John Dennehy
Question:95 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children in Cork city in classes of more than 35; if she plans to reduce same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4883/07]
Written Answers.
The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 17, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 18 to 88, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 89 to 94, inclusive, answered orally.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the number of children in classes of 35 or more in Cork city has been slashed by this Government from nearly 3,000 in 1997 to less than 300 in the last school year. It should be noted that where there are large classes in a school, this is usually because a decision has been made at local level to have small numbers in other classes. For example, one school in Cork city had a class of 36 and a class of 11, while another had a class of 36 and a class of 14.
Since we came into office, this Government has hired 770 extra teachers in Cork as a whole. Huge progress has also been made in school staffing around the country. There are now no less than 4000 extra teachers in our primary schools, compared with 2002 and approximately 7,000 more than there were in 1997. 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 September this will reduce 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.
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.
|
County |
1997 |
2002 |
2006 |
Increase since 1997 |
% increase since 1997 |
Increase since 2002 |
% Increase since 2002 |
|
Cork |
2350 |
2746 |
3122 |
772 |
33% |
376 |
14% |
|
1996/97 |
2005/06 |
|
|
Average class size |
27.6 |
22.8 |
|
Number of pupils in classes 30+ |
8,075 |
3,040 |
|
% Pupils in classes 30+ |
49.4% |
22.4% |
|
Number of pupils in classes 35+ |
2,934 |
286 |
|
% Pupils in classes 35+ |
17.9% |
2.1% |
Note: The average class nationally was 27 in 1996/97 and 24 in 2005/06. Not only was the average class size in Cork city well below the national average class size in 2005/06, it was also the seventh lowest of all the counties in the country.
|
1996/97 |
2005/06 |
|
|
Average class size |
26 |
25 |
|
Number of pupils in classes 30+ |
13,995 |
11,428 |
|
% Pupils in classes 30+ |
39% |
30.9% |
|
Number of pupils in classes 35+ |
3,887 |
1,836 |
|
% Pupils in classes 35+ |
10.8% |
5% |
Note: The average class nationally was 27 in 1996/97 and 24 in 2005/06. While the average class size in Cork County was higher than the national average in 2005/06, nonetheless significant progress has been made in recent years and the number of children in classes of 35+ has been halved.
Class sizes in Cork City 2005/06
There were six schools in Cork City with classes of 35 pupils or more in the school year 2005/06. Details of the classes in each of these schools are as follows:
SN Naomh Antaine, Ballinlough (RN 12203G)
4 classes of 25
1 class of 26
1 class of 27
6 classes of 28
6 classes of 29
5 classes of 30
2 classes of 33
2 classes of 34
2 classes of 35
Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál Boys, Glasheen (RN 17993R)
1 class of 14
1 class of 15
1 class of 16
1 class of 18
1 class of 19
1 class of 21
1 class of 22
1 class of 23
1 class of 29
1 class of 31
1 class of 36
SN Padraig Naofa Girls, Dillon's Cross
1 class of 11
1 class of 16
1 class of 17
1 class of 18
2 classes of 19
1 class of 21
1 class of 23
1 class of 24
2 classes of 25
1 class of 36
Scoil Moamh Caitriona, Model Farm Road (RN 18253F)
1 class of 16
1 class of 18
1 class of 19
1 class of 21
1 class of 24
1 class of 26
1 class of 30
1 class of 32
1 class of 33
1 class of 34
1 class of 36
SN Barra Naofa Girls, Beaumont
2 classes of 22
1 class of 23
2 classes of 24
1 class of 28
1 class of 29
1 class of 30
1 class of 34
1 class of 37
Scoil an Spioraid Naomh Boys, Bishopstown (RN 20077A)
1 class of 19
1 class of 20
1 class of 24
1 class of 25
1 class of 26
3 classes of 27
1 class of 28
1 class of 29
2 classes of 32
1 class of 35
1 class of 36
Question No. 96 answered with QuestionNo. 94.
Schools Building Projects.
John Gormley
Question:97 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department is adding to future school running costs by refusing to take a flexible approach when sanctioning a new school design in relation to its energy options; the logic that lies behind schools being unable to install carbon neutral energy sources such as geothermal and wood pellet burning due to the common design system; if this approach makes economic sense in the context of Ireland’s climate change commitments in view of the fact that Ireland is already facing huge fines; if this approach makes economic sense in terms of Ireland’s growing energy crisis and forthcoming massive energy price hikes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4973/07]
My Department is to the forefront of design with respect to energy efficiency in school buildings. However, the length of the school day and school holiday periods generally impact on the suitability of alternative energy options in school buildings. My Department's design guidelines set the benchmark for low energy design in schools and are clearly focused on energy efficiency and are based on solid energy research projects.
It has been demonstrated that all schools designed and built to these standards can have an energy performance that is 2.3 times more efficient than International best practice and nearly five times more efficient than schools built in the late 80's. My Department's policy is supported by a strong research programme with over twenty research projects at various stages currently in hand.
A hybrid approach is taken with respect to low energy design in schools based on maximising natural resources and energy efficient technologies. Schools are positioned to maximise gain from the sun during the day for passive solar heating and natural daylight. Passive solar design saves 20 % of early morning heating period and adequate natural daylight when combined with automated lighting systems in the classrooms can eliminate the need for electrical light for up to 80% of the schools teaching hours.
Energy efficient boilers and individual room temperature controls combined with a strong emphasis on air tight testing and high insulation levels minimise heat requirements. Water usage is minimised through automatic shut off taps and dual flush toilets, while local water blending valves are provided to prevent scalding. All of the above design features are included in the Department's Generic Repeat Design schools. My Department has developed a number of carbon neutral schools as part of research projects involving both geothermal and wood pellet installations and further projects are currently being assessed in respect of their suitability for wider rollout.
The performance of my Department in the area of low energy design has been recognised at both National and International level with sustainable energy awards for excellence in Design and Specification.
Higher Education Grants.
Arthur Morgan
Question:98 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on whether the cost of child care represents a considerable barrier to lower income students in participating in third level education; and if she will ensure that the maintenance grant system, through reform, will recognise same. [5048/07]
There are a number of initiatives funded by my Department, as well as by other government departments and agencies, which acknowledge the additional costs encountered by lower income students, including those with children, and support their participation in higher education.
Major improvements have been made by this Government in both the income limits for eligibility and the actual grant levels for third level student support. This includes the introduction of the special rate of maintenance grant. The higher rate of this grant is now at a record level of nearly €6,000 for the 2006/07 academic year — compared with just over €2,000 in 1996/97.
The childcare costs of a number of students are also supported under the ESF-aided Student Assistance Fund, which is resourced by my Department and allocated directly to students by their higher education institutions. In a 2005 review of access funding by the National Office for Equity of Access to Higher Education, some institutions reported that up to 60% of their students drawing on the Student Assistance Fund, did so to support childcare costs incurred while they were in higher education. Additional support to meet the needs of lower income students, including those with children, is made available by my Department under the Millennium Partnership Fund, an access measure provided through the community structures supported by Pobal.
Greater affordability of childcare, linked to the creation of additional childcare places, has been a key principle in both the previous and current National Development Plans. This Government has provided unprecedented levels of funding for childcare in recent years. €499.3 million was allocated to the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme (EOCP) 2000-2006 and some 41,000 places will have been created by the time the programme finishes.
Going forward, childcare provision will continue to attract substantial investment under the new National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010. €575m has been allocated to the new programme, which will be administered by the Office of the Minister for Children and aims to provide a proactive response to the development of quality childcare services by supporting the creation of an additional 50,000 places. This Government also introduced the Early Childhood Supplement of €1000 per child under six to help parents with childcare costs.
The National Childcare Investment Sub-Programme of the NDP will be an important element in the Government's efforts to remove barriers to employment, education or training and to tackle educational disadvantage. This sub-programme will see €1.3 billion invested over the period of the current NDP.
As the Deputy may already be aware, I will shortly be introducing a single unified scheme of maintenance grants for students in higher education which will, I believe, provide for a more coherent administrative system. The new scheme will facilitate consistency of application, improved client accessibility and ensure the timely delivery of grants to those who need them most. This, together with my commitment to ongoing improvements in the student support schemes including increasing the rates of grant and the income limits for eligibility as resources permit, will continue to build on our success in this area.
There are clear indications that the increased investment of resources in this area over the last decade and more is now paying dividends and that targets for participation in higher education that were set in the 2001 Report of the Action Group on Access to Higher Education and the last National Development Plan 2000-2006 have been reached. For example, participation by mature entrants to full-time higher education has grown from 4.5% in 1998 to almost 10% in 2006.
Surveys conducted by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) also indicate that access to higher education by young people from under-represented socioeconomic groups continues to improve. For example, in 2004, between 33% and 40% of young people nationally from the semi-skilled and unskilled socioeconomic groups went on to study in higher education compared to only 23% in 1998. New targets for participation will be developed in 2007, particularly as linked to the implementation of the new National Development Plan 2007-2013.
State Examinations.
Gay Mitchell
Question:99 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the percentage of girls taking higher level chemistry at leaving certificate level for each of the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5011/07]
The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations, including organising the holding of examinations and issuing the results of examinations. In view of this I have forwarded your query in relation to the statistics to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
In the interim, although the information requested by the Deputy is not readily available for each of the past 10 years, I can provide the following information gleaned from my Departments Annual Statistical Reports for the years 2001 to 2005 inclusive. In 2001, of a total female Leaving Certificate school candidature of 27,167, there were 2,930 girls who took the higher paper in Chemistry giving a percentage of 10.79%.
In 2002, of a total female Leaving Certificate school candidature of 26,119, there were 3,147 girls who took the higher paper in Chemistry giving a percentage of 12.05%. In 2003, of a total female Leaving Certificate school candidature of 26,410, there were 3,248 girls who took the higher paper in Chemistry giving a percentage of12.30%. In 2004, of a total female Leaving Certificate school candidature of 26,119, there were 3,597 girls who took the higher paper in Chemistry giving a percentage of 13.77%. In 2005, of a total female Leaving Certificate school candidature of 25,887, there were 3,488 girls who took the higher paper in Chemistry giving a percentage of 13.47%.
A study on Who Chooses Sciences -- Subject Take-up in Second Level Schools was published by the ESRI in 2002. It identifies a range of factors which impact on subject take up and indicates positive research from other countries that a hands-on approach to science can encourage subject take-up. The revised Junior Certificate Science syllabus was introduced in 2003 and was examined for the first time in 2006. The syllabus represents a significant change in the way science is taught at Junior Cycle including in the area of teaching methodology and assessment, reflecting international trends towards a more investigative approach to science education. In particular, the syllabus provides for a move towards more practical and project work, with 30 practical experiments and investigations which can be carried out at different times over the period of the programme and presented for assessment as one of the components of the final examination.
The Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation 2007 to 2013 sets out a range of measures to further strengthen science teaching and learning. It provides for reform of Physics and Chemistry in senior cycle, ensuring a continuum from Junior Cycle with the emphasis on project based hands-on investigative approaches and assessment of these as part of the overall examinations, allied with the embedding of key skills, a more applied focus and an emphasis on the inter-disciplinary nature of science in society forms part of the approach. Advice on reform of the science subjects in senior cycle is expected later this year from the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment as part of Phase 1 of the reconfiguration of senior cycle.
Bullying in Schools.
Róisín Shortall
Question:100 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if she is satisfied that schools have adequate training and support to implement and maintain an effective anti-bullying regime in the context of growing evidence that children are being bullied in a variety of ways including the use of technology; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5097/07]
I share the Deputy's concern that any child would feel upset in school because of bullying — be it physical, verbal or what is being termed "cyberbullying" and I assure her that supports are in place to enable schools both to prevent bullying and to deal with cases that may arise.
For a start, each school is required to have in place a policy which includes specific measures to deal with bullying behaviour, within the framework of an overall school Code of Behaviour and Discipline. Such a code, developed through consultation with the whole school community and properly implemented, can be the most influential measure in countering bullying behaviour in schools.
My Department has issued guidelines as an aid to schools in devising measures to prevent and deal with instances of bullying behaviour and to increase awareness among school management authorities of their responsibilities in this regard. These guidelines were drawn up following consultation with representatives of school management, teachers and parents, and are sufficiently flexible to allow each school authority to adapt them to suit the particular needs of their school.
My Department, through the National Centre for Technology in Education has also developed Policy Guidelines and Advisory Notes for schools and parents which deal with the issues of internet and mobile phone bullying. I wish to draw the Deputy's attention to the fact that I recently launched the "think b4 u click" new internet safety campaign. This new campaign seeks to raise awareness and promote safe, responsible practice by young people when on-line.
The key messages of the campaign are:
be creative
be yourself
but be in control.
The campaign has a strong peer-to-peer perspective and centres on an interactive on-line service, www.watchyourspace.ie developed by the National Centre Technology in Education (NCTE). This site offers practical tips and advice and supports teenagers who use the web. A key feature is the advice given from teenagers to teenagers on how to cope with the fall-out from abuses and misuse of social networking and picture-sharing websites.
This new initiative perfectly compliments the other NCTE safety activities that are already up and running successfully such as Webwise, SAFT and the Once projects. If you encounter cyber-bullying the site offers invaluable help:
DO NOT respond to the message as this will only make things worse
DO keep a record of the message so that the problem can be dealt with properly
DO block the sender and
DO talk to someone in authority about what has happened.
Watch Your Space has presentations of the key findings from studies of teenagers' use of the Internet by other teenagers. It is also integrated with an on-line helpline service from Childline. The website will be promoted through a poster campaign in schools and supported by an educational and informational pack being sent to all schools.
The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is at present developing further guidelines for schools on Codes of Behaviour, as provided for under section 23 of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000. Work on the guidelines is at an advanced stage and will be informed by broad consultation. It is envisaged that implementation will commence in the next school year.
Once the NEWB Guidelines are in place, my Department will through the normal consultation process with the education partners ensure that the guidelines available to schools on countering bullying are revised to fully reflect the work done by the NEWB. Through the combined work of the Department, the NCTE and the NEWB schools will have available to them extensive guidance to enable them fulfil their responsibilities in relation to this issue.
The Deputy may also be interested to know that dealing with bullying has also been incorporated in training for principals through the Leadership Development for Schools programme. I have also stressed to the teacher unions the importance of not just having a written policy on bullying but also ensuring a climate in which it is not tolerated in any form and in which children know that if they make a teacher aware of bullying that it will be dealt with.
The Deputy will also be aware that the education of students in both primary and post-primary schools in relation to anti-bullying behaviour is part of the SPHE curriculum. SPHE is now a compulsory subject both at primary level and in the junior cycle of post-primary schools. Responsibility for tackling bullying naturally falls to the level of the individual school as it is at local level that an effective anti-bullying climate must be established. I am, however, anxious to support schools in tackling bullying and it is for that reason that so many supports have been put in place in recent years.
Physical Education Facilities.
Bernard Allen
Question:101 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of time allocated to physical education for each student at post-primary level per day; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4987/07]
In accordance with the Rules and Programme for Secondary Schools, all second level schools should provide Physical Education as part of the curriculum. The programme that each school plans and delivers should be based on my Department's approved syllabuses and the teaching hours should be registered on the school timetable. The syllabuses have been developed on the basis of a time allocation of two hours per week.
The phasing in of a revised Physical Education syllabus (non-examination) at Junior cycle level commenced in September 2003. The Junior Cycle Physical Education Support Service has been in place since then to support teachers in the implementation of this syllabus. The programme includes adventure activities, aquatics, athletics, dance, invasion games, net and fielding games, gymnastics and health related activity.
The Physical Education Programme in senior cycle is set out in the Rules and Programme for Second Level Schools, and is constructed across 5 areas:
that students be given the opportunity for students to follow programmes in an optional area,
to specialise in a PE area which has been taken at junior cycle,
to undertake new activities
to undertake a personal fitness and health programme
and to receive training in sports Leadership.
The time recommended for both programmes is two hours per week.
Physical education is an integral part of the Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) programme. All LCA students must take two modules—Leisure Studies and Health Related Fitness—and there are four additional modules from which they can make further choices.
Apart from the formal curricula, schools can take a range of measures to encourage physical activity among students during the school day and many provide extensive, broad-based programmes of co-curricular physical activities that are highly rewarding for both pupils and teachers alike. In particular, schools play a major role in nurturing and promoting the involvement of students in sporting activities in the wider community. Sports organisations such as the Gaelic Athletic Association, Basketball Ireland, the Football Association of Ireland provide extensive opportunities for such participation.
Third Level Courses.
Joe Costello
Question:102 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science when a decision will be made on the location of postgraduate medical education; if she plans to have just one course centre or if there will be more than one location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5070/07]
John Cregan
Question:194 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on plans by the University of Limerick to develop a graduate school of medicine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4880/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 102 and 194 together.
On the 1 February 2006 the Minister for Health and Children and I published the report of the Fottrell Working Group on Undergraduate Medical Education and Training. As part of these reforms I am increasing the annual number of undergraduate places for Irish and EU students from 305 to 485. I am also introducing a separate graduate entry stream which will provide 240 additional places per annum. These increases will increase the annual number of medical places from 305 to 725.
The provision of a graduate entry stream is an important development in reducing pressures on aspiring medical students who until now have effectively had one chance of entry, based on their Leaving Certificate performance. Graduate entry, which will be open to second class honours, grade one graduates of all disciplines, will allow students to make a decision to enter medicine at a more mature age and should result in a more diverse range of entrants into the profession.
The Higher Education Authority issued a competitive call for proposals to provide the new graduate entry programme on 24th November 2006, with a view to the additional places being provided on this programme in 2007. The closing date for receipt of the proposals was 31st January 2007. These proposals will now be examined by an independent panel of experts. It is expected that recommendations on the location or locations of the new programme will be made to my Department in March 2007.
In the meantime, details of the applications and selection procedure for entry to the new programme have recently been publicised. The applications process will be managed by the Central Applications Office (CAO), with a closing date of 1 March 2007. Entry to the new programmes is open to candidates who hold, or expect to hold by July 2007, a minimum II:1 (second class honours, grade one) result in their honours bachelor degree (NFQ Level 8) or equivalent.
Candidates will be asked to undertake a separate admissions test, known as GAMSAT (Graduate Medical Schools Admission Test — Ireland), which will be used to select students for the programme. The GAMSAT test will take place on 24 March and on-line applications to sit this must also be made by 1 March 2007 to the Australian Council for Educational Research. Once decisions on the location of the new places have been finalised, those who have already applied for graduate medicine will be asked by the CAO to amend their course choice by indicating their institution of preference.
Computerisation Programme.
Seamus Kirk
Question:103 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to develop information technology facilities in schools here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4930/07]
Seán Ardagh
Question:120 Mr. Ardagh asked the Minister for Education and Science her proposals to improve the information and communications technology facilities in schools here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4885/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 103 and 120 together.
The National Development Plan contains a provision of €252m for ICT in schools, the essential purpose of which is to advance the embedding of an e-Learning culture in teaching and learning in our schools. I intend to publish a new ICT strategy this year covering the period of the National Development Plan to 2013. I am putting in place a Strategy Planning Group to advise on the most appropriate prioritisation of measures and their phasing over the timescale of the National Development Plan.
As part of the development of this comprehensive new strategy, it will be necessary to consider and address a wide range of issues including teacher education, teacher professional development, curriculum developments, the maintenance of the national broadband network for schools, the upgrading and renewal of hardware and the provision of software and digital content for learning. The planned investment will also address maintenance and support requirements.
The National Development Plan emphasises that schools will be required to prepare and implement an e-Learning strategy for the school as an integral part of whole school planning and development. The school's e-Learning plan must be persuasive as regards the potential usage levels arising as a result of the investment and must clearly indicate how value for money will be achieved by addressing the expected outcomes and achievements for students along with indications as to how these outcomes and achievements will be measured. In that regard, evaluation of e-Learning outcomes will be integral to the school self-evaluation commitments required from schools and teachers under the Towards 2016 agreement.
It is my intention to now build on recent investment in the provision of networking grants to schools and the Schools Broadband Access Programme in developing the new ICT Strategy, based on the investments outlined in the NDP.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Paul McGrath
Question:104 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children in primary classes of one to 19 children, inclusive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5027/07]
Information in relation to class sizes is provided in the annual census of primary schools. The census for the current school year (2006/2007) is currently being worked on.
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 September this will reduce 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. 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.
Special Educational Needs.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:105 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when she expects to put in place the necessary staffing arrangements to ensure the operation of the special classes for autistic children in mainstream education, having particular regard to the urgency of the children’s needs and the anxiety of their parents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5054/07]
The Deputy will be aware of my commitment to ensuring that all children, including those with autism, receive an education appropriate to their needs, through the primary, special and post primary schools system.
My Department provides a wide range of supports and additional resources to support children with special educational needs, including autism. These services include:
additional teaching support where a child is fully integrated into a mainstream school
reduced pupil-teacher-ratios where the child is in a special class attached to a mainstream school or a special school
special needs assistant support for a child who has care needs
assistive technology where this is recommended
specialist equipment such as modified desks and chairs as required, and — specially adapted school buildings where necessary.
As a further support, many smaller schools where autism units are approved by the National Council for Special Education can now have an administrative principal to assist with the establishment and running of specialist intervention locally. In addition enhanced levels of capitation are available to special schools and mainstream schools with special classes.
Children on the autistic spectrum may, depending on their individual needs, attend mainstream school on a fully or partially integrated basis or attend special autism-specific classes or units in mainstream schools or special schools. The staffing complement in special classes for children with autism is one teacher and a minimum of two SNAs to each class of six pupils.
Additional SNA support may be provided on the basis of the assessed needs of individual pupils.
As the Deputy is aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is now operational. A specific function of the NCSE, through its network of local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is to identify appropriate educational placement for all children with special educational needs. The SENO is a focal point of contact for parents and schools. It is open to parents to contact the SENOs directly regarding their children's needs.
I am satisfied that the National Council for Special Education authorises the appropriate levels of staffing to ensure the continued roll-out of autism provision. This can be clearly seen from the number of special classes already in place:
181 special classes for children with autism, attached to special and mainstream schools.
5 special classes for children with Asperger's Syndrome.
16 pre-school classes to provide early intervention provision for children on the autistic spectrum.
14 Stand Alone facilities providing an Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) specific methodology on a pilot basis, 2 of these facilities have yet to be established.
Additional training supports for staff engaged in the education provision for children with autism can be accessed through the Special Education Support Service (SESS). The service will, as appropriate, consolidate, co-ordinate, develop and deliver a range of professional development initiatives and support structures to the relevant staff.
School Staffing.
Arthur Morgan
Question:106 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science her proposals to ensure that teachers are attracted to taking up employment in schools in areas of high disadvantage and for teachers to remain in such employment. [5047/07]
DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the action plan for educational inclusion provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and an integrated School Support Programme (SSP). The new plan is the outcome of the first full review of all programmes for tackling educational disadvantage that have been put in place over the past twenty years.
The new action plan represents a shift in emphasis away from individual initiatives, each addressing a particular aspect of the problem, with the new plan adopting a multi-faceted and more integrated approach. This is the first time that an integrated educational inclusion strategy has been developed for 3-18 year olds in this country.
