist technical/technological training. In recent years, in any event, the actual administrative practice has been to set the minimum entry age for PDF apprentice entrants at the same level as General Service Enlistment i.e. a minimum age of 17 years at entry.

Defence Forces Equipment.

John Curran

Question:

31 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Defence the changes made to the clothing, equipment, personal body armour and protective gear made available to individual members of the Defence Forces over the past few years; the way the equipment compares with that available to troops in other armies across the EU. [2793/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces continues to be a key focus for me as Minister for Defence. Significant investment has taken place in recent years throughout all facets of the Defence Forces and I will continue the good work in that regard.

In recent years a particular focus of the investment has been on equipment for the individual soldier. In this regard the introduction of the DPM Uniform with the provision of a full outfit of matching clothing for the individual soldier was a significant milestone for the Defence Forces. The introduction of these new uniforms has proved both practical and economical and has been an asset to the Defence Forces in their many operations.

In addition significant work has been carried out in recent years on the acquisition of an Integrated Protection and Load Carrying System for individual soldiers. This system includes Body Armour, Helmets, Back Packs (Rucksacks) and Battle Vests. The position with regard to the acquisition of these items is as follows:

8000 units of body armour for the individual soldier on operational duties have been delivered. The new body armour provides significantly greater protection, comfort and coverage than the old model as well as a doubling of the range of sizes available. The total value of the order was in the region of €8m.

12,000 helmets have been delivered. The value of the order was circa. €2.5m.

12,000 rucksacks have been ordered at a total cost of €3m, delivery will take place in 2007.

To complete the modern integrated protection and load carrying system, one other competition is currently in train for the acquisition of 12,000 Battle Vests used for the carriage by the individual soldier of essential items such as ammunition, personal radio, water and ancillary equipment. An order will be placed later this year for these items.

The personal equipment which the individual soldier in the Defence Forces has at his/her disposal for operational use both at home and overseas is second to none and compares very favourably with the equipment in use by other Countries. I will continue the ongoing investment in equipment for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service to ensure that the most modern and up to date equipment is available for Defence Force's personnel.

Defence Forces Recruitment.

Eamon Ryan

Question:

32 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Defence when the expected report on the way to encourage women to join the Defence Forces will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2932/07]

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

55 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Defence the way he proposes to recruit more women into the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2804/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 55 together.

The Deputy knows, I am keen to increase the number of women applying to join our Defence Forces. To facilitate this, I have, with effect from 1st September 2006, reduced the minimum height requirement for entry into both the Permanent Defence Force and the Reserve Defence Force from 162.56cm (5'4") to 157.48cm (5'2").

This change, which applies to both males and females, has the effect of increasing the annual recruitment pool of females from 60% to 90% and males from 97% to 98%. It is too early to gauge whether there has been a corresponding increase in the number of female applicants to the Defence Forces. However, I will closely monitor the situation over the coming months.

I must point out that height is not the only issue in encouraging more women to apply to join the Defence Forces and I have recently initiated more general research in this area. To this end, following a tendering process, TNS MRBI, an independent market research company was awarded the contract to undertake research into the issue of recruitment and retention of women in the Defence Forces. The market research included interviews with currently serving female members of both the Permanent Defence Force and the Reserve Defence Force and members of the general public. I understand that the research phase has been completed and that the report is being finalised. As I have previously stated the results of this market research will be used to inform the formation of policy and practice in this area for the future. I anticipate that the finalised report will be available shortly.

I must emphasise that the Government is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women in the Defence Forces (Army, Air Corps, Naval Service) including the Reserve Defence Force, and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities.

In effect, this means that women are eligible, on the same basis as men, for participation in operational and ceremonial activities, for assignment to all military appointments and educational and training courses and for promotion. All female personnel undergo the same training and receive the same military education as their male counterparts.

Search and Rescue Services.

Paul McGrath

Question:

33 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence if he will tender for the search and rescue facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2775/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The Irish Coast Guard has overall responsibility for the provision of maritime Search and Rescue services within the Irish Search and Rescue region. The Defence Forces are committed to providing support to the civil authorities specifically in relation to search and rescue. In this regard, the Naval Service and Air Corps provide support to the Coast Guard as the need arises and within their available capability.

The Air Corps had been providing Search and Rescue (SAR) services in the North West but withdrew in October 2004 following a handover of this role to CHCI, a private operator, which also provides the service at the country's other SAR bases at Dublin, Shannon and Waterford.

There is no plan to reconsider the decision to withdraw the Air Corps from the maritime search and rescue service.

Question No. 34 answered with QuestionNo. 15.

Defence Forces Property.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

35 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Defence the plans he has to extend the naval base at Haulbowline, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2778/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

Haulbowline Island comprises 84 acres approximately. The property is vested in the Minister for Finance. The Naval Service currently occupies c. 40 acres and these lands are administered by my Department. The balance of the Island lands which were formerly under Lease to Irish Ispat (previously Irish Steel) are under the administration of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government arising from the liquidation of that company.

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has lead responsibility for the remediation of the Ispat site and my Department has signalled Naval Service interest in the future use of the site to that Department. The Naval Service interest in the site relates primarily to meeting the additional berthage needs of the expanding naval fleet. The Naval Service has also expressed interest in acquiring part of the former Ispat site to consolidate the existing naval base while also providing better access and parking facilities.

Question No. 36 answered with QuestionNo. 17.

Military Medals.

John Curran

Question:

37 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Defence the number of applications received to date for official replacement certificates for 1916 and War of Independence Medals lost, stolen or destroyed; the number of certificates issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2794/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

Of some 550 enquiries made to date, my Department has received 392 completed application forms for Medal certificates in respect of Veterans of the 1916 Rising and the War of Independence. Following examination, entitlement to certificates has so far been established in 275 cases. A total of 152 of these cases have been finalised involving the issue of 486 certificates. The issuing of certificates in the remaining 123 cases will be completed over the coming weeks. Decisions on the remaining applications will be made and, where appropriate, certificates will be issued as quickly as possible.

Question No. 38 answered with QuestionNo. 15.

Prison Security.

Billy Timmins

Question:

39 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the role the Defence Forces have played in the operation of prisons since 1970, to include aid to civil power assistance and for operational and administrative responsibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2759/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

An Garda Síochána have the primary responsibility for law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces is the provision of the aid to the civil power (meaning in practice to assist, when requested, an Garda Síochána). Duties include the protection and guarding of vital installations, and the provision of certain security escorts.

In this context, the Defence Forces have deployed soldiers to Portlaoise Prison for security reasons since 1973. A similar arrangement was in place at Limerick Prison from 1974 until 1992.

The Defence Forces also provide armed assistance to Prison Service staff whenever high security prisoners are being transferred outside the confines of the Prison, for example hospital or court escorts.

Over the years in times of industrial disputes the Defence Forces have been required to provide assistance to the Prison Service. Such an occasion was a three week period in 1987 in Cork Prison to cover a prison officers strike. The Army Medical Corps also provided personnel in the operation of medical facilities and services to the prison service during an industrial dispute by the prison doctors from June to August 2004. The Medical Officers were deployed to three prisons, Mountjoy, Cloverhill and Portlaoise, to provide medical services on a daily basis during normal working hours.

Commemorative Events.

Michael Ring

Question:

40 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Defence his plans to commemorate the Easter Rising celebrations in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2763/07]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

50 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Defence if there will be a military parade to mark the 91st anniversary of the Easter Rising; and if the all-party parliamentary group will be reconstituted. [2807/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 50 together.

A commemoration will again be held this Easter Sunday at the GPO to mark the anniversary of the Easter Rising 1916. Following discussions at the All Party Oireachtas Committee it has been decided that the format of this years commemoration will be a military ceremony centred on the GPO with appropriate military honours rendered. There will not be a parade along the lines of the 2006 one. However, there will be a reading of the proclamation and a flag raising ceremony similar to what happened last year's successful ceremony.

The exact details of the ceremony are being finalized at present by an interdepartmental committee involving my Department/Defence Forces, the Department of An Taoiseach and all other relevant Departments/Agencies. Therefore I am not in a position to comment any further on the details of the organization.

As planning progresses I will continue to liaise with the other parties through the All Party Oireachtas Group as I have being doing to date. The Group last meet on 21 November, 2006 where we discussed the overall format for Easter 2007 and I expect we will meet again when the planning process has been progressed.

Question No. 41 answered with QuestionNo. 18.

Departmental Expenditure.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

42 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Defence the reason his Department spent more on energy and fuel in 2005 than any other Government Department; the energy efficiencies he is putting in place to address same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2928/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

I previously advised the Deputy that in 2005 expenditure for fuel in relation to the provision of heating and electricity in the various offices of my Department was €315,350.00.

In addition a further €16,324,500.00 was spent on energy and fuel by the Defence Forces across 100 sites including 27 permanently occupied Military Barracks. This included expenditure of €8,900,000.00 on fuel for aircraft, vehicles and naval vessels.

An energy efficiency working group was established in 2003 to examine fuel economy measures throughout the Defence Forces.

A number of initiatives to improve energy efficiency have since been implemented and these have resulted in more efficient energy usage and cost savings. The group continues to work to improve energy efficiency across the Defence Forces.

Defence Forces Recruitment.

Liz McManus

Question:

43 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Defence his plans to encourage new immigrants to Ireland to join the Defence Forces. [2805/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The question of the recruitment of foreign nationals to the Defence Forces is not a new one and Defence Force Regulations have always allowed for the recruitment of foreign-nationals to the Defence Forces.

Entry to the Permanent Defence Force is either through the Cadetship Competition, Apprenticeship Competition, General Service Enlistment or Direct Entry Competitions which are held to fill vacancies in specialist appointments. All applicants for each of these entry streams are required to meet qualifying criteria.

The Cadet Competition is the entry level for recruitment as an Officer of the Defence Forces. As you are aware, I have made changes to the 2006 Cadet competition to broaden the entry criteria thereby making it easier for qualifying foreign nationals to apply for cadetships.

In addition the Defence Forces Equality Policy underpins equality legislation and states that:

The Defence Forces are committed to the principles of equal opportunities in all employment policies, procedures and regulations.

The Defence Forces will operate in an environment without discrimination in areas as provided by the Equality Acts.

The Defence Forces will ensure that the principles of employment equality are employed in recruitment, promotion, training and work experience

All regulations and Administrative Instructions concerning service in the Defence Forces shall be set out in a manner consistent with this policy of equal opportunity.

This policy will be reviewed along with the Defence Force regulations on an ongoing basis by the Deputy Chief of Staff (Support) to ensure compliance with best practice and to maintain a working environment that treats all members of the Defence Forces in a manner consistent with equal opportunities.

The primary focus in recruitment is to attract people with the core competencies required by the Defence Forces.

My Department and the Defence Forces are fully committed to ensuring that all suitably qualified candidates who wish to do so are given the opportunity to join the Defence Forces.

Overseas Missions.

Members of the Permanent Defence Force serving Overseas as of 1 January 2007

1. UN Missions
(i) UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQ	7
UNIFIL 34th Inf Group	155
(ii) UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) — Israel, Syria and Lebanon	12
(iii) MINURSO (United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara)	3
(iv) UNMIK (United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo)	4
(v) MONUC (United Nations Mission in Democratic Republic of the Congo)	3
(vi) UNOCI (United Nations Mission in Ivory Coast)	2
(vii) UNMIL (United Nations Mission in Liberia) FHQ	1
UNMIL 96th Inf Bn	324
TOTAL	511
UN Mandated Missions
(viii) EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina)	64
(ix) KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo)	215
(x) ISAF (International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan)	7
Total number of personnel serving with UN missions	797
2. EU Missions
(i) European Union Monitor Mission (EUMM) to the former Yugoslavia	5
(ii) EU support to UN authorised African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS)	3
(iii) EUFOR RD Congo (support mission to MONUC)	2
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH EU MISSIONS	10
3. Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)
(i) OSCE Mission to Bosnia & Herzegovina	1
(ii) OSCE Mission in Montenegro	1
(iii) OSCE Presence in Albania	2
(iv) OSCE Mission in FRY	2
(v) Staff Officer, Higher Level Planning Group, Vienna	1
Total number of personnel serving OSCE	7
4. Head of Military Staff (Brussels)	1
5. EU Military Staff (Brussels/Mons)	5
6. EU Military Staff (New York)	1
7. Liaison Office of Ireland, PfP (Brussels)	2
8. Permanent Representative to EU (Brussels)	3
9. Military Representatives/Advisers
(i) Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York	1
(ii) Military Adviser, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna	1
(iii) Military Representative to Partnership Co-ordination Cell/Supreme	1
Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), Mons, Belgium
10. Appointments — UN HQ (New York)
Officers seconded to DPKO (Department of Peace Keeping Operations)	1
TOTAL NUMBER DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS	830

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

46 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence the number of Irish soldiers who are stationed in Lebanon on peace keeping duties under the UN mandate; the type of work that is being carried out by Irish soldiers there; his plans to visit the soldiers in the Lebanon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2802/07]

John Gormley

Question:

47 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the deployment of Irish troops in Lebanon; if there has been a recent update of the security risk of the mission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2923/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 47 together.

UNIFIL was originally established on 19 March 1978 under United Nations Security Council resolutions 425 and 426, following the invasion of Lebanon by Israel, with a mandate "to confirm the withdrawal of Israeli Forces, to restore international peace and security and to assist the Government of Lebanon in ensuring the return of its effective authority in the area". The Secretary General of the United Nations concluded that as of 16 June, 2000, Israel had withdrawn its forces from Lebanon in accordance with resolution 425 (1978), thus partially fulfilling UNIFIL's original mandate. Since then, UNIFIL continued to operate in Southern Lebanon, focussing on the remaining part of its mandate: the restoration of peace and security in the region.

In response to the July-August 2006 crisis, the UN decided, under UN Security Council Resolution 1701, to extend the mandate of UNIFIL to the end of August, 2007, and to increase its troop strength, from approximately 2,000 troops, to a maximum of 15,000. The Council also decided that, in addition to carrying out its original mandate, UNIFIL would also monitor the cessation of hostilities; accompany and support the Lebanese armed forces as they deploy throughout Southern Lebanon; and extend its assistance to help ensure humanitarian access to civilian populations and the voluntary and safe return of displaced persons.

The nature of the expanded UNIFIL mandate is such that its role is to be considerably more robust than it was prior to the adoption of Resolution 1701, while still operating under Chapter VI of the UN Charter.

At the time of the crisis, Ireland had 5 Defence Forces personnel deployed at the Force Headquarters in Naquora. These personnel are still in place. However, in response to the expanded mandate for the mission and a request from the UN, the Government with Dáil approval, increased Ireland's contribution to some 162 personnel. The additional contribution, is part of a joint Finnish-Irish Engineering Battalion which carries out tasks in support of UNIFIL, including dealing with unexploded ordnance clearance and reconstruction. Ireland provides the security detail for the Engineering contingent from Finland. While the Irish element is tasked primarily for reconnaissance, security and protection duties associated with these engineering works, it is also be available to undertake other tasks at the request of the UNIFIL Force Commander. Initial deployment will be for 1 year subject to renewal of the mandate and a satisfactory review of the mission at that time.

A key aspect and the primary concern in relation to participation in any mission is the safety and security of Defence Forces personnel. Prior to deployment, the Defence Forces undertook a joint reconnaissance mission with Finland. Following consultation with our Finnish colleagues, UNIFIL and other parties, it determined that there is no direct threat to UNIFIL personnel. That said, the uncertain and volatile situation means that incidents, misunderstandings or wider political developments all have the potential to impact negatively on the peace-keeping operation. The large quantity of cluster-bomblets and other unexploded ordnance also present a risk. While there have been political difficulties and some civil unrest in the country, the ceasefire in Southern Lebanon seems to be holding and the Defence Forces have assessed the overall threat as "LOW within a volatile situation", not dissimilar to that encountered by Irish personnel on other peace support missions. This continues to be the assessment of the Defence Forces and I am satisfied that all appropriate security measures are in place to ensure the safety of the Defence Forces personnel serving in Lebanon.

For the first few days after the initial deployment on 31 October, pack rations, supplemented with locally purchased breads, fruits and vegetables and additional food items shipped from Ireland were provided to all personnel. Commencing 4 November 2006, a hot meal was provided daily from field kitchens. The dining facility in the camp (Camp IDA) was opened on 6 December 2006, with hot food served at all three meals daily. The Defence Forces have assured me that the food served in Camp IDA is to a high standard and the bill of fare provides a balanced diet of meat, vegetables, potatoes, fruit, pasta, rice and dairy products. As you will appreciate, this is a new operation in a new camp and it takes time to put in place all the required facilities.

I had planned to visit the Defence Forces contingent in late November but was advised by the Chief of Staff that I should defer my visit until the New Year, when the mission was more established and had a more detailed understanding and assessment of the operation and the security situation. I am now looking forward to visiting the contingent towards the end of February.

Ministerial Travel.

John Perry

Question:

48 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Defence the recent visits he has carried out to troops serving abroad; when he will carry out such visits in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2758/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

During the past year I visited Irish personnel serving with the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) and with the NATO-led International Security presence (KFOR) in Kosovo.

During the period 28 February, 2006, to 2 March, 2006, I took the opportunity to visit Liberia where I met with the Irish personnel of 94th Infantry Battalion serving with UNMIL. The primary purpose of my visit was to see at first hand the work of the Irish Defence Forces Personnel serving with UNMIL and to convey to them, on behalf of the Government and the people of Ireland, the deep appreciation felt regarding the outstanding manner in which they perform their duties in this challenging mission.

During the course of my visit to Liberia, I met with the President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, and the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG), Alan Doss. I also paid a courtesy call to the Deputy Force Commander UNMIL, Major General Muhammad Tahir.

During the period 12 to 14 June, 2006, I paid a visit to Kosovo where I met with the Irish personnel of 32nd Infantry Battalion serving with the NATO-led International Security Presence in Kosovo (KFOR). During the course of my visit I had a number of briefings and opportunities to see the excellent work being done by the Irish Defence Forces personnel serving with KFOR. I had detailed discussions and briefings from the KFOR Commander: Lieutenant General Giuseppe Valotto at the KFOR HQ at Film City in Pristina. Lt Gen Valotto gave a full assessment of the current position across Kosovo and was fulsome in his praise for the Irish Defence Forces personnel serving there,

On both visits I was impressed by the range of humanitarian activities being supported by Irish Defence Forces personnel in Liberia and Kosovo.

I had planned to visit the Defence Forces contingent in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in late November, 2006, but was advised by the Chief of Staff that I should defer my visit until the New Year, when the mission was more established and had a more detailed understanding and assessment of the operation and the security situation. I am now looking forward to visiting the contingent towards the end of February.

Commemorative Events.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

49 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence if there are plans to involve the Defence Forces in the proposed celebrations of the 400th anniversary of the Flight of the Earls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2808/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The Government has approved the preparation of a commemorative programme for the 400th Anniversary of the Flight of the Earls, combined with the 400th Anniversary of the Irish College at Louvain and the 350th Anniversary of the Franciscan scholar Luke Wadding. A commemorative planning group, comprised of officials from several Government Departments, has been established to bring forward a commemorative programme events of general public interest that will contribute to a deeper appreciation of this important period of Irish history. The programme, which will involve exhibitions, conferences, cultural events, cultural and tourist trails, educational programmes and popular festivals, will be announced in the near future.