Under the new NDP, some €361m is being made available under the DEIS and Early Education Sub Programme to combat disadvantage in primary and secondary schools serving communities with concentrated levels of disadvantage. The DEIS provision is in addition to existing annual educational disadvantage funding for primary and second-level schools of some €140m.
The key principle of early intervention underpins the early childhood education measure, the literacy and numeracy measures and those to tackle early school leaving being adopted under the new action plan. Also central to the success of the action plan will be an increased emphasis on planning at school and school cluster level, target-setting and measurement of progress and outcomes to ensure that the increased investment is matched by an improvement in educational outcomes for the children and young people concerned.
There is a need to ensure that schools participating in DEIS can continue to attract and retain well qualified personnel to positions of leadership and teaching on an ongoing basis. While all the supports, both human and financial, which are being provided under the action plan will contribute to achieving this objective, a number of specific measures are being implemented on a phased basis in support of it. Targeted class size reductions of 20:1 in junior classes and 24:1 in senior classes has been implemented in all 190 urban/town primary schools in DEIS. In addition, administrative principals have been allocated to all 338 urban/town primary schools in DEIS on lower enrolment and staffing figures than apply in primary schools generally.
A sabbatical leave scheme is also being introduced to create opportunities for principals and teachers, who have served for a defined period in a school participating in DEIS, to apply to undertake a period of development to enhance their own learning and effectiveness, and bring subsequent benefits to their students and their school. Access to this scheme will be extended to all DEIS schools on a phased basis and will provide for around 50 sabbaticals annually.
Principals, teachers and other personnel in schools participating in DEIS will require professional development support to enable them to effectively implement the new approaches required and to make optimum use of the supplementary resources made available under the DEIS action plan. Consequently, a new initiative on pre-service and in-service professional development will be designed and implemented on a phased basis.
Professional development for principals in schools participating in DEIS, including programmes supporting the development of skills in the areas of strategic leadership and change management, with the assistance of the Leadership Development in Schools programme. I believe that the inclusive, proactive approach being adopted under the DEIS action plan and the specific measures that I have outlined will ensure that there will be no shortage of committed and motivated staff.
School Curriculum.
Paul Connaughton
Question:107 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will support the introduction of information and communications technology as a subject for the junior certificate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5012/07]
I have no plans to introduce information and communications technology (ICT) as a discrete subject for the junior certificate. Recent thinking on ICT in schools is that the best way to learn ICT skills is to apply them in a meaningful context. Based on this, the focus in Ireland is on developing and promoting the use of ICT as a tool for teaching and learning across the curriculum. A national evaluation of the implementation of ICT in teaching and learning in primary and post primary level schools has been completed, and the report will be available later this year.
Seymour Crawford
Question:108 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools that offer the physics and chemistry course to leaving certificate level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5007/07]
Phil Hogan
Question:181 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools which offer music to leaving certificate level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5006/07]
Shane McEntee
Question:190 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of post-primary schools now offering the full complement of science subjects to leaving certificate level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5023/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 108, 181 and 190 together.
The latest information available to my Department on the number of schools offering specific subjects relates to the 2005/06 school year. 449 second-level schools offered music in senior cycle in 2005/06. 554 second-level schools offered physics to Leaving Certificate level. 69 second-level schools offered physics and chemistry to Leaving Certificate level. 550 second-level schools offered chemistry to Leaving Certificate level. 691 second-level schools offered Biology to Leaving Certificate level. 193 schools offered applied mathematics to Leaving Certificate level.
The Deputy will be aware that the decision as to which subjects to offer is made at the level of the individual school, subject to compliance with my Department's regulations concerning provision of the core curriculum. Demand will of course depend on the number of students that want to take other subject options.
Schools Building Projects.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:109 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of school building projects currently assessed as being of band four priority awaiting progression by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4993/07]
Simon Coveney
Question:112 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of school building projects awaiting progression by her Department; the classification of these projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4989/07]
Dinny McGinley
Question:125 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of school building projects currently assessed as being of band two priority awaiting progression by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4991/07]
Richard Bruton
Question:162 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of school building projects currently assessed as being of band three priority awaiting progression by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4992/07]
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:203 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of school building projects currently assessed as being of band one priority awaiting progression by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4990/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 109, 112, 125, 162 and 203 together.
Under the NDP 2007 to 2013 funding of €4.5 billion will be invested in first and second level schools modernisation and development programme. This will focus on meeting the demands of a growing school population, with an anticipated 100,000 additional primary places over the next seven years. It will address the need for curriculum reform and innovation, the need to support ongoing teacher professional development and will provide for modernised and enhanced facilities throughout the school system.
A total of 7,800 individual school building projects were delivered for the €2.6 billion investment under the 2000--2006 period of the last NDP. The completion of building projects under the €4.5 billion investment in the new NDP will benefit from recent innovations in delivery mechanisms that have allowed for fast tracking of priority school developments. Schools are seeing that activity under the new Plan is already under way, with 1,500 school building projects due to be delivered in 2007.
The number of building projects under consideration can change on a day to day basis as new applications are received and existing applications are progressed in my Department. These projects are assessed and prioritised in accordance with the prioritisation criteria agreed with the Education Partners. In this regard, it should be noted that a project's banding, or classification, can be subject to reassessment having regard to demographic developments in the area served by the school and also, for example, if on foot of a technical examination of the school it was found that the proposed project put forward by the school was not an appropriate design solution to meet the accommodation requirements.
School Staffing.
Brian O'Shea
Question:110 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if the cap on the number of extra teachers allocated to schools to teach English to those whose native language is neither English nor Irish has been lifted; the way schools with large numbers of such children are being assisted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5085/07]
In order to ensure that children whose first language is not English can succeed at school, my Department gives additional support to their schools which can take the form of financial assistance, additional temporary teacher posts or portions of teacher posts. Guidelines have also been produced for teachers on teaching English as an additional language, and these are available on the NCCA website.
The level of extra financial or teaching support provided to any school is determined by the numbers of non-English speaking students enrolled. Each school management can decide on the structure of the support to be provided in its own school. An allocation of 2 years' language support for each pupil is provided by my Department.
Recent years have seen a significant rise in the number of language support posts being provided by my Department. In the current school year, there are more than 1,250 such teachers in our schools. This compares with approximately 820 language support teachers last year and just 260 in the 2001/2002 school year. Hence there has been more than a four-fold increase in language support posts over the past few years. In addition to the full-time posts approved, grants towards the cost of employing part-time teachers are paid to primary schools with between 3 and 13 eligible non national pupils. In the 2005/06 school year, 409 schools sought grant aid under this provision.
Between extra language support posts and grant aid, the level of support provided to schools to meet the needs of children whose first language is not English has increased dramatically in recent years. Nonetheless I am very conscious of the pressures on schools that have large numbers of non-English speaking children enrolled. I am determined to provide greater support for these schools. To that end, provision has been made in the 2007 Estimates for an extra 200 language support teachers in 2007. A further 350 posts will be provided under the Towards 2016 partnership agreement between 2008 and 2009. I can assure the Deputy that the additional resources will be targeted at those areas where they are most needed.
State Examinations.
Richard Bruton
Question:111 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the percentage of girls taking higher level physics at leaving certificate level for each of the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5010/07]
The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations, including organising the holding of examinations and issuing the results of examinations. In view of this I have forwarded your query in relation to the statistics to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you. In the interim, although the information requested by the Deputy is not readily available for each of the past 10 years, I can provide the following information gleaned from my Departments Annual Statistical Reports for the years 2001 to 2005 inclusive.
In 2001, of a total female Leaving Certificate school candidature of 27,167, there were 1,696 girls who took the higher paper in Physics giving a percentage of 6.24%. In 2002, of a total female Leaving Certificate school candidature of 26,119, there were 1,769 girls who took the higher paper in Physics giving a percentage of 6.77%. In 2003, of a total female Leaving Certificate school candidature of 26,410, there were 1783 girls who took the higher paper in Physics giving a percentage of 6.75%. In 2004, of a total female Leaving Certificate school candidature of 26,119, there were 1,670 girls who took the higher paper in Physics giving a percentage of 6.39%. In 2005, of a total female Leaving Certificate school candidature of 25,887, there were 1,691 girls who took the higher paper in Physics giving a percentage of 6.53%.
A study on Who Chooses Sciences -- Subject Take-up in Second Level Schools was published by the ESRI in 2002. It identifies a range of factors which impact on subject take up and indicates positive research from other countries that a hands-on approach to science can encourage subject take-up. The revised Junior Certificate Science syllabus was introduced in 2003 and was examined for the first time in 2006. The syllabus represents a significant change in the way science is taught at Junior Cycle including in the area of teaching methodology and assessment, reflecting international trends towards a more investigative approach to science education. In particular, the syllabus provides for a move towards more practical and project work, with 30 practical experiments and investigations which can be carried out at different times over the period of the programme and presented for assessment as one of the components of the final examination.
The Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation 2007 to 2013 sets out a range of measures to further strengthen science teaching and learning. It provides for reform of Physics and Chemistry in senior cycle, ensuring a continuum from Junior Cycle with the emphasis on project based hands-on investigative approaches and assessment of these as part of the overall examinations, allied with the embedding of key skills, a more applied focus and an emphasis on the inter-disciplinary nature of science in society forms part of the approach. Advice on reform of the science subjects in senior cycle is expected later this year from the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment as part of Phase 1 of the reconfiguration of senior cycle.
Question No. 112 answered with QuestionNo. 109.
Higher Education Grants.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:113 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students in receipt of higher education grants for the 2006 to 2007 academic year; if she will provide a breakdown of that number indicating those who are in receipt of a full grant, a partial grant and a top-up grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5073/07]
The Deputy will appreciate that the annual statistical returns in respect of 2006/07 academic year will be submitted to my Department when the academic year is completed and all payments finalised. This is to allow for a complete picture in a full academic year and will into take account late applications for a grant. Full data in respect of grant recipients in 2006/07 will not, therefore be available until approximately August 2007.
In relation to the number of students receiving financial assistance under the student support schemes, the most recent figures show that over 57,000 students benefited under the schemes in 2005/06, of which approximately 12,500 benefited from the special rate of maintenance grant (sometimes known as the ‘top-up' grant) in addition to the basic maintenance grant. The top-up grant was introduced by this Government to provide greater assistance to the most disadvantaged students, and in this regard it should be noted that the maximum amount of grant support available this year is €5,970 (including the special rate of maintenance grant) compared to just €2,032 in 1996/97.
School Curriculum.
Mary Upton
Question:114 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will add new subjects for leaving certificate examination; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5102/07]
Mary Upton
Question:177 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will introduce leaving certificate curricular changes to commence in the 2007 to 2008 academic year; when curriculum reform will take place in relation to the teaching and examination of languages and mathematics; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5101/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 177 together.
Arrangements have been made for the introduction of a new subject Technology in the Leaving Certificate, as a progression option from junior cycle, with effect from September 2007. In addition, a revised syllabus in Leaving certificate Design and Communication Graphics (previously known as Technical Drawing) will be implemented. Both subjects will be examined for the first time in 2009. These changes are being supported by a major programme of investment in professional development for teachers, and a €40m investment in equipment renewal and upgrading for the technology subjects. These developments are an important step in ensuring that our students are prepared for further education and the world of work in an economy that will be increasingly driven by technological change.
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment has submitted proposals in relation to future directions in Mathematics and Irish in December. These are being examined in my Department at present, and I hope to be in a position to respond shortly. In regard to senior cycle reform generally, further advice from the NCCA is expected later this year when Phase 1 of its review is completed,. Phase 1 deals with mathematics, science and languages.
Student Support Schemes.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:115 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will put measures in place to provide subsidiary relief for students to alleviate basic expenses incurred during teaching practice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5004/07]
Damien English
Question:126 Mr. English asked the Minister for Education and Science when will she put measures in place to provide subsidiary relief for students to alleviate basic expenses incurred during teaching practice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5005/07]
Brendan Howlin
Question:218 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science her response to the research carried out by a union (details supplied) which showed that 69.5% of students had to engage in part-time employment to pay for costs associated with teaching practice; if she will provide a fund to help student teachers to pay for these costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5075/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 115, 126 and 218 together.
The position is that teaching practice is an integral part of the curriculum for the training of both primary and post-primary teachers and, as such, my Department does not provide special financial assistance for students towards costs associated with teaching practice.
The Deputy will be aware that teacher education programmes provided in approved third level institutions are also approved courses for the purposes of the Higher Education Grants Scheme. Under the terms of the Scheme, grant holders who are required to participate in off-campus placement as part of their course of study may have their grant entitlement paid in the normal manner. Accordingly, student teachers who are eligible for grant assistance continue to receive their entitlements while undertaking teaching practice.
My Department funds four maintenance grant schemes for third level and further education students which are administered by the Local Authorities and the Vocational Education Committees. The Higher Education Grant Scheme operates under the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Acts, 1968 to 1992. Generally speaking, students who are entering approved courses for the first time are eligible for maintenance grants where they satisfy the relevant conditions as to age, residence, means and nationality.
An approved third level course for the purpose of the HEG and the VEC Scholarship Schemes means a full-time undergraduate course of not less than two years duration and a full-time postgraduate course of not less than one year's duration pursued in an approved institution. The Schemes outline their respective courses which are approved for grant purposes. Any student who is eligible to receive a maintenance grant under these Schemes continues to have the grant paid to them during their teaching practice.
In addition, my Department allocates funding each year to third level institutions under the Student Assistance Fund. This fund is available in order to assist students who may be experiencing difficulties in continuing their studies because of financial hardship. In the academic year 2004/05 the allocation to this fund was €206,897 and in the academic year 2005/06 it was €215,637. The disbursement of this funding is a matter for individual institutions in line with guidelines issued by my Department.
My Department has no plans to introduce an additional scheme of financial assistance, over and above the current provision, in relation to the training of teachers.
Education Schemes.
Willie Penrose
Question:116 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in establishing a formal funding mechanism for the non-formal education sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5088/07]
The EC (2001) Communication on Lifelong Learning defines three types of learning: formal, non-formal and informal learning. Non-formal learning is defined as learning that is not provided by an education or training institution and typically does not lead to certification. It is, however, structured (in terms of learning objectives, learning time or learning support). Non-formal learning is intentional from the learner's perspective.
There is no formal structure for the funding of the non-formal education sector. However, my department through the Community Education Programme funds the type of education outlined in the definition of non-formal education for adults. The Community Education Programme is one of a suite of adult education programmes designed to provide those adults who want to return to education with a second chance. The nature of the funding provided is at the discretion of the VEC. One form of regular support is through the provision of tutor hours to local groups.
Funds for Community Education services are provided by my Department to the Vocational Education Committees. The disbursement of these funds is a matter for each VEC, which, subject to its budget, decides the nature of the Community Education service to be provided in its area and the manner in which the funds should be spent. It is open to the groups involved in the non-formal education sector to submit applications to their local VECs for funding for their activities.
The Back To Education Initiative (BTEI) Programme, Community Strand element, is another programme in the suite of adult education programmes mentioned previously that provides funding to community groups for non-formal education to adults. The non-formal education activities in the Community Education Programme and the BTEI Community strand programme include outreach activities, personal development and confidence building work, basic tuition and literacy learning, parenting courses, pre-development, taster courses to encourage people to return to education, other hobby and leisure type courses.
School Services Staff.
Willie Penrose
Question:117 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the comparatively low wage level of many school secretaries; if she will take responsibility at Department level for ensuring that secretaries are recognised as core staff in the running of schools and that they have appropriate salary scales; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5087/07]
My Department provides funding towards the cost of secretarial services in primary and secondary schools under two separate schemes. One is the 1978 scheme for the employment of school secretaries in primary and secondary schools under which my Department meets the full cost of salary. The 1978 scheme is being phased out as posts become vacant and no new posts are being created.
The 1978 scheme has been superseded by a more extensive school support grant scheme towards the funding of ancillary services in schools including secretarial services. The scheme is flexible in nature giving Boards of Management and schools discretion as to the manner in which these services are provided. The terms and conditions of employment are matters for agreement between the employee and the authorities of each school. The Department does not stipulate any rules concerning how the secretarial services are to be obtained by schools. Accordingly the arrangements are suited to local needs and are not standard across the sector.
There have been significant improvements in recent years in the level of funding for primary and 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 for secondary schools was increased by a further €18 to €316 per pupil. In addition, the support services grant was increased by a further €30 for voluntary secondary schools, which includes a further equalisation measure, to €189 per pupil. For such schools this cumulative increase of €48 per pupil brings the aggregate grant to over €500 per pupil from 1 January 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.
At primary level, the basic rate of capitation was increase by €18 per pupil to a level of €163.58 per pupil from 1 January 2007. The ancillary services grant was also increase by €6.50 to €145.50 per pupil. Taken together, these increases mean that primary schools eligible for the full ancillary services grant will get €24.50 extra per pupil to cover their day to day running costs in 2007, with a primary school of 300 pupils getting nearly €7,400 extra. In fact, this 300 pupil school will get approximately €93,000 from my Department in 2007 to meet such costs.
The provision that I have made, in the context of the 2007 estimates, for these significant increases in the funding of primary and voluntary secondary schools is a clear demonstration of my commitment to prioritise available resources to address the needs of schools.
State Examinations.
Seán Crowe
Question:118 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals or measures she will introduce, in view of the landmark decision for leaving certificate students with dyslexia, who succeeded in their claim of discrimination under the Equal Status Acts 2000 to 2004 against her Department in relation to the annotation of their leaving certificates, to resolve this anomaly and ensure equality for all students. [5044/07]
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:150 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the way she will ensure that students with dyslexia will not be discriminated against with the annotation of their leaving certificate. [5050/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 118 and 150 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, this Government has shown an unrivalled commitment to ensuring that children and young people with special needs get the extra support they need in order to reach their full potential at school. We have dramatically expanded investment in special education in recent years and we have improved access to the state examinations for young people with special needs.
Annotations on certificates only apply in situations where a core area of a subject is not assessed, or where the mode of assessment used has the same effect. This is used to ensure fairness and integrity vis a vis other students who have been assessed in these components, and in order not to mislead the end user of the certificate. The scheme was introduced following the report of an expert advisory group, and the introduction enabled opportunities to be provided for exemptions where a candidate was not in a position to demonstrate achievement in a core area of assessment.
The recent findings of the Equality Tribunal on the issue have been appealed to the Circuit Court. I have also asked the State Examinations Commission to re-examine policy and practice in this area. It is important that our system continues to evolve in line with best practice, promoting high standards of quality and integrity while ensuring access, participation and benefit for all our students. I do not anticipate that changes will be made to practice in this area in advance of the outcome of the review and the findings in regard to the appeal.
School Closures.
Paul Connaughton
Question:119 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science when will she address the difficulties at a school (details supplied) in County Galway; if she will ensure a school will remain in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4996/07]
Pat Breen
Question:178 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will address the difficulties at a school (details supplied) in County Offaly; if she will ensure a school will remain in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4986/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 178 together.
The Trustees of the school referred to have confirmed their intention to close the school and have recently reaffirmed to the Department that the closure will be on a phased basis and will commence in September 2007, with all students in junior cycle being given the option of proceeding to senior cycle, including the opportunity to avail of a transition year. The Trustees have also confirmed that the current site will not be available for the provision of post-primary education once the school closes.
Having considered the immediate implications of the decision by the Sisters of Mercy, I can confirm that the Department will facilitate the enrolment in Gort Community School of students from the Kinvara area by changing the existing catchment area. The Department will be meeting with the school authorities to discuss the matter.
Question No. 120 answered with QuestionNo. 103.
School Enrolments.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:121 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the mechanism whereby her Department is kept informed of population changes in each local authority area which will affect the demand for school places in that area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5066/07]
The process of assessing the need for new or additional educational facilities at primary or post-primary level in any given area entails consideration of all relevant factors, including enrolment and demographic trends, housing developments and the capacity of existing schools to meet the demand for places. Liaison with existing schools is also an important part of the process, as the school authorities would usually alert the Department where, in their view, the need for additional accommodation is anticipated. In this way, every effort is made to ensure that there is adequate existing provision, or that timely arrangements are made to extend capacity or provide new infrastructure where necessary.
In addition, Local Authorities are obliged by statute to refer draft local area development plans to the Department for observation and comment so that lands can be zoned for future education use. There are numerous sites reserved for education purposes particularly in the rapidly developing areas so as to ensure that there will be sufficient land set aside and available for the future development of education infrastructure.
Over and above the statutory consultation provisions in relation to local authority draft area development plans, the Department has in recent years worked to strengthen contacts with local authorities to enable informed decisions to be made in planning future educational provision.
Radon Gas Levels.
Damien English
Question:122 Mr. English asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools which have not been tested for radon; the names of these schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5022/07]
My Department has fully funded a radon remediation programme and virtually all schools have participated in it. The programme initially involved surveying radon levels in schools and subsequently carrying out mitigation works where appropriate. The remaining handful of schools who have not agreed to participate in the radon surveys are regularly advised of the need to do so. I will arrange for a list of these schools to be given to the Deputy.
School Curriculum.
Joe Sherlock
Question:123 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to introduce driver education to school students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5096/07]
The Road Safety Authority has already commenced work on a number of key areas including the development of a Road Safety programme for use in Transition Year. This work is being undertaken in co-operation with my Department and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment.
I believe that schools have a role to play both in teaching students about road safety issues and in helping them to develop the attitudes necessary to promote safe behaviour on the roads. The Social Personal and Health Education programme, which is mandatory in primary schools and at junior cycle level, provides a framework under which the generic values and skills which underpin responsible decision-making, and respect for the rights and safety of others can be developed and promoted among students. SPHE has a specific personal safety strand within the programme, and this provides a mechanism through which road safety issues for all can be best dealt with in an age appropriate way.
Specific materials for teaching young people about road safety have also been given to schools. At the start of the 2001/02 school year the National Safety Council, with assistance from my Department, distributed copies of Staying Alive — a road safety resource for Transition Year and the Senior Cycle — to all second level schools. This pack contained a wide range of learning opportunities and activities on topics such as personal responsibility and decision-making, environmental issues and risks and rules for road users. A CD-ROM with additional material downloaded from the Internet was included in the pack along with copies of the Rules of the Road. In the preparation of the Staying Alive resources material, views were sought from a range of organisations with interests in the promotion of road safety. Prior to its issue to second level schools, the material was piloted in 20 schools and the response from teachers in those schools was very positive. This is also supplemented by Garda visits to primary and second level schools during which the themes of crime, road safety, personal safety and substance abuse are explored as part of the SPHE programme. There were some 1900 school visits in 2005.
So, not only is there a curricular framework in place already in which the importance of road safety can be taught to our young people, but this is supplemented by specific teaching materials and by a comprehensive programme of Garda visits to schools. My Department will continue to work with the Road Safety Authority to strengthen the role of schools in promoting road safety even further.
Special Educational Needs.
David Stanton
Question:124 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 504 and 505 of 17 October 2006, if she will provide details of the number of home tuition grants applied for, approved and drawn down each year respectively since 2000; the details of changes made to the home tuition scheme operated by her Department, in particular the changes she has made with regard to accepted qualifications of personnel providing home tuition hours; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5062/07]
The information regarding the number of home tuition grants applied for, approved and drawn down each year since 2000 to date in 2006 is not readily available in my Department. However, officials in my Department have recently revised its record keeping arrangements and this information will be available in due course for the 2006/2007 school year.
The home tuition scheme provides funding to parents to provide education at home for children who, for a number of reasons such as chronic illness, are unable to attend school. The scheme was extended in recent years to facilitate tuition for children awaiting a suitable educational placement and also to provide early educational intervention for pre-school children with autism. The Deputy will appreciate that, as home tuition takes place outside of the normal school framework, there is need to ensure that tuition providers are appropriately qualified to give education to the children concerned. The usual requirement is for a fully qualified teacher.
A recent review of a number of applications for home tuition highlighted some cause for concern regarding the qualifications of proposed tuition providers. Parents/guardians who had nominated tuition providers with qualifications other than teaching qualifications were advised that these tuition providers were being accepted for the first school term, from September to December 2006, to allow time to undertake the review. A review of the qualifications supplied has taken place in consultation with my Department's Inspectorate, resulting in an extended list of qualifications acceptable under the scheme for children with autism. My officials will send details of these qualifications to the Deputy.
As necessary, my Department wrote to the parents/guardians concerned to advise the outcome of the review. In some cases, where tuition providers' qualifications were acceptable, letters of sanction issued to the end of the school year. In other cases, where the tuition providers' qualifications did not meet the minimum requirements, the applicants were advised of the need to recruit a tuition provider with suitable qualifications. However my Department built flexibility into this arrangement to accommodate parents/guardians who were experiencing difficulties in changing to a qualified tuition provider by extending the sanction with the current tuition provider until the end of the school year 2006/07 to facilitate the recruitment process.
It is in the interests of children to expect that home tutors funded under this scheme are appropriately qualified tuition providers. It is for this reason that tuition providers will be required to meet the minimum qualification standard for the 2007/2008 school year.
Question No. 125 answered with QuestionNo. 109.
Question No. 126 answered with QuestionNo. 115.
Schools Building Projects.
Gerard Murphy
Question:127 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools listed on her Department’s school building programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4988/07]
There are over 1,500 large-scale and smaller scale projects on my Department's school building programme. The rolling series of announcements on the programme are listed on my Department's website — the most recent of which involved over 1,100 projects under the Summer Works Scheme and 22 large-scale post-primary projects. I expect to be making announcements in the coming weeks on the next tranche of projects to be delivered under my Department's devolved schemes.
The budget for 2007 is the first year of the rollout of the new NDP which will involve an investment of over €4.5 billion in school buildings over the next 7 years. This multi-annual funding will enable my Department to continue to take a proactive approach to the provision of modern school accommodation particularly in the rapidly developing areas.
Cecilia Keaveney
Question:128 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the new school building for a school (details supplied) in County Donegal. [4936/07]
The building project for the new school referred to by the Deputy is part of my Department's list of projects to proceed to tender and construction. The use of my Department's Generic Repeat Design will facilitate this process. At present the School's Consultant Architect is carrying out a site suitability assessment in order to determine the appropriate version of the Generic Repeat Design solution to be used and once this is ascertained, the School's Design Team will be authorised to proceed to stage 3 (detailed design with costings) of my Department's Design Team Procedures. Thereafter, it is envisaged that devolved approval will be given to proceed to tender and construction without the need for major interaction with my Department.
Eamon Ryan
Question:129 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science her Department’s policy in relation to the provision of energy efficient measures and renewable heating systems in schools; if this will be reviewed in the near future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4980/07]
My Department is to the forefront of design with respect to energy efficiency in school buildings. However, the length of the school day and school holiday periods generally impact on the suitability of alternative energy options in school buildings. My Department's design guidelines set the benchmark for low energy design in schools and are clearly focused on energy efficiency and are based on solid energy research projects. It has been demonstrated that all schools designed and built to these standards can have an energy performance that is 2.3 times more efficient than International best practice and nearly five times more efficient than schools built in the late 80's.
My Department's policy is supported by a strong research programme with over twenty research projects at various stages currently in hand. A hybrid approach is taken with respect to low energy design in schools based on maximising natural resources and energy efficient technologies. Schools are positioned to maximise gain from the sun during the day for passive solar heating and natural daylight. Passive solar design saves 20% of early morning heating period and adequate natural daylight when combined with automated lighting systems in the classrooms can eliminate the need for electrical light for up to 80% of the school's teaching hours.
Energy efficient boilers and individual room temperature controls combined with a strong emphasis on air tight testing and high insulation levels minimise heat requirements. Water usage is minimised through automatic shut off taps and dual flush toilets, while local water blending valves are provided to prevent scalding. All of the above design features are included in the Department's Generic Repeat Design schools. My Department has developed a number of carbon neutral schools as part of research projects involving both geothermal and wood pellet installations and further projects are currently being assessed in respect of their suitability for wider rollout.
The performance of my Department in the area of low energy design has been recognised at both National and International level with sustainable energy awards for excellence in Design and Specification.
Tom McEllistrim
Question:130 Mr. McEllistrim asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the building project for a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4850/07]
The need for a replacement school on a greenfield site for Blennerville National School has been determined by the Department. A suitable site has been acquired for that purpose. The building project required to deliver the new school will be progressed in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme.
Proposed Legislation.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:131 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science when she will publish the Student Support Bill; if there are outstanding reports or data awaited before the Bill can be finalised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5072/07]
The Government has approved the drafting of a new Student Support Bill which will place all student support schemes on a statutory footing for the first time, including providing for the designation of an appropriate awarding authority and for the general basis on which grants will be awarded to eligible students. Work on the Bill is at an advanced stage and I hope to be in a position to publish the Bill shortly.
Pupil Databases.
Olwyn Enright
Question:132 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will progress the development of a primary pupil database; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5000/07]
Kathleen Lynch
Question:172 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made on the establishment of a database of primary school students. [5078/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 172 together.
I am committed to the development of a Primary Pupil database as it will give us valuable data on the pupils in our primary schools as well as enabling us to better track children's progress from primary to post-primary level. The database project is linked to the development of an on-line claims system for schools for the processing of salary claims. The primary pupil database will be progressed when the on-line claims system project is completed.
School Curriculum.
Gerard Murphy
Question:133 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will expand junior certificate science participation to 100%; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5008/07]
In accordance with the Rules and Programme for Secondary Schools, the approved course for Junior Certificate students in second level schools must include Irish, English, Mathematics, Social Personal and Health Education, Civic Social and Political Education and at least 3 other examination subjects.
While Science is an optional subject for the Junior Certificate some 86% of students already study the subject. I have no plans to make science a compulsory subject. Curricular choice is important in ensuring that young people are offered a balanced range of subjects in keeping with their interests and abilities. My Department is fully committed to strengthening the quality of science teaching and learning, promoting increased scientific literacy and encouraging more students to choose science subjects.
The revised Junior Certificate Science syllabus which was examined for the first time in 2006 aims to make the subject more relevant to student's needs in the twenty-first century and to provide the students with a richer educational experience. It is intended as part of the recently published Strategy for Science and Innovation 2006 to 2013 to build on this in the approach to science subjects in the senior cycle,ensuring a continuum in the emphasis on project based hands-on investigative approaches and assessment of these as part of the overall examinations, allied with the embedding of key skills, a more applied focus and an emphasis on the inter-disciplinary nature of science in society forms part of the approach.
Adult Education.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:134 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the review of the function of the National Adult Learning Council is taking so long; if she will re-instate the council to co-ordinate adult and community education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5089/07]
The National Adult Learning Council was formed in March 2002 on an ad hoc basis with the intention that it would be established as a statutory body under Section 54 of the Education Act 1998. Following the formation of the ad-hoc Council, concerns emerged that the functions envisaged for it were too wide-ranging and were not sufficiently focussed. Additionally, a number of developments had occurred which would impact on the work of the Council.
A strategic review of the role and functions of the Council was undertaken to address these concerns. The outcome of the review has been under consideration in my Department. I expect to be in a position soon to make a decision on the best way forward. My decision will be based on how best to provide in the most cost-effective manner for the learning needs of young people who leave school early or who may not wish to progress directly into employment or higher education and of adults seeking second chance education in the adult, further and vocational education sector. It will also be necessary in that context to take account of existing provision and structures.
Site Acquisitions.
Catherine Murphy
Question:135 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has sought to purchase land for the expansion of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if so, the details of same; if she communicates with the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government on proposals that link housing developments with school extensions and provision as part of the community gain as is the case with a proposal for this school; if in such cases a view is sought regarding the compatibility of the regional planning guidelines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4961/07]
The Department is in receipt of an application for capital funding from the school to which the Deputy refers. The application is currently being assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and progress on the projects is being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme from 2007 onwards. In common with all such applications, the Department carries out a detailed examination of the demographics of an area together with planned housing developments etc. to ensure that any planned capital investment will meet the needs of an area as a whole for the foreseeable future.
With regard to the need for additional land to cater for the extension to the school I must point out that the purchase of same is a matter for the Board of Management. The Department is engaged in ongoing discussions with local authorities and the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government in relation to issues concerning the provision of school sites and indeed community and school gain as mentioned by the Deputy.
School Meals Programme.
Gay Mitchell
Question:136 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of breakfast clubs, operated by charities, community groups or other groups, which are supported by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4995/07]
The majority of the 412 schools currently participating in the School Completion Programme operate breakfast clubs or other meal provision, in accordance with the Nutritional Guidelines issued by the Department of Social and Family Affairs. In addition to the funding provided through the School Completion Programme, the provision of school meals is primarily funded by the School Meals Programme, administered by my colleague, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, and involving both an urban scheme operated by local authorities and a local projects scheme.
Educational research has shown that good nutrition improves concentration levels of students and that students from low-income families are less likely to have access to an adequate diet. The social aspect of breakfast clubs cannot be overestimated and access to such clubs is offered on a whole class/whole school basis to encourage integration of children and young people giving them an opportunity to mix and relax before classes commence.
Breakfast clubs provide a caring and supportive environment where young people can engage with their peers and discuss things in a social setting. This also provides an opportunity to prepare for the school day. Parents are also encouraged to become involved in running breakfast clubs, many of which are also supported by charitable agencies which bring with them expertise such as family support.
The School Meals Programme aims to supplement the nutritional intake of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds in order to allow them to fulfil their potential within the educational system and also to reduce the risk of early school leaving. In 2006, it is estimated that 69,903 children benefited in 1,008 schools under the local projects scheme and the urban scheme provided support for more than 386 primary schools, with 55,000 pupils. The Department of Social and Family Affairs is providing funding of €16.6 million for the programme in 2007- an increase of almost 60% on the 2006 provision of €10.4 million.
My Department has been working in close co-operation with the Department of Social and Family Affairs to ensure that the resources available for school meals are used to best effect and to further expand school meals provision in schools serving disadvantaged communities. Each of the 873 schools participating in the new School Support Programme under DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the new Action Plan for Educational Inclusion will have access to the School Meals Programme.
A total of €18 million has been made available to my Department from the Dormant Accounts Fund and the RAPID Leverage Fund to fund projects that aim to counteract educational disadvantage. One of the measures under this scheme provides for the enhancement of school dining areas via either the upgrading of existing facilities or the development of new dining areas. The Measure also provides for small grants for schools participating or proposing to participate in the Department of Social and Family Affairs' School Meals Schemes. The provision of breakfast clubs will continue to be a priority for the Government in tackling educational disadvantage.
Adult Education.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:137 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will engage in discussions with the Department of Social and Family Affairs to widen access to the back to education allowance in order that more adults can avail themselves of the opportunities presented by the increased number of vacant places in courses provided by higher education institutions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5092/07]
The back to education allowance is a second chance education opportunities programme designed to encourage and facilitate people on certain social welfare payments to improve their skills and qualifications and, therefore, their prospects of returning to the active work force. The scheme contains a third level option.
The number of participants availing of the Back to Education Allowance Scheme (Third Level Option) has grown since the scheme was first introduced in September 1990, from 67 to 4,310 in the 2005/2006 academic year. Over the period since the scheme was first established, in excess of 10,000 people have been helped to attain third level qualifications in a range of skills and programmes thereby enhancing their employment prospects. The eligibility criteria for participation in the scheme are considered reasonable and necessary by the Department of Social and Family Affairs in order to ensure that resources are targeted at those who are most in need, bearing in mind that the objective of the scheme is to assist people who have been claiming a social welfare payment on a long-term basis.
School Curriculum.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:138 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Science if reform of the Irish curriculum will include the introduction of a separate subject covering the literature and culture associated with the language; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5068/07]
As the Deputy will be aware, I am very committed to improving our young people's command of Irish, through both increased support and curricular reform. Last April, I launched a wide package of measures to promote Irish in primary schools. These include the employment of cuiditheoirí at primary level to provide a programme of supports and in-service training for primary teachers and the delivery of a course in teaching Drama trí Ghaeilge to primary teachers. Other measures included the funding of Summer courses for 10-14 year olds in their own area, with an emphasis on sport and games through Irish.
Proposals are also being developed for changes in how Irish is taught and examined at second level. I have made clear my intentions to focus on improving students' competence in the spoken language and making learning Irish more enjoyable. Other issues, such as the appropriate emphasis to be placed on literature and culture, are also being considered. I expect to be in a position to make an announcement on the matter shortly.
Disruptive Students.
Brendan Howlin
Question:139 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science the way she will provide for the educational rights of young people who are excluded from school under section 29 of the Education Act 1998 when it is amended; if the numbers of such young people will be greater when the Education (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2007 is enacted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5076/07]
Section 29 of the Education Act 1998, provides parents with an appeal process where a Board of Management of a school or a person acting on behalf of the Board refuses enrolment to a student. Where a school permanently excludes a pupil, the school is obliged to inform parents of their right under Section 29 of Education Act 1998 to appeal that decision to the Secretary General of my Department. Only where an appeal under Section 29 is upheld can the Secretary General of my Department direct a school to re-admit a pupil.
The Deputy will be aware that I recently published the Education (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill. The Bill will give effect to the recommendations of the Task Force on Student Behaviour in Second Level Schools and set out criteria to be taken into account in the section 29 appeal process. These will include consideration of the right of the individual student to an inclusive education as well as the right of the general body of students and the whole school community to the maintenance of a school and classroom environment which is conducive to learning.
The changes to Section 29 contained in the Bill will not alter the basic right of parents to appeal a decision to exclude their child from a school. There is no evidence to suggest that the number of students excluded from schools will be significantly greater after the enactment of the Bill. The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The Welfare Board has indicated that it will treat children for whom an appeal under Section 29 has been unsuccessful as priority cases in offering such assistance.
Special Educational Needs.
Dan Neville
Question:140 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of ABBA schools awaiting sanction by her Department; when will she sanction the schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5002/07]
Michael Noonan
Question:167 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of ABBA schools awaiting sanction by her Department; the reason she has not sanctioned these schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5001/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 140 and 167 together.
There are currently 11 applications for ABA Stand Alone Facilities under consideration within my Department. The Deputies will be aware of my commitment to ensuring that all children, including those with autism receive an education appropriate to their needs, preferably through the primary and post primary school network.
In this regard my Department has established:
181 special classes for children with autism, attached to special and mainstream schools.
5 special classes for children with Asperger's Syndrome.
16 pre-school classes to facilitate the demand for early intervention provision for children on the autistic spectrum.
14 Stand Alone facilities providing an Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) specific methodology on a pilot basis — 2 of these facilities have yet to be established.
School Curriculum.
Seán Crowe
Question:141 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to reform or revise the provision of English as a foreign language in schools to cater for the varying levels of English of international students. [5043/07]
In order to meet the language needs of the students in our schools whose first language is not English or Irish, additional support is given to the schools concerned which can take the form of financial assistance, additional teaching posts or portions of posts. The level of extra financial or teaching support provided to any school is determined by the numbers of eligible non-English speaking students enrolled. The additional language support to an individual pupil is generally given for a period of two years.
Schools with between 3 and 13 eligible pupils receive grant assistance towards the cost of employing part-time teachers. Schools with 3 to 8 such pupils receive a grant of over €6,300, while schools with between 10 and 13 such pupils receive over €9,500. Over €4 million is being provided for such grants in 2007. Schools with 14 or more such pupils are entitled to one or more language support teachers, the number of which has increased dramatically in recent years. There are now approximately 1,250 language support teachers in our schools. More than 400 of these teachers have been allocated in the current school year alone. As I announced last November, 200 extra posts were approved by the Government for 2007, bringing to 1,450 the number of language teachers that will be working in our schools this year. This compares with just 262 posts in the 2001/02 school year.
In line with the Government's commitments under the ‘Towards 2016' partnership agreement, a further 350 language support teachers will be provided between 2008 and 2009. In allocating additional teachers, I will be addressing in particular the position of those schools catering for significant numbers of such children.
Finally, as the Deputy will be aware, a comprehensive strategy is currently being finalised which will ensure that the extra investment in this area is being used to the best effect, and that it is underpinned by the right support and training for teachers.
Special Educational Needs.
Denis Naughten
Question:142 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide parents of autistic children in receipt of Department funded home tuition with a list of suitably qualified teachers in their locality; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4760/07]
The home tuition scheme provides funding to parents to provide education at home for children who, for a number of reasons such as chronic illness, are unable to attend school. The scheme was extended in recent years to facilitate tuition for children awaiting a suitable educational placement and also to provide early educational intervention for pre-school children with autism. My Department has no current plans to compile a data base of tuition providers with acceptable qualifications. However, I will be keeping the operation of this scheme under review.
Higher Education Grants.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:143 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science the criteria used to decide whether a student qualifies for a top-up grant; if there is discretion on grounds of hardship in the awarding of such a grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5074/07]
To qualify for the special rate of maintenance grant (sometimes referred to as the ‘top-up' grant) in the academic year 2006/07, all candidates must satisfy the following conditions:
1. Qualify for the ordinary maintenance grant in respect of the academic year 2006/07;
2. Total reckonable income limit in the tax year to 31 December 2005 must not exceed €16,748 (net of standard exclusions, as set out in the 2006 Maintenance Grants Schemes and net of Child Dependant increase (CDI) payments, where applicable);
3. As at 31 December 2005, the reckonable income of parent(s)/guardian(s), the candidate himself/herself, or the income of the spouse/ partner, as the case may be, must include one of the eligible social welfare payments prescribed under the Scheme.
LIST OF ELIGIBLE PAYMENTS
1. SOCIAL ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS
Blind Person's Pension
Carer's Allowance
Deserted Wife's Allowance
Disability Allowance
Farm Assist
Lone Parent's allowance
Unemployment Assistance (where held for 391 days or more)
Old Age (Non-Contributory) Pension
One parent family payment
Orphans (Non-Contributory) pension
Pre-retirement allowance
Prisoner's Wife's Allowance
Widow's/Widower's (Non-Contributory) Pension
2. SOCIAL INSURANCE PAYMENTS
Carer's Benefit
Deserted Wife's Benefit
Invalidity pension
Unemployability Supplement
Occupational Injuries Death Benefit (Orphan's pension)
Occupational Injuries Death Benefit (pension for a widow or widower)
Old Age Contributory Pension
Orphan's (Contributory) Allowance
Unemployment Benefit (continuous for at least 12 months)
Widow's/Widower's (Contributory) Pension Retirement Pension
3. FAMILY INCOME SUPPLEMENT (FIS)
4. DESIGNATED PROGRAMMES
Back to Education Allowance Back to Work Allowance (Employees)
Back to Work Enterprise Allowance
Community Employment Scheme FÁS Training Programmes, including Apprenticeships
Job Start
Part time job incentive scheme Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS)
5. OTHERS
(a) In receipt of payments under the Fáilte Ireland Skills Programme equivalent to a social welfare payment;
(b) In receipt of payments under the FIT (Fastrack to IT) initiative equivalent to a social welfare payment;
(c) Participants on a training course approved by a Government Department, State Agency or Area Partnership and who were in receipt of an eligible payment prior to progressing to the programme;
(d) Grant aided employees in social economy enterprises;
(e) In receipt of payments under the Senior Traveller Training Centre programmes.
The terms of the schemes are of general application and therefore it is not appropriate or possible to make an exception in individual cases. However, in addition to the Special Rate of Maintenance Grant the Student Assistance Fund is available to students experiencing particular or unexpected hardship during their course of study. The fund is allocated on a per capita basis to publicly-funded higher education institutions. In 2006–7, 35 institutions received funding totalling over €6m.
The Millennium Partnership Fund, which was established in 2000, also provides community-based funding. It supports retention and participation among under-represented groups of students in further or higher education and is available to students in area partnerships and community groups which participate in the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme (LDSIP). Application for Millennium funding is made annually by organisations through Pobal Ltd., the state company established to promote social inclusion, reconciliation and equality in Ireland and which has administered the fund since it was established. In 2006, over €2m was to the funding support community groups and partnerships. In 2004–5, the latest year for which figures are available, approximately 3,750 students in higher and further education benefited from the fund.
Schools Building Projects.
Denis O'Donovan
Question:144 Mr. O’Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Science the next steps in relation to the Bantry schools PPP project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4879/07]
Denis O'Donovan
Question:173 Mr. O’Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Science the next steps for the Bantry schools PPP project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5104/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 144 and 173 together.
Bantry Community College and Gaelscoil Bheanntraí form part of a bundle of six schools that make up the Second Bundle of my Department's PPP Programme. Work on the pre-procurement of this bundle commenced in late 2006. Cork County Vocational Education Committee has obtained outline planning permission for both schools, the educational needs of the schools have been identified and the consultation process, part of the PPP procedure has commenced for the bundle.
The next steps include continuation of the consultation process, preparation of output specifications and the Public Sector Benchmark (PSB) in conjunction with the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA). Once the pre procurement is completed the project will be handed over to the NDFA which will be responsible for its procurement.
Bullying in Schools.
Martin Ferris
Question:145 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science the anti-bullying strategies being used by schools; if she is satisfied with their effectiveness; and if she will make a statement on new proposed initiatives to tackle bullying. [5052/07]
Each school is required to have in place a policy which includes specific measures to deal with bullying behaviour, within the framework of an overall school Code of Behaviour and Discipline. Such a code, developed through consultation with the whole school community and properly implemented, can be the most influential measure in countering bullying behaviour in schools.
My Department has issued guidelines as an aid to schools in devising measures to prevent and deal with instances of bullying behaviour and to increase awareness among school management authorities of their responsibilities in this regard. These guidelines were drawn up following consultation with representatives of school management, teachers and parents, and are sufficiently flexible to allow each school authority to adapt them to suit the particular needs of their school. My Department, through the National Centre for Technology in Education has also developed Policy Guidelines and Advisory Notes for schools and parents which deal with the issues of internet and mobile phone bullying.
The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is at present developing further guidelines for schools on Codes of Behaviour, as provided for under section 23 of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000. Work on the guidelines is at an advanced stage and will be informed by broad consultation. It is envisaged that implementation will commence in the next school year.