Among the commemorative events being planned is a Naval Festival to be held in the port of Killybegs, Co. Donegal, over the weekend of June 30th, 2007, and I understand that Donegal County Council has recently issued invitations to several foreign navies to participate in the Festival. I have approved the attendance of the Naval vessel L.E. Orla at this festival, and the Naval Service will also provide assistance to the participating foreign navies during their stay, where required.

While the involvement of the Defence Forces has not been suggested to date for any of the other events being planned, I would be happy to consider any proposals submitted by the commemorative planning group in this regard.

Question No. 50 answered with QuestionNo. 40.

Defence Forces Support Services.

Seán Ryan

Question:

51 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the fact that former members of the Defence Forces are homeless or living in poor circumstances; if he will provide a support service to advise the hundreds of Defence Forces members who retire or resign each year of their entitlements and to assist them with reintegration into civilian life; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2813/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The Defence Forces run regular pre-retirement courses in advance of retirement for personnel who are due to retire on normal age grounds. The courses are provided within five years of the due retirement date.

Permanent Defence Force personnel are briefed about the important life changes that result from reaching retirement age. They receive information about how others have dealt successfully with these life changes. This is intended to enable them to anticipate the changes in their own lives and to ease the transition to their new life. Both the PDF member and his/her spouse are encouraged to attend. They receive advice and guidance from leading experts on all aspects of retirement including:

Changes and relationships;

Financial matters;

Health;

Time management.

It is widely recognised that the programmes of development and training available in the Defence Forces are second to none. Nowadays military skills training encompasses a very broad range of well recognised courses of training such as communications technicians, qualifications in Information Technology etc, as well as the more traditional trades. Many military personnel, in all ranks, are increasingly educated to diploma and degree level or hold readily marketable trade qualifications. This training and the experience of military life provides excellent preparation for life/work after retirement or resignation from the Defence Forces for most personnel.

Of course, there are always some individual cases of persons who experience social difficulties after, or indeed during the course of, their military service. Such problems are sadly found across all sections of society and are not confined to the Defence Forces.

The Organisation of National Ex-Servicemen and Women, or Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann Teoranta (ONET) has enjoyed the long-standing official recognition of the Department and the Defence Forces.

ONET is dedicated to looking after the welfare of all ex-service personnel of the Irish Defence Forces. A main objective of ONET is to ensure the welfare of ex-servicemen and women by way of providing accommodation to homeless members in need of such domestic accommodation and providing other assistance that may be required by way of advising referrals to the relevant agencies.

In October 2006, in recognition of the valuable work of ONET, I was pleased to support ONET in the form of a once off grant of €50,000 from my Department. I hope that this will go some way towards assisting ONET in its most valuable and worthwhile activities into the future.

Infectious Diseases.

Mary Upton

Question:

52 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Defence if there have been recent meetings of the interdepartmental working group on emerging planning to prepare for the anticipated arrival of avian flu here; the outcome of such meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2809/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The Inter-Departmental Working Group on Emergency Planning last met on the 18 January 2007. This was the 46th meeting of the Working Group. At that meeting the Department of Agriculture and Food briefed the Working Group of its assessment on the current risk of an avian flu outbreak. The Department's assessment is that the current risk of an avian flu outbreak in Ireland is low.

The Department of Health and Children, which has primary responsibility for the preparation of influenza pandemic plans, provided a briefing to the Working Group on the National Pandemic Influenza Plan, which was launched by that Department and the Health Service Executive on 15 January 2007. This plan provides information on pandemic influenza and explains what the Government and the health services are doing to prepare for a possible pandemic. The Plan also advises the public on what is required of them in the event of a pandemic.

Under the World Health Organization's levels of alert, the current alert level is Phase 3. This means that there is human infection with a new subtype, but no human-to-human spread (or, at most, rare instances of spread to a close contact).

An Inter-Departmental Standing Committee chaired by the Department of Health and Children also meets regularly and examines ways of supporting the Department of Health and Children in planning for and responding to any possible flu pandemic.

The Inter-Departmental Working Group on Emergency Planning will continue to be briefed and updated on these matters and related emergency planning issues on a regular and ongoing basis.

Defence Forces Recruitment.

Johnny Brady

Question:

53 Mr. J. Brady asked the Minister for Defence the number of cadets and the number of private soldiers who were accepted into the Defence Forces in 2004, 2005 and 2006; the number of applications received in each of those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2837/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The numbers of applications received for General Service Enlistment to the Permanent Defence Force in 2004, 2005 and 2006 were 1,943, 1,125 and 2,495 respectively. A total of 579 general service recruits enlisted in the Permanent Defence Force in 2004, 384 enlisted in 2005 and 559 enlisted in 2006.

The numbers of applications received for Cadetships in 2004, 2005 and 2006 were 916, 1,004 and 1,085 respectively. Sixty-seven Cadets were enlisted in 2004. Of these 2 Cadets were Naval Service Cadets from the 2003 Cadet competition who transferred from the Naval Service to the Army Cadet class of 2004. Fifty-five Cadets were enlisted from the 2005 Cadetship Competition and 55 were enlisted from the 2006 Cadetship competition.

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 a level required to meet military needs an as set out in the white paper, i.e. 10,500 Permanent Defence Force all ranks.

Defence Forces Ombudsman.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

54 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on progress in the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2933/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The Office of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces was established under the Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Act 2004. On the 19th September 2005, Ms Paulyn Marrinan-Quinn, SC, was appointed by the President, upon the recommendation of the Government, as the first Ombudsman for the Defence Forces.

The function of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces is to act as the ultimate point of appeal for, and administrative investigation into, complaints made by members (and former members) of the Defence Forces against another member (or former member) of the Defence Forces, or against a civil servant of the Department of Defence. The Ombudsman for the Defence Forces may investigate a complaint in respect of an action or decision, which may have adversely affected the complainant personally. The action or decision complained of must have occurred no earlier than the 1st December 2005.

To date, the office of the Ombudsman has sent me some 28 reports relating to 23 individual cases. This total includes 1 Preliminary Views and 15 Final Reports. I have either responded to or am in the process of responding to the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces in respect of each of the Final Reports. The Minister for Defence is obliged to inform the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces of the measures taken or proposed in response to her recommendation.

I can also inform the Deputy that since 1st December 2005, some 106 complaints have been made within the military system under Section 114 of the Defence Act 1954, as now amended by the Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Act 2004, seeking redress of wrongs. Those redress complainants, whose complaints relate to matters occurring on or after 1st December 2005, are eligible to refer their complaint to the Ombudsman if a complainant so desires. I am advised by the Military Authorities that there are some 86 complaints in this category, of which 25 have been referred to the Ombudsman so far.

The Ombudsman for the Defence Forces is, in accordance with the Act, independent in the performance of her duties. She is required to cause a report on the performance of her functions under the Act to be laid annually before each House of the Oireachtas. In these circumstances, I do not consider it appropriate for me to report on her behalf or to give details in relation to her reports on individual cases, complaints already submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman, the status of those complaints, or the current treatment of those cases by the Ombudsman.

I am happy to inform the Deputy that the primary focus in these cases to date has been on selection for promotion, selection for military career courses and selection for overseas service. I can also indicate that the reports of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces have made a valuable contribution to the ongoing updating of selection procedures in these three areas.

Question No. 55 answered with QuestionNo. 32.

Commemorative Events.

Michael Mulcahy

Question:

56 Mr. Mulcahy asked the Minister for Defence when the National Memorial to commemorate deceased members of the Defence Forces who have died in service will be erected; the location where it will be erected; the person who will be designing the memorial, the concept behind the design; the concept behind the design; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2921/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

It is intended, with the co-operation of Dublin City Council, to erect a "National Memorial to Members of the Defence Forces who died in Service" in Merrion Square in Dublin later this year. A tender competition was undertaken to select an artist to design, construct and install the Memorial. The closing date for receipt of tenders was 30 November 2006 and five short-listed proposals were considered. A preferred tender has now been selected and subject to finalising the site for the memorial with Dublin City Council and entering into a contract with the selected artist I expect to be in a position to make a formal announcement in the coming weeks.

The funding allocated to the competition is €175,000. The timetable is dependent on a smooth passage through all stages of the planning process and the construction and installation of the Memorial.

Question No. 57 answered with QuestionNo. 12.

Defence Forces Allowances.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

58 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide an annual subvention to assist the Irish United Nations Veterans Association in the valuable work they perform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2811/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) was formed in 1990. Membership is available to those who have successfully completed a tour of duty with a UN Force or Organisation. I understand this membership would largely comprise both serving and former members of the Permanent Defence Force, but also includes serving and former members of the Garda Siochána and those who have served abroad with the UN in a civilian capacity. The Association is financed by membership fees, voluntary contributions and fundraising.

I can advise the Deputy that, in October 2006, in recognition of the valuable work of IUNVA and to mark almost 50 years of Defence Forces involvement in international peacekeeping with the United Nations, I was pleased to support the work of IUNVA in the form of a once off grant of €50,000 from my Department. I hope that this will go some way towards assisting IUNVA in its most valuable and worthwhile activities into the future. However, it is not planned to provide annual funding or annual subventions.

National Drugs Strategy.

Peter Kelly

Question:

59 Mr. Kelly asked the Minister for Defence the number and rank of Defence Force personnel tested in 2004, 2005, and 2006 under the drug testing programme; the numbers and ranks of those who tested positive; the type and class of drugs detected; the action taken when a member tests positive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2798/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

A Compulsory Substance Testing Programme was introduced on 1 February 2002 as part of a Defence Forces Substance Abuse Programme. This followed a long consultative process involving the Office of the Attorney General, the Deputy Judge Advocate General and the Defence Forces Representative Associations.

The primary objective of Compulsory Random Drugs Testing is deterrence. In order to provide a credible level of deterrent, the testing programme has been devised to maximise the possibility of random selection for testing. A trained Drugs Testing Team is responsible for taking urine samples for compulsory random testing throughout the Defence Forces. Testing commenced on 14th November 2002 and the programme is now in its fifth year of operation. The target of testing 10% of the Permanent Defence Force has been achieved. A member of the Permanent Defence Force, randomly selected, may be required, at any time, to provide a urine sample which will be tested for evidence of use of controlled drugs, or the abuse or misuse of other substances, or for the detection of the metabolites thereof. A member of the PDF who refuses to provide a urine sample, or who provides a urine sample which tests positive, may be liable to retirement, discharge or relinquishment of commission or withdrawal of cadetship as appropriate under the provisions of Defence Force Regulations.

The following table outlines the number of Defence Forces personnel tested under the compulsory random drugs testing programme for 2004, 2005 and 2006. It also indicates the number of positive tests and the number and rank of those who tested positive.

Year	Number Tested	Positive Tests	Number Discharged	Ranks of those testing positive	Remarks
2004	1,110	4	4	4 Privates	All discharged
2005	1,238	7	6	1 Corporal 5 Privates 1 Recruit	One recommendation for discharge awaiting Judicial Review
2006	1,213	7	5	1 Sergeant (RDF) 5 Privates 1 Recruit	Administrative procedures are ongoing for the remaining 2 personnel with positive tests

Personnel who test positive for controlled substances are liable for Administrative Discharge from the Defence Forces. The test is designed to detect usage of certain controlled substances as specified in the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 as amended by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1984, such as Amphetamines, Methylamphetamine, Cocaine, Ecstacy (MDMA), Barbituates, Benzodiazapines, Cannabis, Opiates and PCP.

The procedures following a positive test result are summarised as follows: 1. The individual is paraded by his/her Commanding Officer and informed of a positive ‘A sample' test result and is invited to have his/her second sample, the ‘B sample', tested at an alternative independent laboratory. 2. The individual will be restricted to unarmed duties pending the completion of administrative action. 3. Should the individual decline to have the ‘B sample' tested, or should the ‘B sample' result be positive, the individual will be paraded by his/her Commanding Officer and informed that administrative action will be initiated which may result in his/her discharge/retirement. The individual will be invited to make representations showing cause as to why he/she should be retained in service. 4. Having considered any representations from the individual, the Commanding Officer will make a recommendation to his/her Brigade/Formation Commander as to the retention or discharge/retirement of the individual. The individual will be paraded and informed of this recommendation. 5. The individual is also afforded the opportunity to make further representations directly to the Brigade/Formation Commander. 6. In the case of NCOs and Privates, following receipt of the Commanding Officer's recommendation, and having considered all representations made by the individual, the Brigade/Formation Commander decides on retention or discharge. 7. In the case of officers, the Brigade/Formation Commander will make a recommendation to the Deputy Chief of Staff (Support) as to retention or retirement of the individual and the individual will be informed of this recommendation. Having considered the recommendations of the Commanding Officer, the Brigade/Formation Commander and all representations made by the individual, the Deputy Chief of Staff (Support) decides on the retention or retirement of the officer.

Defence Forces Training.

Michael Mulcahy

Question:

60 Mr. Mulcahy asked the Minister for Defence the number of commissioned and non-commissioned personnel currently attending third level education; the range of courses involved; the cost incurred in 2004 and 2005; the funding provided for third level education under the refund of fees scheme operated by his Department; the number of applications received in 2004 and 2005; and the number of applicants successful in receiving grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2922/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The military authorities have advised that there are currently 228 commissioned and non-commissioned personnel attending education courses at third level, ranging from Certificate to Masters Degree level. The fees incurred in relation to such courses amounted to €663,188 in 2004 and to €578,130 in 2005.

The number of applications received from military personnel for refunds of course fees, in respect of third level education in the individual's own time, was 35 in 2004. The figure for 2005 was 51. All applications made were granted. The level of funding available for the Refunds of Fees Scheme for military personnel for third level courses was €70,000 in 2004 and €72,000 in 2005.

Question No. 61 answered with QuestionNo. 26.

Commemorative Events.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

62 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Defence his plans to mark the 50th anniversary of the involvement by the Irish Defence Forces in international peace keeping missions with the United Nations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2812/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

Ireland has participated continuously in United Nations peacekeeping operations since 1958, a service which has comprised more than 55,000 individual tours of duty.

The first members of the Defence Forces to deploy with a United Nations peacekeeping mission did so on 28 June, 1958 with the United Nations Observer Group in Lebanon (UNOGIL). A total of fifty (50) officers served with this mission during the period June to December 1958 when the mission was withdrawn. This was followed by the deployment in December 1958 of personnel to the first peacekeeping operation established by the UN, the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO). Ireland's participation in this mission continues to this day.

The military authorities are at present planning an appropriate commemoration to mark this significant milestone in the history of the Defence Forces.

Defence Forces Strength.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

63 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if it is intended to increase the strength of the permanent Defence Forces having particular regard to current and potential commitments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2980/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

275 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the optimum strength of the Army, Navy and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3276/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

277 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if the strength of the Defence Forces is sufficient in view of expected deployments overseas. [3278/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 63, 275 and 277 together.

The White Paper on Defence of 2000 provides for a Permanent Defence Force strength of 10,500 comprising 930 for the Air Corps, 1,144 for the Naval Service and 8,426 for the Army. The strength of the Permanent Defence Force as at 31 December, 2006 was 10,479 comprising 865 for the Air Corps, 1,082 for the Naval Service and 8,532 for the Army.

The Permanent Defence Force manages recruit intakes so as to keep its annualised monthly average strength at or around 10,500. The White Paper on Defence provides for an allocation of up to 850 Permanent Defence Force personnel to be deployed overseas at any one time. While this may be exceeded for short periods, deployments above this level are not sustainable on an ongoing basis within existing resources. Any commitments to EU or UN missions will be met within this context.

There were 812 PDF personnel deployed on overseas operations at 31 December, 2006. I am satisfied that the current strength is adequate to meet all needs arising at home and overseas.

Question No. 64 answered with QuestionNo. 27.

Citizenship Applications.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

65 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) in County Wexford is eligible to apply for naturalisation; the way they commence this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43700/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 369 of Wednesday 27 September 2006. The position remains as stated.

Residency Permits.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

66 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the application for long-term residency for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43701/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The position in relation to granting long term residency is as follows: Persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements. The dependants of the aforementioned, who have been legally resident in the State for over five years may also apply for long term residency. This particular long term permission does not grant an exemption from employment permit requirements to any such dependants.

Time spent in the State on student conditions cannot be counted towards long term residency. While applications for long term residency are under consideration, the person concerned should ensure that their permission to remain in the State is kept up to date.

I understand that applications received in May 2006 are currently being dealt with.

Visa Applications.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

67 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a person (details supplied) was refused a joint spouse visa; the options now available to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43702/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The application referred to by the Deputy was received in the Cairo Visa Office on 8th August, 2006. The decision of the Visa Officer to refuse the application was taken on 16th August, 2006. The application was refused on the grounds that the applicant's spouse had insufficient funds to support the applicant.

The decision was appealed on 26th August, 2006. Following a re-examination of the case, the decision to refuse was upheld on 13th October, 2006. As each applicant is entitled to one appeal only, no further review in this matter can be granted; however it is open to the applicant to make a fresh application.

Recruitment Requirements.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

68 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the minimum requirements in terms of having Irish for persons wishing to enter the Prison Services and An Garda Síochána; the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2665/07]

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I can inform the Deputy that persons entering the Irish Prison Service under the 2006 recruitment campaign were required to hold a qualifying grade in two languages, one of which must be English or Irish as follows: English — a grade no lower than D3 Ordinary level — Leaving Certificate; Irish — a grade not lower than C3 Foundation level or D3 at another level — Leaving Certificate; Other language — a grade not lower than D3 Ordinary level — Leaving Certificate; or the Merit Grade in the Applied Leaving Certificate (must have attained the required standard in Mathematics, English or Irish, and one other language).

Approval from the Department of Finance is awaited to proceed with a new recruitment campaign to include the following eligibility conditions: A qualifying grade in either the English or Irish languages as follows: English — a grade not lower than D3 at Ordinary level — Leaving Certificate, or equivalent; Irish — a grade not lower than C3 at Foundation level or D3 at another level — Leaving Certificate; or the Merit Grade in Applied Leaving Certificate (must have attained the required standard in Mathematics and English or Irish) or equivalent.

I can also inform the Deputy that there is no minimum requirement for a person wishing to become a Garda Trainee to hold a qualification in the Irish language, provided that person holds qualifications in English and another language as set out in the Garda Síochána (Admissions & Appointments) Regulations 1988, as amended by the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Amendment Regulations 2005.

However, I want to make it very clear that Irish will continue to have an important place in An Garda Síochána. Everyone who wishes to, must be able to communicate with the Force through our native language. An Garda Síochána has a very strong commitment to delivering a service through Irish. Indeed, proficiency in Irish is strongly promoted within the Force, and that will continue to be the case.

All recruits to An Garda Síochána are required to achieve an appropriate standard in Irish before becoming full members of the Force.

Visa Applications.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

69 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the delay in processing the application for a joint spouse for a person (details supplied); when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2666/07]

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the application in question was approved on 30th January, 2007.

Citizenship Applications.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

70 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on an application for naturalisation for a person (details supplied) in County Carlow. [2667/07]

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

An application for naturalisation from the individual in question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department on 21 February 2005. Applications received in the second half of 2004 are currently being processed and there are approximately 1300 applications awaiting processing before that of this applicant. It is likely that the processing of this application will commence in mid to late 2007.

It is imperative that the applicant keep all his immigration affairs, in particular his permission to remain, up to date during the processing of his application for naturalisation. I will inform the Deputy and the person concerned when I have reached a decision.

National Development Plan.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

71 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the projects that were targeted in the last National Development Plan in County Wexford; the breakdown of each one completed or the stage that each project is at; the overspend envisaged and an explanation for each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3146/07]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

72 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the investments outlined in the last National Development Plan in County Wexford; the plans and investments that have been completed, that are ongoing or did not progress from planning stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3158/07]

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 71 and 72 together.

The information requested by the Deputy is as follows.

Projects targeted in the last NDP in County Wexford	Breakdown of each project completed or the stage that each project is at	Overspend envisaged and explanation for each	Investments outlined in the last NDP for County Wexford
Boolavogue Textile Studio, The Old School, Ferns, Enniscorthy, County Wexford.	Duration: 2002-2005, Status: Completed	N/A	Grant of €213,000 under Equality for Women Measure — Phase l — EU — co-financed.
Access (2000) Wexford Ltd, 86 Main Street, Wexford, County Wexford.	Duration: 2005-2007 (June) Status: On schedule	N/A	Grant of €195,000 under Equality for Women Measure RAPID strand — Phase ll — Exchequer financed.
County Wexford VEC, Ibderius House, Common Quay Street, New Ross, County Wexford.	Duration: 2005-2007 (June) Status: On schedule	N/A	Grant of €185,000 under Equality for Women Measure RAPID strand — Phase ll — Exchequer financed.

I can further inform the Deputy that the Aiseirí residential treatment and aftercare facility in Wexford was targeted in the last National Development Plan for funding. Aiseirí caters for persons who are chemically dependent including, but not limited to, alcoholics and drug addicts as well as catering for the treatment of gamblers. The centre provides for the rehabilitation, treatment and care of such persons (offenders) who were/are under the supervision of the Probation Service. During the term of the last NDP this facility received funding in the sum of €519,858 for the service provided which was in keeping with the approved funding allocation to that facility.

In addition, the Deputy will appreciate that County Wexford also benefited from the many national initiatives carried out under the last NDP.

Garda Training.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

73 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the training provided to Garda recruits in relation to the way they prioritise responses to reported incidents; if they are instructed on the incidents that are not responded to; if so, what these incidents are; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3165/07]

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that trainee gardaí undergo five phases of training. During these phases, through experiential and academic learning, they develop a capability to prioritise responses to reported incidents.

Garda Deployment.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

74 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí employed in each of the Leixlip, Maynooth, Celbridge, Kilcock, Naas, Carbury, Clane and Kill stations or sub-stations by rank; the number of additional Gardaí assigned to each of these stations over the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3166/07]

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

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.

Naas, Celbridge, Clane, Kill, Carbury and Maynooth Garda Stations are located in the Carlow/Kildare Division. The personnel strength of the Carlow Kildare Division as at 31 January, 2007 was 367.

Leixlip Garda Station is located in the Dublin Metropolitan Region West Garda Division. The personnel strength of the Dublin Metropolitan Region West Garda Division as at the 31 January 2007 was 721. Kilcock Garda Station is located in the Louth/Meath Division. The personnel strength of the Louth Meath Division as at the 31 January, 2007 was 549. I have been further informed that the personnel strength (by rank) of the Leixlip, Maynooth, Celbridge, Kilcock, Naas, Carbury, Clane and Kill Garda stations as at 31 January, 2007 was as set out in the table hereunder:

31 January, 2007
Station	C/Supt.	Supt.	Insp.	Sergeant	Garda	Total
Leixlip	—	—	—	3	22	25
Maynooth	—	—	—	2	14	16
Celbridge	—	—	—	3	16	19
Kilcock	—	—	—	1	4	5
Naas	1	1	1	12	75	90
Carbury	—	—	—	—	2	2
Clane	—	—	—	1	7	8
Kill	—	—	—	1	2	3

Since the 31 December 2005, ten additional Gardaí have been assigned to Naas Garda Station and three additional Gardaí have been assigned to Clane Garda Station.

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 the Garda Stations in County Kildare will be fully considered by the Garda Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda Stations throughout the country.

Garda Strength.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

75 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he expects the information promised in reply to Parliamentary Question No. 263 of 3 October 2006 to be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3208/07]

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

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.

As the Deputy will be aware, the information requested in Parliamentary Question No. 263 of 3 October, 2006 was not available at the time. However, I have since been informed by the Garda authorities that the new Garda station in Carbury has been in operation since 2 June, 2006. The personnel strength of the station as at 30 January, 2007 was 2 (all ranks). The opening hours of Carbury Garda Station are as set out in the table hereunder:

Monday-Saturday	Sunday
10 a.m. — 1 p.m.	Not open

The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 2004 made certain changes to Irish citizenship law which came into force on 1 January 2005. Due to the significant increase in the number of citizenship applications being received, as set out in the accompanying table, it has been necessary to deploy all available resources to deal with the processing of same. Consequently, it has not been possible to update the information leaflet referred to in the Deputy's question.

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

I have been informed by my officials that work is ongoing on an updated version of the leaflet, which takes into account the changes arising from the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 2004, and this will be available in the very near future.

Garda Stations.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

81 Mr. Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Garda station in Portarlington opens only during office hours and residents are often connected to Portlaoise when they ring Portarlington station; if Garda deployment will be reviewed in view of the fact that the population of both Portarlington and the nearby village of Killenard has increased substantially in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3261/07]

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources that the personnel strength of An Garda Síochána increased to a record 13,000 following the attestation of 299 new members on 16 November, 2006. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 as at 30 June, 1997 and represents an increase of 2,298 (or 21.5%) in the 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 Portarlington Garda Station forms part of the Portlaoise Garda District. Local Garda management report that Portarlington Garda Station is normally open to the public for 4 hours each day Monday to Saturday between the hours of 10 am to 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Portarlington 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 the District Headquarters at Portlaoise Garda Station. I am further informed that resources are augmented from within the District/Division, to patrol and respond to any calls from the Portarlington area. 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 the extension of the opening hours at individual Garda Stations is a matter for each Divisional Officer. The extension of opening hours at any Garda Station would necessitate the employment of additional personnel on indoor administrative duties and consequently a loss to outdoor operational policing. 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.

Animal Welfare.

Question:

85 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be reached on the family reunification application of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3285/07]

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question made an application for Family Reunification in September 2004. 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 under consideration and a decision will issue in due course.

Statutory Instruments.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

86 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the title of each statutory instrument which he made during 2006 and which was not published in the usual way pursuant to Section 3 of the Statutory Instruments Act 1947; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3303/07]

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I can inform the Deputy that it is standard practice in my Department to place a notice of the making of Statutory Instruments (S.I.s) in Iris Oifigiúil and to lay copies of same before both houses of the Oireachtas. I can confirm that all S.I.s made in 2006 were published. In some instances, the requirement to issue copies of S.I.s to named bodies, for example, Chambers of Commerce, was not fully complied with. In three cases, the requirements concerning the printing of and location where S.I.s were available were not fully complied with. These cases are S.I. 620 of 2006 — Garda Síochána Act 2005 (Section 19(5)) Order 2006; S.I. 680 of 2006 — Garda Síochána (Retirement) Regulations; S.I. 286 of 2006 — Garda Síochána (Ranks) Regulations. However, arrangements have been reviewed to address these matters.

Asylum Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

87 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 Dublin 6; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3343/07]

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The person concerned arrived in the State on 18 December, 2002 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 Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, he was informed by letter dated 19 August, 2004, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before an order is made or consenting to the making of a deportation order. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned.

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 89 of Thursday 12 October, 2006 and the written reply to that Question. The position is unchanged.

Garda Stations.

Jack Wall

Question:

92 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the refurbishment of Castledermot Garda Station; when the refurbishment work will commence; if the residential aspect of the station will be brought up to a proper residential standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3310/07]

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

I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that the Garda Authorities and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform have included Castledermot Garda station on the 2007 Garda Minor Capital Works Programme.

The Office of Public Works propose to carry out refurbishment works to the Garda station to accommodate the current and anticipated human resource requirements. The Commissioners have written to the Garda Authorities for their direction on whether to retain the residential element of the property or to convert the residence into accommodation for the Garda station proper.

Once the Office of Public Works have received direction on this matter, they can commence with the design process and prepare a scheme to meet the approval of the Garda Authorities. Subject to the approval of the Garda Authorities and following the subsequent tender process, it is hoped that works will commence later this year.

Tax Code.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

93 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance if he will arrange for a P21 to be issued for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43773/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the original statement of pay and tax 2005 (P21) was issued to the taxpayer on 6 September 2006. I am also informed that Revenue arranged for a duplicate to be sent to the taxpayer on 10 January 2007.

Departmental Correspondence.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

94 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance when will the file for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford be reviewed by the Office of the Inspector of Taxes in order for them to proceed to pursue an ongoing matter through the Department of Social and Family Affairs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2647/07]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they have received correspondence in relation to the above matter from the taxpayer's agent and that the issue raised by the agent has been reviewed by the Revenue District dealing with the case. A reply will issue to the agent within the next few days.

Tax Code.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

95 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance if the claim for refund of income tax for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be reduced due to the disability benefit being paid to them at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2648/07]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 99 together.

The National Development Plan/Community Support Framework (NDP/ CSF) 2000-2006 is an integrated investment plan and strategy for economic and social development for Ireland. The Plan is delivered through seven Operational Programmes (OPs), the Economic and Social Infrastructure OP, the Employment and Human Resources OP, the Productive Sector OP, the Southern and Eastern (S&E) Regional OP, Borders, Midland and Western (BMW) Regional OP, the PEACE OP and the Technical Assistance OP. Each of these OPs has a Monitoring Committee which meets twice yearly to monitor the ongoing implementation of the Programme. There is also an overarching NDP/CSF Monitoring Committee which is chaired by my Department and this Committee also meets at least twice a year.

Progress on the NDP/CSF is monitored and reported on a regional basis, that is, for the BMW and S&E 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 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 Wexford.

My Department does not maintain data on the status of individual projects or investments under the NDP/CSF as this is a matter for individual Departments and Agencies who are responsible for project funding and, where appropriate, project implementation.

Tax Code.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

100 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the appeals process for a person who is charged back tax on the basis that a social welfare payment was not taken into account in calculating income tax liability in previous tax years by the Revenue Commissioners; the procedures in place to reduce the rate of annual repayment to a more manageable level; if he will provide a contact number other than 1890 33 34 25, from which it is proving impossible to receive a reply, for persons (details supplied) in Dublin 15 to contact the Revenue Commissioner to discuss their case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3164/07]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that on 20 September 2006 the taxpayer in question requested balancing statements for the years 2002 to 2005. Following a review of his liability a total underpayment of €4,906.67 arose. The underpayment arose due to the fact that his spouse was in receipt of invalidity pension during the above years, which had previously been untaxed.

The Revenue officer dealing with the case proposed to collect the underpayment by reducing the taxpayer's tax credits over a six-year period commencing 1 January 2008. However if the taxpayer wishes to have the underpayment collected over an extended period he may contact Ms. Ann Doran, Fingal Revenue District, Block D, Ashtowngate, Dublin 15, phone number 01 — 8277043.

If the matter cannot be resolved by agreement, section 948 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides for the right of appeal and, again, the appeal should be submitted to the Revenue District named above. Following receipt of Notices of Assessments for the years 2002-2005 the formal appeal should be lodged within 30 days.

Joan Burton

Question:

101 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance the capital allowances allocated to the Beacon Hospital development for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3187/07]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

The Deputy will be aware that for reasons of taxpayer confidentiality the Revenue Commissioners would not divulge information regarding the tax affairs of individual taxpayers (including companies).

Dan Boyle

Question:

102 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Finance the reason VAT registered individuals purchasing high fuel emission commercial vehicles (details supplied) receive a full VAT refund and therefore only pay the nominal VRT fee despite the increased pollution caused by such vehicles; and if he will address this issue in the context of planned changes in environmental taxation as announced in Budget 2007. [3202/07]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

The position is that VAT deductibility is allowed in the case of motor vehicles that are classed as Category B or C for VRT purposes but not for Category A vehicles (cars). Category B vehicles would typically include what are commonly called "crew cabs" or commercial jeeps while Category C vehicles would include vans and lorries. VAT deductibility is allowed in the case of Category B or C vehicles as these are regarded as being designed and constructed for the transport of goods, plant, equipment, etc. Under EU VAT law, with which Irish VAT law must comply, there is no restriction of entitlement to VAT deductibility by reference to the fuel-efficiency, emissions or other environmental characteristics of any vehicle or class of vehicle.

As regards VRT, commercial vehicles are subject to a much lower rate of VRT than that which applies to private cars (Category A vehicles). Category B vehicles are subject to VRT amounting to 13.3% of the open market selling price while a flat rate of €50 applies to Category C vehicles.

The public consultation process announced in the Budget, with respect to future changes in VRT and motor tax to take account of emission levels, relates solely to private cars. I have not ruled out making future changes to VRT rates applying to Category B and Category C vehicles, however, we need to examine the competitiveness issues that arise from making any such changes. Increasing the costs associated with transporting goods, or the carrying of necessary tools and equipment required to undertake labour intensive services, essentially leads to higher prices for consumers. Notwithstanding this, if changes can be made that have clear environmental benefits without impacting greatly on costs, these will be given appropriate consideration.

Decentralisation Programme.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

103 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the progress made on decentralising the Office of Public Works to Kanturk, County Cork; the type of jobs that will available; and if they will all be filled internally or if some of the vacancies will be filled from outside. [3205/07]

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

The Office of Public Works (OPW) is currently negotiating the acquisition of a site in Kanturk for a new decentralised office, in conjunction with the Local Authority. The indicative timeframe for the completion of the construction of the new building in Kanturk is the end of 2008. This office, which will have of the order of 100 posts, has currently some 90 applications on the Central Applications Facility (CAF), which remains open for new applications. OPW is currently processing these CAF applications and it is expected that CAF applicants currently employed with Government Departments and Offices will fill the majority of the posts concerned.

Parliamentary Questions.

Paudge Connolly

Question:

104 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Finance the number of parliamentary questions replied to by his Department in 2006; the cost involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3236/07]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

Finance Act 2000 introduced changes to the way in which tax was paid on life policies taken out after 1 January 2001 (the gross roll up regime). Under gross roll up, no tax is charged on investment proceeds during the term of the investment, but an exit tax (of 23%) applies on the net investment proceeds paid to a policy holder when the policy matures or when rights under the policy are surrendered or assigned.

Changes were introduced in Finance Act 2005 which added a new chargeable event providing for the calculation of the gain and the collection of the tax. The new event was the ending of each 7-year period following the inception of the policy and this was subsequently increased to 8 years in Finance Act 2006. The purpose of this was to ensure that exit tax could not be deferred indefinitely by the continual rolling over of a life assurance policy without it becoming chargeable to tax.

An individual investing in stocks and shares pays income tax at his or her marginal rate of tax on all income arising on such investments. In addition, capital gains tax arises on the gain arising from the eventual disposal of the investments. These different tax treatments, as between an individual investing in stocks and shares as against his or her investing in a collective investment vehicle, such as a life assurance fund, are very long-standing and I do not regard the different treatments as discriminatory.

Statutory Instruments.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

108 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the title of each statutory instrument which he made during 2006 and which was not published in the usual way pursuant to section 3 of the Statutory Instruments Act 1947; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3300/07]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

All statutory instruments which were made by me in 2006 were published in accordance with Section 3 of the Statutory Instruments Act 1947.

Departmental Programmes.

Richard Bruton

Question:

109 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the way excess deductions from people by a computing error in the Revenue Commissioners came to occur; the checks in the system to prevent same; the reason they failed; the role the financial institutions played in the incident; if there are lessons to be learnt there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3330/07]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the excess deductions were in fact due to human error rather than a computing error and the financial institutions played no role in the incident. Revised procedural and communication arrangements have been put in place by Revenue to prevent such a recurrence.

I am further advised by Revenue that the work in refunding the amounts deducted in error has been completed. Customers who incurred the excess deductions are being asked to supply Revenue with details of any charges or penalties suffered as a result of the excess deductions so that Revenue can make good those costs and deal with the matter of interest on the excess deductions.

Tax Code.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

110 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Finance his proposals in the Finance Bill 2007 to provide exemption to non-profit making cultural organisations from VAT on the fees of visiting artists from outside Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3331/07]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

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.

Willie Penrose

Question:

111 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Finance if Section 23 relief is available for particular areas which might be suffering adverse economic circumstances in large urban areas; if, in this context, an application were to come in from Athlone Town Council for the utilisation of such reliefs on the west side of town, if same would be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3332/07]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

I take it the Deputy is referring to the tax incentives, including the Section 23 relief for rented residential accommodation, that are currently provided under the 1999 Urban Renewal Scheme. There are 49 urban areas designated for a range of reliefs under the 1999 Urban Renewal Scheme. Athlone is among the 49 urban areas designated for tax relief under this scheme and in all 5 sub-areas are designated for tax relief in Athlone, including 2 sub-areas in the west side of the town at Patrick Street and at Connaught Street. In addition, I should also point out that parts of Athlone were also designated in 1988 and 1994 under the 1986 and 1994 Urban Renewal Schemes.

The designation and selection of areas for tax relief under the 1999 Urban Renewal Scheme is a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the first instance. I have been informed by that Minister that designations of areas and sites for tax relief under the scheme were based on Integrated Area Plans (IAPs) submitted by local authorities and were in line with recommendations made by the independent Expert Advisory Panel on Urban Renewal, which was established to assess all of the plans submitted. This panel exercised an independent role in assessing the plans submitted and in making recommendations on the sites to be designated. The recommendations made by the panel were accepted in full, and are the basis on which the scheme is now implemented. There are no proposals to make further designations or extensions to existing designations under the scheme. In any event, the 2006 Finance Act provided for the phasing out of the Urban Renewal Scheme throughout the State by 31 July 2008.

Disabled Drivers.

Willie Penrose

Question:

112 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Finance if a comprehensive review of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1984 has been carried out; if, in this context he will take steps to address the restrictive medical criteria which is laid down in the regulations which result in people with significant paralysis and severe difficulties being refused a certificate under the said scheme; his views on whether it is long past time for the criteria to be reviewed and widened to facilitate more people obtaining the certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3333/07]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

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

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

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

Tax Code.

Michael Ring

Question:

113 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance if he will extend the capital allowance regime to include registered caravan and camping parks here. [3334/07]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

Section 34 of the Finance Act 2005 introduced a number of changes to the capital allowance regime for hotels, guesthouses, holiday hostels and holiday camps. Guesthouses and holiday hostels were specifically brought into the capital allowances regime for the first time. Also, the entitlement to the capital allowances was provided for the first time on the basis of buildings being registered in the appropriate Fáilte Ireland register.