Once the NEWB Guidelines are in place, my Department will through the normal consultation process with the education partners ensure that the guidelines available to schools on countering bullying are revised to fully reflect the work done by the NEWB. with bullying behaviour. Through the combined work of the Department, the NCTE and the NEWB schools will have available to them extensive guidance to enable them fulfil their responsibilities in relation to this issue.
The Deputy may also be interested to know that dealing with bullying has also been incorporated in training for principals through the Leadership Development for Schools programme. I have also stressed to the teacher unions the importance of not just having a written policy on bullying but also ensuring a climate in which it is not tolerated in any form and in which children know that if they make a teacher aware of bullying that it will be dealt with. The Deputy will also be aware that the education of students in both primary and post-primary schools in relation to anti-bullying behaviour is part of the SPHE curriculum. SPHE is now a compulsory subject both at primary level and in the junior cycle of post-primary schools.
Responsibility for tackling bullying naturally falls to the level of the individual school as it is at local level that an effective anti-bullying climate must be established. I am, however, anxious to support schools in tackling bullying and it is for that reason that so many supports have been put in place in recent years.
Standardised Testing.
Pádraic McCormack
Question:146 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the delay in the introduction of standardised testing at primary level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4997/07]
Kathleen Lynch
Question:168 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science when standardised literacy and numeracy testing will be introduced in primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5077/07]
Tom Hayes
Question:211 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the years at which standardised testing will be introduced during the primary level cycle; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4998/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 146, 168 and 211 together.
I believe that standardised testing, carried out on a systematic basis, has great potential to enhance the quality of teaching and learning for our students at classroom level, and to provide valuable information for parents about their children's learning. I have accepted the advice from the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) that, as part of a range of assessment approached, all pupils should take standardised tests in English reading and Mathematics at the end of first class or the beginning of second class, and at the end of fourth class or the beginning of fifth class.
My Department has issued a Circular Letter to primary schools requesting that they ensure that standardised testing is implemented on an annual basis in the relevant classes beginning in the calendar year 2007. With effect from 2007/8, the results of testing will be reported to parents in respect of their own children in accordance with a broader reporting template, designed to report progress on children's learning to parents, being piloted at present in a number of selected schools by the NCCA.
The introduction of the measure is being supported by a national programme of teacher professional development in assessment for learning. A grant of €1.65m issued to schools in December 2006 for the cost of test materials, teachers' manuals, test scoring services or test-related software. It is intended that the implementation of standardised testing at school level will be complemented by a separate programme of national monitoring so that national trends in different categories of school can be tracked over time.
A grant of €3.60 per pupil has been issued to all primary schools to cover the estimated cost of the tests materials in English reading and Mathematics, based on the overall enrolment in the school for the previous year. The NCCA is preparing guidelines which will assist schools in developing and implementing a policy on assessment practice in classrooms and on reporting to parents. The guidelines will also provide teachers with information on what to assess in individual subjects of the Primary School Curriculum and how to use assessment information to plan for children's future learning in that subject. These will be available to schools later this year.
A national report card for recording and reporting data on pupils' attainment to parents is also being developed by the NCCA. This will be piloted in a selection of schools in the current school year. A national professional development programme in assessment for learning will be provided for teachers over a number of years. This will aim to support teachers in placing assessment at the heart of the teaching and learning process, supporting children's cognitive, creative, affective, physical and social development. It is intended that all teachers and principals will have access to the programme on a rolling basis.
Computerisation Programme.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:147 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science if she is satisfied with the level of provision of information communication technology in schools regarding funding of broadband, computer equipment, software, hardware and Internet use among students here. [5049/07]
Martin Ferris
Question:202 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the provision of information and communications technology in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5051/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 147 and 202 together.
As the Deputies will be aware the recent priorities for investment under the ICT in Schools Programme have been developing schools internal computer network facilities and ensuring schools have broadband access. In relation to networking, schools were invited to submit proposals for the development of their networking capability in June 2004 and grants totalling some €23m have since issued to schools.
The roll-out of broadband connectivity to all recognised schools is being undertaken in partnership with industry, in the context of the joint Government — IBEC — TIF (Telecommunications and Internet Federation) three year Agreement to fund local connectivity at school level. The broadband connectivity is being provided via a Schools National Broadband Network supported by HEAnet, in order to provide managed Internet access, email, security controls and content filtering. A broadband support service is being managed by the National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE) to assist schools with advice and information relating to the roll-out and ongoing use of their broadband connectivity within the schools network. The overall costs of the Schools Broadband Access Programme, including the initial set-up and ongoing costs over the three years, are in the region of €30m.
This investment builds upon the earlier Government investment in schools' ICT infrastructure. The number of computers in our schools continues to increase as is reflected in the 2005 census of ICT infrastructure in schools published by the National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE). The census was conducted during the first half of 2005 and is the fourth in a series that began in 1998. The 2005 census shows improved pupil to computer ratios at both primary and post-primary levels, finding one computer for every 9 children at primary school and one computer for every 7 students at post-primary.
The NCTE continues to provide some 10,000 training places annually to meet the specific needs of teachers in their use of ICT, including technical courses, subject specific courses, and internet, web design and digital media courses. The NCTE also provides advice to schools on the range of issues arising with the integration of ICT into teaching and learning. Its Scoilnet portal provides access to a range of curriculum relevant digital content and the NCTE is considering the acquisition of a range of on-line reference materials.
A further €25m has been provided in grants to some 500 post-primary schools to enable them to upgrade their facilities to enable them to provide the new Technology syllabus and the revised Design and Communication Graphics syllabus at Leaving Certificate level, with effect from September 2007.
Considerable investment has been provided for the ICT in Schools Programme to date and the ICT facilities in our schools have improved considerably. Nevertheless I am conscious of the need for further investment to ensure that we are realising the full potential of ICT to improve the learning experience for our young people. To that end, I intend to publish a new ICT strategy in 2007 covering the period of the National Development Plan to 2013. The National Development Plan contains a provision of €252m for ICT in schools, the essential purpose of which is to advance the embedding of an e-Learning culture in teaching and learning in our schools.
Central Applications Office.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:148 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if an investigation has been carried out on the failure of the CAO computer system to cope with the volume of applications in the past few days before the deadline for receipt of applications; the plans there are to ensure that such problems do not arise again; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5065/07]
The Central Applications Office (CAO) is a private company limited by guarantee which processes applications centrally on behalf of third level institutions. My Department does not have any function in relation to the operational arrangements of the CAO. However, I have made my concerns known to the CAO in relation to the difficulties it experienced with its computer facilities and the need to ensure that this does not recur in the future.
Third Level Fees.
Olwyn Enright
Question:149 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the level of the capitation charge for third level education; the increases in the third level capitation charge for each year since 2002; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5016/07]
The student charge is levied by third level institutions to defray the costs of examinations, registration and students services. All students who are eligible for means tested student support grant have the student charge paid on their behalf by the Local Authorities or the Vocational Education Committees, in addition to any maintenance grant and tuition fee grant they are entitled to. The student charge is paid by the students on an academic year basis. The level of the charge for each year since 2002 is as follows:
2002/2003 €670;
2003/2004 €670;
2004/2005 €750;
2005/2006 €775;
2006/2007 €800.
Question No. 150 answered with QuestionNo. 118.
Court Cases.
Bernard Allen
Question:151 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of legal actions which her Department is currently engaged in; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5015/07]
There are approximately 245 cases before the Courts which involve the Department as a Defendant or Respondent. These cases include litigation relating to Primary Schools, Community and Comprehensive Schools, Children Detention Schools, Special Educational Need, school non-attendance, school transport, litigation arising from industrial relations actions, contractual disputes and a diverse range of matters in the education sector.
This figure does not include childhood abuse cases relating to industrial and reformatory schools and residential institutions, which number approximately 661 live cases. These are being dealt with primarily by the Residential Institutions Redress Board. However, it is not possible to indicate what percentage of these cases will reach a hearing, as a large number of cases are discontinued following the acceptance by the plaintiffs of awards made by the Redress Board.
The term ‘legal actions' does not encompass inquiries conducted under Rule 108 of the Rules for National Schools, inquiries held pursuant to the provisions of the Vocational Education Acts 1930-2006, or matters which are before the Equality Authority, the Employment Appeals Tribunal and other statutory industrial relations mechanisms available under the Protection of Employees (Fixed Term Work) Act 2003, Maternity Protection Acts 1994-2004, Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977-2005.
Youth Services.
David Stanton
Question:152 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress to date in implementing the Youth Work Act, 2001; the sections which have been implemented and the timescales of implementation; the sections which remain to be implemented and the timescale for same; the progress that has been made to date in the implementation of the national youth work development plan; the moneys made available and amount expended each year respectively since the plan was launched; the details of the projects underway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5061/07]
Section 1 of the Youth Work Act, 2001 provides for sections to be commenced at different stages. Sections 2-7, 17, 18 and 24 have been commenced to date. A sub-committee of the National Youth Work Advisory Committee (NYWAC), representative of both statutory and voluntary sectors as well as of my Department, has been steadily progressing the groundwork, including the development of detailed guidelines and procedures, which are vital for the further coherent implementation of the Act. The work of this sub-committee is advancing steadily. It is envisaged that in 2007 significant progress will be made in the roll out of the Act at local level.
With regard to the National Youth Work Development Plan, following consultations with the NYWAC, my Department identified a number of priority action areas for implementation and I am happy to report that progress has been made in a number of important areas. These include:
the development and expansion of the Special Projects for Youth Scheme — To date, the number of projects has increased from 164 in 2003 to the current level of 179. In addition, 52 single worker projects have been upgraded to two worker projects.
support for Child Protection training and awareness raising for the sector, including the establishment and ongoing support of a National Child Protection Unit based in the National Youth Council of Ireland.
the establishment of a North/South Education and Training Standards Committee for Youth Work whose role is, in the first instance, the professional endorsement of courses, programmes of education and training provided by Higher Education Institutions in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
two major reviews i.e. youth information provision review and funding of the youth work sector review were undertaken by external consultants on behalf of my Department. These reviews are currently with the relevant NYWAC working groups for their consideration.
the establishment of a National Youth Work Development Unit within the National University of Ireland, Maynooth. My Department is currently in consultation with the university authorities in regard to detailed arrangements for the Unit.
the appointment of an Assessor of Youth Work whose role includes the monitoring and evaluating of youth work programmes and assisting in the development of quality standards framework for the sector.
Work on these and other areas is continuing. To date, €3.72m has been expended on the Plan as follows:
2003 — €0.08m;
2004 — €0.5m;
2005 — €1.46m;
2006 — €1.68m.
School Accommodation.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:153 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of a new primary school at a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; if her attention has been drawn to the accommodation crisis at the school at present; the action she will take to improve the situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5064/07]
The accommodation needs of the school in question are under consideration by the School Planning Section of the Department. In order to ensure that the appropriate level of accommodation is provided, officials in the Department recently visited the school and carried out a technical inspection of the existing facilities. Department Officials are now reassessing the long-term projected staffing figure on which accommodation needs will be based. When this figure has been determined it will be considered, with the technical report on the school building, with a view to making an informed decision on how best to deliver the required accommodation.
Schools Building Projects.
Catherine Murphy
Question:154 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the stages that have to be concluded prior to commencement of construction in the event of planning permission being granted for a new school (details supplied) in County Kildare; the best case scenario time frame for the construction and opening of the school; the provision she will make for children who fail to gain a place at the school for September 2007; the number of pupils in the school at present; the number of classrooms available for September 2007; the intake expected in September 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4962/07]
The Office of Public Works, which acts on behalf of the Department generally on the acquisitions of sites for schools, has identified a suitable site for the school in question. Agreement on the site acquisition has been reached subject to contract. While draft contracts have been exchanged, I am advised that the conveyancing process continues to be delayed pending the outcome of a planning application by the vendor.
In November, 2006 I announced that this project was to commence architectural design so that preliminary progress can be made on the delivery of the new building. Subject to securing the site, the School Building Section is examining options, including the use of generic design, to speed up delivery of this project. When the best method of delivery is determined it will be possible to describe the stages that have to be concluded and to give an indicative time frame for delivery.
With regard to current enrolments and enrolments for September, 2007 the School Planning Section of the Department is in contact with the school to establish the position. It will work with the school authority to ensure that all eligible pupils seeking places can be facilitated.
School Staffing.
Máire Hoctor
Question:155 Ms Hoctor asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to hire more teachers for County Tipperary primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4934/07]
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 be at least one classroom teacher for every 28 children in the school. Next September this will reduce 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.
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.
Third Level Education.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:156 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made on the implementation of the recommendations of the action group on access to third level education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5090/07]
In 2000, the Action Group on Access to Third Level Education was established to advise the Minister for Education and Science on the development of a co-ordinated framework to improve access to higher education by mature students, socio-economically disadvantaged students and communities and students with a disability.
The report of the Action Group was published in 2001. One of the principal recommendations was that a single, dedicated body was necessary to develop a framework for improved access and that a National Office for Equity of Access to Higher Education should be established within the Higher Education Authority. The National Office was established as part of the HEA in late 2003 and the core functions of this office are, in close liaison with the Department of Education and Science and other stakeholders, to co-ordinate, advise and implement policy and funding measures to improve access to and participation in higher education by the key target groups.
One of the first milestones for the office was the development and publication in 2004 of a three-year Action Plan for the period 2005-2007. There have been a number of key outcomes from this plan, including the publication last year by the office of a national framework of policies and initiatives for successful higher education access programmes. This framework, which was developed following a process of consultation and evaluation with higher education institutions, will underpin and inform the work of the National Office and its partners in the higher education sector from 2007 onwards. Implementation and the monitoring of progress will also be linked to the strategic development and allocation of core funding, including access funding, by the HEA and the allocation of increased third level access funding through the new National Development Plan 2007-13.
A number of recommendations by the Action Group on Access were also in the area of student financial support. In 2000, further to a preliminary recommendation by the group, a special, higher rate of maintenance grant for disadvantaged students most in need was introduced. In 2005-06 over 12,500 students were in receipt of this additional support. The special or ‘top-up' rate of grant is part of a wider Third Level Access Measure, under which the National Office also manages the allocation of over €15 million in student funding through the Fund for Students with a Disability, the Student Assistance Fund and the Millennium Partnership Fund.
Since the establishment of the office there have been improvements in the timing and guidelines for the allocation of these funds and in 2006, over 2,000 students with a disability received funding from the Fund for Students with a Disability — an increase of over 330 students (20%) over the previous year. The Action Group also made some recommendations on the administration of the higher education grants scheme. A new Student Support Bill will be shortly brought forward which will provide for a single unified scheme of maintenance grants for students in higher education. This will, I believe, provide for a more equitable and efficient grant administration system, which will facilitate consistency of application, improved accessibility to financial support for students and ensure the timely delivery of grants to those who need them most.
There are clear indications that since the publication of the report of the Action Group in 2001, the combined investment of resources and measures at all levels of the education system is paying dividends and that targets for increased participation in higher education by under-represented groups have been reached and indeed exceeded. For example, participation by mature entrants in full-time higher education has grown from 4.5% in 1998 to almost 10% in 2006. Students with a disability have risen from 0.8% of the undergraduate population in 1998 to a current level of some 2.4%. Surveys conducted by the HEA also indicate that access to higher education by young people from under-represented socioeconomic groups continues to improve. For example, between 33% and 40% of young people nationally from the semi- and unskilled socioeconomic groups currently study in higher education, compared to only 23% in 1998. These targets will be reviewed and new targets developed in 2007, particularly as linked to the implementation of the new National Development Plan 2007-2013.
Physical Education Facilities.
Phil Hogan
Question:157 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools with an indoor sports hall or similar facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4984/07]
The specific information sought by the Deputy is not readily available. However, the Deputy can be assured that my Department fully recognises the key role of physical exercise within the school environment and continues to respond to the need to improve PE facilities for all pupils attending primary schools.
My Department's design guidelines include, where appropriate for PE Halls, general purpose rooms and outdoor hard play areas such as basketball courts. PE facilities have been provided, where appropriate, as part of my Department's record school building programme which between 2000 to 2006 involved the delivery of over 7,800 projects with an investment of €2.6 billion. The budget for 2007 is the first year of the rollout of the new NDP which will involve an investment of over €4.5 billion in school buildings over the next 7 years. This multi-annual funding will enable my Department to continue to take a proactive approach to the provision of modern school accommodation including PE facilities.
Science Facilities.
Pádraic McCormack
Question:158 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science the level of investment to be allocated by her Department in 2007 towards the refurbishment of science buildings and facilities at second level schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5013/07]
As part of the multi-annual school building programme my Department has invested heavily in modernising school facilities throughout the country including science facilities in post-primary schools. Typically this investment involves the provision of modern science facilities in new post-primary schools or the upgrading of science facilities in existing schools either as part of a school building project or as a dedicated investment to facilitate the teaching of science. Additionally I have provided for class materials, basic general equipment and chemicals for practical work for the Sciences.
My Department also spent in excess of €13m in 2004 to facilitate the introduction of a revised Junior Science syllabus. Schools received a basic grant of €3,500 per science laboratory to enable them to provide the new curriculum. Additional funding was made available to schools where other specified equipment was required. In addition, certain schools identified as needing new or refurbished science laboratories as a result of a 1998 national survey received funding. Funding continues to be available to schools that had not originally applied for the basic grant of €3,500 per science laboratory and for other specified equipment to enable them to provide the new curriculum. Schools have also received funding under my Department's Summer Works Scheme to enable them to get science laboratories refurbished on a devolved basis.
Provision of science facilities is an intrinsic part of many school building projects at post-primary level and it is not easily possible to break down this cost in the format requested by the Deputy. However, the Deputy can be assured that my Department will continue to take a proactive approach in the provision of the necessary facilities for the teaching of science in schools.
Adult Education.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:159 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide a capital fund for adult education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5091/07]
For the most part, adult education programmes are provided either in spare accommodation in schools or in rented premises and are equipped on an ongoing basis via the relevant Vocational Education Committee non-pay budget. Rent allowances and supplements are provided to VECs to enable them to obtain accommodation in the different programmes.
Disruptive Students.
Brian O'Shea
Question:160 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the time-frame for implementing the recommendations of the task force on student behaviour; when schools can expect to have practical assistance in dealing with difficult classroom behaviour; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5086/07]
In early 2006, I announced an implementation strategy following publication of "School Matters", the Report of the Task Force on Student Behaviour in Second Level Schools, and that strategy is now well advanced. At the core of the recommendations of the Task Force was the putting in place of a National Behaviour Support Service (NBSS). This has now happened with the appointment of a National Co-ordinator and four Assistant National Co-ordinators. In addition, nine Regional Development Officers and twenty part-time Associates have been recruited to ensure the success of this significant initiative. A key feature of the composition of the National Behaviour Support Service is the assignment to it of a senior psychologist and three psychologists. These have been seconded from the National Educational Psychological Service and their presence will ensure that the team operates in a multi-disciplinary way. A full-time administrator is based in Navan Education Centre.
Since their appointment, the team has been working on a number of key issues:
1. The development of a Draft National Framework for Behaviour Improvement.
2. The development of models of good practice for systems in schools which assist with and impact on classroom and whole school behaviour.
3. On-going training for the NBSS team.
4. Research into and communication with behaviour support systems in other jurisdictions.
The NBSS has commenced its engagement with schools and a series of information seminars have been organised throughout the country. Intensive work will begin with a smaller number of schools most in need of this intervention, following consideration by the NBSS of applications from schools for this service.
It is my intention that this new service will work intensively with those schools initially selected for inclusion in this development. I have already announced that part of this work will see us trialling the concept of a behaviour support classroom in up to 30 schools this year. I want to emphasise however that these classrooms cannot be, in themselves, a solution to the issue of poor student behaviour. They must be one part of a holistic response which should see a school, actively supported by the Behaviour Support Team, defining for itself a pathway to improvement.
The Deputy will be aware that I recently published the Education (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill. The Bill will give effect to the Task Force recommendations and set out criteria to be taken into account in the section 29 appeal process. These will include consideration of the right of the individual student to an inclusive education as well as the right of the general body of students and the whole school community to the maintenance of a school and classroom environment which is conducive to learning. In the 2007 Estimates, I have provided €8 million to support the work of the NBSS, in helping schools promote positive student behaviour at second level.
Adult Education.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:161 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science the supports there are for foreign national parents with little or no English in order for them to participate in their children’s education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5046/07]
The Further Education Section of my Department gives an annual grant to all Vocational Educational Committees for the provision of Adult Literacy and Community Education. This fund may be used for the teaching of English to immigrants. An additional €7.4 million has been provided this year in the budget for Adult Literacy and Community Education, which allows for 3,000 additional literacy places in 2007. This will bring the total number of literacy places to 38,000 compared to 28,000 in 2002. This is the first phase in the roll-out of 7,000 extra places to take place over the lifetime of the Towards 2016.
In addition, my Department, in conjunction with the Reception Integration Agency of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, is currently examining how best to advance the development of a national English Language Policy for adult newcomers. In this context a seminar was held by my Department in May 2006 under the theme "Towards a National English Language Policy for Adult Newcomers".
Question No. 162 answered with QuestionNo. 109.
Psychological Service.
John Deasy
Question:163 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools who do not have access to the National Educational Psychological Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5026/07]
The Deputy will, of course, be aware that all primary and post-primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA). Schools that do not currently have NEPS psychologists assigned to them may avail of the SCPA, whereby the school can have an assessment carried out by a member of the panel of private psychologists approved by NEPS, and NEPS will pay the psychologist the fees for this assessment directly.
Currently, the NEPS service is now available to some 1,604 primary schools (representing approximately 60% of pupils) some 1,678 schools, representing 40% of pupils, therefore have access to assessment under SCPA. As a matter of information service coverage also includes 565 post-primary schools (representing approximately 77% of students). This number includes 46 schools in the City and County of Dublin Vocational Schemes, which have their own psychological service.
I can inform the Deputy that the number of psychologists in the Department has increased from 43 since the establishment of NEPS in 1999 to a current figure of 127, including 4 psychologists assigned to the National Behavioural Support Service. There are also a further 16 Whole-time-equivalent educational psychologists providing service through the Dublin City and County VECs. Taken together, there are currently 143 educational psychologists working in services paid for by my Department.
I announced recently in this connection my intention to expand the number of NEPS psychologists by a further 31 in 2007. This will represent a significant increase in the number of psychologists in NEPS and bring the total number of psychologists in the system to 174. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that in line with the Government's ‘Towards 2016' commitments, the number of NEPS psychologists will be increased even further in each of 2008 and 2009, to a total of 193. At this point, including the 16 psychologists in the Dublin VEC areas, it is expected that the number of educational psychologists in the system as a whole will be 209.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Paul McGrath
Question:164 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children in primary classes of 30 to 34 children inclusive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5019/07]
Information in relation to class sizes is provided in the annual census of primary schools. The census for the current school year (2006/2007) is currently being worked on. 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 September this will reduce 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.
The improvements we have made in school staffing in recent years are absolutely unparalleled. But we are determined to go even further, and so the 2007 Estimates include provision for another 800 primary teachers. About 500 of these will be classroom teachers, which includes our commitment to reduce class sizes. I assure the Deputy that we will continue to prioritise further improvements in school staffing going forward. We will also continue our focus on measures to improve the quality of education in our primary schools to ensure that increased resources lead to better outcomes for our children.