Following the Finance Act 2005 changes, the Revenue administrative practice of granting capital allowances in respect of buildings and structures erected in registered caravan parks was reviewed in consultation with my Department and the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism. As a result of these deliberations, the Revenue Commissioners decided that retention of a non-statutory scheme on behalf of caravan parks was not appropriate and decided to withdraw it with effect from 1 January 2006. Allowances in respect of expenditure incurred before that date are not affected.

It should be noted that some of the expenditure that would typically be incurred by caravan park operators may be eligible for the "plant and machinery" capital allowances but this would not generally include any buildings or structures.

I have no plans at this time to extend the existing regime of capital allowances to registered caravan and camping parks.

Child Care Services.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

114 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Health and Children the arrangements she is putting in place to continue community crèches; if she will increase numbers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3372/07]

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

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 2006-2010. 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 3-4 year olds and school age childcare. Childcare places are provided either through community based/not for profit childcare groups or by private providers.

Under the EOCP support is provided towards the staffing costs of employing childcare workers in community based childcare facilities 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 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.

Mental Health Services.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

115 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will amend current legislation regarding the introduction of long stay charges in order that people living in centres for people with intellectual disabilities in receipt of a personnel allowance will be excluded, when it may cost more to administer the collection than is taken in income; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2662/07]

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

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

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 may be levied of €120 or the weekly income of that person less €35, whichever is the lesser.

Class 2

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 may 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.

There is no differentiation made between any groups in these two classes.

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. There are currently no plans to amend the Act.

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.

Nursing Homes.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

116 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of beds in public nursing homes that are closed or currently unavailable; the number of beds in public nursing homes for each year since 1997; the number of patients in public nursing homes each year since 1997; the number of nurses in public nursing homes for each year since 1997; the number of new public nursing homes opened since 1997; the annual capital expenditure on public nursing homes since 1997; the number of private nursing homes to which the State pays subvention opened or registered with health authorities since 1997; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1104/07]

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

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to provide the information requested by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Community Care.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

117 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the average time a person must wait from being approved for home help and receiving the assistance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1105/07]

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

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.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

122 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children if there are to be changes in the conditions or rates of the domiciliary care allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2653/07]

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

As a result of Budget 2007 the rates of payment of all disability related allowances under the remit of my Department were increased. This includes Domiciliary Care Allowance. The rate of payment for DCA since 1st January 2007 is €281.30 per month, an increase of 12.1%.

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 which came into effect on the 1st July 2002.

The Working Group was maintained by the Health Service Executive and my Department. It is currently in the final stages of preparing a submission to my Department which contains draft new circulars for the various disability related allowances including Domiciliary Care Allowance.

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

Community Care.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

126 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the efforts being made to recruit a medical assessor for a town (details supplied) in order to reduce the long waiting lists for families waiting for domiciliary care allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2657/07]

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

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 Executive Report.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

127 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children when will persons (details supplied) in County Wexford receive a copy of the report by the Health Service Executive; the reason for the delay in making the report available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2660/07]

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

An Independent Review Committee, chaired by Dr. Joe Duggan, Consultant Physician and Geriatrician, was established in January 2006. The Health Service Executive has confirmed that the publication of the report of the Independent Review Committee on HSE Services provided to the individual the Deputy is referring to, has been deferred at the request of the Chief State Solicitors Office in consultation with An Garda Síochána and the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The HSE has been advised that publication of the report at this time, has the potential to prejudice the State case on this matter.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

128 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of the application for special housing aid for the elderly for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2661/07]

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

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.

Ambulance Service.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

129 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will introduce a nationwide helicopter ambulance service, as is operated in many other countries with great success; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2663/07]

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

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 in to service in 2006 and intends to introduce four AB 139 helicopters in to 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 Allowances.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

130 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of the application for diet supplement for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2664/07]

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

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

Paul Kehoe

Question:

131 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the projects that were targeted in the last National Development Plan in County Wexford; the breakdown of each one completed or the stage that each project is at; the overspend envisaged and an explanation for each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3145/07]

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

In the first two months following the full commencement of the Mental Health Act 2001, November and December 2006, a total of 175 mental health tribunals were held. 151 mental health tribunals affirmed the involuntary admission orders and 24 mental health tribunals revoked the involuntary admission orders.

Nursing Home Subventions.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

138 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether enhanced nursing home subvention applications are being held up in the southern area due to the fact that her Department have failed to issue the new guidelines; and when the problem will be resolved. [3206/07]

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

In December, 2006 my Department formally advised the Health Service Executive of the signing of the Nursing Homes (Subvention) (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (SI No. 642 of 2006). These Regulations increase the basic rate of subvention to a maximum of €300 per week. Additional funding has been provided for enhanced subvention payments. My Department asked the Executive to circulate guidelines, within the relevant areas, in relation to the payment of basic and enhanced subventions. I understand these issued to all areas on 29 January, 2007. The increase in the basic rate of subvention will apply with effect from 1 January, 2007.

Pharmacy Regulations.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

139 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the reference changes being proposed by the Health Service Executive in respect of negotiating rights for pharmacists. [3207/07]

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

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.

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. 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.

Ambulance Service.

Dan Neville

Question:

143 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children when repayments under the national repayment scheme will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [3252/07]

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

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.

Mental Health Services.

Dan Neville

Question:

144 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the percentage of the Budget 2007 allocation for psychiatric services in relation to the total health budget. [3254/07]

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The Revised Estimates Volume for 2007 which will give a breakdown of estimated spending across the service areas including Mental Health Services is currently being compiled and is due to be published on 22 February 2007.

Health Services.

The applications for National Lottery funding received by my Department far exceed the available funding in any given year, resulting in some applicants being unsuccessful even though they meet the criteria outlined above.

Health Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

151 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when treatment for angina is expected to be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3337/07]

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

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.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

152 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the location of the most eminent, advanced or internationally recognised centre of excellence, hospital or research centre for the treatment of Crohn’s disease; the extent to which sufferers of the disease here can gain access to such treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3338/07]

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

156 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if an appeal for inclusion in the pension scheme in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be expedited and approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3357/07]

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The general policy in relation to access to superannuation schemes in the public sector is that options are time limited. An option to join the Nominated Health Agencies Superannuation Scheme was offered to whole-time permanent employees of St Patrick's Centre, Kilkenny in 1981 and 1996. The 1996 option expired on 15 April 1996.

Where a person who has not exercised an option to join a scheme subsequently makes an appeal about the validity of their option or claims that they did not receive an option to which they were entitled, such appeals or claims are examined. If the facts of the case are established in favour of the claimant, a fresh option may be given to the individual. The person whose details have been supplied has made such a claim and the claim is being examined in my Department in consultation with the employing agency.

Parliamentary Questions.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

157 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will seek an analysis from the Health Service Executive on the average timeframe taken to answer parliamentary questions; the way it is intended to reduce the time being taken; the regions to be used when furnishing replies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3360/07]

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

160 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the anomaly continues to exist where wealthy people over 70 years of age do not have to pay the health levy; if the Government will close this loophole; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3370/07]

John Gormley

Question:

161 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of money that will be lost to the Exchequer in view of the fact that persons over 70 years of age do not have to pay the health levy, calculated on the health levy rates introduced in budget 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3371/07]

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 160 and 161 together.

The Health Contribution was introduced by virtue of the Health Contributions Act 1979 and came into effect on 6 April of that year. The contributions are levied on income at a percentage rate set in pursuance of the Health Contributions Act and proceeds are paid over to the Minister for Health and Children in aid of the Vote for the Health Service Executive. The current rate of contribution is 2% of gross income and 2.5% on income in excess of €100,100 in a contribution year. The levy is applicable to all persons over the age of 16 with reckonable income, earnings or emoluments. However, certain persons are exempt from liability to pay the health levy, including those who have full eligibility for health services i.e. medical cardholders under Section 45 of the Health Act 1970.

Following the announcement in budget 2001 to grant full eligibility to those aged 70 and over, and the subsequent amendment of Section 45 of the Health Act 1970, these people became exempt from paying health contributions. The cost to the Exchequer of including people who possess over 70s medical cards in the exemption from paying the health levy amounts to approximately €28 million per annum.

National Development Plan.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

162 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the projects that were targeted in the last national development plan in County Wexford; the breakdown of each one completed or the stage that each project is at; the overspend envisaged and an explanation for each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3137/07]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

163 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the investments outlined in the last national development plan in County Wexford; the plans and investments that have been completed, that are ongoing or did not progress from planning stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3151/07]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 162 and 163 together.

The following table sets out the projects funded by my Department in the communications, marine and energy areas under the 2000–2006 National Development Plan, in County Wexford.

Communications
Project	Proposed Cost	Current status	Overspend on project
	€
Phase One Metropolitan Area Network-Wexford Town	2,900,000	Completed	N/A — fixed price contract
Group Broadband Scheme, Cranford, Monaseed, Kilanerin, Ballyfad, Ballythomas, Coolgreany, Co.Wexford	44,352	Completed	N/A
Group Broadband Scheme, Bridgetown, Kilmore, Kilmore Quay, Ballyhogue & Galbally, Bree, Co.Wexford	50,502	Completed	N/A
Group Broadband Scheme, Ramsgrange, Campile, Wellington Bridge, Fethard-on-Sea, Duncannon, Ballyhack, Clongeen, Arthurstown, Ballycullane, Saltmills, New Ross Rural, Co.Wexford	81,816	Completed	N/A
Group Broadband Scheme, Gorey rural, Courtown, Riverchapel, Ballygarrett, Ballycanew, Ballymoney, Killenagh, Camolin, Ballyoughter, Co.Wexford	88,320	Under review

Sea Fisheries
Project	Proposed Cost	Current status	Overspend on project
	€
Supporting Measures for Sea Fisheries Development	1,491,876	Ongoing 87% complete	No
Decommissioning	3,859,025	Complete	No
Fleet Development (New Vessels)	2,182,403	Complete	No
Fleet Development (Safety Grants)	366,755	Ongoing 74% complete	No

Aquaculture Development
Project	Proposed Cost	Current status	Overspend on project
	€
Mr. Patrick Cullen — Modernisation of a mussel dredger	23,131	Withdrawn — business sold
Mr. Eugene Fitzpatrick — Expansion of an oyster farm at Bannow Bay	22,597	Completed	Under Cost
Halcome Merchants (Ireland) Ltd — Purchase of new mussel dredger	753,160	Completed	Under Cost
Hibernor Atlantic Salmon Ltd. — Modernisation of a salmon hatchery	243,365	Partially completed prior to sale of business
Mr. Florence Sweeney — Modernisation of a mussel dredger	19,738	Completed	Under Cost
Riverbank Mussels Ltd. — Purchase of a new mussel dredger	1,438,000	Completed	No
Tardrum Fisheries Ltd. — Purchase of new mussel dredger	179,928	Completed	No
Wexford Mussels Ltd. — Purchase of new mussel dredger	1,430,000	Completed	Under Cost

Cost Protection
Project	Proposed Cost	Current status	Overspend on project
	€
Kilmore Quay — Dredging	672,146	Completed	No
Cullenstown Revetment Works	145,639	Completed	No
Rosslare strand Protection works at North Spit	75,675	Completed	No
Rosslare strand Maintenance	19,656	Completed	No
Cahore — Upgrading	82,533	Completed	No
Cullenstown Revetment Works	914,151	Completed	No
Courtown- Upgrading	171,415	Completed	No
Courtown- Revetment Works	115,866	Completed	No
Rosslare strand — Revetment Works	95,230	Completed	No
Rosslare Strand Split Study	69,333	Completed	No
Rosslare Strand Maintenance	22,772	Completed	No
Kilmore Quay — Replace Buoyage	27,132	Completed	No
Duncannon Pier extension (Design)	191,158	Completed	No
Slade Pier — Surfacing & safety works	59,639	Completed	No
Fethard Pier — Reinforced concrete steps, pointing to pier	74,841	Completed	No
Carne Pier — Installation of lighting/dredging and safety works	46,750	Completed	No
Courtown Detailed design of offshore breakwater	178,414	Completed	No
Rosslare Strand Protection works at North Spit	152,580	Completed	No
Rosslare strand Maintenance	13,292	Completed	No
Rosslare strand Revetment Works	103,795	Completed	No
Cahore Rock Groynes & Beach Nourishment	57,289	Completed	No
Ballyconnigar Revetment Works	29,000	Completed	No
Courtown — Purchase of plant equipment	40,000	Completed	No
Rosslare Rock Revetment	37,095	Completed	No
Rosslare strand — Study	11,488	Completed	No
Rosslare strand — Revetment Works	19,054	Completed	No
Rosslare strand Maintenance	7,958	Completed	No
Cahore — Groynes & Beach Nourishment	57,715	Completed	No
Ballyconnigar Rock Revetment	29,652	Completed	No
Kilmore Quay — Hydrographic Survey	15,219	Completed	No
Courtown Design of breakwaters	490,939	Completed	No
Curracloe Dune Protection	41,375	Completed	No
Kilmore Quay — Hydrographic Survey	82,583	Completed	No
Cahore — Revetment Works	22,156	Completed	No
Kilpatrick — Soft engineering works to beach	20,362	Completed	No
Kilmore Quay — Site Investigation	24,866	Ongoing
Courtown — Grouting & structural repairs to harbour wall	14,745	Ongoing
Killurin Pier — Slipway reconstruction and safety works	29,936	Completed	No
Slade Harbour — structural improvements to old pier wall	23,097.25	Ongoing
Cahore — Protection works	25,000	Completed	No
Carne — Rock Revetment	144,145	Completed	No
Courtown Planning & Design for protection scheme	47,980	Completed	No
Rosslare strand — Rock Revetment	491,488	Completed	No

Seafood Processing
Project	Proposed Cost	Current status	Overspend on project
	€
St. Helen’s Bay — Revetment Works	127,574	Completed	No
Sofrimar Ltd	213,538	Completed	No

Energy
Project	Proposed Cost	Current status	Overspend on project
	€
Low Income Fund Disbursement Programme
Wexford Area Partnership — Warmer Homes energy efficient installer	315,598	Ongoing
Design Study Support Scheme
Wexford County Council — Design study of new office buildings for Wexford County Council	7,500	Completed	No
Bioheat Alternative Heat Scheme
Redmond Construction — Install a 540kW biomass boiler in Amber Springs Hotel	50,124	Ongoing
Wallace Developments — Feasibility study on Wavecrest Duncannon District Heating System	4,000	Ongoing
Wexford Farmers Co-op — Feasibility Study for the Introduction of Wood Chip Boilers for a retail and residential Development with the Wood Chip coming from WFC Farmer Shareholders	4,000	Completed	No
House of Tomorrow Programme
Wexford County Council — Olygate Housing Scheme — 28 units	140,000	Ongoing
Wexford County Council — Monitoring of Olygate Housing Scheme	10,731	Ongoing
Renewable Energy RD&D Programme
Wexford Energy Management Agency Ltd — Feasibility study on biomass to energy CHP Plant in Co. Wexford	15,000	Completed	No
Biogreen Energy Products Ltd — Vegetable oil production, extraction and use in modified vehicle engines in Co. Wexford	249,812	Ongoing
Glanbia Plc — Study to research and evaluate the technology and costs in replacing existing Oil-fired Boiler by a Wood-fuelled Boiler, and electricity co-generation by utilising a medium pressure Steam Boiler	9,250	Completed	No
Kelly’s Resort Hotel — Install a 350kW Biomass Boiler	26,220	Ongoing
Brandon House Hotel — Install 2*150kW Biomass Boilers	35,705	Completed	No
Old Barracks Building — Install 200kW Biomass Boiler	20,022	Completed	No

Grant Payments.

Dan Boyle

Question:

164 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has made retrospective grant payments under the greener homes scheme available for the cost of solar heating systems installed prior to the commencement of the scheme. [3201/07]

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

On 27 March 2006 I launched the "Greener Homes" grant aid package for the domestic sector which includes funding for wood chip and wood pellet boilers and stoves, solar and heat pump technologies. There have been no grant payments made retrospectively under the scheme.

One of the key objectives of the grant scheme is to stimulate the market for domestic renewable technologies and to encourage people to purchase and install renewable technologies, who might not otherwise have done so, because of associated capital costs. All grant schemes must have a reference date and start point. In the case of the Greener Homes scheme, the appropriate date is the date of launch of the scheme.

Parliamentary Questions.

Paudge Connolly

Question:

165 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of parliamentary questions replied to by his Department in 2006; the cost involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3239/07]

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

My Department responded to 2,197 parliamentary questions during 2006. An essential everyday part of the work of staff in the Department is serving the needs of this House and the democratic process. Work related to Parliamentary Questions is an essential element of this process built into the Business plans of individual Divisions of the Department.

In addition, input into individual questions varies depending on the complexity of the issue raised and the level of expertise required to service it. Because it is part of the ongoing workload of civil servants, and because staff resources are not exclusively deployed to deal with questions, it is not possible to isolate the cost of answering Parliamentary Questions from overall administration costs.

Fisheries Protection.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

166 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals to extend the list of designated ports for the landing of fish, taking into account the problems associated with fishing boats having to travel long distances, particularly in bad weather. [3290/07]

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

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. Furthermore a significant level of resources must be made available at each designated port by the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority in order to fulfil its responsibilities under European and National law properly. It follows that the number of ports designated must necessarily be limited.

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. I am satisfied therefore that a designated port is within reasonable range of any of our fishing vessels at any given time.

I would point out also 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.

Statutory Instruments.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

167 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the title of each statutory instrument which he made during 2006 and which was not published in the usual way pursuant to section 3 of the Statutory Instruments Act 1947; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3294/07]

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

I have consulted with the officials of my Department and can advise the Deputy that all statutory instruments made during 2006 were published in the usual way pursuant to Section 3 of the Statutory Instruments Act 1947.

National Development Plan.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

168 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the projects that were targeted in the last national development plan in County Wexford; the breakdown of each one completed or the stage that each project is at; the overspend envisaged and an explanation for each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3144/07]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

The Department of Foreign Affairs has no involvement in any such project in the last National Development Plan.

Parliamentary Questions.

Paudge Connolly

Question:

169 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of parliamentary questions replied to by his Department in 2006; the cost involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3240/07]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

A total of 1,337 parliamentary questions were replied to by my Department in 2006. As no record is kept of the time taken by Departmental officials in formulating draft replies, it is not possible to indicate the total cost involved in replying to these questions.

Statutory Instruments.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

170 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the title of each statutory instrument which he made during 2006 and which was not published in the usual way pursuant to section 3 of the Statutory Instruments Act 1947; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3301/07]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

I wish to advise the Deputy that no Statutory Instruments were made by me in 2006 and, as a consequence, the issue of compliance with the publication requirements of Section 3 of the Statutory Instruments Act, 1947, did not arise.

National Lottery Funding.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

171 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his Department has received an application for lottery funding from a club (details supplied); when he plans to make a decision on same; the amount of budget allocated for such grants in 2007; and the amount allocated in 2006. [2623/07]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Mr. O’Donoghue)

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 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.

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.

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 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.

Swimming Pool Projects.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

179 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has received an application for funding a swimming pool at Leixlip, County Kildare; the dialogue he has had with Kildare County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3358/07]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Mr. O’Donoghue)

The current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme was closed to applications on 31 July 2000 and no application was made in respect of a public swimming pool for Leixlip before that date.

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.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

180 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the stage the new Naas swimming pool project is at; when funding will be drawn down; the expected date for completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3375/07]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Mr. O’Donoghue)

Under the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme, there are four stages in the development of a swimming pool project. These are, in order of progress, Feasibility Study/Preliminary Report; Contract Documents; Tender and Construction.

On 24 October 2006, I approved the tender submitted by Kildare County Council for the proposed replacement swimming pool in Naas. At the same time, I approved the maximum grant of €3.8 million for the project. These approvals permitted Kildare County Council to move to the construction phase and it is now a matter for the local authority to proceed with the project. I am advised that construction is expected to begin next month.

Job Creation.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

181 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the most recent figures for the number of persons working here with a breakdown of the figures in relation to the different sectors involved; and the locations where the IDA supported new jobs in 2006. [2641/07]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Martin)

There are 2,073,300 people in employment as published by the CSO in the latest Quarterly National Household Survey (June-August 2006). The breakdown by economic sector is set out in the table below.

Economic Sector	2006
Agriculture, forestry and fishing	121,700
Other production industries	296,600
Construction	277,800
Wholesale and retail trade	297,800
Hotels and restaurants	120,600
Transport, storage and communication	128,300
Financial and other business services	267,700
Public administration and defence	105,800
Education	123,700
Health	210,900
Other services	122,400
Total persons	2,073,300

In 2006 there were a total number of 135,487 people permanently employed in IDA Ireland grant assisted companies. This included 11,846 new jobs.

The break down of new jobs by IDA Ireland Region in 2006 is as follows:

	Number
North-West	308
North-East	260
Midlands	440
West	591
Mid-West	860
South-West	2,272
South-East	1,072
East	6,043

Central to IDA Ireland's activities is it's commitment to achieving the best possible regional balance in investments. In 2006 almost 60% of new Greenfield projects and 6 out of every 7 R&D investments (or 85%) took place outside Dublin, with a wide geographical spread of high quality investments.

The challenge of a good regional spread of investments increases as the higher value parts of the business value chains are targeted for Ireland. The need for a critical mass of suitably qualified talent, supporting infrastructure and sophisticated business services can then draw investors towards cities and regions of scale. For most of the investment IDA Ireland competes for, the competition is from city regions with a population base of over a million people. In Ireland, only Dublin has a population of this size. For this reason, every location in Ireland has to think and act regionally, rather than locally, if it wishes to succeed. The National Spatial Strategy sets out the framework for development in this way and needs to be actively embraced and followed by all economic and social parties.

IDA Ireland has significantly raised the potential for regions to prosper by implementing a national programme of investment in the vital infrastructure of business park development and the provision of sites for major projects. In 2006 major construction work was undertaken in Oranmore, Co. Galway and Dundalk, Co. Louth on utility-intensive sites. IDA Ireland also obtained planning permission for a huge integrated circuit development at Grange Castle, Clondalkin, Co. Dublin, which is now being marketed globally.

Work Permits.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

182 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on liberal work permit regulations for Bulgarian nationals wishing to work here since 1 January 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2642/07]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Martin)

The Government decided on 24th October, 2006 to continue to require that nationals of Bulgaria and Romania apply for work permits in order to participate in the Irish labour market from 1st January, 2007, the date of accession of these countries to the European Union. But I should emphasise that preference is being given to nationals of Bulgaria and Romania over third-country nationals as regards the grant of employment permits, consistent with our European Community Preference obligations.

I should add that the Employment Permits Act 2006, provides, in accordance with the provisions of the these countries' Treaties of Accession to the EU, that Bulgarian or Romanian nationals who had been already in the State on a valid employment permit for an uninterrupted period of twelve months prior to 1st January, 2007, no longer require a permit in order to work in the State.

National Development Plan.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

183 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the projects that were targeted in the last National Development Plan in County Wexford; the breakdown of each one completed or the stage that each project is at; the overspend envisaged and an explanation for each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3141/07]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Martin)

The Employment and Human Resources Development Operational Programme 2000-2006 is comprised of both NDP funded and ESF funded projects/measures targeted at a regional level, not at county level. Monitoring and reporting of activity both physical and financial is done at regional level, that is, at Border, Midlands and Western (BMW) and Southern and Eastern (S&E) Regional levels. Therefore, little data is available on projects at the county level itself through this Programme.

The same applies in the case of the Productive Sector Operational Programme, which is also managed by this Department. Funding of the projects was targeted at regional level, not at county level and monitoring and reporting was again done at Regional level — BMW and S&E.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

184 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the investments outlined in the last National Development Plan in County Wexford; the plans and investments that have been completed, that are on-going or did not progress from planning stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3154/07]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Martin)

The Employment and Human Resources Development Operational Programme 2000-2006 is comprised of both NDP funded and ESF investments targeted at the regional level, not at county level. Monitoring and reporting of activity both physical and financial is done at regional level, that is, at Border, Midlands and Western (BMW) and Southern and Eastern (S&E) Regional levels. Therefore, little data is available at the county level itself through this Programme.

The same applies in the case of the Productive Sector Operational Programme, which is also managed by this Department. Investment was targeted at the regional level, not at county level and monitoring and reporting was again done at Regional level — BMW and S&E.

International Standards.

Shane McEntee

Question:

185 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the approved national or international standards that apply to washing machines sold here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3174/07]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Martin)

I assume that the Deputy is referring to domestic clothes washing machines. The National Standards Authority of Ireland has advised me that it has adopted the following standards for such machines:—

I.S. EN 60335-2-7:2003 including Amendments A1: 2004 and A2: 2006 HOUSEHOLD AND SIMILAR ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES — SAFETY PART 2-7: PARTICULAR REQUIREMENTS FOR WASHING MACHINES.

I.S. EN 60456:2005 including Amendment A11: 2006 CLOTHES WASHING MACHINES FOR HOUSEHOLD USE — METHODS FOR MEASURING THE PERFORMANCE.

Equality Issues.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

186 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if an EU directive or measure exists that has binding effect here which prohibits car hire companies from hiring cars to persons over the age of 70 years; and his views on whether this would contravene the Equal Status Act 2000. [3180/07]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Martin)

I would advise the Deputy that I do not have any responsibility in relation to the Equal Status Act 2000. The investigation of complaints under that Act is a matter for the Office of the Director of Equality Investigations.

Consumer Protection.

Dan Boyle

Question:

187 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether it is misleading advertising when dishwasher detergents advertise a salt function or built in salt when in reality manufactures have only added a huge amount of phosphates to their formula to replace the function of a built-in component in every dishwasher such as an environmentally friendly ion-exchange water softener which removes calcium and limescale from the water as it enters the machine. [3199/07]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Martin)

The Merchandise Marks Act 1887, as amended by the Consumer Information Act 1978, makes it an offence to apply a false or misleading trade description to a wide range of characteristics of goods, including the material of which goods are composed. Directive 1984/450/EEC on Misleading Advertising, which was transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Misleading Advertising) Regulations 1988, prohibits misleading advertising in regard, among other things, to the composition of goods.

The Consumer Protection Bill 2007 which I have published today will, when it has been passed and has come into force, replace these enactments. It will prohibit misleading commercial practices in regard, among other things, to the composition or ingredients of a product and its benefits, risks, and the results to be expected from its use. It will also prohibit the omission of material information about a product that consumers would need in order to make an informed decision about it.

It is a matter for the courts to determine whether or not a trade description or advertisement is false or misleading in any particular case. Complaints about false or misleading trade descriptions or advertisements may be referred to the Director of Consumer Affairs.

Work Permits.

Phil Hogan

Question:

188 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will review a decision in respect of a work permit for a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3269/07]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Martin)

The Employment Permits Section of my Department has informed me that the last application made to this section by the above named individual was on the 14th of June 2005 and was subsequently refused on the grounds that the above named individual was on a study visa and was therefore not entitled to enter full time employment. To-date no further application has been submitted to this section.

Statutory Instruments.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

189 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the title of each statutory instrument which he made during 2006 and which was not published in the usual way pursuant to Section 3 of the Statutory Instruments Act 1947; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3298/07]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Martin)

My Department has identified one Statutory Instrument which was not sent to the bodies prescribed in Section 3 (1) (a) of the 1947 Act within the seven day time limit, although all the other requirements of the Act were observed.

I signed S.I. No. 290 of 2006 European Communities (Co-operation between National Authorities Responsible for the Enforcement of Consumer Protection Laws) Regulations 2006 on 30th May 2006. Under Section 3 (1) (a) of the Statutory Instruments Act 1947, copies of an S.I. are due to be sent to the National Library of Ireland, the Law Library, Four Courts Dublin, the Incorporated Law Society of Ireland, the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, the Cork Chamber of Commerce, the Limerick Chamber of Commerce, the Waterford Chamber of Commerce and the Galway Chamber of Commerce, within seven days of the making of an SI. Due to an oversight, my Department did not send copies of SI 290 of 2006 before 6th June 2006, as required in this case, to the aforementioned Bodies. However, this oversight has since been rectified by my Department.

Consumer Protection.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

190 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will introduce consumer protection measures in view of the introduction of a charge for persons not opting for a direct debit method of payment by companies (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3364/07]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Martin)

I am aware that the Director of Consumer Affairs has received a considerable number of complaints from consumers in relation to the introduction of the charge referred to in the Deputy's question. However, I do not share the view that introducing measures or imposing controls in relation to the price traders charge for goods or services would necessarily address the concerns raised by the Deputy. Past experience has shown that price control policies have not been effective in protecting consumers.

Nevertheless, I share the Director's concerns that the introduction of this charge could impact disproportionately on certain groups of vulnerable consumers. I understand that the Director intends to raise these concerns with the companies concerned. I have asked the Director to keep me informed of any developments in this regard.

Grant Payments.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

191 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people who availed of the grant by his Department towards the cost of hearing aids for the past five years with a breakdown of the figures; his plans to increase the size of the grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2669/07]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

The total number of people availing of a grant towards the cost of a hearing aid for the past 5 years is 26,256 broken down as follows:

Year	Number
2002	4,401
2003	5,262
2004	5,749
2005	5,332
2006	5,512

The grant was increased by over 8% with effect from 1 May 2006 and currently my Department will pay up to half the cost of a hearing aid or repairs to a hearing aid subject to a fixed maximum of €760. The grant level is continuously kept under review in the context of the objectives of the scheme and budgetary resources.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

192 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on offering fuel allowance and living alone allowance to persons only in receipt of the Department of Education and Science ex-gratia pension who have not been eligible to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2672/07]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

The aim of the national fuel scheme is to assist householders on long-term social welfare or health service executive payments with meeting the cost of their additional heating needs during the winter season. Fuel allowances are paid for 29 weeks from end-September to mid-April and are not intended to meet the full cost of heating.

Eligibility to the fuel allowance scheme is subject to means and other conditions. The main conditions that apply to the fuel allowance scheme are that a person must be in receipt of a qualifying payment, must satisfy a means test and must either be living alone or with a qualifying dependant. People who already qualify for means-tested pensions or allowances such as state pension (non-contributory), long-term jobseeker's assistance or one-parent family payment do not have to undergo a further means test to qualify for fuel allowance. The majority of people who receive fuel allowances qualify because they satisfy the relevant means test for their primary weekly payment.

Recipients of the Department of Education and Science ex-gratia pension. These ex-gratia pensioners would be eligible for fuel allowance under the terms of the scheme as operated by my Department, if they also qualified for the State Pension (Non Contributory) or another qualifying payment and satisfied the means test.

The living alone allowance, or living alone increase as it is now known, is an additional payment of €7.70 per week made to people aged 66 years or over who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments and who are living alone. It is also available to people under 66 years of age who are living alone and who receive payments under one of a number of invalidity type schemes. The increase is intended as a contribution towards the additional costs people face when they live alone. The living alone allowance increase is not a payment in its own right but one that is paid as a supplement to a social welfare payment. As such, it cannot be paid to people without a social welfare entitlement or to those whose pension payments are made exclusively under the social security regimes of other countries. Any changes in the eligibility rules for the fuel allowance or living alone allowance increase schemes would have cost and other implications and would have to be examined in the context of the Budget and in the light of the resources available to me for improvements in social welfare generally.

National Development Plan.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

193 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the projects that were targeted in the last National Development Plan in County Wexford; the breakdown of each one completed or the stage that each project is at; the overspend envisaged and an explanation for each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3147/07]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

The Family Services Project (FSP) provides funding to programmes run by third parties to assist welfare recipients and members of their families improve their personal and family circumstances through training, educational and development courses. The programmes are generally of a short duration and take place over a number of weeks. A total of 31 Family Services Projects have been funded in Co. Wexford over the lifetime of the NDP 2000-2006. The FSP is administered by Facilitators who are based in my Department's Local Offices. There are 4 Facilitators located in the South East Region and two of these are based in Wexford. Examples of activities funded under the FSP include parenting projects for very young lone parents, support programmes for families of disabled persons and family support for travellers.

The national fuel scheme assists householders on long-term social welfare or health service executive (HSE) payments with meeting the cost of their heating needs during the winter season. Fuel allowances are paid for 29 weeks from end-September to mid-April. The allowance represents a contribution towards a person's normal heating expenses. It is not intended to meet those costs in full. Eligibility for the allowance is subject to means. The other main conditions that apply are that a person must be in receipt of a qualifying payment, and must either be living alone or only with a specified person.

Carer's Allowance is not a qualifying payment for a fuel allowance for a number of reasons. In many cases the care recipient will already be in receipt of fuel allowance in his/her own right and only one fuel allowance is payable per household. Secondly, the carer may not be living with the care recipient in all cases. I am satisfied that the current rules result in fuel allowances being paid in appropriate households. Any changes in the eligibility rules for the fuel allowance would have cost and other implications and would have to be examined in the context of the Budget and in the light of the resources available to me for improvements in social welfare generally.

Marine Accidents.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

198 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport the number of occasions since June 1997 the RAF responded to maritime incidents in Irish territorial waters and lead or participated in search and rescue missions in Irish territorial waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2628/07]

Minister of State at the Department of Transport (Mr. Gallagher)

There was only one occasion when the RAF responded to a maritime incident in Irish territorial waters during the years mentioned. This occurred in 2003 when the Irish Coast Guard requested additional assistance with the possible evacuation of 155 passengers on board a ferry that had engine trouble off the Tuskar Rock. RAF assistance would have complemented the Irish Coast Guard helicopter resource. There is ongoing close co-operation between the Irish Coast Guard and their UK counterparts, including helicopter assistance, which is appreciated and welcomed. Joint exercises are held on a regular basis.

Public Transport.

Joan Burton

Question:

199 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Transport if, in relation to the Government’s disability fund and the provision of ramp access to buses, his Department has conducted an audit of the availability of ramp access to buses in Dublin; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many ramps which were put in place through this fund are unusable due to a lack of funds for servicing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3190/07]

Question:

203 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport the investments outlined in the last National Development Plan in County Wexford; the plans and investments that have been completed, that are on-going or did not progress from planning stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3160/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 202 and 203 together.

The National Development Plan 2000 to 2006 (NDP) included provision for major improvements on the N11 and N30 routes through the county. I understand from the National Roads Authority, who have overall responsibility for the planning, design, construction and maintenance of national roads works, that the N11 bypass of Gorey is due to open later this year. This means that the N11 route will have been substantially upgraded along almost its entire length from Dublin to just south of Gorey by the end of this year. A 5 km section of the N30 was upgraded and opened in April of 2006.

The main railway projects impacting on County Wexford in the NDP related to upgrading the track and associated infrastructure on the Dublin to Rosslare Europort line. Over the past 5 years approximately €86m was spent on the Dublin to Rosslare route. While Iarnród Éireann does not maintain records of expenditure on a county basis the bulk of the expenditure was incurred between Bray and Rosslare Europort and, based on mileage, approximately 60% of the expenditure would have been in County Wexford.

The entire Dublin to Rosslare Europort line was renewed with modern continuously welded rail during the period of the NDP. In addition, significant investment was also made on associated infrastructure such as bridges, level crossings, fencing and coastal defence. Work is also under way on re-signalling the line and this project will be completed by Autumn 2007.

The rolling stock on the line has been replaced with modern diesel railcars and these will be further upgraded to InterCity railcars in 2008. A new commuter rail service was introduced from Gorey to Dublin.

Two projects approved for aid did not progress beyond planning stage and were cancelled by the promoters.

The New Ross Port Company was approved for 35% grant aid for the construction of a €3.365 million wharf development. Stafford Shipping, a private company operating in New Ross port, received approval for 18% grant aid to a maximum of €0.240 million for a project to purchase a crane and construct a warehouse.

Public Transport.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

204 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport the differences between DOE tests carried out to buses for his Department and a bus test carried out by an AA engineer for his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3169/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

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. My Department did not engage the AA to carry out any inspection of a bus.

Statutory Instruments.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

205 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport the title of each statutory instrument which he made during 2006 and which was not published in the usual way pursuant to Section 3 of the Statutory Instruments Act 1947; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3305/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I am not aware of any Statutory Instrument which I made during 2006 which did not conform to Section 3 of the Statutory Instruments Act 1947.

Public Transport.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

206 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the mechanism that will be used to introduce the second hundred buses identified as immediately required in the 2006 Dublin Bus network review; if the issuing of licences for new routes under the 1932 Act is forming part of the first 200; the way the second 200 identified in the network review will be delivered; when they will be delivered; the person by whom they will be delivered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3374/07]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

There are currently in place two regimes governing the approval of bus services, one for private operators and one for Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann and I am currently considering their replacement with one regime, in the context of replacing of the Road Transport Act 1932. As I indicated in my statement of 28 September last, the precise arrangements for the awarding of franchises to private operators in the Dublin market will be dealt with in this context. In the meantime, the licensing provisions of the Road Transport Act 1932 and the Transport Act 1955 will continue to be applied.

At present, my Department is supporting both Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann in the acquisition of additional buses and replacement buses for the GDA. In the current year, Dublin Bus will be putting into service around 200 new buses, of which 100 will be additional buses allocated towards providing additional services. Many of these new buses have additional carrying capacity compared with the buses they are replacing. Bus Eireann is in the process of ordering 160 new buses for delivery and entry into service from summer 2007 on. I understand that Bus Éireann intend to assign 75 of these buses to the Leinster/East region. Some private operators will also be expanding services.

Question No. 207 withdrawn.

National Development Plan.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

208 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the projects that were targeted in the last National Development Plan in County Wexford; the breakdown of each one completed or the stage that each project is at; the overspend envisaged and an explanation for each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3138/07]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

209 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the investments outlined in the last National Development Plan in County Wexford; the plans and investments that have been completed, that are on-going or did not progress from planning stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3152/07]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Éamon Ó Cuív)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 208 and 209 together.

The Deputy will be aware that the National Development Plan (NDP) 2000-2006 constituted a programme setting out the Government's broad strategic response to the State's economic and social development needs for the seven-year period in question, and that it did not set out specific project commitments.

My Department was involved in four Operational Programmes under the NDP 2000-2006, as follows:

the Productive Sector Operational Programme;

the Employment and Human Resources Development Operational Programme;

the Border, Midland and Western Regional Operational Programme; and

the Southern & Eastern Regional Operational Programme.