School Curriculum.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:165 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Science when she will introduce changes in the curriculum and examination of Irish at post-primary level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5067/07]
As the Deputy will be aware, I am very committed to improving our young people's command of Irish, through both increased support and curricular reform. Last April, I launched a wide package of measures to promote Irish in primary schools. These include the employment of cuiditheoirí at primary level to provide a programme of supports and in-service training for primary teachers and the delivery of a course in teaching Drama trí Ghaeilge to primary teachers. Other measures included the funding of Summer courses for 10-14 year olds in their own area, with an emphasis on sport and games through Irish.
Proposals are also being developed for changes in how Irish is taught and examined at second level. I have made clear my intentions to focus on improving students' competence in the spoken language and to make learning Irish more enjoyable. I expect to be in a position to make an announcement on the matter shortly.
Educational Disadvantage.
Dinny McGinley
Question:166 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of agencies funded by her Department working in the area of educational disadvantage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5009/07]
A key focus of the Government's education policy is to prioritise investment in favour of those most at risk and to optimise access, participation and outcomes at every level of the system for disadvantaged groups. The wide variety of measures in place for tackling educational disadvantage and social exclusion reflect these concerns. These measures range from pre-school interventions, supports for tackling children's literacy problems, reduced pupil teacher ratios, increased capitation grants and measures to tackle early school leaving and strengthen ties between the school, the family and the community. In addition, there are interventions in support of youth, to facilitate access to third-level and to provide "second chance education" for young people and adults.
The total provision for educational inclusion programmes in 2007 is nearly €730 million across all levels of education. This represents an increase of nearly €95 million on the comparable 2006 figure. The 2007 provision includes additional funding for the implementation of measures under the DEIS action plan at pre-school, primary and second-level, additional funding for further education programmes and an increase in provision for third-level student support schemes including the full year cost of the 22% increase in the top-up grant. My focus in addressing educational disadvantage is to concentrate resources on front-line services and supports for those most in need. In this respect, the agencies working in the education sector have a key role in promoting equality of access, participation and progression.
A broad range of agencies would have a role in that respect from the early education sector right, through primary and second-level to further and higher education and the youth sector. These include the following:
The Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education
FETAC
HETAC
The HEA The National Centre for Guidance in Education
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment
The National Council for Special Education
NEPS
The National Educational Welfare Board
The National Office for Equity of Access to Higher Education
The NQAI; and
The Vocational Education Committees
In addition, my Department also funds a range of support services, NGOs and other organisations working in the area of educational disadvantage. All these agencies have a vital role to play in the Government's multi-faceted strategy to tackle socioeconomic disadvantage at every level of our education system.
Question No. 167 answered with QuestionNo. 140.
Question No. 168 answered with QuestionNo. 146.
Patronage of Schools.
Liz McManus
Question:169 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools that are under the direct patronage of her Department; the manner in which that patronage is exercised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5082/07]
Section 8 of the Education Act 1998 sets out the basis for the patronage of schools. As Minister for Education and Science I am patron of nine Model Schools in the primary sector. Three of the schools are located in Dublin and the other six are located in Athy, Bailieborough, Dunmanway, Galway, Limerick and Monaghan. Model Schools are recognised primary schools which are maintained from State funds and are under the patronage of the Minister for Education and Science. They are ordinary primary schools offering the national curriculum. I exercise all of the duties of patron in respect of these schools, including the approval of the appointment of the Board of Management and the appointment of the teachers of the individual schools.
The members of the Board are nominated in accordance with the procedures set out in the booklet Boards of Management of National Schools: Constitution of Boards and Rules of Procedures. My officials initiate the steps necessary for the establishment of the Board. I nominate two members of the Board and appoint the Chairperson of the Board from among the persons appointed. I may remove a member of the Board or dissolve the Board in accordance with the terms of section 16 of the Education Act. The relevant section of my Department approves the appointment of teachers on my behalf.
Third Level Fees.
Seán Ryan
Question:170 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the abolition of fees for part-time adult learners; the estimated cost of such a proposal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5093/07]
I take it the Deputy's question relates to fees for part-time students undertaking undergraduate courses at our higher education institutions funded by the State. The HEA Eurostudent Survey 2005 found that students who are availing of part-time studies tend to do so as part of their career development (some 69% are in studies closely related to their job) and/or with employer support. Around 33% of students paying course fees received financial support from their employer. Tax relief is available for these costs.
To increase the levels of workplace learning and upskilling, this Government is committed under Towards 2016 to putting in place a targeted fund to alleviate the fees in public institutions for part-time courses at third level by those at work who have not previously pursued a third level qualification. The HEA have been asked to develop and submit proposals, including estimated costs, in relation to this commitment for evaluation by my Department.
Special Educational Needs.
Máire Hoctor
Question:171 Ms Hoctor asked the Minister for Education and Science her proposals to support the role of special schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4933/07]
My Department recognises the unique contribution of special schools to the education of children with special educational needs (SEN) in Ireland and is committed to further developing this area. For example, my announcement in November 2006 of a 30% increase in the already-enhanced capitation rates in respect of pupils attending special schools and special classes in mainstream schools, is a clear demonstration of my commitment to supporting the important role of special schools.
With inclusion of pupils with SEN becoming a reality for many mainstream schools, it is essential to develop mechanisms to facilitate the sharing of expertise in special schools and to begin the process of creating ‘learning communities of schools'. The development of such a resource role for the special school is an acknowledgement by my Department of the value of these schools. My Department is most anxious that the skills and expertise that these schools have accumulated in supporting children with special educational needs is utilised to best advantage in providing for such children going forward. In addition, it will provide clear pathways towards enabling all schools within a geographical area to liaise professionally in a collaborative and co-operative fashion.
In this regard, I can confirm that my Department has commenced a review of special schools and special classes attached to mainstream schools. The initial part of the review, which commenced in 2006 and is currently being finalised, involves the gathering and collation of information and views from relevant schools in relation to special schools and classes. This was undertaken on behalf of my Department by St Patrick's College, Drumcondra. One of the purposes of the review is to examine how the role and potential of special schools can be optimised. The second phase of the review will be managed by the National Council for Special Education and will involve wider consultation with the schools and other partners.
Question No. 172 answered with QuestionNo. 132.
Question No. 173 answered with QuestionNo. 144.
School Transport.
Seamus Kirk
Question:174 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the Government’s initiative to improve the school transport system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4929/07]
Billy Timmins
Question:199 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science if all children at primary and secondary level using the school transport service have their own seat and seatbelt; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5029/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 174 and 199 together.
In July, 2005, the Government announced a range of measures to enhance safety and improve the school transport operations. The measures included:
The phasing out of "3 for 2" seating on post-primary services by end December, 2005;
The phasing out of "3 for 2" seating on primary services by end December, 2006;
The acquisition of additional buses by Bus Éireann and the hiring in of additional private vehicles to meet the consequential capacity shortfall; and
The immediate fitting of seat belts on the Bus Éireann school bus fleet and setting a target date of December, 2006 for private buses in the scheme to be fitted with approved seat belts.
My Department has been assured by Bus Éireann, which administers the school transport scheme, that children travelling on buses in the school transport scheme now have a seat of their own and all 3,000 vehicles nominated to serve in the school transport scheme have also been equipped with seat belts. Additional vehicles were required to meet the capacity shortfall arising from the phasing out of the "3 for 2" seating. In that regard, Bus Éireann hired in over 300 additional vehicles from the private sector and funding was also approved for Bus Éireann to increase its school transport fleet by 161 buses, including 50 new school buses. In a comprehensive review of the national network, Bus Éireann also created additional capacity by introducing 70 extra trips using existing buses, by implementing 30 other service extensions, and by replacing some 130 small vehicles with larger capacity models. These improvements meant that, by the end of 2006, the average age of the Bus Éireann school bus fleet was at its lowest level since the 1980s.
A safety information campaign was launched in August, 2006 to make parents and children aware that it is now the law to wear seat belts on school buses, where provided, and to encourage children to behave in a safety-conscious manner on, and in the vicinity of, school buses. These messages were conveyed by way of television, cinema and radio advertisements and through a DVD and posters which were distributed to all primary and post-primary schools. A further safety information campaign is planned for this year in co-operation with Bus Éireann, the Road Safety Authority and other relevant authorities. It is also planned to extend the Warning Flashing Light pilot project on school buses to three areas as an additional measure intended to enhance safety in the vicinity of school buses.
Other improvements that have been implemented include a formal vetting structure that is now in place for drivers of buses and taxis employed on services operating under the school transport scheme. Also, Bus Éireann is currently developing a training programme for the drivers of privately-owned contractors' school buses that provide services under the school transport scheme, to enhance their driving techniques and the training that their employers give them. It is envisaged that this programme will begin during 2007.
Special Educational Needs.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:175 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals she has to ease the transfer from primary to post-primary school of children with special learning needs; if she will ensure that the supports and resources that were deemed necessary for each of these children are provided on entry to the post-primary school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5071/07]
The National Council for Special Education, through the 75 local special educational needs organisers, known as SENOs, is responsible for processing applications from primary and post-primary schools for special needs supports. These supports include resource teaching hours and SNA support for pupils with low-incidence special needs and assistive technology or equipment for pupils in either high- or low-incidence special educational needs categories. In this way pressing needs in the area of special needs supports in schools are identified early and acted upon quickly.
The SENO is a focal point of contact for parents and schools. It is open to a parent to contact the local SENO directly regarding a child's special educational needs. Contact details for the SENO may be accessed on the NCSE website at www.ncse.ie.
There has been enormous progress made over the past number of years in relation to increasing the number of teachers in our schools who are specifically dedicated to providing education for children with special educational needs. At primary level, there are now over 5,500 teachers in our primary schools working directly with children with special needs, including those requiring learning support. At second level, over 2,300 whole time equivalent additional teachers are in place to support pupils with special educational needs with 534 of these being learning support teachers. In addition, there are in excess of 8,200 special needs assistants (SNAs) in our primary and post primary schools.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Liam Twomey
Question:176 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children in primary classes of 20 to 24 children inclusive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5028/07]
Information in relation to class sizes is provided in the annual census of primary schools. The census for the current school year (2006/2007) is currently being worked on. 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 be at least one classroom teacher for every 28 children in the school. Next September this will reduce to 27 children per classroom teacher. School authorities are requested to ensure that the number of pupils in any class be 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.
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. 177 answered with QuestionNo. 114.
Question No. 178 answered with QuestionNo. 119.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:179 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the INTO’s campaign to reduce class sizes; and the action she will take in relation to same. [5045/07]
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 September this will reduce 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.
The improvements we have made in school staffing in recent years are absolutely unparalleled. But we are determined to go even further, and so the 2007 Estimates include provision for another 800 primary teachers. About 500 of these will be classroom teachers, which includes our commitment to reduce class sizes. I assure the Deputy that we will continue to prioritise further improvements in school staffing going forward. We will also continue our focus on measures to improve the quality of education in our primary schools to ensure that increased resources lead to better outcomes for our children.
Physical Education Facilities.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:180 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of post-primary schools without indoor sports halls or similar facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5003/07]
The specific information sought by the Deputy is not readily available. However, the Deputy can be assured that my Department fully recognises the key role of physical exercise within the school environment and continues to respond to the need to improve PE facilities for all pupils attending primary schools. My Department's design guidelines include, where appropriate for PE Halls, general purpose rooms and outdoor hard play areas such as basketball courts. PE facilities have been provided, where appropriate, as part of my Department's record school building programme which between 2000 to 2006 involved the delivery of over 7,800 projects with an investment of €2.6 billion.
The budget for 2007 is the first year of the rollout of the new NDP which will involve an investment of over €4.5 billion in school buildings over the next 7 years. This multi-annual funding will enable my Department to continue to take a proactive approach to the provision of modern school accommodation including PE facilities.
Question No. 181 answered with QuestionNo. 108.
School Curriculum.
Róisín Shortall
Question:182 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in implementing the recommendations of the task force on physical sciences; the time-scale for its further implementation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5098/07]
There were some 39 recommendations in the Report of the Task Force on the Physical Sciences, with costed proposals totalling an additional €244 million, of which €66.3 million would be a recurring annual cost. Of the 39 recommendations, 4 are not for the education sector. Of the remainder, progress has been made on implementing 25 of the recommendations and my Department continues to progress the recommendations as resources permit in collaboration and consultation with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, FORFAS and industry.
Significant progress has been made in a range of areas e.g.
A new science curriculum has been introduced at primary level supported by a resource grant in December 2004 of €1000 per school plus €10.00 per pupil.
A revised syllabus in Junior Certificate Science was introduced in 2003 and it was examined for the first time in June 2006. Revised syllabi in Leaving Certificate Physics, Chemistry and Biology have also been introduced and examined within the last five years. Work on the revision of the two remaining Leaving Certificate subjects — Agricultural Science and Physics and Chemistry (combined) — is well advanced. The introduction of each of the revised syllabi has been supported by comprehensive in-service programmes for teachers.
Additional equipment grants have been provided to schools, and laboratories continue to be refurbished as part of the ongoing school building programme. In that context, €16 million was issued to schools in 2004 to support the implementation of the revised Junior Certificate Science syllabus.
Investment in the Programme of Research in Third Level Institutes (PRTLI) is continuing apace to enhance and promote world class standards in research, innovation and development.
The Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation 2006 to 2013 sets out a range of measures to further strengthen science teaching and learning and improve the uptake of senior cycle Physics and Chemistry. These include ensuring that the project based hands-on investigative approach now in place at junior cycle is extended to senior cycle, that the appropriate type of assessment is used and that there is an emphasis on the inter-disciplinary nature of science in society.
Other aspects of the Plan include:
reviewing the implementation of the primary science curriculum to ensure its effectiveness in stimulating interest and awareness in science at a very young age,
strengthening teacher training in this area
reforming maths and Leaving Certificate Physics and Chemistry curricula
promotion of science initiatives in Transition Year; and
the provision of information and brochures on science opportunities and careers, linking effectively with school guidance services.
Taken together, the comprehensive set of measures provided for in the SSTI will build on the improvements made in recent years and ensure even greater support for science education.
Detention Centres.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:183 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes that have been made in ministerial responsibility for detention centres for children; if her Department retains any responsibility with regard to the educational needs of young people in these centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5083/07]
On 13 December 2005 the Government approved youth justice reforms following a review carried out by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The rationale for these changes is to provide leadership and restructuring of the delivery of the State's services in the area of youth justice which, up to now, were dealt with by several Departments and agencies. It is intended that these changes will result in the establishment of a modern and progressive youth justice system.
These changes will result in responsibility for four of the children detention schools, other than for the provision of education services, transferring from my Department to the Irish Youth Justice Service, an executive office of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The fifth children detention school will transfer to the Health Service Executive. The transfer of responsibility will take effect from 1 March 2007.
My Department will retain responsibility for the provision of education services in the schools. The proposals provide for a change in the way education is delivered from the current primary school model to delivery by the relevant VEC. The rationale for this is based on the Department's view that the VEC model is best placed to meet the needs of adolescent children. The Deputy should also note that, under the proposals approved by Government, my Department will be preparing an education strategy, the aim of which is to ensure a continuum of education and training opportunities for children in the special care and detention school sectors. It is intended that the strategy will be developed and completed during 2007.
Adult Education.
Jack Wall
Question:184 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide a separate budget for the provision of English language education to speakers of other languages due to the rapidly increasing number of people who seek English language education and the effect this is having on the capacity to provide for adult literacy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5103/07]
My Department gives an annual grant to all Vocational Education Committees for the provision of Adult Literacy and Community Education. This fund may be used for the teaching of English to immigrants. The cost of the literacy service delivered by VECs was over €23 million in 2006. The number of students was over 35,000. 27% of these, amounting to 10,000 clients, attended English for Speakers as Other Language (ESOL) courses.
The White Paper on Adult Education "Learning for Life" (2000) stated that asylum seekers would be entitled to free access to Adult Literacy, English language and mother culture supports and refugees are entitled to the same access to education and training as Irish nationals. The language needs of migrants formed part of the negotiations between social partners in drawing up the new social partnership agreement "Towards 2016". A prioritised action included in the agreement is that the annual student cohort availing of the general national literacy service delivered by the Vocational Education Committees will be significantly increased by the provision of an extra 7,000 places by 2009, 3,000 of which will be provided this year. There will be a particular focus on the increasing number of migrants receiving an English language service (ESOL) under the terms of the agreement.
I have no plans to provide a separate funding line at this time and would be anxious to ensure that VECs would continue to have the flexibility that the present arrangement affords. The scope of the both literacy and ESOL services is subject to limitations on overall funding.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:185 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if or when she expects to put in place the necessary procedures to achieve optimum class sizes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5053/07]
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 September this will reduce 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.
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.
Psychological Service.
John Perry
Question:186 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools currently covered by the services offered by the National Educational Psychological Service; the target she has set with regard to improving this number over the coming six months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5024/07]
Tom Hayes
Question:214 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of secondary schools currently covered by the services offered by the National Educational Psychological Service; the target she has set with regard to improving this number over the coming six months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5025/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 186 and 214 together.
The Deputy will, of course, be aware that all primary and post-primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA). Schools that do not currently have NEPS psychologists assigned to them may avail of the SCPA, whereby the school can have an assessment carried out by a member of the panel of private psychologists approved by NEPS, and NEPS will pay the psychologist the fees for this assessment directly.
Currently, the NEPS service is now available to some 1,604 primary schools (representing approximately 60% of pupils) and 565 post-primary schools (representing approximately 77% of students). This number includes 46 schools in the City and County of Dublin Vocational Schemes, which have their own psychological service. I can inform the Deputy that the number of psychologists in the Department has increased from 43 since the establishment of NEPS in 1999 to a current figure of 127, including 4 psychologists assigned to the National Behavioural Support Service. There are also a further 16 Whole-time-equivalent educational psychologists providing service through the Dublin City and County VECs. Taken together, there are currently 143 educational psychologists working in services paid for by my Department.
I announced recently in this connection my intention to expand the number of NEPS psychologists by a further 31 in 2007. This will represent a significant increase in the number of psychologists in NEPS and bring the total number of psychologists in the system to 174. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that in line with the Government's ‘Towards 2016' commitments, the number of NEPS psychologists will be increased even further in each of 2008 and 2009, to a total of 193. At this point, including the 16 psychologists in the Dublin VEC areas, it is expected that the number of educational psychologists in the system as a whole will be 209.
Literacy Levels.
Martin Brady
Question:187 Mr. M. Brady asked the Minister for Education and Science the policy initiatives she is undertaking to improve literacy and numeracy levels in schools here, with particular reference to those schools deemed to be disadvantaged; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4935/07]
Charlie O'Connor
Question:204 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to improve literacy and numeracy levels in disadvantaged schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4881/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 187 and 204 together.
The achievement of high literacy standards is one of the primary goals of education. I am very conscious of the fact that high levels of literacy are fundamental prerequisites for full educational, social and economic participation, and the Government is redoubling its efforts to promote these. Schools generally have relatively low proportions of children with significant literacy difficulties as evidenced by comparatively high overall achievement levels in successive international surveys of reading of 15-year-olds under PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment). The most significant levels of literacy difficulties tend to be concentrated in school serving disadvantaged communities.
One of the high-level goals under the new National Development Plan 2007-13, is to reduce the proportion of pupils with serious literacy difficulties in primary schools serving disadvantaged communities from the current level of 27-30% to less than 15% by 2016. To achieve this goal significant resources to address literacy and numeracy difficulties in schools serving disadvantaged communities are being provided through DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the action plan for educational inclusion. These measures include a maximum class size of 20:1 in junior classes and 24:1 in senior classes in the 190 urban/town primary schools serving the most disadvantaged communities and increased access to literacy and numeracy support services and programmes for all urban/town primary schools. Additional literacy and numeracy tutors are being recruited to provide in-school support and guidance to all teachers in these schools. In addition, training in "Reading Recovery", "First Steps" and "Maths Recovery" are being made available to all urban/town primary schools. The Junior Certificate School Programme's Demonstration Library Project is also being extended on a phased basis to second-level schools with the highest concentrations of disadvantage.
Extra resources will also be made available for intensive professional development programmes for principals and teachers in DEIS schools. A new Family Literacy Project is also being implemented. Finally, the School Development Planning service will support schools in developing their plans and policies for teaching literacy and numeracy and in setting measurable targets for the reduction of serious literacy and numeracy difficulties.
I believe that these measures will equip our teachers and schools to tackle the outstanding literacy and numeracy problems in schools serving disadvantaged communities. I am confident that under the measures being provided under the DEIS action plan the goal that we have set ourselves for substantially reducing literacy problems will be achieved.
Schools Building Projects.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:188 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science if the amount of money allocated for spending in 2006 on school building and accommodation has been spent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5084/07]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the money allocated for spending in 2006 on school buildings and accommodation was spent in full. Capital Funding in respect of both Primary and Post-Primary levels amounted to €524.676m in 2006.
Patronage of Schools.
Liz McManus
Question:189 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has made a decision on an application by County Clare VEC to be designated as the patron of two schools in the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5081/07]
The applications from the VEC are under consideration in the Department and a decision will be notified to the VEC in due course.
Question No. 190 answered with QuestionNo. 108.
Schools Building Projects.
John Curran
Question:191 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps her Department is taking to progress the school building projects in the Lucan area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4884/07]
As a rapidly developing area my Department is giving priority to the delivery of school building projects in the general Lucan area.
A key example of this is the Adamstown development which, in tandem with the main housing development, involves the provision of schools. The two primary schools are currently under construction and my Department recently included the post-primary school on the list of projects to proceed to tender and construction. Additional school places have also been provided at the Gaelscoil in Lucan, Colaiste Cois Life, and at the senior school in Balgaddy.
A number of other projects are being progressed through design and will be delivered as early as possible under my Department's streamlined delivery systems. The budget for 2007 is the first year of the rollout of the new NDP which will involve an investment of over €4.5 billion in school buildings over the next 7 years.
This multi-annual funding will enable my Department to continue to take a proactive approach to the provision of modern school accommodation particularly in the rapidly developing areas including the general Lucan area.
Educational Infrastructure.
Jim Glennon
Question:192 Mr. Glennon asked the Minister for Education and Science when she expects a final area development plan for the north Dublin, east Meath, south Louth area to be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4931/07]
Jim Glennon
Question:200 Mr. Glennon asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to ensure the timely provision of extra school places in the rapidly developing areas of north Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4932/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 192 and 200 together.
The Department recently published the Draft Area Development Plan for north Dublin, east Meath and south Louth on 25th January 2007. The Commission on School Accommodation will now conduct a public consultation process on the Draft Plans and it has indicated that Oral hearings will commence on Monday 26th March. It is not possible at this stage to determine the extent of the oral hearings, but the last study undertaken elicited 152 written submissions and 29 oral hearings. This is a considerably bigger study so a substantial response is expected to the advertisement inviting submissions and an increase in the number of orals to be heard.