Assistance was provided under these Programmes across a range of measures in relation to

the Gaeltacht, in terms of finance for industry, building construction, sectoral training, road improvements and harbour improvements;

urban and village renewal;

inland waterways development;

rural development, in the context of the Area Based Rural Development Initiative, the Rural Development Fund, Farm Relief Services and the Western Development Fund;

the development of disadvantaged communities through the Community Development Programme;

the promotion of local action plans to promote social inclusion under the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme; and

the National Drugs Strategy.

While my Department had no direct responsibility for any major infrastructural investments or projects in Co. Wexford under the NDP 2000-2006, funding has been made available to local groups in the county during the period of the National Development Plan under a number of programmes operated in the Southern & Eastern Region by my Department, including:

€13.15m under the Local Development and Social Inclusion Programme provided to the Wexford Area Partnership (€5.684m) and Wexford County Partnership (€7.466m).

€1.208m under the National Rural Development Programme to the Wexford Organisation for Rural Development.

€4.031m under the Community Development Programme to six groups in Co. Wexford ACCESS 2000 Wexford (€0.668m), FAB Coolcotts (€0.758m), New Ross CDP (€0.466m), South West Wexford CDP (€0.994m), Templeshannon CDP (€0.857m), and Wolfe Tone Women's Group (€0.290m).

The Deputy will appreciate that, due to the diverse nature of the projects supported under these programmes, it would not be possible, in the time available, to provide details in respect of individual projects. If the Deputy has specific queries in relation to any particular case, however, I will be happy to arrange for relevant information to be provided to him.

Rural Social Scheme.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

210 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason there are no vacancies on the rural social scheme; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a waiting list of applicants for this scheme; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact there is much work to be done at community level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3172/07]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Éamon Ó Cuív)

When the Rural Social Scheme (RSS) commenced in July 2004, there were 2,500 places available. In September 2005, a further 100 places were provided and as of Friday last, 26th January, there are 2,591 participants on the Scheme. All Implementing Bodies maintain a waiting list of applicants in order to replace participants who leave the Scheme and fill vacancies as they arise.

As the Deputy is aware, the Scheme aims to encourage farmers and fishermen to continue to farm and fish while providing them with additional financial support. In addition, the various skills widely available amongst our farmers and fishermen are being harnessed for the benefit of rural communities. I am fully aware that there is much work to be done at a community level and am very happy that all of the work undertaken as part of the Scheme is very beneficial to the communities concerned.

The RSS has become a key part of many rural communities and is very popular with both participants and local sponsors. In this context, the Deputy should note that funding for the RSS for the period 2007-2013 is included in the recently published National Development Plan. This confirms the Government's continued and on-going commitment to the Scheme in the coming years.

Grant Payments.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

211 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the maximum grant aid amounts available to persons running a grocery shop in a rural, Gaeltacht area where the building urgently needs re-roofing and the installation of new windows; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3249/07]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Éamon Ó Cuív)

Under the Housing (Gaeltacht) Acts, assistance is available to qualified applicants in a Gaeltacht area towards the construction of new houses and the improvement of existing houses. A shopkeeper may qualify for an improvement grant under the Acts, which could include re-roofing and the installation of new windows if the place of residence and business are under the one roof, but any such grant will be confined to the residential part of the building. Detailed information regarding the Gaeltacht housing scheme can be found on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie.

I understand from Údarás na Gaeltachta that, while its Strategic Development Plan 2005-2010 recognises the need for a network of small industries and service providers, grant assistance is not available to local shops. Given the proliferation of retail businesses over the years without recourse to grant assistance, and in the context also of the possible implications for State aid which could attach to the provision of such assistance, I am satisfied that Údarás has taken an appropriate line in this matter.

Statutory Instruments.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

212 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the title of each statutory instrument which he made during 2006 and which was not published in the usual way pursuant to Section 3 of the Statutory Instruments Act 1947; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3295/07]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Éamon Ó Cuív)

My Department has not enacted any Statutory Instruments during the year 2006.

Grant Payments.

Jack Wall

Question:

213 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding an application for grant assistance by a community group (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3306/07]

Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Mr. N. Ahern)

An application from this group has been received by my Department under the 2006 Programme of Grants for Locally-Based Community and Voluntary Organisations. I recently announced the first tranche of funding under this Programme and assessments are continuing in respect of the remaining applications, including that of the group referred to by the Deputy.

A decision will be notified to this group in the near future.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

214 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Carlow has not received full payment for their 2006 single farm payment; and if she will ensure prompt payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1134/07]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The position is that an application under the Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on the 26th April 2006.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 216 and 217 together.

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 are 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 necessary 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 applied for the Single Payment Scheme — over 100,000 of these are also applicants for the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme (DAS) and 5% of applicants under this scheme must also be inspected. The DAS inspections are, as far as possible, integrated with the inspections under the Single Payment Scheme. The total value of both schemes to Irish farmers is some €1.55 billion in 2006. All inspections are carried out by 124 Technical Agricultural Officers.

The EU regulations governing cross- compliance set out a range of percentage reductions for non-compliance. Where non-compliance results from negligence on behalf of the farmer, a 3% reduction may be applied but this can be reduced to 1% or increased to 5% depending on the extent, severity and permanence of the infringement. If the non-compliance is repeated within a 3-year period, a multiplier 3 must be applied. In the case of intentional infringement a 20% reduction is provided for but this can be reduced to 15% or increased to 100% depending on the extent, severity and permanence of the infringement.

In determining whether a farmer is in breach of cross-compliance, my Department takes due account of infringements that are, on their own, inadvertent, minor in nature, do not result from negligence of the farmer and are capable of occurring in practical farming situations. In such circumstances a certain level of tolerance is applied while, at the same time, the farmer is notified of the infringement. In this regard my Department has adopted a weighting system that results in fair and equitable sanctions under cross-compliance. The system that has been developed also ensures that the sanctions are applied in a standardised fashion throughout the country.

A total of 1,389 farmers were subject to cross-compliance penalties under the 2006 Single Payment Scheme while a further 977 farmers, while technically in breach of the requirements, did not suffer any penalty because of the tolerance regime applied by my Department.

Where a farmer is found to be non-compliant, through negligence, under more than one of the Statutory Management Requirements, the penalties are not accumulated — only the higher penalty is applied.

The vast bulk of penalties applied (1,109 farmers) were for breaches of the rules relating to the identification and registration of bovine animals i.e. tagging, registration and notification of movements and deaths. A further 280 farmers were penalised for breaches of other Statutory Management Requirements relating to Groundwater, Nitrates, Pesticides, Food Hygiene and good agricultural and environmental condition (GAEC).

Breaches found during Cross Compliance Inspections in 2006 resulted in a total of €706,203.38 being stopped in penalties. This represents just 0.05% of Ireland's national ceiling of €1.3 billion.

National Development Plan.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

218 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the projects that were targeted in the last National Development Plan in County Wexford; the breakdown of each one completed or the stage that each project is at; the overspend envisaged and an explanation for each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3135/07]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

219 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the investments outlined in the last National Development Plan in County Wexford; the plans and investments that have been completed, that are on-going or did not progress from planning stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3150/07]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 218 and 219 together.

The measures relevant to my Department in the 2000-2006 National Development Plan did not provide for or relate to individual projects. Instead, they comprised support schemes for the agri-food sector and related research. The table below sets out payments under the various schemes in County Wexford during the period.

Scheme	Amount
	€m
Compensatory Allowances	19.548
REPS	36.535
Early Retirement	7.719
Forestry	6.956
Food	3.260
Farm Waste Management	1.696
Installation Aid	1.385
Dairy Hygiene Scheme	0.712
Alternative Enterprises	0.287
Livestock Breeding equine	0.043
Organic Farming	0.013
Grain Storage	0.330
Potatoes	0.268
Horticulture	1.048
Total	79.800

Paul Kehoe

Question:

239 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the new investigations he or his Department are carrying out with regard to the issue of school transport catchment areas regarding Blackwater, County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3242/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 228 and 239 together.

The issues referred to by the Deputy have been the subject of an appeal to the Independent School Transport Appeals Board which has made a determination in the matter. In these circumstances I do not propose to intervene.

Capitation Grants.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

229 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science when the devolving grants for rural primary schools (details supplied) in County Limerick will be allocated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2637/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Applications have been received in the Department from the schools referred to by the Deputy under the devolved grants schemes. My Department is currently assessing all applications received from schools for funding under these programmes. The list of successful applicants will be published as soon as possible.

State Examinations.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

230 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the charge students are levied with for sitting the leaving certificate; the amount students are charged for repeating the leaving certificate; and the reason there is a difference in price when resitting exams. [2638/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The 2007 examination fee for Leaving Certificate candidates is €96. The fee for school-based repeat Leaving Certificate candidates is €251.

Special fees for repeat candidates were introduced in 1987 on the basis that it is not unreasonable to expect those who have already benefitted from the normal course of second level education, and who wish to take an extra year, to make a contribution towards the cost of providing the necessary resources. A course fee is also payable in respect of such candidates.

Generally, examination fees cover only a fraction of the cost of running the examinations, and these costs have been spiralling in recent years as new methods of assessment are introduced in various subjects.

There is an alleviation scheme in place whereby current medical card holders and their dependents are exempt from the payment of fees. This exemption applies to approximately 30% of all examination candidates each year.

This alleviation scheme also applies in the case of repeat candidates in respect of both the course fee and the repeat examination fee.

Schools Building Projects.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

231 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the delay in the building of a new vocational school (details supplied) in County Carlow; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the school was reported to have been given the go ahead in 2001 and six years later no such works have taken place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2639/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

In the light of increases in enrolments in the school, the Department conducted a re-evaluation of the long term projected enrolments for the required project. A revised long term projected enrolment figure of 1000 pupils has recently been agreed with the Vocational Educational Committee. Progress on the proposed building project will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme from 2007 onwards.

Special Educational Needs.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

232 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that under Circular SP ED 09/04 a diagnosis of ADHD can not be made unless a report is available from a psychiatrist or clinical diagnosis and that as her Department only employ educational psychologist schools are dependent on their local health board to provide the service, that currently in Carlow there is not such person to carry out such an assessment and as a result children with suspected ADHD are not receiving the early intervention they require; and the advice she would give to overcome this predicament. [2640/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I am aware that there must be a report from a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist and evidence that a child is receiving treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) to enable the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) to examine applications for resource teaching supports.

This requirement is to ensure a proper diagnosis of the condition. Any resources that might be allocated to the relevant school will work in tandem with therapy supports provided outside the school setting. Responsibility for the recruitment and deployment of health professionals is the responsibility of the HSE.

National Development Plan.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

233 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the projects that were targeted in the last National Development Plan in County Wexford; the breakdown of each one completed or the stage that each project is at; the overspend envisaged and an explanation for each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3140/07]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

234 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the investments outlined in the last National Development Plan in County Wexford; the plans and investments that have been completed, that are on-going or did not progress from planning stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3153/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 233 and 234 together.

The NDP 2000-2006 identified the need for major investment in educational infrastructure in new and refurbished buildings, new equipment and information technology to make education more relevant to the needs of a modern economy. The plan did not identify individual building projects to be addressed either on a local or county basis. It was a matter for my Department to prioritise projects objectively and ensure that funding was appropriately allocated in line with priority assessments. If the Deputy has specific projects in mind my Department can provide the relevant information.

My Department accelerated the school building programme with record levels of investment and the streamlining of delivery systems during the period of the last NDP. The Government is delivering on its commitment to provide modern facilities in schools and has progressively increased funding in recent years with an aggregate total of well over €2.6 billion invested in the period from 2000 to 2006 in upgrading existing school infrastructure and providing new school accommodation at both first and second-level.

This is the largest investment programme in the history of the State. It has delivered over 7,800 projects including 1300 in 2006 alone. In addition the investment covered site purchases; the annual minor works grant to all primary schools, dust/asbestos and radon remediation programmes, science and technology initiatives, contingency works and grants for the purchase of furniture and equipment including improving equipment needed for new technologies and ICT.

To put it in context in terms of pupil numbers, if we take new primary schools recently completed, under construction or approved to progress to construction, we are delivering over 15,000 new permanent pupil places, almost 70% of these in the Leinster area. This figure relates to new schools only and does not include an additional 8,750 school places being delivered under the permanent accommodation scheme.

Innovations in the delivery of school buildings such as Generic Repeat Designs and the use of the Design and Build model ensure that new school buildings are delivered in the fastest time-frame possible. In recent years, my Department has also adopted a policy of devolving much greater authority to local school management boards to manage and deliver smaller building projects, thereby freeing my Department to concentrate on the larger scale projects.

My Department has never underestimated the scale of the task and the level of capital funding and other resources required to rectify decades of under investment in school infrastructure. However, the Government is delivering on its commitment to provide modern facilities in schools and will provide a further €4.8 billion for educational infrastructure over the period of the new National Development Plan 2007-2013.

Higher Education Grants.

Seán Crowe

Question:

235 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will intervene in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [3173/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Under the terms of the higher education grants scheme, maintenance grants are payable to eligible students pursuing full-time undergraduate courses of not less than two years duration pursued in a university or third-level institution which is maintained or assisted by recurrent grants from public funds in another EU member state. The position regarding tuition fees is that none of the third level student support schemes operated on behalf of the Department extend to the payment of tuition fees in respect of courses outside of Ireland. In order to qualify for a maintenance grant a candidate must satisfy the relevant conditions of the student support schemes in regard to age, residence, means, nationality and previous academic attainment.

I understand that the candidate in question is in receipt of a Higher Education Grant from Kerry County Council to pursue her course at the University of Wales. 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 EU Member States and postgraduate courses in non-EU countries. Tax relief at undergraduate level extends to approved full/part-time courses in both private and publicly funded third level colleges in the State and any other EU Member State and approved full/part-time courses operated by Colleges in any EU Member State providing distance education in the State. Approved undergraduate courses must be of at least two years duration, and both the college and the course must satisfy the Codes of Standards as laid down by the my Department. Further details and conditions in relation to this tax relief are available from the candidate's local Tax Office. In addition, I understand that, in such circumstances, financial assistance towards tuition fees by way of student loans may be available to EU nationals from the Department for Education and Skills in the United Kingdom.

Disadvantaged Status.

Michael Ring

Question:

236 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the way a school (details supplied) in County Mayo can be reviewed for DEIS. [3185/07]

Michael Ring

Question:

254 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the way schools can apply at this stage to gain disadvantaged status and be included in DEIS following changes in the local economy and so on. [3327/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 236 and 254 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.

My Department is considering putting separate arrangements in place to address exceptional situations arising up to the time of the next identification process which will be held in 2009/2010. These arrangements will apply to new schools (including those created through amalgamation), opening in 2005/2006 or thereafter. The arrangements may also apply to schools located in certain communities which have suffered significant socio economic decline since the commencement of DEIS. Consideration will be given to such changes at the mid-way point between the 2005/2006 and 2009/2010 identification process i.e. in 2007/2008. However, it should be noted that 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.

Schools Building Projects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

237 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans for the development of the full sphere of educational facilities along the M4-N4 corridor; if she has set a timescale for delivery of such proposals; when the proposals will reach fruition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3203/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

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 actioned in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme subject to the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects.

Parliamentary Questions.

Paudge Connolly

Question:

238 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of parliamentary questions replied to by her Department in 2006; the cost involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3237/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I replied to 5,188 written and oral Parliamentary Questions (PQs) in 2006. PQs are dealt with by staff in the line section responsible for the particular issue raised in the question. The number and level of staff involved in preparing a particular answer varies depending on a number of factors including the complexity of the issues raised in the question and the volume and accessibility of information required for the response. It is not possible to isolate the administrative cost of processing PQs from the overall administrative costs of the Department as processing of PQs is carried out as part of the normal day-to-day work of sections.

Question No. 239 answered with QuestionNo. 228.

Computerisation Programme.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

240 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will issue a reply to a previous parliamentary question (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3247/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

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 associated provision of broadband access to schools. In this context, the school concerned received a networking grant of €2,200 in December 2004 and has had its broadband connectivity installed. I am aware of the benefits that good use of ICT can bring to our children's education and I am conscious of the need for further investment to realise the full potential of integrating ICT into teaching and learning and I intend to publish a comprehensive new ICT strategy in 2007 covering the period of the new National Development Plan to 2013.

Special Educational Needs.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

241 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is not entitled to receive home tuition in view of the fact that their hearing has deteriorated to such an extent that it will make learning in a traditional teaching environment nearly impossible and their education is suffering badly as a result of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3248/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

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 an educational placement. An application for a home tuition grant for the pupil in question in respect of the 2006/07 school year was considered by my Department. The application was not granted as the pupil had a satisfactory attendance record during the 2005/06 school year. If the pupil's condition has deteriorated to such an extent that they have missed a significant amount of school days to date in the current school year, they should re-apply. I have requested that the relevant Visiting Teacher for Hearing Impaired Pupils call on the student in question in the near future.

Capitation Grants.

243 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the disparity in non-teacher funding of second level voluntary schools and community and comprehensive schools in terms of current and of capital spending; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3263/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

All school building projects are selected for inclusion in the School Building and Modernisation Programme on the basis of priority of need. No differentiation is made between voluntary secondary schools and community and comprehensive schools. All applications for capital funding are assessed in accordance with my Department's published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects which were drawn up following consultation with the education partners. Following this assessment, each application is assigned a band rating. Progress on individual projects is consistent with that band rating.

The current funding arrangements made by my Department for second level schools reflect the sectoral division of our second level system. At the core of all arrangements is a reliance upon capitation as the principle determinant of funding. In my view it is important to consider these issues in the wider context of the equalisation of funding arrangements across the second level system. My Department provides funding to secondary schools by way of per capita grants, which affords schools considerable flexibility in the use of these resources to cater for the needs of their pupils. There have been significant improvements in 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 €18 to €316 per pupil. In addition, the support services grant has also 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 will bring annual grants towards general expenses and support service to over €290,000.

Budget allocations for schools in the Community & Comprehensive sector are increased on a pro rata basis with increases in the per capita grant. 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.

Questions Nos. 244 to 246, inclusive, answered with Question No. 242.

Higher Education Grants.

Enda Kenny

Question:

247 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the level of funding allocated to universities directly towards the provision of part-time education at these institutions for each year since 2002; the method through which part-time courses at universities are funded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3267/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The position is that the universities receive a block grant from the Higher Education Authority and it is a matter for each institution, as an autonomous institution, to determine how it is allocated internally.

Home Tuition.

Phil Hogan

Question:

248 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will approve home tuition for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3231/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Section 3 of the Statutory Instruments Act 1947, as amended by section 1 of the Statutory Instruments (Amendment) Act 1955, places a number of requirements in course of the publication of a statutory instrument.

The critical obligation under section 3 of the Statutory Instruments Acts is to ensure that a notice is published in Iris Oifigiúil of the making of an order or regulation, as otherwise any charge in relation to the contravention of the provisions of the statutory instrument could be struck out in court unless the prosecutor satisfies the Court that reasonable steps had been taken for the purpose of bringing the purport of the instrument to the notice of the public or of persons likely to be affected by it. The orders which I have made mainly relate to the commencement of certain statutory provisions or establishment day orders in respect of statutory bodies and none of the orders entail fines or other penalties for the contravention of the provisions of these statutory instruments.