It is the Commission's intention to complete and publish the study by late May/mid June this year. When the final plan is published, it will become the framework against which capital investment for the area will be made for the foreseeable future.
As the Deputy will be aware the recent Census preliminary figures confirm the Fingal area of Dublin as the fastest growing area in the country. The Department is of the view that between primary and post primary level, some 20 new schools will be required there over the coming years. The challenge is to provide these schools in line with or ahead of demand for pupil places.
The Draft Plan shows that considerable interventions have already been made by the Department to increase pupil places and these interventions are being backed up by a significant capital investment programme. At primary level in Swords, the Department is providing three new school buildings for Swords Educate Together NS, Gaelscoil Brian Boroimhe and Gaelscoil an Duinnínigh. An extension is also being provided to St. Cronan's Senior NS, Brackenstown. The Department has a further reserved site in Swords for primary provision and it is in discussion with the local authority for another.
In Balbriggan, the Department is providing a new 16 classroom school for an Educate Together N.S. which opened in 2005. In September 2006 the Department granted provisional recognition to Gaelscoil Bhaile Brigín, which opened with an enrolment of 35 pupils. St. Teresa's NS, Balbriggan is included among the schools recently given approval for the appointment of a design team to progress an extension project.
There are a further two sites reserved in Balbriggan for primary school purposes and the Department will move to acquire and develop these as the need is identified. In Rush and Lusk approval was recently given to Lusk NS and St. Catherine's NS, Kenure to appoint design teams to progress extension projects. The Rush/Lusk Educate Together NS, was recently granted permanent recognition and its temporary accommodation is grant aided by my Department.
Two sites have been reserved for further primary provision in Lusk, one of which is currently being acquired under the Fingal School Model process, for the purposes of accommodating the Rush/Lusk Educate Together N.S. In Rush a site has also been reserved for primary school development. My Department has also reserved two sites in Skerries, one of which is currently being acquired under the Fingal School Model process.
In Donabate/Portrane a new Educate Together school opened in 2002. This school received permanent recognition from my Department in 2004. It currently enrols two classes of Junior Infants and is accommodated in temporary classrooms which are grant aided by my Department.
At post primary level, a new 1,000 pupil post primary school is being delivered in Donabate under a design and build contract. A new 1,000 pupil post primary school is also being delivered in Balbriggan under the Department's PPP Programme and the Loreto Secondary School, Balbriggan was among the schools included on a recent list of projects to go to tender and construction for an extension project.
Officials in the School Planning Section of my Department will continue to monitor the situation in north Dublin and are in regular contact with school principals on the ground and will take all measures necessary to ensure that there will be sufficient places for all children seeking primary education in the area.
School Staffing.
John Deasy
Question:193 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will allocate laboratory technicians to schools to support the teaching of science at second level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5014/07]
It is my understanding that the availability of laboratory technicians has not been a universal feature of support for science teaching in second level schools and that in some countries that do provide this type of resource it is confined to certain types of schools. I am aware that the provision of technical assistants was one of some 39 recommendations in the Report of the Task Force on the Physical Sciences. However, the cost of the Task Force proposals is a total of some €244m, of which €66.3m would be a recurring annual cost.
The proposal for the provision of technical assistants is close to 30% of this recurring annual cost. Progress has been made on implementing 25 of the Task Force recommendations and my Department continues to progress the recommendations as resources permit in collaboration and consultation with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, FORFAS and industry. As I have explained on previous occasions, I am not convinced of the value of providing laboratory assistants for schools.
And there is no doubt that provision of assistants in this area would lead to demands for similar assistance across other areas of the curriculum where there is a strong practical component. So as I have said, I remain to be convinced of the necessity for them. Nonetheless, I will keep the position under review.
Question No. 194 answered with QuestionNo. 102.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
John Dennehy
Question:195 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to reduce class sizes in Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4882/07]
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 September this will reduce 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 schools to ensure that increased resources lead to better outcomes for our children.
Special Educational Needs.
Jerry Cowley
Question:196 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide funding for an autism specific educational centre in Mayo which would offer the same services to Mayo children with autism as is available in the Saplings Centre in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4721/07]
My Department considers that children with autism, in common with all children should have access to appropriate provision delivered by suitably qualified teachers within the school system where children can mix with their wider peer group and have maximum opportunities for integration. The preferred approach to the provision of appropriate education for children with autism, is through the primary and post primary school network, whether through placement in mainstream classes, in special classes or in special schools.
My Department is committed to ensuring that all children, including those with Autistic Spectrum Disorders receive an education appropriate to their needs and in this regard my Department has established: 181 Special Classes for children with autism, attached to special and mainstream schools, 7 of which are in the Mayo area; 5 special Classes for children with Asperger's Syndrome; 16 pre-school classes to facilitate the demand for early intervention provision for children on the autistic spectrum; 14 Stand Alone facilities providing an Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) specific methodology on a pilot basis, 2 of these facilities have yet to be established.
Additional training supports for staff engaged in the education provision for children with special needs including autism can be accessed through the Special Education Support Service (SESS). The service will, as appropriate, consolidate, co-ordinate, develop and deliver a range of professional development initiatives and support structures to the relevant staff.
An application was received from a group in the Mayo area to participate in the pilot scheme which has facilitated the establishment of the ABA-specific autism units nationwide. My officials requested that the names and the psychological assessments of the children proposing to attend the centre should be forwarded to the Department in order to progress the application further. My Department is currently awaiting this information.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:197 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children in primary classes of 25 to 29 children inclusive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5018/07]
Information in relation to class sizes is provided in the annual census of primary schools. The census for the current school year (2006/2007) is currently being worked on.
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 September this will reduce 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. 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.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:198 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children in primary classes of 35 to 39 children inclusive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5020/07]
Information in relation to class sizes is provided in the annual census of primary schools. The census for the current school year (2006/2007) is currently being worked on.
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 September this will reduce 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. 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. 199 answered with QuestionNo. 174.
Question No. 200 answered with QuestionNo. 192.
Stay Safe Programme.
Joe Costello
Question:201 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools that do not offer the Stay Safe programme to their students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5080/07]
Over recent months, the Child Abuse Protection Programme (CAPP), which operates the ‘Stay Safe' programme, sent a questionnaire to all primary schools that sought to get the most up-to-date and accurate position about the implementation of ‘Stay Safe'.
To date, 3,014 (91.5%) of the 3,292 primary schools have returned completed questionnaires. This is a very good response rate for a survey of this kind but the CAPP, in conjunction with my Department are still seeking to achieve a full return as possible. On the basis of the completed questionnaires, preliminary analysis shows that 2,531 (84%) of schools are teaching ‘Stay Safe' and 483 (16%) are not. However, as 68 of the schools that did not return questionnaires are known from records to be teaching the ‘Stay Safe' Programme, it can be stated that 2,599 of schools (79% of all schools) are teaching the programme.
However, it should be noted that of the 483 schools which reported that they were not teaching ‘Stay Safe', 277 reported that child abuse prevention was covered as part of the curriculum using the other resources. Therefore, in overall terms, 2,876 schools (87%) are either teaching the ‘Stay Safe' programme or they are teaching child abuse prevention using other resources.
It should be noted, however, that while the ‘Stay Safe' Programme is not mandatory, the teaching of a personal safety Programme to ensure child protection is now an integral element of the curricular subject of Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE). This is one of the eleven subject areas of the revised primary curriculum which is mandatory for all primary schools.
The introduction of SPHE as a subject on the revised Primary School Curriculum, combined with the implementation of the national Child Protection Guidelines, Children First, gave an additional impetus to the ‘Stay Safe' Programme. The combined impact of these developments has ensured that child protection issues remain central to teaching and learning in our schools. It also ensures that a high level of awareness and necessary skills to address child protection issues is maintained in all schools.
The questionnaire responses by those schools who reported that they were neither teaching ‘Stay Safe' or covering child abuse prevention using the other resources are currently being analysed to examine the reasons for this situation. Once this has been done, it is envisaged that the CAPP will contact these schools directly to address the matter.
It should be noted that My Department has sent a Circular on Child Protection and Procedures for Primary Schools (Primary Circular 0061/2006) to the Chairpersons and Principals of all primary schools. This draws attention to the crucial importance of schools following closely the Child Protection Guidelines and Procedures which were based on the Children First national guidelines issued by the Department of Health and Children and specifically adapted to cater for primary school settings.
The main aim of these guidelines is to give direction and guidance to school management and staff in dealing with allegations or suspicions of child abuse, with the protection and well-being of the child being the most important consideration. It is vitally important that each school has clear and effective child protection procedures in place. One essential procedure is that schools have nominated a senior staff member, usually the Principal, as designated Liaison Person (DLP) for the school. This DLP is responsible for ensuring that the standard reporting procedures is followed so that suspected cases of child abuse are referred promptly to the Health Service Executive or An Garda Síochána.
Question No. 202 answered with QuestionNo. 147.
Question No. 203 answered with QuestionNo. 109.
Question No. 204 answered with QuestionNo. 187.
Psychological Service.
Seán Ryan
Question:205 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science when she will reach the target complement of 200 educational psychologists for the National Educational Psychological Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5094/07]
The Deputy will, of course, be aware that all primary and post-primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA). Schools that do not currently have NEPS psychologists assigned to them may avail of the SCPA, whereby the school can have an assessment carried out by a member of the panel of private psychologists approved by NEPS, and NEPS will pay the psychologist the fees for this assessment directly.
Currently, the NEPS service is now available to some 1,604 primary schools (representing approximately 60% of pupils) and 565 post-primary schools (representing approximately 77% of students). This number includes 46 schools in the City and County of Dublin Vocational Schemes, which have their own psychological service.
I can inform the Deputy that the number of psychologists in the Department has increased from 43 since the establishment of NEPS in 1999 to a current figure of 127, including 4 psychologists assigned to the National Behavioural Support Service. There are also a further 16 Whole-time-equivalent educational psychologists providing service through the Dublin City and County VECs. Taken together, there are currently 143 educational psychologists working in services paid for by my Department.
I announced recently in this connection my intention to expand the number of NEPS psychologists by a further 31 in 2007. This will represent a significant increase in the number of psychologists in NEPS and bring the total number of psychologists in the system to 174.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that in line with the Government's ‘Towards 2016' commitments, the number of NEPS psychologists will be increased even further in each of 2008 and 2009, to a total of 193. At this point, including the 16 psychologists in the Dublin VEC areas, it is expected that the number of educational psychologists in the system as a whole will be 209.
Special Educational Needs.
Ivor Callely
Question:206 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science the level and type of additional resources and supports that are available when a child is identified with special needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4731/07]
My Department provides a wide range of supports and additional resources to support children who have been assessed as having special educational needs. These services are determined by the type of special educational need but include additional teaching support where a child is fully integrated into a mainstream school, reduced pupil-teacher-ratios where the child is in a special class attached to a mainstream school or a special school; special needs assistant support for a child who has care needs; assistive technology where this is recommended; specialist equipment such as modified desks and chairs as required; and specially adapted school buildings where necessary. In addition enhanced levels of capitation are available to special schools and mainstream schools with special classes.
The precise allocation of resources for children with special educational needs is based on the criteria set out in my Department's circulars. The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through the local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special needs supports such as resource teaching hours and special needs assistant (SNA) support on the basis of applications in respect of individual pupils. The teaching and SNA support allocated are intended to enable schools to meet the needs of pupils as outlined in psychological and other professional reports.
In allocating additional teaching and SNA supports for individual pupils, the SENOs examine the teaching and other resources available within the individual schools. The SENO also operates within the parameters of my Department's criteria for the allocation of such resources.
Primary schools are also supported by means of a general allocation which provides additional teaching support to enable schools to cater for pupils with high incidence special educational needs, such as dyslexia, and those with low attainments. Second level schools continue to be supported by the allocation of additional teaching hours, where appropriate, for each pupil enrolled who is assessed as having a special educational need. SNA support is allocated, as appropriate, to all schools where there are confirmed assessed care needs in respect of students.
Psychological Service.
Enda Kenny
Question:207 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of psychologists that will be employed to work with specialist behaviour classes at second level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5021/07]
I can inform the Deputy that four psychologists from the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) have been assigned to the National Behavioural Support Service since its establishment in 2006. The four will be replaced in the NEPS complement. NBSS will work in schools at 3 Levels. They will work with whole staff, on customised work with individual and small groups of children and teachers and where they exist, with behaviour support classrooms.
Applications have been sought and received in regard to select participating schools and are being processed at the moment and NBSS will be writing to the schools towards the end of next week.
School Accommodation.
Dan Neville
Question:208 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a school (details supplied) in County Limerick was unsuccessful in receiving capital grant aid under the summer works scheme 2007. [4732/07]
The school referred to by the Deputy applied under the Summer Works Scheme 2007 for provision of a hardcourt play area. On the 8th January 2007 I announced details of the schools to receive funding to improve facilities under the Summer Works Scheme 2007.
However, due to the volume of applications received it was not possible to allocate funding to all proposed projects. My Departments' School Planning Section has received an appeal on this decision from the school authority which will be considered further by the Department.
Education Schemes.
Emmet Stagg
Question:209 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will introduce greater incentives to schools to participate in the book rental scheme; the number of schools currently participating; the percentage that represents of the total number of schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5100/07]
At primary level schools that opt for book rental schemes are allocated enhanced grants to encourage them to participate in such schemes. In respect of the 2006/2007 school year primary schools not operating book rental schemes have been paid €14.70 per eligible pupil in the infant classes and €22.00 for each eligible pupil in the 1st to 6th classes. This compares to primary schools operating book rental schemes which have been paid €28.40 in respect of each eligible pupil in the infant classes and €38.10 for each eligible pupil in the 1st to 6th classes. Primary schools designated as disadvantaged and operating book rental schemes have been paid €32.00 in respect of each eligible pupil in the infant classes and €44.30 for each eligible pupil in the 1st to 6th classes.
According to my Department's records, 1,917 primary schools (approximately 58% of primary schools) operate loan/rental schemes. A total of €5,350,000 — an increase of €1,350,000 on the allocation for the 2005/06 school year — was allocated in respect of the school books scheme in the 2006/2007 school year. Of this amount €4,775,253 (89.26%) was paid to primary schools operating loan/rental schemes. The allocation for 2006/2007 included an amount of €0.5m which was made available under the School Books Grant Scheme to primary schools in the School Support Programme (SSP) under DEIS.
Schools participating in the SSP that indicated that they would operate a book/loan rental scheme in 2006/2007 received grant aid at a higher rate per eligible pupil than applied in the case of schools generally. The extra funding is aimed at supporting the establishment, development and ongoing operation of book loan/rental schemes.
At second level, in addition to the provision of grants towards the cost of providing school textbooks for needy pupils, my Department also provides seed capital funding to certain schools in order to assist in the establishment of book loan/rental schemes. These would be schools designated as disadvantaged or which participate in schemes aimed at combating educational disadvantage.
Under the DEIS Action Plan for Educational Inclusion, additional funding was made available in 2006 to second level schools participating in the School Support Programme (SSP) and with the highest concentrations of disadvantage. The funding was aimed primarily at supporting the establishment, development and ongoing operation of book loan/rental schemes. One hundred second level schools were targeted under this measure in 2006 and, following an application process, 94 schools received funding to support book loan/rental schemes. The remaining 103 DEIS schools will be targeted for funding in 2007.
Expenditure on the School Books Grant Scheme in second level schools in 2006 was €7.518m. Of this amount, some €0.8m was provided for book loan/rental schemes. The 2007 allocation is €7.941m, an increase of 423,000 over 2006. My Department continues to urge the management authorities of both primary and second level schools to put in place book rental schemes to the greatest extent possible.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Ivor Callely
Question:210 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made to reduce class size; her departmental guidelines on class size; the criteria for the way the complement of teaching staff is based on enrolment numbers; the way other special needs and such supports qualify; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4724/07]
The mainstream staffing of a primary school for a particular school year is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on the 30th September of the previous school year and by reference to a staffing schedule which is issued to all primary schools.
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 September this will reduce 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.
My Department has in the past operated a number of schemes to tackle educational disadvantage and reduce class sizes in schools in disadvantaged areas. These existing schemes are being integrated into the new action plan for educational inclusion, DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) which I launched in 2005, one aspect of which will be more staffing for the most disadvantaged schools. Under the plan, there has been a reduction in class sizes to 24:1 at senior level and 20:1 at junior level in the 190 primary schools serving communities with the highest concentrations of disadvantage.
School authorities have been reminded that my Department allocates adequate staffing to schools to ensure that the maximum class size guidelines under DEIS are implemented in both junior and senior classes. If schools are unable to operate within these guidelines, due for example to increased enrolments, they may make a submission on the matter to my Department for consideration.
Children who have been assessed as having special educational needs have access to a range of special support services. The services range from special schools dedicated to particular disability groups, through special classes or units attached to ordinary schools, to placement on an integrated basis in ordinary schools, with special back-up supports.
The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through the local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special needs supports such as resource teaching hours and special needs assistant (SNA) support on the basis of applications in respect of individual pupils. The teaching and SNA support allocated are intended to enable schools to meet the needs of pupils as outlined in psychological and other professional reports.
Primary schools are also supported by means of a general allocation which provides additional teaching support to enable schools to cater for pupils with high incidence special educational needs, such as dyslexia, and those with low attainments. Second level schools continue to be supported by the allocation of additional teaching hours, where appropriate, for each pupil enrolled who is assessed as having a special educational need. SNA support is allocated, as appropriate, to all schools where there are confirmed assessed care needs in respect of students.
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 schools to ensure that increased resources lead to better outcomes for our children.
Question No. 211 answered with QuestionNo. 146.
Special Educational Needs.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:212 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will support the provision of an ABA unit for autistic children in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5063/07]
An application received from the group referred to by the Deputy to participate in the pilot scheme, which has facilitated the establishment of a number of ABA-specific units nationwide, is under consideration by officials in my Department.
The Deputy will be aware of my commitment to ensuring that all children, including those with autism receive an education appropriate to their needs, preferably through the primary and post primary school network. In this regard my Department has established: 181 special classes for children with autism, attached to special and mainstream schools; 5 special classes for children with Asperger's Syndrome; 16 pre-school classes to facilitate the demand for early intervention provision for children on the autistic spectrum; 14 Stand Alone facilities providing an Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) specific methodology on a pilot basis — 2 of these facilities have yet to be established.
Physical Education Facilities.
Seymour Crawford
Question:213 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of time allocated to physical education for each child at primary level per day; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4985/07]
At primary level, Physical Education is one of the seven curriculum areas and is an intrinsic element of the Primary School Curriculum which was revised in 1999. A minimum of one hour of physical education per week is recommended for all primary school pupils.
Question No. 214 answered with QuestionNo. 186.
Educational Disadvantage.
Michael Noonan
Question:215 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools to receive funding under the DEIS scheme; when such funding will come on stream; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5017/07]
DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the new action plan for educational inclusion provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and a new integrated School Support Programme (SSP). The DEIS plan states that as well as provision being made for schools with a concentrated level of disadvantage, financial support will also continue to be provided for other primary schools where the level of disadvantage is more dispersed.
DEIS is designed to ensure that the schools serving the most disadvantaged communities benefit from the maximum level of support available. Schools which have not qualified for inclusion in DEIS, and which are receiving additional resources under pre-existing schemes for addressing disadvantage, can be assured that they will continue to get support to enable them to maintain services for their disadvantaged pupils.
As a result of the identification and review processes, 873 schools have been invited to participate in the new Programme. These comprise 670 primary schools (338 urban/town schools and 332 rural schools) and 203 second-level schools. In respect of the 2006/07 school year, grants amounting to approximately €7.7 million due to the 670 Primary schools which are participating in the DEIS Initiative were lodged to their schools' bank accounts on 17 November 2006. This is in addition to payments totalling €1 million which issued to those schools in June 2006.
In the order of €4.7 million was paid in the course of the 2006/2007 school year in respect of the 203 Post Primary schools participating in the initiative and 80 Post Primary Schools receiving grants under pre-existing schemes. Also on 17 November 2006, approximately another 1,900 primary schools received some €4.1 million of grant assistance to assist them with their respective levels of dispersed disadvantage.
In addition to supplementary financial assistance which is provided to schools in DEIS, schools will benefit from additional measures which range from pre-school interventions, supports for tackling children's literacy problems, reduced pupil teacher ratios, allocation of administrative principals on lower enrolment, measures to tackle early school leaving, measures to strengthen ties between the school, the family and the community and provision of continuing professional development for teachers.
School Staffing.
Joan Burton
Question:216 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the categories of people who work in schools, either in a voluntary or paid capacity who are subject to vetting before they can be appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5079/07]
Ensuring the protection, health and welfare of children is a key concern for the Government, for parents, for agencies that work with children and for society generally. I can assure the Deputy that the Government is determined to do all that we can to keep our children and vulnerable adults safe.
I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that the number and range of persons who have access to pupils is very wide. In my view, the determining factor in deciding whether or not such persons should be vetted is the extent to which they have unsupervised access to children. I envisage that any individual who may have unsupervised access to children would be included in this category.
The critical issue here is whether the access to children is unsupervised. By unsupervised access I mean where a member of the school staff or a parent or guardian of the child is not present at all times when the person concerned has access to children. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that all new teachers have been vetted and the process of vetting new non-teaching staff is underway.
School Evaluation.
Emmet Stagg
Question:217 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of whole school evaluations that will take place in 2007 in primary schools and post-primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5099/07]
The Inspectorate of my Department has planned to undertake 156 whole-school evaluations (WSE) at primary level in 2007. At post-primary level 62 whole-school evaluations are planned. Therefore, it is planned that 218 WSEs will be conducted during the current year.
In addition to the programme of WSEs at primary level a further 80 evaluations of specific curricular areas are planned. These areas are Science and Mathematics (40 schools) and Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) (40 schools).
Question No. 218 answered with QuestionNo. 115.
Teaching Qualifications.
Joan Burton
Question:219 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the preliminary information available from the CAO on the number of males applying for primary education courses in 2007; her plans to continue the campaign to increase the number of males who choose teaching as a career; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5069/07]
The decreasing numbers of males entering the teaching profession is an issue that is of concern to me. I believe that it is important to attract more men into teaching for a number of reasons, not least of which is the positive role models that teachers provide in children's lives and the desirability of having both male and female role models in our schools.
I genuinely believe that teaching is an attractive profession for both men and women. Teaching is fulfilling work which makes a huge social contribution. This Government wants to attract and reward the best teachers. In addition to increasing teachers' salaries, we have also undertaken other initiatives to enhance the status of the profession. Not least of these is the establishment of the Teaching Council as a professional regulatory body.
In November, 2005 I launched the Report of the Primary Education Committee, ‘Males into Primary Teaching.' The Primary Education Committee was established in order to examine a range of issues in relation to males entering primary teaching, and to make recommendations on short-term and long-term strategies to increase the numbers in this regard. The Report draws on the professional insight of key experts in this area as well as drawing on a number of relevant research studies.
One of the key recommendations in the Committee's report is that a coordinated promotion campaign, which would encourage boys as well as girls to enter primary teaching, should be undertaken. This promotion campaign commenced on 24 January, 2006 and is currently ongoing. The campaign focuses on a number of key target audiences, including students, parents, teachers and guidance counsellors.