In 2006 I signed the following orders:

Education Act 1998 (Publication of Inspection Reports on Schools and Centres for Education) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 49/2006), (PRN.A6/0100), notice published in Iris Oifigiúil on 29th Sept 2006;

Education (Former Residents of Certain Institutions for Children) Finance Board (Establishment Day) Order 2006 (S.I. 77/2006), notice published in Iris Oifigiúil on 29th Sept 2006;

Teaching Council Act 2001 (Commencement) Order 2006 (S.I. 184/2006), notice published in Iris Oifigiúil on 29th Sept 2006;

Teaching Council Act 2001 (Establishment Day) Order 2006 (S.I. 185/2006), notice published in Iris Oifigiúil on 29th Sept 2006;

Grangegorman Development Agency Act 2005 (Establishment Day) Order 2006 (S.I. 252/2006), notice published in Iris Oifigiúil on 29th Sept 2006;

Education and Science (Delegation of Ministerial Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. 533/2006), notice published in Iris Oifigiúil on 13th Oct 2006.

I also signed an order in December 2006 pursuant to the provisions of the Vocational Education (Amendment) Act 1944 and this is still in the process of being published. (It has been assigned the S.I. number 708 of 2006 by the Government Publications office of the OPW).

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 you know all primary schools are staffed on a general rule of at least one classroom teacher for every 28 children. Of course, schools with only one or two teachers have much lower staffing ratios than that — with two teachers for just 12 pupils in some cases and so on — but the general rule is that there is at least one classroom teacher for every 28 children in the school. Next year (2007/2008 school year) this is being reduced to 27 children per classroom teacher.

School authorities are requested to ensure that the number of pupils in any class is kept as low as possible, taking all relevant contextual factors into account (e.g. classroom accommodation, fluctuating enrolment). In particular, school authorities should ensure that there is an equitable distribution of pupils in mainstream classes and that the differential between the largest and smallest classes is kept to a minimum.

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.

On the Post Primary side allocations are approved by my Department on an annual basis in accordance with generally applied rules relating to recognised pupil enrolment. In general a ratio of 18:1 is applied in respect of recognised pupils on established Junior Certificate, Leaving Certificate, repeat Leaving Certificate and Transition Year Programmes and a ratio of 16:1 is applied in respect of recognised pupils on the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme, Post leaving Cert courses and Leaving Cert Applied.

Each school management authority is required to organise its curriculum, teaching time-table and subject options having regard to pupils' needs within the limits of its approved teacher allocation. Significant improvements have been made in the pupil teacher ratio at post primary level in recent years. The ratio has fallen from 16:1 in the 1996/97 school year to 13.2:1 in the 2005/06 school year.

The improvements we have made in school staffing in recent years are absolutely unparalleled.

But we are determined to go even further, and so the 2007 Estimates include provision for another 800 primary teachers. About 500 of these will be classroom teachers, which includes our commitment to reduce class sizes.

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

Question No. 257 answered with QuestionNo. 15.

Question No. 258 answered with QuestionNo. 7.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 260, 261, 264, 267 and 268 together.

The Naval Service provides the maritime element of the Defence Forces and has a general responsibility to meet contingent and actual maritime defence requirements. The Naval Service operates eight general-purpose patrol ships. All eight ships are involved in coastal and offshore patrolling and surveillance for the State in that part of the seas where State jurisdiction applies such as Internal Waters, Territorial Sea and the Irish Sector of the Exclusive Economic Zone.

The Naval Service provides a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union. The Service is tasked with patrolling all Irish waters from the shoreline to the outer limits of the Exclusive Fishery Limits. At present, fishery protection activity accounts for roughly 90% of all Naval Service patrol time. However, as the need arises, Naval Service vessels may be deployed to other duties such as aid to the civil power, search and rescue, drug interdiction operations and assistance with pollution control.

The current Exclusive Fishery Limits extend to 200 miles offshore and cover an area of 132,000 nautical square miles. The Naval Service currently patrols the entire 200-mile limit and periodically patrols beyond these limits to protect specific fisheries. These patrols are carried out on a regular and frequent basis and are directed to all areas of Irish waters as necessary. The number of Patrol Vessels on patrol in Irish waters at any one time varies between three and seven. The Naval Service is committed to having at least three vessels on patrol within the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone at any one time. In 2006, the Naval Service achieved an output of 1,658 patrol days, which represents an average of 207 patrol days achieved per vessel.

Naval Service patrols are complemented by assistance provided by the Air Corps. The Air Corps Maritime Squadron carries out aerial surveillance of territorial waters using the two CASA maritime patrol aircraft. In 2006, a total of 251 maritime patrols were flown by the CASA over 229 days, representing over 1,400 flying hours. There were 136 days where no maritime patrols were flown due to, inter alia, adverse weather conditions, essential maintenance, air ambulance taskings and training missions undertaken. The introduction into operational service of the new AW139 helicopters purchased for the Air Corps will reduce the demand on the CASA for air ambulance missions in the future, and therefore increase the capacity for maritime patrols.

The Government is committed to continuous investment in the equipment needs of the Naval Service to enable it to carry out the roles assigned to it. A vessel replacement strategy for the Naval Service is currently under examination in my Department and I expect proposals will be submitted to me for decision in the coming weeks. The vessel replacement strategy, combined with a continuous process of refurbishment, ensures that the operational capability of the Naval Service is maintained at a very high level. The question of an extension of the State's continental shelf, which may lead to additional requirements on the services provided by the Naval Service, is primarily a matter for the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Communications, Marine & Natural Resources. The issue will be kept under review with these Departments to ensure that the requirements for any additional Naval Service inputs will be factored into the overall planning process in each Department.

With regard to the Deputy's question concerning the shortest response time for a naval vessel to reach the Suir Estuary from the naval base at Haulbowline, I am advised that the distance from Cobh Harbour to Waterford Harbour is approximately 60 nautical miles. A ship steaming at 15 knots would take four hours to travel this distance in normal weather conditions. However, the actual time it would take a ship to travel this distance is very dependent on weather conditions and the state of the tide. Adverse weather conditions can dramatically reduce the safe speed of a ship.

Overseas Missions.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

262 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Defence the amount his Department has spent since June 1997 in chartering aircraft to transport equipment or personnel on UN missions abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2627/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The chartering of aircraft by the Defence Forces for the deployment of personnel and equipment to UN missions did not commence until October 1999. Prior to that date, aircraft were chartered by the United Nations and made available to Ireland on a direct provisioning basis in order to effect Defence Forces deployment, sustainment and withdrawal of its personnel and equipment.

The cost to the Defence Vote of aircraft charter to UN missions (deployment, sustainment and withdrawal of personnel and equipment) from 1999 to 2006 inclusive was as follows:

Year	€
1999	432,193
2000	681,659
2001	1,018,330
2002	551,965
2003	582,760
2004	1,482,660
2005	1,550,001
2006	1,891,768

Ireland is entitled to and does recoup from the UN the costs of deployment and rotation flights, included in the above figures, within limits agreed in advance with that body.

Air Corps Equipment.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

263 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Defence the average age of helicopters available to the Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2629/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

There are a total of 13 helicopters in service with the Air Corps at present. The type and age of the helicopters is set out in the attached tabular statement. In addition to those listed on the schedule, two AW 139 helicopters will be delivered to Baldonnel within the first half of this year. A further two AW 139 helicopters are scheduled for delivery in 2008.

Type and Age of Air Corps Helicopters in Operation Service
Aircraft Type Helicopters	Number in Service	Age
Alouette	7	33 to 44 years
Squirrel*	1	10 years
EC 135*	1	5 years
EC135	2	1 year
#AW 139	2	under 1 year
Total	13

*Aircraft owned by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform but operated by the Air Corps.

#Four AW 139s to be delivered — two in 2007, two in 2008.

Question No. 264 answered with QuestionNo. 260.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

265 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Defence the average age of fixed wing training aircraft available to the Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2631/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

There are a total of 19 fixed wing aircraft in service with the Air Corps at present. The type and age of the aircraft is set out in the following tabular statement.

Type and Age of Air Corps Fixed Wing Aircraft in Operational Service
Aircraft Type Fixed Wing	Number in Service	Years
Cessna	5	35 years
Beechcraft	1	27 years
GIV	1	16 years
Casa	2	13 years
Defender*	1	10 years
Learjet	1	4 years
Pilatus	8	3 years
Total	19

*Aircraft owned by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform but operated by the Air Corps.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

266 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on the air defence capabilities of the Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2632/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The Pilatus PC9M trainer aircraft operated by the Air Corps has a limited air defensive capability appropriate to its turbo prop flight envelope. While it is not an interceptor aircraft, it could catch and intercept certain aircraft. Each aircraft has the capability to be fitted with two point 5 machine guns and two rocket launchers.

In addition to the Air Corps capabilities the Defence Forces have a range of air defence capabilities. These air defence assets are related to the level of threat.

The main Radar capability of the Defence Forces used for the purpose of Air Defence is the Flycatcher Radar System. This equipment was procured in 2002 from the Dutch Armed Forces. It is used to carry out the Target Acquisition and Fire Control of the Bofors EL70 40 mm Air Defence Guns. Each radar unit is capable of controlling 3 Guns and its purpose is to provide an effective defence against airborne threats flying at low and very low level. The system has an operational range of up to 20 km. A crew of two or three operates the system. The complete Radar weighs about 6000 kg and is carried on a two-axle trailer. There are eight (8) of these radars in service with the Defence Forces. The system is normally deployed for VIP visits, transits and summits.

The other main radar capability, also used for Air Defence, is the Giraffe G40 Radar; the Defence Forces have one system in service. This equipment was procured new from Ericssons of Sweden in 1986. It is used to exercise command and control over RBS 70 Surface to Air Missile Firing Units when deployed. It has an operational surveillance range of up to 40 km and an altitude ceiling of 15 km. It can be used to exercise command and control on up to 9 RBS 70 missile Firing Units.

The Equipment has a crew of 4 (Commander, Radar Operator, and two operators), and is mounted on a 6X6 MAN Truck. It is deployed regularly for VIP Visits/Transits and summits.

Questions Nos. 267 and 268 answered with Question No. 260.

Question No. 269 answered with QuestionNo. 18.

National Development Plan.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

270 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Defence the projects that were targeted in the last National Development Plan in County Wexford; the breakdown of each one completed or the stage that each project is at; the overspend envisaged and an explanation for each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3139/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

No funds were made available to my Department under the current or previous National Development Plan.

Parliamentary Questions.

Paudge Connolly

Question:

271 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Defence the number of parliamentary questions replied to by his Department in 2006; the cost involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3238/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The number of Parliamentary Questions replied to by my Department in 2006 was 977. It is not possible to quantify the costs of answering these PQs.

Defence Forces Strength.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

272 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the strength of the Defence Forces by rank and gender; if increases are contemplated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3273/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

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 10,479. A detailed breakdown of the numbers in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps by rank and gender are in the form of a Tabular Statement attached. The Tabular Statement also provides the comparable details for the Army Reserve and the Naval Service Reserve.

The White Paper on Defence of February 2000 set 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. The Defence Forces continue to have a proactive approach to all aspects of recruiting.

The Permanent Defence Force manages recruit intakes to keep its annualised monthly average strength at or around 10,500. The strength of the Permanent Defence Force as at 31 December in the years 2003, 2004 and 2005 respectively was 10,498, 10,551 and 10,446.

There is a planned total Permanent Defence Force intake of 670 personnel (Cadets, Apprentices and General Enlistment) before the end of 2007.

The strength of the Reserve Defence Force was 9,264 as at 30 November 2006, the last date for which figures are available. This figure comprises 8,893 in the Army Reserve and 371 in the Naval Service Reserve.

STRENGTH OF THE DEFENCE FORCES 31 DECEMBER, 2006
Permanent Defence Force
	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	127	325	293	267	1,060	32	38	135	243	1,024	1,558	3,030	4,371	71	8,532
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	56	164	6	7	78	16	203	196	506	397	15	1,082

Reserve Defence Force
	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 Reserve	0	0	0	0	4	97	195	364	660	20	20	116	102	857	1,378	2,493	5,740	0	8,893
*Naval Reserve	0	0	0	0	0	3	10	11	24	0	4	13	1	23	34	75	272	0	371

*Note figures for Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve are as at 30 November, 2006.

STRENGTH OF FEMALES IN THE DEFENCE FORCES 31 DECEMBER, 2006
Permanent Defence Force
	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	0	0	0	0	1	14	43	41	99	0	0	3	1	15	104	123	224	9	455
Air Corps	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	2	4	0	0	1	0	1	11	13	14	1	32
Naval Service	0	0	0	0	0	0	8	10	18	0	0	0	0	0	7	7	38	6	69

Reserve Defence Force
	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 Reserve	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	54	54	0	0	1	2	65	348	416	1,828	0	2,298
*Naval Reserve	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	0	0	0	0	1	8	9	93	0	103

* Note figures for Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve are as at 30 November, 2006.

STRENGTH OF MALES IN THE DEFENCE FORCES 31 DECEMBER, 2006
Permanent Defence Force
	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	126	311	250	226	961	32	38	132	242	1,009	1,454	2,907	4,147	62	8,077
Air Corps	0	0	1	2	14	30	51	34	132	7	3	49	12	126	173	370	306	25	833
Naval Service	0	0	1	2	12	46	39	46	146	6	7	78	16	203	189	499	359	9	1,013

Reserve Defence Force
	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 Reserve	0	0	0	0	4	97	195	310	606	20	20	115	100	792	1,030	2,077	3,912	0	6,595
*Naval Reserve	0	0	0	0	0	3	10	10	23	0	4	13	1	22	26	66	179	0	268

Note: figures for Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve are as at 30 November, 2006.

Question No. 273 answered with QuestionNo. 45.

Defence Forces Equipment.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

274 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which military equipment including weapons, vehicles, aircraft and sea-going vessels have been upgraded in line with modern requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3275/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces continues to be a key focus for me as Minister for Defence. I am aware that significant investment has taken place in recent years and I will continue the good work in that regard.

The unprecedented level of expenditure on equipment for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service was made possible by the Government's decision that pay savings arising from the reorganisation of the Defence Forces set out in the White Paper of 2000, along with proceeds from the sale of surplus properties, would be reallocated for investment in modern facilities and equipment.

Investment in new equipment for the Defence Forces is provided for under various Subheads of the Defence Vote relating to defensive equipment, mechanical transport, aircraft, ships and naval stores, engineering, communications and Information Technology equipment etc. All elements of the Defence Forces, the Army, Air Corps, Naval Service and the Reserve have benefited from the investment in new equipment.

The equipment issued to the Defence Forces is in keeping with the most modern requirements and the highest international standards. The ongoing investment in the Defence Forces will ensure that this remains to be the case.

Question No. 275 answered with QuestionNo. 63.

Question No. 276 answered with QuestionNo. 15.

Question No. 277 answered with QuestionNo. 63.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

278 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if all members of the Defence Forces have been issued with the necessary breathing apparatus in the event of a gas or chemical attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3279/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

279 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself that the standard issue of body protection equipment is up to the best international standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3280/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 278 and 279 together.

The Defence Forces have available to them equipment for monitoring and protecting their members in dealing with Nuclear, Biological or Chemical (NBC) threats should such arise. They hold an extensive range of modern NBC equipment that meets their current requirements. This range includes approximately 9,500 NBC suits. In addition, the Defence Forces has sufficient stock of Respirators for each individual soldier. They also have 98 of the most technologically up to date Chemical Agent Monitors and Defence Forces personnel have been trained on their operation. Other equipment on hands includes Biological Agent Detector and Screening Kits, Group Decontamination Equipment and Personal Decontamination Equipment.

The requirement for additional NBC equipment is kept under continuous review by the Defence Forces. A programme for the purchase of NBC equipment is ongoing and whatever equipment deemed necessary is purchased expeditiously to meet the changing requirements.

On the issue of body armour, 8000 units of body armour for the individual soldier on operational duties were delivered in 2006. The new body armour provides significantly greater protection, comfort and coverage than the old model as well as a doubling of the range of sizes available.

Question No. 280 answered with QuestionNo. 45.

Military Installations.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

281 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the military installations decommissioned in 1998 have to date been disposed of; the total receipts from same; the costs incurred in the interim; the proposals in respect of the balance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3281/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The Government, on 15 July 1998, approved a programme of evacuation and sale of six barracks considered surplus to military requirements. The barracks in question were located at Ballincollig, Fermoy, Castleblayney, Naas, Kildare, and Islandbridge, Dublin.

The sale of 97 acres approximately at Murphy Barracks, Ballincollig was completed in 2003 for a total of €42 million. The bulk of the lands were purchased by O'Flynn Construction. The sale of a site comprising c. 2.7 acres to the Southern Health Board for €1.73 million was completed in December 2004 and the sale of a further site comprising c.1.7 acres to the HSE South for a consideration of €1.1 million approximately is nearing completion. A half acre site is being transferred to the Office of Public Works (OPW) for a consideration of €1.45 million to facilitate extension of the existing Garda Station located on Main Street, Ballincollig. It was agreed at the time of the closure and sale of Murphy Barracks that an area comprising approximately 27 acres of the property would be transferred to Cork County Council for community use. The legal formalities in regard to the transfer of this area are being progressed in consultation with the Chief State Solicitor's Office.

19.218 acres at the former Fitzgerald Camp, Fermoy, was sold to Cork County Council in 2001 for €0.974 million for economic development of the site in conjunction with the IDA.

Castleblayney Military Post, Co. Monaghan, comprising c. 10 acres, was sold to the North Eastern Health Board for €0.762 million in 2002.

7 acres at Devoy Barracks, Naas, Co. Kildare, were ceded free of charge to Naas Urban District Council, while a further 14 acres were sold to that authority for €8.888 million The balance of the Barracks lands — one acre — was sold to Kildare County Council for €0.381 million in 2002.

Clancy Barracks, Dublin, comprising 13.65 acres approximately, was sold to Florence Properties Ltd. for €25.4 million in 2004.

The value of sales/disposals completed to date, in respect of the six barracks the subject of the July 1998 Government decision is in the region of €80 million

The Government decided on 1st July 2003 that Magee Barracks, Kildare, would be among the State lands released for inclusion in the Sustaining Progress Affordable Housing Initiative. How land at this location might play a role in the delivery of affordable housing units is a matter in the first instance for the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, which is the lead Department for the development of the Affordable Housing Initiative. The legal formalities relating to the transfer of lands at this location are being progressed in consultation with that Department and the Chief State Solicitor's Office.

The security, maintenance, consultancy and other costs in respect of those Barracks identified for closure in 1998 are as follows:

	Security	Maintenance & Other Costs
	€	€
Murphy Barracks, Ballincollig #	1,120,604	257,113*
Fitzgerald Camp, Fermoy #	330,813	42,633
Castleblayney Military Post #	131,289	10,548
Devoy Barracks, Naas #	472,654	16,959
Magee Barracks, Kildare	183,941	15,677
Clancy Barracks, Dublin #	649,441	203,089

# Now sold or no longer in the administration of my Department (no further costs will be incurred by the Department of Defence).

* Includes costs relating to the preparation of an Integrated Area Action Plan.