The figures in relation to the number of males applying for primary education courses in 2007 are not currently available. However, I have asked my officials to obtain these figures from the CAO and I would be glad to provide this material to the Deputy once available. These figures will be available in March, after the closing date for the ‘change of mind' option has passed.
Parliamentary Questions.
Paudge Connolly
Question:220 Mr. Connolly asked the Taoiseach 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. [4739/07]
I replied to 941 Parliamentary Questions in 2006. Some 714 of these were oral questions and 227 were written questions. It is not possible to distinguish the cost to my Department of answering these Parliamentary Questions from the overall administrative cost associated with the operation of the Department more generally. The full cost in answering these Parliamentary Questions would also need to take account of the costs arising for the Houses of the Oireachtas.
Regulatory Reform.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:221 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach the number of statute law restatements prepared and published to date by the Office of the Attorney General under the Statute Law (Restatement) Act 2002 (details supplied); the resources available to this project; if he is satisfied with progress achieved to date in this aspect of the Government agenda on regulatory reform, with the objective of making legislation more user friendly and accessible; if he will make additional resources available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5335/07]
Apart from the four Restatements displayed on the Office of the Attorney General website, the former Statute Law Revision Unit in that Office in association with relevant Departments had prepared drafts of further Restatements. However, due to pending amending legislation and other reasons, the draft Restatements were not brought to certification stage although some Departments displayed informal versions on their websites.
In May 2006, the Government decided that the Law Reform Commission should prepare a Programme of Statute Law Restatement under the Statute Law (Restatement) Act, 2002. In late September 2006, sanction for three researchers for the project was obtained from the Department of Finance and the three researchers were engaged by the Commission. In January 2007, sanction for a project manager and an administrative support person in the Commission was obtained.
Since November 2006, the Commission has considered the priorities to be given to the suggestions made during the consultation exercise and has developed draft Restatements of the Freedom of Information Acts 1997 and 2003, the Data Protection Acts, 1988 and 2003 and the Law Reform Commission Act, 1975.
In December 2006, the Commission team met with a legislative software engineering company to discuss the possible technological aspects to the Project. In the immediate future, the Commission will proceed to recruit a project manager and administrative support person. The Commission will then be in a position to develop the details of the Programme and an Implementation Plan.
Crime Prevention.
Finian McGrath
Question:222 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the activities of a group (details supplied) and the fact that no prosecutions have ever been mounted under the Criminal Law (Suicide) Act 1993, he will make a statement as to whether a review of the operation of the said Act might be timely and if additional safeguards are required to protect the rights of the terminally ill and vulnerable under Irish law. [4700/07]
The Criminal Law (Suicide) Act 1993 decriminalised the action of suicide. The fact that suicide is not an offence provides some small consolation to bereaved relatives and friends. However, the Act is robust and unequivocal in relation to the serious criminal offence committed by persons who assist a person to commit suicide or to attempt to commit suicide, with conviction on indictment incurring a term of up to 14 years.
There is little evidence of incidents of assisted suicide either in this jurisdiction or in relation to travelling to a jurisdiction whose legal system is apparently not adverse to assisted suicide at the request of the person. It follows that there have been no prosecutions under the Act.
Where appropriate, extradition proceedings can be put in train. For example, there are arrangements in place for the extradition of persons between Ireland and Switzerland under the 1957 European Convention on Extradition and a number of other international agreements to which Ireland and Switzerland are party. I believe that the legislation provides for current requirements and I do not consider that a review is warranted at this time.
Regulatory Reform.
Finian McGrath
Question:223 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the situation regarding the Law Reform Commission’s report on vulnerable adults and the law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4856/07]
The Law Reform Commission Report on Vulnerable Adults and the Law which was published on 18 December 2006 made sixty-three recommendations across a wide area of the law. My Department is examining the recommendations, in consultation with other Departments, the Courts Service and other interests with a view to their implementation as soon as possible.
Bernard Allen
Question:224 Mr. Allen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that legislation governing the blind here was last reviewed in the 1950s; and if he has proposals in this regard. [4876/07]
The National Disability Strategy containing legislative and administrative measures and significant associated funding represents the policy of the Government in relation to people with disabilities. As part of that Strategy, I promoted the Disability Act 2005 which makes wide-ranging provision for persons with disabilities in terms of accessibility of services, public buildings, information and public sector employment.
Visa Applications.
Tom Hayes
Question:225 Mr. Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a visa will issue to a person (details supplied). [4703/07]
The application referred to by the Deputy was received in the Visa Office, Cairo on 4th February, 2007 and is currently awaiting examination by a Visa Officer. A decision in respect of the application in question will be made in the near future.
Crime Levels.
Enda Kenny
Question:226 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of crimes recorded and detected in each of the Garda stations in Dublin south east for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4704/07]
The figures for headline offences recorded for each Garda Division are available in the relevant Garda Annual Reports for the years 2002-2005, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas library.
Following the submission to me in 2004 of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, I decided that the compilation and publication of crime statistics should be taken over by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, from the Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Act, 2005 consequently makes provision for this and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. Following the setting up of the necessary technical systems and auditing of the data from which the statistics are compiled, I am pleased to note that the CSO is now compiling and publishing criminal statistics and has published provisional headline crime statistics for the third and fourth quarters of 2006. In addition, it has compiled and published a series of quarterly and annual statistics for the period starting with the first quarter of 2003. I understand that the CSO are examining how the crime statistics published might be expanded and made more comprehensive.
I have requested the CSO to provide the information sought by the Deputy directly to him.
Garda Deployment.
Enda Kenny
Question:227 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí in each Garda station in Dublin south east for each of the past five years; the number of gardaí engaged in desk work in each station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4705/07]
Enda Kenny
Question:228 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of community gardaí located in each Garda station in Dublin south east for each of the past five years; the number of gardaí engaged in desk work in each station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4706/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 227 and 228 together.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána increased to a record 13,000 following the attestation of 299 new members on Thursday, 16 November, 2006. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June, 1997 and represents an increase of 2,298 (or 21.5%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. The combined strength (all ranks), of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training as at the 31 December 2006 was 14,068.
Furthermore, I should say that in December, 2006 as part of a package of anti-crime measures, the Government approved the continuation of the existing Garda recruitment programme to achieve a total Garda strength of 15,000. The accelerated intake of 275 new recruits per quarter into the Garda College will continue until this target is met. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.4 billion, an 11% increase on 2006 and a 96% increase since 1997 in real terms.
The personnel strength of the DMR South Division on 31 December, 1997 and 2006 (all ranks) was 471 and 595 respectively. This represents an increase of 124 (or 26.3%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date. The personnel strength of the DMR East Division on 31 December, 1997 and 2006 (all ranks) was 546 and 591 respectively. This represents an increase of 45 (or 8.24%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date.
I have been further informed that the number of Gardaí (all ranks) in each Garda station in the Dublin Metropolitan Region South and East Divisions for each of the past five years was as set out in the table.
|
Stations |
31/12/02 |
31/12/03 |
31/12/04 |
31/12/05 |
31/12/06 |
|
DMR South Division |
|||||
|
District “G” |
|||||
|
Crumlin |
88 |
82 |
87 |
87 |
98 |
|
Sundrive Rd. |
57 |
61 |
65 |
65 |
73 |
|
District “M” |
|||||
|
Rathfarnham |
74 |
71 |
76 |
70 |
72 |
|
Tallaght |
159 |
166 |
173 |
167 |
178 |
|
District “P” |
|||||
|
Rathmines |
67 |
71 |
72 |
70 |
76 |
|
Terenure |
84 |
87 |
91 |
97 |
98 |
|
DMR East Division |
|||||
|
District “F” |
|||||
|
Dún Laoghaire |
106 |
90 |
104 |
99 |
96 |
|
Dalkey |
29 |
28 |
26 |
26 |
26 |
|
Kill-O’the-Grange |
36 |
37 |
35 |
33 |
35 |
|
Cabinteely |
39 |
40 |
41 |
39 |
38 |
|
District “N” |
|||||
|
Bray |
79 |
75 |
85 |
88 |
103 |
|
Enniskerry |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
Shankhill |
53 |
55 |
61 |
60 |
63 |
|
Greystones |
28 |
29 |
28 |
29 |
35 |
|
District “W” |
|||||
|
Blackrock |
66 |
66 |
68 |
75 |
79 |
|
Dundrum |
69 |
65 |
68 |
75 |
76 |
|
Stepaside |
36 |
32 |
31 |
29 |
35 |
I have also been informed that the number of Community Gardaí (all ranks), by station, in the Dublin Metropolitan Region South and East Divisions for each of the past five years was as set out in the table.
|
Stations |
31/12/02 |
31/12/03 |
31/12/04 |
31/12/05 |
31/12/06 |
|
DMR South Division |
|||||
|
District “G” |
|||||
|
Crumlin |
4 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
|
Sundrive Rd. |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
6 |
|
District “M” |
|||||
|
Rathfarnham |
4 |
5 |
5 |
6 |
5 |
|
Tallaght |
22 |
24 |
24 |
20 |
22 |
|
District “P” |
|||||
|
Rathmines |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
|
Terenure |
5 |
5 |
7 |
7 |
6 |
|
DMR East Division |
|||||
|
District “F” |
|||||
|
Dún Laoghaire |
3 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
2 |
|
Dalkey |
2 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
|
Kill-O’the-Grange |
2 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
|
Cabinteely |
1 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
District “N” |
|||||
|
Bray |
5 |
6 |
7 |
9 |
14 |
|
Shankhill |
3 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
10 |
|
Greystones |
3 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
5 |
|
District “W” |
|||||
|
Blackrock |
3 |
5 |
6 |
6 |
7 |
|
Dundrum |
4 |
6 |
6 |
5 |
6 |
|
Stepaside |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
The Deputy should appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day, personnel strengths of individual stations may fluctuate due, for example, to promotions, retirements and transfers.
An additional 900 civilian posts have been approved for An Garda Síochána since 2005, most recently I obtained sanction from the Government in December 2006 for the immediate direct recruitment of 300 additional civilian staff by the Garda Commissioner. These new civilian resources will allow for the release of a significant number of Gardaí to frontline operational duties.
Garda management state that the number of Gardaí (all ranks) currently assigned to administrative duties in the DMR South and East Divisions are as set out in the table. This number was calculated on the basis of those personnel who are in receipt of Designated post and Ex-Gratia allowances and as such are employed on administrative duties.
|
Station |
No. |
|
Dún Laoghaire |
4 |
|
Bray |
1 |
|
Blackrock |
1 |
|
Crumlin |
4 |
|
Tallaght |
1 |
|
Terenure |
1 |
I am also informed that the DMR's resources are further augmented by a number of Garda National Units such as the Garda National Drugs Unit, the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and other specialised units, all of which have had increased resources.
I should add that it is the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel to and within Divisions. These personnel allocations are determined by a number of factors including demographics, crime trends and other operational policing needs. Such allocations are continually monitored and reviewed along with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy. This ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and that the best possible service is provided to the public.
Garda Vetting Services.
Brendan Howlin
Question:229 Mr. Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in response to requests from airport authorities for background checks in respect of persons seeking employment in airports throughout the world, An Garda Síochána issue certificates confirming that the applicant has no criminal record but qualified by the disclaimer this letter may not be construed as proof of no convictions, police certificate, Garda reference, Garda clearance, character reference, security clearance, or any other interpretation thereof; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that as a result of this situation the employment prospects of Irish nationals seeking employment in foreign airports is severely compromised as current Garda vetting certification is not acceptable to employers; his views on whether such qualified certification by An Garda Síochána is nonsensical and does not meet the needs of Irish applicants for employment in foreign airports; the steps he will take to ensure that a Garda vetting system which is acceptable to airport authorities worldwide is put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4754/07]
The Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) provides an employee vetting service in respect of selected employments involving, primarily, substantial, unsupervised access to children and vulnerable adults. This vetting service is not and does not purport to operate in respect of general employments.
The Deputy would appear to be referring to disclosures issued by the GCVU in respect of applications for access to personal data made pursuant to Section 4 of the Data Protection Act 1988, as amended. Under this provision, a person may apply for a copy of personal data maintained on the Garda Criminal Records Database for his/her personal use only. Such a disclosure states, inter alia, that the document does not constitute a ‘proof of no convictions’, ‘police certificate’, Garda ‘reference’ or Garda ‘clearance’.
The reason for this is that searches carried out in response to such requests are conducted solely in relation to the name, date of birth and address as provided by the applicant and not on any variants of these details. Unlike criminal record vetting, which is available only to selected registered organisations, details of possible variant matches are not provided under the data protection search process. This procedure reflects the purpose of data protection legislation, which is not a means of vetting but, rather, is designed to protect individuals with regard to the automatic processing of their personal data.
Residency Permits.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:230 Mr. Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in assessing the qualifying period of residency for an application for long-term residency by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare, he will include the time spent here on a student visa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4769/07]
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question made an application for long term residency in March 2006. A decision was issued to the person concerned in April 2006 in which he was informed that time spent in the State on student conditions cannot be counted towards long term residency.
It is open to the person concerned to re-apply for long term residency when he has completed 60 months legal residency on work permits conditions. 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.
Citizenship Applications.
Denis Naughten
Question:231 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of a citizenship application by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; when the application will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4772/07]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department on 9 November 2006.
Applications received in the second half of 2004 are currently being processed and there are approximately 11,000 applications awaiting processing before that of the person in question. It is likely that the processing of the application will commence in the second half of 2008.
I will inform the Deputy and the applicant when I have reached a decision on the application.
Transfers of Prisoners.
Pat Carey
Question:232 Mr. Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if initial papers associated with the application for repatriation of a person (details supplied) have been submitted to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4774/07]
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has not as yet received the formal application and supporting documentation for a transfer to this country in respect of this person from the Ecuadorean authorities.
The Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons requires extensive documentation to be exchanged between both jurisdictions in order to allow an application to be fully considered. A three way consent is also required to enable any transfer to take place, i.e., from the authorities of both jurisdictions and from the person concerned. On receipt of those consents (assuming they will be forthcoming), an application must then be made to the High Court for a warrant authorising the transfer of the person concerned and his continued detention here.
These procedures are required under the Convention and the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Act, 1995, and must be adhered to in processing each application.
Garda Investigations.
Tony Gregory
Question:233 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 263 of 31 January 2007, the amount of money taken and the date on which it was removed. [4776/07]
A criminal and disciplinary investigation into this matter is being conducted by a Chief Superintendent from outside the District where the incident occurred. As the investigation is ongoing, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this time.
Road Traffic Offences.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:234 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if it is intended that the processing of fixed penalty notices for mandatory alcohol testing will be outsourced; when this will happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4786/07]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that persons who fail mandatory alcohol testing (MAT) do not receive fixed charge notices and therefore, the outsourcing of fixed charge notices does not arise at present. Under section 4 of the Road Traffic Act, 2006 a person stopped at a MAT checkpoint is required to provide a preliminary breath test. A person who fails or refuses to comply with a MAT may be prosecuted and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of up to €5,000 and/or imprisonment for up to six months.
Under long standing legislation, if a Garda as a result of the test forms the opinion at the roadside that a person has consumed an intoxicant then he/she can arrest that person and bring the person back to a Garda station for the purpose of administering an evidential test. The penalty for refusal to provide an evidential test is a fine of up to €5,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 6 months. If a person is charged with the offence of drink driving under road traffic legislation, the case proceeds to the courts and is dealt with under the courts system in the normal manner.
Public Order Offences.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:235 Mr. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will ensure that the nightly intimidation of local residents at an estate (details supplied) in Dublin 17 by an anti-social gang will be brought to an end through the sanctions available to local gardaí. [4796/07]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area in question is actively policed by Gardaí from Coolock Garda station. There are regular foot, mobile and mountain bike patrols carried out by uniform and plain clothes Gardaí with a view to ensuring a concentrated and visible presence in the area. These patrols are supplemented by the District Detective Unit, as well as the Divisional Task Force and Traffic Corps Units, and personnel involved in District and Divisional initiatives under Operation Anvil. The incidence of crime in the area and the allocation of personnel resources are kept under constant review by local Garda management.
I am further informed that members of the local Community Policing Unit are assigned to the areas referred to and have a good working relationship with the local community.
The Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides for the establishment of a joint policing committee in each local authority administrative area. The purpose of these committees is to provide a forum where members of a local authority and the senior Garda officers responsible for the policing of that area, with the participation of Oireachtas members and community interests, can consult, discuss and make recommendations on matters affecting the policing of the area including the levels and patterns of anti-social behaviour such as so-called joy-riding. A committee covering the area referred to has been established.
I understand that policing plans for the Garda District and Division are designed, inter alia, to address the issue of joy-riding, the prevention of anti-social and public order offences, the prevention of crime including crimes of violence against persons and property and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of the quality of life of local residents. This strategy is, and will continue to be, central to the delivery of the policing service to the area in question.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:236 Mr. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will a statement on continuing nightly episodes of anti-social and criminal behaviour at a residential estate (details supplied) in Dublin 17. [4797/07]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area in question is actively policed by Gardaí from Coolock Garda station. There are regular foot, mobile and mountain bike patrols carried out by uniform and plain clothes Gardaí with a view to ensuring a concentrated and visible presence in the area. These patrols are supplemented by the District Detective Unit, as well as the Divisional Task Force and Traffic Corps Units, and personnel involved in District and Divisional initiatives under Operation Anvil. Crime trends in the area and the allocation of personnel resources are kept under constant review by local Garda management and initiatives are regularly undertaken to target specific types of criminality.
I am further informed that members of the local Community Policing Unit are assigned to the areas referred to and have a good working relationship with the local community.
I am advised that local Garda management is aware that incidents of car theft and joy-riding are of particular concern to local residents. Policing plans for the Garda District and Division are designed, inter alia, to address the issue of so-called joy-riding and the prevention of crime including crimes of violence against persons and property.
The Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides for the establishment of a joint policing committee in each local authority administrative area. The purpose of these committees is to provide a forum where members of a local authority and the senior Garda officers responsible for the policing of that area, with the participation of Oireachtas members and community interests, can consult, discuss and make recommendations on matters affecting the policing of the area including the levels and patterns of anti-social behaviour such as joy-riding. A committee covering the area referred to has been established.
Garda Equipment.
Cecilia Keaveney
Question:237 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4816/07]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the system referred to is currently being operated by Driver and Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland (DVLNI) with no police involvement. It consists of a mobile camera system incorporating automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) which allows vehicle registration plates to be checked against a database of untaxed vehicles. Fines on the spot notices are then issued to the registered owners of vehicles which are found to be in use while untaxed. Use of the system in this jurisdiction would require enactment of legislation for which the Department of Transport has responsibility.
I am further informed that An Garda Síochána recently conducted a pilot scheme involving a number of in-car ANPR systems in order to gather appropriate information for a generic system specification for use here. Preparatory work for a procurement process has now commenced with a view to acquiring ANPR systems for deployment in every Garda Division.
Garda Stations.
Brendan Howlin
Question:238 Mr. Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there are plans to locate a Garda station or a Garda substation in Palmerstown, Dublin 20. [4877/07]
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. I will be in contact with the Deputy when this information is to hand.
Garda Deployment.
Brendan Howlin
Question:239 Mr. Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of community gardaí based at Clondalkin Garda station in each of the years 2002 to 2006. [4878/07]
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. I will be in contact with the Deputy when this information is to hand.
Citizenship Applications.
John McGuinness
Question:240 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application to remain in the State in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if he will expedite a response to their application which was made in October 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4893/07]
An application for naturalisation from the person in question was received in the Citizenship section of my Department on 2 November 2005.
Applications received in the second half of 2004 are currently being processed and there are approximately 4,600 applications awaiting processing before that of the applicant. Such applications are generally dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest method.
As no reason has been put forward by the Deputy which would justify this application being dealt with ahead of other applicants, it is likely that processing will commence in the first half of next year. I will inform the Deputy and the person concerned when I have reached a decision on the matter.
Drug Seizures.
John Curran
Question:241 Mr. Curran asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of kilograms of heroin, cannabis resin, cocaine, herbal cannabis, amphetamines and ecstasy that were recovered in seizures in Clondalkin for the years 2004, 2005 and 2006. [4894/07]
It has not been possible, within the timeframe available, to collate the information required by the Deputy. I will contact the Deputy directly when the information is to hand.
Residency Permits.
John Curran
Question:242 Mr. Curran asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) in County Dublin will have their application for residency dealt with as a matter of urgency; and if not, if alternative passport or visa arrangements can be made. [4895/07]
I understand from the Immigration Division of my Department that the person concerned submitted an application for permission to remain in the State on the basis of his marriage to an EU citizen on 5 October 2006. This application is currently under consideration and a decision will issue in due course. I am also informed that the passport of the person concerned has been returned.
Domestic Violence.
Olwyn Enright
Question:243 Ms Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the negotiations currently taking place between his Department and the National Domestic Violence Intervention Agency; the action being taken to find a long term resolution to the situation and to address the future of the agency; his views on the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4902/07]
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question 3493/07 of 6th February 2007. I have nothing further to add to that response.
Garda Stations.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:244 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the area the proposed new station at Ballincollig will serve, he will arrange for increased Garda numbers and coverage on a 24 hour basis. [4907/07]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána increased to a record 13,000 following the attestation of 299 new members on Thursday, 16 November, 2006. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June, 1997 and represents an increase of 2,298 (or 21.5%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. The combined strength (all ranks), of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training as at the 31 December 2006 was 14,068. Furthermore, I should say that in December, 2006 as part of a package of anti-crime measures, the Government approved the continuation of the existing Garda recruitment programme to achieve a total Garda strength of 15,000. The accelerated intake of 275 new recruits per quarter into the Garda College will continue until this target is met. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.4 billion, an 11% increase on 2006 and a 96% increase since 1997 in real terms.
There are plans to build a new city type Garda station at Ballincollig. A revised sketch scheme was sent to the OPW recently. The Office of Public Works (OPW) will proceed with the planning process and invitation of tenders.
I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of Ballincollig Garda Station on 31 December, 1997 and 12 February, 2007 was 17 and 21 (all ranks) respectively. This represents an increase of 4 (or 23.5%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date. Ballincollig Garda Station is open to the public from 9am to 1pm, 2pm to 6pm and 7pm to 8pm from Monday to Friday and from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday. The call diversion system is in operation and linked to the District Headquarters at Gurranabraher Garda Station.
I am advised that the extension of opening hours at Ballincollig Garda Station would necessitate the employment of additional personnel on indoor administrative duties who may be more effectively employed on outdoor policing duties.
During the allocation of newly attested personnel, the needs of Ballincollig Garda Station will be fully considered by the Garda Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda Stations throughout the country.
Sexual Offences.
Mary Upton
Question:245 Dr. Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to his reply to Parliamentary Question Nos. 601 of 4 July 2006 and 228 of 1 November 2006, if his attention was at that time or has subsequently been drawn to the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 721 of 4 July 2006; the reason for the disparity between the replies given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4947/07]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the matter is currently being researched and a report will be submitted at an early date. I will contact the Deputy again when the report is to hand.