Statutory Instruments.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

282 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence the title of each statutory instrument which he made during 2006 and which was not published in the usual way pursuant to section 3 of the Statutory Instruments Act 1947; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3296/07]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

In 2006 I signed into effect two new Defence Force Regulations together with amendments to various existing regulations all of which are listed in Appendix 1.

Regulations made pursuant to sections 17, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 29, 40, 43, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 53, 56, 58, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 70, 72, 73, 75, 80, 81, 82, 84, 86, 87, 88, 90, 92, 93, 94, 97, 98, 100, 102, 103, 114, 115, 116, 117, 180, 182, 184, 243, 244, 246 and 292 of the Defence Act 1954, (as amended) and sections 2 and 5 of the Defence (Amendment) Act 1990 are exempt from the operation of subsection (1) of section 3 of the Statutory Instruments Act 1947 by order of the Attorney General due to their limited application.

All regulations and amendments thereto signed into effect in 2006 were made pursuant to sections of the Defence Acts which are exempt from the provisions of section 3(1) of the Statutory Instruments Act 1947 and therefore were not distributed, printed or published, in the usual way pursuant to section 3(1) of the Act. However, copies of each amendment and regulation are readily available from the Legislation Branch in my Department.

Appendix 1
Defence Force Regulations and Amendments signed by the Minister for Defence in 2006
Defence Force Regulations L.3 — a new regulation
Defence Force Regulation S.7 — a revised and updated regulation
Defence Force Regulations 1/2006 — Promotion of an Officer of the Permanent Defence Force
Defence Force Regulations 2/2006 — Date of Retirement
Amendments Nos. 156, 157 & 158 to Defence Force Regulations A.10
Amendments Nos. 17 & 18 to Defence Force Regulations A.14
Amendment No. 129 to Defence Force Regulations A.15
Amendment No. 23 to Defence Force Regulations C.S.6
Amendment No. 53 to Defence Force Regulations Q.10
Amendment No. 118 to Defence Force Regulations R.1
Amendment No. 95 to Defence Force Regulations R.2
Amendments Nos. 2 to 5 to Defence Force Regulations R.5 (New Series)
Amendments Nos. 314 to 331 to Defence Force Regulations S.3
Amendments Nos. 1 & 2 to Defence Force Regulations S.6.

Road Network.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

283 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has received an application form Carlow County Council to undertake improvement works at Ballylennon Cross, Palatine Road, Carlow, which is a known accident blackspot; and when he expects a decision on same. [1164/07]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

The maintenance and improvement of non-national roads in County Carlow is a matter for Carlow County Council to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State grants provided by my Department.

The Low Cost Safety Improvement Works scheme of grants for non-national roads was introduced by my Department in 2000 as an extension of the scheme operated on national roads under the auspices of the National Roads Authority (NRA). The NRA assesses applications for grant assistance under the non-national roads scheme on behalf of my Department. The criteria for grant approval are based on accident data, inspection of sites, locations showing demonstrable hazard and discussions between the local authority and the NRA. In 2007, my Department allocated over €7.8 million to local authorities in respect of Low Cost Safety Improvement Works on non-national roads which is more than double the 2006 allocation.

Carlow County Council submitted ten applications to my Department for consideration for funding under this scheme in 2007. Among their submission was an application for funding for works at Ballylennon Cross, which was number 10 in the Council's priority list. Nine of the applications submitted by the Council received grants totalling €140,500 in 2007 but, in view of the Council's priority list, these did not include Ballylennon Cross.

It is open to the Council to fund eligible works at this location from its Discretionary Improvement Grant allocation provided by my Department. In 2007, the Council received an allocation of €324,000 for Discretionary Improvement works.

Waste Management.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

284 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of tons of farm plastic on which levies were paid in 2006; the number of tons of plastic collected by authorised collectors in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2643/07]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

The information requested is not yet available in my Department.

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) — which comprises membership of film manufacturers and importers — is a non-profit making company and is at present the sole approved body in Ireland for the purposes of implementing a compliance scheme for the recovery of farm plastics waste.

The scheme funds its operations by means of an Environmental Protection Contribution (EPC) levy of €127 per tonne which is included in the sale price of the product down through the trading chain. The EPC levies collected are transferred to the IFFPG for the purpose of contracting collection agents on a nationwide basis to collect waste silage wrap, before transporting it for recycling to appropriate reprocessing plants. The EPC levy is set by the IFFPG with a view to covering its operational costs and manufacturers / importers are audited at year-end to ensure all levy liability has been fully declared.

The latest available data from IFFPG relates to 2005 and indicates that over 12,500 tonnes of farm film and bale wrap were collected for recycling. This equates to approximately 95% of the material placed on the market in that year.

In spite of the successful operation of the scheme in recent years, it became apparent that the Scheme lacked sufficient resources to satisfy the demand that existed for collections of farm plastics, and backlogs of uncollected material began to accumulate. Therefore, following discussions with the IFFPG, farming organisations and local authorities, I announced amendments last year to the scheme to support improved services to farmers. Under the new arrangements, the scheme is funded by a combination of the existing 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. I am confident that in due course, the enhancements made to the scheme will support the achievement of higher recovery rates for farm plastic and an improved service for farmers.

Special arrangements have also been put in place by local authorities to deal with accumulated backlogs. In 2006, designated facilities were provided on a temporary, once-off basis where farmers could deposit stockpiled farm film plastic and silage wrap. This arrangement operated on a pilot basis in the first instance in counties Galway, Clare, Mayo, Offaly and Waterford during June and July of last year. More recently further collections have been taking place in Leitrim, Roscommon, Carlow, Longford, North Tipperary and Wicklow. This service is free to the farmer and funding to assist the local authorities is being made available from my Department through the Environment Fund.

Shane McEntee

Question:

290 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the approved national or international standards that apply to washing machines sold here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3175/07]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

My Department has no function in the approval of standards applying to washing machines. However, the Waste Management (Restriction of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Regulations 2005 which transpose Directive 2002/95/EC prohibits electrical and electronic equipment, including washing machines, that contain lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) or polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) from being placed on the Community Market with the exception of exemptions listed in the Annex to the Directive.

Waste Management.

Michael Ring

Question:

291 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce a national waiver scheme for refuse services, in conjunction with the Department of Social and Family Affairs 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. [3186/07]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

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.

Laundry Detergents.

Dan Boyle

Question:

292 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that certain popular laundry tablets for sale in supermarkets here have 30% phosphate content; and if he will legislate against the use of high phosphate contents in such products in view of the fact that algal blooms and eutrophication of water are huge issues here and that a number of European countries have legislation requiring phosphate free versions of these products. [3198/07]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

The phasing-out of phosphate-based laundry detergents has been progressed principally in the context of a voluntary agreement made in 1999 between the then Minister for the Environment and Local Government and the Irish Cosmetics and Detergents Association (ICDA), which represents some 90% of the domestic laundry detergents market in Ireland, and by ongoing liaison between my Department and the non-ICDA sector.

The agreement provided that, by end-2002, 95% of all domestic laundry detergents marketed in Ireland should be zero-phosphate. This target was substantially achieved — figures submitted by ICDA show a market share of between 93% and 94% for phosphate free products. A survey undertaken by my Department in October 2006 in Dublin City Centre supermarkets, found that twenty of the twenty two ICDA products contained zero phosphates. The majority of non-ICDA companies have also phased out the use of phosphates in their "own-brand" laundry detergents. My Department is continuing to pursue the implementation of this target and the ultimate replacement of all phosphate based detergents by environmentally friendly alternatives.

The EPA Phosphorus Regulations National Implementation Report 2005 noted that the voluntary agreement with ICDA is having some effect. The report states that Dublin City Council has at least partly attributed substantial reductions in phosphorus levels at their monitoring stations to the implementation of the agreement. A comparison of Molybdate Reactive Phosphorus (MRP) concentrations in Ringsend influent sewage between the 1998-'99 and the 2002-'04 periods indicates a reduction in the MRP concentration from 4.6 mg/l P to 2.8 mg/l P in the catchment. I will, however, keep the need for any legislative measure in this area under review.

Waste Management.

Dan Boyle

Question:

293 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Cork City Council introduced a nominal charge of €2 for the use of the Kinsale Road civic amenity; and his views on whether this is a perversion of the polluter pays principle and that local authorities should continue to give every encouragement possible to householders to recycle materials without charging them for the service. [3200/07]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

Approximately 1,200 tonnes per annum of domestic recyclables are treated at the Kinsale Road civic amenity site each year. The cost to Cork City Council for the collection, transport and separation of these materials prior to recycling ranges from €35 to €300 per tonne depending on the types of material involved. While the setting of waste charges is a matter for individual local authorities, it is not apparent that a nominal charge of €2 per car for the use of the facility would contravene the polluter pays principle.

It should be noted that Cork City Council provides a fortnightly collection for dry recyclables to approximately 35,000 households and that there are also forty free bring sites situated throughout the city. A Chem Car service is also provided free of charge by the City Council, approximately six times per year, for the disposal of hazardous waste streams such as paint, solvents and medicines. Facilities for the disposal of WEEE are also provided free of charge.

Housing Grants.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

294 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make a statement on the case of an association (details supplied) in County Cork; if this matter will be progressed; and if he will inform this Deputy when this matter will be resolved. [3204/07]

All statutory instruments made by my Department in 2006 were published in accordance with the provisions of section 3 of the Statutory Instruments Act 1947.

Planning Gain.

Jack Wall

Question:

299 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the guidelines that an urban or county council must adhere to when determining community gain; if it is within the remit of the councillors or if it is by managerial order that community gain must be determined; if it is within the remit of councillors to accept a change in regard to community gain or if it is by managerial order that such changes would be accepted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3311/07]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

Planning gain or community gain can arise in a variety of ways, including in the course of decisions by the new Strategic Infrastructure Division of An Bord Pleanála and under planning permissions granted by local authorities. The concept is generally taken to refer to provisions to be made by developers which are not strictly integral to a development, but which are of benefit to the community (e.g. transfer of specified land or buildings for public use) and may be accepted as part of a permitted development.

In so far as planning authorities are concerned, my Department's Draft Development Management Guidelines for Planning Authorities, which will shortly be issued in final form, set out policy in relation to planning gain. While community gain may be validly targeted by planning authorities, it is also important to ensure that the decision to grant or refuse planning permission is not itself contingent on an offer of planning gain. Planning gain arises directly in relation to the grant of a planning permission, which is normally an executive (managerial) function. However, it would also be good practice for a planning authority to set out its policy in this regard in the development plan adopted by the elected members.

Local Authority Housing.

Willie Penrose

Question:

300 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of houses which will be refurbished under the scheme of refurbishment being carried out at an estate (details supplied) in County Westmeath; if it is the intention to refurbish all the houses; if not, if he will ensure that the total number of houses in this scheme are refurbished; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3328/07]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)

Details of the specific 2006 maintenance grant payments and the 2007 maintenance grant allocations to county councils are given in the following table below.

County Councils	Total 2006 Maintenance Grant Payments	Total 2007 Maintenance Grant Allocations
	€	€
Carlow County Council	1,344,000	1,432,000
Cavan County Council	3,351,000	3,572,000
Clare County Council	4,591,000	4,895,000
Cork County Council	13,486,000	14,377,000
Donegal County Council	7,016,000	7,480,000
Dun Laoghaire/RathdownCounty Council	1,518,000	1,619,000
Fingal County Council	1,786,000	1,904,000
Galway County Council	6,945,877	7,543,000
Kerry County Council	4,922,000	5,247,000
Kildare County Council	2,435,000	2,596,000
Kilkenny County Council	3,320,000	3,539,000
Laois County Council	2,298,000	2,450,000
Leitrim County Council	2,392,000	2,551,000
Limerick County Council	3,966,000	4,228,000
Longford County Council	1,618,220	1,821,000
Louth County Council	1,336,000	1,425,000
Mayo County Council	6,848,000	7,302,000
Meath County Council	3,408,000	3,634,000
Monaghan County Council	2,891,155	2,948,000
North Tipperary County Council	2,710,885	3,019,000
Offaly County Council	2,263,000	2,413,000
Roscommon County Council	4,335,000	4,622,000
Sligo County Council	2,911,645	3,104,000
South Dublin County Council	1,095,935	1,475,000
South Tipperary County Council	3,187,000	3,399,000
Waterford County Council	2,862,000	3,052,000
Westmeath County Council	2,325,927	2,488,000
Wexford County Council	3,714,000	3,960,000
Wicklow County Council	2,312,000	2,465,000
Total	103,189,644	110,560,000

Annual Block Grants are allocated to City, Borough and Town Councils for the improvement and maintenance of non-national roads in their areas. Special Block Grants for non-national roads, which must be used for the restoration of footpaths and carriageways, are also allocated annually to urban authorities. The selection of works to be funded from these grant allocations is a matter for individual authorities, subject to the conditions contained in my Department's Memorandum on Grants for Non-National Roads, 2001, and a breakdown of expenditure between improvement and maintenance works is not available. Details of the 2006 block grant and special block grant payments and the 2007 block grant and special block grant allocations to urban authorities are given in the following table.

City Councils	Total 2006 Block and Special Block Grants	Total 2007 Block and Special Block Grant Allocations
	€	€
Cork City Council	3,998,000	4,120,000
Dublin City Council	6,265,000	6,460,000
Galway City Council	1,186,206	1,235,000
Limerick City Council	1,198,000	1,235,000
Waterford City Council	1,100,289	1,235,000
Borough Councils
Clonmel Borough Council	563,000	581,000
Drogheda Borough Council	606,000	624,000
Kilkenny Borough Council	561,000	605,000
Sligo Borough Council	587,000	605,000
Wexford Borough Council	654,686	581,000
Town Councils
Arklow Town Council	279,000	287,000
Athlone Town Council	563,000	581,000
Athy Town Council	279,000	287,000
Ballina Town Council	279,000	287,000
Ballinasloe Town Council	279,000	287,000
Birr Town Council	279,000	287,000
Bray Town Council	606,000	624,000
Buncrana Town Council	279,000	287,000
Bundoran Town Council	197,000	204,000
Carlow Town Council	587,000	605,000
Carrickmacross Town Council	197,000	204,000
Carrick-on-Suir Town Co	279,000	287,000
Cashel Town Council	197,000	204,000
Castlebar Town Council	279,000	287,000
Castleblayney Town Council	197,000	204,000
Cavan Town Council	279,000	287,000
Ceannanus Mor Town Council	279,000	287,000
Clonakilty Town Council	196,709	204,000
Clones Town Council	197,000	204,000
Cobh Town Council	261,683	287,000
Dundalk Town Council	606,000	624,000
Dungarvan Town Council	279,000	287,000
Ennis Town Council	587,000	605,000
Enniscorthy Town Council	279,000	287,000
Fermoy Town Council	279,000	287,000
Killarney Town Council	279,000	287,000
Kilrush Town Council	197,000	204,000
Kinsale Town Council	197,000	204,000
Letterkenny Town Council	563,000	581,000
Listowel Town Council	197,000	204,000
Longford Town Council	279,000	287,000
Macroom Town Council	197,000	204,000
Mallow Town Council	279,000	287,000
Midleton Town Council	279,000	287,000
Monaghan Town Council	279,000	287,000
Naas Town Council	587,000	605,000
Navan Town Council	587,000	605,000
Nenagh Town Council	279,000	287,000
New Ross Town Council	279,000	287,000
Skibbereen Town Council	197,000	204,000
Templemore Town Council	197,000	204,000
Thurles Town Council	279,000	287,000
Tipperary Town Council	279,000	287,000
Tralee Town Council	582,001	605,000
Trim Town Council	279,000	287,000
Tullamore Town Council	279,000	287,000
Westport Town Council	279,000	287,000
Wicklow Town Council	279,000	287,000
Youghal Town Council	279,000	287,000
Total	15,426,393	15,919,000

Information regarding own resources expenditure by local authorities on the maintenance of non-national roads is not available in my Department.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

304 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the analysis that has been carried out by his Department into the spending power of local authorities on a per capita basis; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that when the local government fund is added to the amount available in commercial rates, Counties Meath and Kildare have the lowest per capita income; the way the census of population was used to provide for additional population in rapidly expanding areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3367/07]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

General purpose grants from the Local Government Fund are provided to supplement the income available to local authorities from local sources and from specific grants to enable them to provide an acceptable level of day to day services. Calculating an appropriate distribution of general purpose grants is complex because of the significant variations between the cost and income bases of different local authorities. While the population data from the 2006 Provisional Census Report were used in the analysis by my Department as part of the 2007 allocations process, it would not be appropriate to use population as the main determinant in this regard as a wide range of factors affect the cost of providing services. For example, my Department, takes account of each local authority's expenditure on, and income from, each service provided as well as matters such as the infrastructure each authority must maintain and operate, planning enforcement activity, population and the cost of administering their functional areas.

This year, I am providing some €947.6m in general purpose grants to local authorities. This represents an increase of 8% over 2006 and an increase of some 180% since this Government came into office in 1997. The increases in general purpose funding provided to Meath and Kildare County Council in the latter period were 194% and 214% respectively.

I consider that the general purpose allocations from the Local Government Fund notified to local authorities for 2007, together with the income available to them from other sources, will enable all local authorities to provide an appropriate level of services for their customers.

Local Government Act.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

305 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will bring forward proposals for the creation of new town councils within the lifetime of this Government; the dialogue he has had with county councils on the matter; the measures that remain to be concluded prior to the establishment of new town councils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3377/07]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

I refer to the reply to Question No. 1909 of 31 January 2007.

I am continuing to keep this matter under review, while consolidating progress on quality customer service measures, with the aim of ensuring good accessible local government service delivery for all towns.

Dáil Éireann debate - Thursday, 1 Feb 2007

Defence Forces Retirement Scheme.

Fergus O'Dowd

Eamon Ryan

Decentralisation Programme.

Phil Hogan

Common Security and Defence Policy.

Dan Boyle

Dan Neville

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

John Gormley

Billy Timmins

Bernard J. Durkan

Casement Aerodrome.

Charlie O'Connor

Defence Forces Recruitment.

Johnny Brady

Phil Hogan

Naval Service Vessels.

John Deasy

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Paul Kehoe

Naval Service.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Denis Naughten

Defence Forces Equipment.

John Deasy

Overseas Missions.

Dan Boyle

Defence Forces Training.

Trevor Sargent

Departmental Reports.

Pat Carey

Overseas Missions.

John Gormley

Defence Forces Reserve.

Denis Naughten

Martin Brady

National Emergency Plan.

Charlie O'Connor

Pat Carey

Defence Forces Reserve.

Martin Brady

Defence Forces Recruitment.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Defence Forces Equipment.

John Curran

Defence Forces Recruitment.

Eamon Ryan

Kathleen Lynch

Search and Rescue Services.

Paul McGrath

Defence Forces Property.

Olwyn Enright

Military Medals.

John Curran

Prison Security.

Billy Timmins

Commemorative Events.

Michael Ring

Brian O'Shea

Departmental Expenditure.

Ciarán Cuffe

Defence Forces Recruitment.

Liz McManus

Overseas Missions.

Ciarán Cuffe

Bernard J. Durkan

Bernard J. Durkan

Bernard J. Durkan

Eamon Gilmore

John Gormley

Ministerial Travel.

John Perry

Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 1 Feb 2007