Missing Persons.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:246 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on a missing persons helpline in view of the fact that for the most part information was not readily available for a considerable duration of the missing persons helpline pilot programme that lasted from October 2002 until 2003; and if he will address the needs of families of missing persons or of improving the communication methods used to improve awareness of missing persons such as posters at ports and train stations, or even examples, such as using milk cartons to communicate the identities and appearances of missing persons into the homes of people throughout the country. [4952/07]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda management take direct responsibility for missing person cases, and special investigation teams are appointed as necessary. All missing persons are recorded on the PULSE system. When a person is reported missing, the local Garda Superintendent will appoint an investigation team to include any specialised unit deemed necessary, for example, the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation or the Technical Bureau. The systems put in place by An Garda Síochána to manage and deal with reports of missing persons are in line with best international police practice, and Garda management have assured me that they are satisfied that the systems in place are adequate to deal with any reported case of a missing person.
An Garda Síochána interacts fully and as appropriate with all of the media outlets — print, radio and TV — in highlighting cases involving missing persons. The services of other external agencies such as Interpol and Europol are also available to assist in the investigation. In addition, every Garda District has a specially trained search team that is familiar with the locality. The investigation of missing persons is a dedicated subject on the curriculum at the Garda College, Templemore, and is also a subject covered in in-service training.
The Garda authorities are continuously monitoring international developments in relation to investigations of missing persons in order to ensure that best practice is followed. If their professional judgement is that some change in the existing legislation, protocols or structures would be of assistance in improving investigations, this would be considered by me. I have passed your suggestions to An Garda Síochána for consideration.
I am advised that the Missing in Ireland Support Service (MISS) has recently submitted a revised funding grant application to the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime to establish a Missing Persons Helpline. As the closing date for receipt of grant applications has now passed the Commission will shortly be considering all grant applications received for 2007, including this application.
Garda Investigations.
Tony Gregory
Question:247 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress the gardaí are making following the attack on a person (details supplied) in the Mountjoy Garda district, Dublin 7; if Garda foot patrols will be put in place in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4964/07]
Tony Gregory
Question:264 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there has been a spate of house break-ins in an area (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and the measures the gardaí are taking to deal with same as it is causing concern to elderly residents. [5329/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 247 and 264 together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the incident referred to is under active investigation by the Garda authorities. However, to date no person has been made amenable for this serious crime.
I am further informed that a full technical examination of the scene was carried out and CCTV footage for the area concerned is being examined in order to establish the identity of the person or persons involved.
I understand that as result of carrying out a detailed analysis of crime trends in the areas referred to, Garda management have put a specific crime prevention and detection initiative in place targeting those suspected of committing burglaries in the areas concerned. Additional foot, mobile and mountain bike patrols are being carried out by uniform and plain clothes Gardaí with a view to ensuring a concentrated and visible presence in these areas.
Drug Seizures.
Tony Gregory
Question:248 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will respond to each of the questions listed in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4965/07]
As papers relating to the seizure of drugs referred to in the questions are before the Director of Public Prosecutions at present, it would be inappropriate for me to make any further comment.
Garda Deployment.
Tom Hayes
Question:249 Mr. Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when additional gardaí will be granted to Fethard, County Tipperary. [4969/07]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána increased to a record 13,000 following the attestation of 299 new members on Thursday, 16 November, 2006. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June, 1997 and represents an increase of 2,298 (or 21.5%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. The combined strength (all ranks), of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training as at the 31 December 2006 was 14,068. Furthermore, I should say that in December, 2006 as part of a package of anti-crime measures, the Government approved the continuation of the existing Garda recruitment programme to achieve a total Garda strength of 15,000. The accelerated intake of 275 new recruits per quarter into the Garda College will continue until this target is met. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.4 billion, an 11% increase on 2006 and a 96% increase since 1997 in real terms.
I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of Fethard Garda Station on 8 February, 2007 was one Sergeant. Garda Management report that an additional member of Garda rank was allocated to Fethard Garda Station on 12 February, 2007. Fethard Garda Station forms part of the Tipperary Division. The personnel strength of the Tipperary Division on 31 December, 1997 and 2006 was 297 and 338 (all ranks) respectively. This represents an increase of 41 (or 13.8%) on the number of personnel allocated since that date.
The Deputy should appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day, personnel strengths of individual stations may fluctuate due, for example, to promotions, retirements and transfers.
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.
During the allocation of newly attested personnel the needs of Fethard Garda Station will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda Stations throughout the country.
Citizenship Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:250 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application for naturalisation in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5059/07]
I informed the Deputy in response to Question 101 of 9 November 2006 that the application for the first named person would be presented to me for decision in due course and this remains the position.
Applications for certificates of naturalisation on behalf of the latter two persons, who are minors, were received in the Citizenship Section of my Department on 15 August 2006. Applications on behalf of minors generally require less processing than standard adult applications and it is therefore usually possible to finalise them more quickly. Based on current processing trends, it is likely that the applications on behalf of the persons concerned will be finalised towards the end of this year.
I will advise the Deputy and the applicants when I have reached a decision in the matter.
Garda Equipment.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:251 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if modern state of the art surveillance equipment is available to An Garda Síochána; and if not, the steps proposed in this regard. [5114/07]
It is not the practice and it would be contrary to the public interest to make public comment on the details of Garda surveillance procedures and practices, including associated surveillance equipment. However, the Garda authorities have informed me that the Garda organisation has access to any equipment necessary to operational personnel in the investigation and detection of crime and that such equipment is subject to continual review.
Garda Strength.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:252 Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of officers who joined An Garda Síochána, broken down by year for each year from 1975 to 1980 inclusive; the number of those officers who are still in the force; and the projected number of retirements from the force broken down by year for each year from 2007 to 2010. [5117/07]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána increased to a record 13,000 following the attestation of 299 new members on Thursday, 16 November, 2006. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June, 1997 and represents an increase of 2,298 (or 21.5%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. The combined strength (all ranks), of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training as at the 31 December 2006 was 14,068. Furthermore, I should say that in December, 2006 as part of a package of anti-crime measures, the Government approved the continuation of the existing Garda recruitment programme to achieve a total Garda strength of 15,000. The accelerated intake of 275 new recruits per quarter into the Garda College will continue until this target is met. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.4 billion, an 11% increase on 2006 and a 96% increase since 1997 in real terms.
I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the number of entrants into An Garda Síochána from 1975 to 1980 and the number of those members still serving as on 9 February, 2007 was as set out in the table.
|
Year |
Entrants |
Serving |
|
1975 |
366 |
176 |
|
1976 |
86 |
52 |
|
1977 |
524 |
434 |
|
1978 |
722 |
568 |
|
1979 |
305 |
251 |
|
1980 |
446 |
360 |
The Garda authorities state that the projected number of retirements from the force broken down by each year from 2007 to 2010 is as set out in the table. The data used in the calculation of projections involve a number of variables and are liable to change.
|
Year |
Projected Number |
|
31/12/07 |
356 |
|
31/12/08 |
530 |
|
31/12/09 |
582 |
|
31/12/10 |
778 |
Garda Investigations.
Brendan Howlin
Question:253 Mr. Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in respect of the death of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly, he has concluded his examination of the report submitted to him based on the second investigation into the death carried out by a Garda superintendent from outside the Offaly area; if he will take action arising from the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5122/07]
Brendan Howlin
Question:254 Mr. Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in respect of the death of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly and the findings of the second Garda investigation into the death, the Commissioner has received a report from the assistant commissioner who had been asked to address the issues highlighted in the report; if it is proposed to take action based on the assistant commissioner’s findings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5123/07]
Brendan Howlin
Question:255 Mr. Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in respect of the death of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly and his replies to Parliamentary Question Nos. 194 to 196 of 5 December 2006, the Garda Commissioner has completed his examination of the correspondence received from an RTÉ correspondent, including the contents of an interview conducted by that correspondent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5124/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 253 to 255, inclusive, together.
I am in contact with the Garda authorities concerning the matters raised and I will be in touch directly with the Deputy as soon as possible.
EU Funding.
Paul Kehoe
Question:256 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the percentage of the money allocated to his Department from European funds for each of the years 2000 to 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5191/07]
Funding, as a percentage of net allocation allocated to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform from European funds for each of the years 2000 to 2006 is set out in the table.
|
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
|
3.1% |
4.5% |
3.2% |
5.7% |
7.2% |
9.4% |
4.9% |
Proposed Legislation.
Joe Higgins
Question:257 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will bring forward legislation setting out the rights of unmarried, cohabiting couples. [5196/07]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 14 and 30 of 7 December 2006. The position is as set out therein.
Public Order Offences.
Richard Bruton
Question:258 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the gardaí should be given the power to seize spray paints from young people found in possession of them as a measure to try to defeat the problem of graffiti; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5216/07]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that section 2(1) of the Criminal Damage Act 1991 creates a simple offence of damaging property without lawful excuse. Section 4 of the Act creates the offence of having custody or control of anything with intent to cause damage to property. Both of these offences are punishable on summary conviction by a fine not exceeding €1,270 and/or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months. Following conviction on indictment these offences are punishable by a fine not exceeding €12,697 and/or imprisonment not exceeding 10 years.
Section 7 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 provides that where a Garda, who is in a public place or any other place under a power of entry authorised by law or to which he or she was expressly or implicitly invited or permitted to be, finds or comes into possession of anything he or she has reasonable grounds for believing that it is evidence of, or relating to, the commission of an arrestable offence, he or she may seize and retain it for use as evidence in any criminal proceedings for such period from the date of seizure as is reasonable or, if proceedings are commenced in which it is require for use in evidence, until the conclusion of the proceedings.
This section gives Gardaí a power to seize spray cans from young people found in possession of them as the offences listed, contrary to sections 2 and 4 of the Criminal Damage Act 1991, are arrestable offences.
Crime Prevention.
John Gormley
Question:259 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the measures he has taken against the break-ins and damage to property including parked vehicles in an area (details supplied) in Dublin 4; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5217/07]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area in question is actively policed by Gardaí from Donnybrook Garda District. There are regular foot, mobile and mountain bike patrols carried out by uniform and plain clothes Gardaí with a view to ensuring a concentrated and visible presence in the area. These patrols are supplemented by the District Detective Unit, as well as the Divisional Task Force and Traffic Corps Units. The incidence of crime in the area and the allocation of personnel resources are kept under constant review by local Garda management.
I am further informed that a number of investigations are ongoing into criminal activity in the area referred to and local Garda management is satisfied that all necessary resources have been made available to these investigations.
Policing plans for the Garda District and Division are designed, inter alia, to address the prevention of crime including crimes of violence against persons and property.
Citizenship Applications.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:260 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will decide on an application for leave to remain on humanitarian grounds in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5243/07]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 218 of Tuesday, 3 October, 2006 (Ref 30521/06) and the written reply to that Question. The position is unchanged.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:261 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on an application for citizenship for persons (details supplied) in County Limerick; if he will make the decision as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5244/07]
Applications for certificates of naturalisation on behalf of the persons concerned, who are minors, were received in the Citizenship Section of my Department on 16 June 2006. Applications on behalf of minors generally require less processing than standard adult applications and it is therefore usually possible to finalise them more quickly. Based on current processing trends, it is likely that the applications on behalf of the individuals in question will be finalised towards the end of this year. I will advise the Deputy and the applicants when I have reached a decision in the matter.
Asylum Applications.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:262 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on an application for asylum by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; if their serious ill-health will be taken into consideration in speeding up the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5294/07]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 7 October, 2004 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 10 November, 2006, 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 an application for Subsidiary protection and /or 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.
This person's case file, including all representations submitted, will be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (Prohibition of Refoulement). I expect the file to be passed to me for decision in due course.
Garda Stations.
Paul Kehoe
Question:263 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to renovate a Garda station (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5327/07]
I am advised that the Office of Public Works has recently carried out some essential repair works to the station referred to by the Deputy and that further works are planned in the near future. The Garda Authorities and the Office of Public Works are currently working out details of a major replacement programme for smaller rural Garda stations and the station in question falls to be considered for inclusion under that scheme.
Question No. 264 answered with QuestionNo. 247.
Mitigation Petitions.
Trevor Sargent
Question:265 Mr. Sargent asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of representations by TDs, Senators and councillors that he has received since taking office relating to persons released or servicing sentences in the State penal system, including the name of the elected representatives and the nature of the offence to which they relate. [5334/07]
I want to put on the record of this House that, at no time since my appointment as Minister, have I ever directed the early release of any prisoner on foot of representation from any quarter. I further want to put on the record of this House that at no time since my appointment as Minister for Justice, Equality & Law Reform in June 2002 have I ever exercised my powers to commute or remit any sentence on foot of representations from any party.
In any given year hundreds of letters and phone calls raising issues about the welfare, or treatment, or living conditions of those in custody are received by my Department and by the Irish Prison Service. All of the enquiries to my Department are referred to the management of the Irish Prison Service for examination.
It would not be possible in the time available to ascertain the nature of the query or offence in each case but queries are raised on a very wide variety of issues relating to individual prisoners, including sentence management of offenders on behalf of their victims or the families of victims. Given the volume and variety of queries raised, it would not be fair to compile a list of recorded enquiries.
Departmental Properties.
Joe Costello
Question:266 Mr. Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the quantity of property that has been disposed of by his Department since May 2002; the way the property was disposed of in each case; the financial return in each case; the purpose for which the money was used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5340/07]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service disposed of the following properties since May 2002: Castleview House, Manorhamilton, Co Leitrim by public tender for €0.18m; Everton House, Cabra Road, Dublin 7 by public tender for €0.71m; 21 acres of land was sold at Shanganagh Castle, Shankhill, Co Dublin to Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council on a negotiated basis for €9m; and following a tender competition, a tender has been accepted for Shanganagh Castle itself and 6.3 acres of land at Shanganagh Castle, Shankill, Co Dublin for €20.6m. The proceeds from the above properties will be used to offset the costs of the major capital investment, including Thornton Hall, which I am making in the Prison system.
Garda Equipment.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:267 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if it is intended that all aspects of the proposed speed camera system will be outsourced; when this contract will be awarded and implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5366/07]
Following the enactment of the Road Traffic Act 2006, the procurement procedure for the provision and operation of safety cameras by a service provider is underway. I am informed by the Garda authorities that it is intended that the service provider will be required to collect and process all data on speeding obtained by the mobile and fixed safety cameras used. The service provider will also be required to process data collected by the safety cameras currently operated by An Garda Síochána.
It is also intended that the service provider will provide all resources, including personnel, for the processing of data obtained, for the purpose of verifying whether or not a speeding offence has taken place in each case and reading the licence plate of each vehicle identified as having been used to commit a speeding offence.
The performance criteria to be applied will be determined by An Garda Síochána, and the deployment of cameras will be focused on locations where there is an established or prospective risk of collisions. The Garda Síochána, as the traffic law enforcement agency in the State, will be responsible for the outsourcing project.
Work is well advanced on the procurement procedure. Following the call for expressions of interest, a number of candidates will shortly be awarded pre-qualification status and short-listed to proceed to the next stage. A request for tenders will be made to the short-listed candidates, and the successful candidate will be selected on the basis of the tenders received.
In parallel with this process, work is ongoing with the Garda Síochána and the National Roads Authority on identifying locations that either have a speed related collision history or are of a type where a higher than expected frequency of collisions may be expected to occur. Monitoring of driver speeds by the outsourced service provider will focus on these locations.
I can assure the Deputy that I attach a very high priority to outsourcing and expanding the speed camera network and to ensuring there will be no undue delay in the procurement process. I expect that, subject to negotiations, the contract for safety cameras will be awarded and the start up phase commence as early as possible.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:268 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of anti-stab vests currently available for use by members of An Garda Síochána. [5373/07]
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:269 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a request for tender has been issued for the provision of anti-stab vests to An Garda Síochána; if not, when such a request for tender will be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5374/07]
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:270 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a contract has been signed for the provision of anti-stab vests to An Garda Síochána; if not, when such a contract will be signed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5375/07]
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:271 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the estimated or projected timetable for the roll out of anti-stab vests to members of An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5376/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 268 to 271, inclusive, together.
I am advised by the Garda Authorities that a Request for Tender for the supply and delivery of 11,000 Anti-Stab/Ballistic vests (with an option to purchase an additional 4,000) was published in the EU Journal and the Government's tendering website on 8th May, 2006. These Anti Stab Vests will be provided to all uniform members.
Following completion of the evaluation process, a contract was signed and the fitting and delivery programme commenced on 8th February. Under this programme it is anticipated that in excess of 1,000 vests will be issued to uniform members by the end of this month and distribution will be completed within the next number of months.
In addition, a total of 1,300 ballistic/anti-stab vests have been issued to Detective Gardaí and those employed on a long term basis as aides to Detective Units.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:272 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of bullet proof vests currently available for use by members of An Garda Síochána. [5377/07]
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:273 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a request for tender has been issued for the provision of bullet proof vests to An Garda Síochána; if not, when such a request for tender will be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5378/07]
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:274 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a contract has been signed for the provision of bullet proof vests to An Garda Síochána; if not, when such a contract will be signed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5379/07]
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:275 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the estimated or projected timetable for the roll out of bullet proof vests to members of An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5380/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 272 to 275, inclusive, together.
I am advised by Garda Authorities that, to date, an initial 1,300 Ballistic Vests with anti-stab properties have been delivered to the Garda Síochána and that these vests have been issued to Detectives.
A Request for Tender for the supply and delivery of up to 2,100 (an initial supply of 1,500 with an option to purchase a further 600) Ballistic Vests with anti-stab properties was published in the EU Journal and the Government's tendering website on 6th April, 2006. These Ballistic Vests are being provided to Detective Gardaí and those employed on a long term basis as aides to Detective Units.
Following completion of the evaluation process and contract award, a total of 1,300 vests have been delivered. I am further advised that an order has been placed for delivery of an additional 300 Ballistic Vests.
In addition, the Garda authorities have signed a contract for the supply of 11,000 anti-stab/ballistic vests (with an option to purchase an additional 4,000) for issue to all uniform members. Delivery and fit-out of these commenced on 8th February. It is anticipated that in excess of 1,000 vests will be issued to uniformed members by the end of this month and distribution will be completed within the next number of months.
Garda Stations.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:276 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans for the improvement of Garda stations or barracks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5382/07]
The Deputy can be assured that there is an enormous work programme in place to progress the refurbishment or replacement of specific Garda stations in order to bring them up to the highest standard. Between the start of 2005 to the end of 2007, the Office of Public Works will have spent approximately €112 million on a wide range of Garda building projects. In 2005 alone, that Office spent €26 million on Garda Building projects such as Bantry, Ballyshannon, Roscrea, New Ross and Ballina Garda Stations. In addition, a major building programme was completed in the Garda College and recently the Board purchased 252 acres of land outside Templemore for the new tactical training centre for An Garda Síochána.
A wide range of projects are scheduled between now and the end of 2007, which include Kill-O-Grange, Claremorris and Oranmore as well as progressing, Ballymun, Dromad, Finglas and many more. In addition to the capital funding outlined above, a total of €8.36m is provided for maintenance of existing stations under the Garda Vote Estimate for 2007 — an increase of €2.1m on last years allocation.
The Garda Building Programme is progressed on the basis of agreed priorities. A number of the stations form part of an overall list of 40 to 50 Major Capital Works projects that have been prioritised and are being advanced. Others are included in planned refurbishment works and the provision of standard smaller type stations known as "basic units". It is important to note that progress on the Garda major building programme is achieved by consensus and with the cooperation and commitment of all concerned — the Garda authorities and Representative Associations and the Office of Public Works from whose Vote the capital works to Garda properties are funded.
I am determined that the Garda Building Programme will be progressed as quickly as possible. Processes have been streamlined by the appointment of a new civilian Garda Accommodation Officer last year. Also, the transfer of Accounting Officer functions to the Garda Commissioner has led to greater efficiencies as functions previously split between the Gardaí and my Department are now transferred to An Garda Síochána.
Garda Transport.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:277 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number and type of vehicles currently available for use by members of An Garda Síochána. [5383/07]
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:278 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the price paid by the State in respect of each vehicle currently available for use by members of An Garda Síochána. [5384/07]
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:279 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans for extending the number of vehicles available for use by members of An Garda Síochána. [5385/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 277 to 279, inclusive, together.
A large range of vehicles currently is in use by the Garda Authorities including marked and unmarked cars, vans, motor cycles, 4 X 4 vehicles, minibuses and lorries. The allocation or reallocation of these vehicles is constantly assessed by the Garda authorities.
The number and type of vehicles currently available for use by members of An Garda Síochána are set out in the table.
|
Cars |
Vans |
Bikes |
4×4s |
M/Buses |
Lorries |
Total |
|
1,639 |
245 |
209 |
92 |
56 |
6 |
2,247 |
The Garda Fleet is currently undergoing a major investment programme and an expansion in specific areas which will target organised crime, public order and traffic in particular. The total spend for 2006 on the purchase of 1,378 new vehicles to upgrade the fleet was €27.45 million resulting in the renewal of over half of the entire Garda fleet in just a single year. Further investment is planned for this year including the purchase of additional motorbikes which will make a significant contribution to traffic law enforcement.
Garda Equipment.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:280 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the deficiencies in the PULSE system. [5387/07]
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:282 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he will take to deal with the deficiencies or limitations of the PULSE system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5389/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 280 and 282 together.
I am assured by the Garda Authorities that PULSE, the primary IT system for An Garda Síochána, is operating very satisfactorily. Significant investment has been made to improve the availability and response times of the system and I am advised that as a result, over the course of the past year, there has been no unplanned downtime of the system.
The functionality of the system is continually being enhanced to accommodate new business requirements, policies and procedures as well as changes in legislation. Additional Garda stations have been added, with PULSE now available in 320 locations. Over 1,900 personal computers with Pulse are available to both Garda and civilian personnel. Last year alone, 79 new Stations were added to the network.
The deputy will also be aware that the Garda Information Services Centre, which was established last year in Castlebar, allows Gardaí, who would otherwise have to return to their stations to input data into the PULSE system, to log the information with the GISC, while remaining on the beat. Quality control and review of data is also managed by dedicated civilian staff at the GISC, thereby relieving Sergeants of this administrative task and allowing them to be deployed on more operational duties.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:281 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the estimated cost of the PULSE system to date. [5388/07]
I have asked the Garda authorities to update the figures I supplied to the Deputy in response to a similar question (10576/06) raised by him last year. I will be in touch with Deputy as soon as these figures become available.
Question No. 282 answered with QuestionNo. 280.
Garda Training.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:283 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of a dedicated indoor firing range for members of An Garda Síochána. [5390/07]
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:284 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans for the provision of a dedicated indoor firing range for members of An Garda Síochána; when he expects one to be constructed or made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5391/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 283 and 284 together.
I am advised by the Garda Authorities that they have available to them a range of facilities for the delivery of firearms training. The Garda authorities are pursuing a number of solutions to provide enhanced and dedicated firearms training facilities. These include, replacement of the existing firearms range at Garda Headquarters with a new facility as part of the new Forensic Science facilities and development of firearms training capabilities at the recently purchased lands outside Templemore. The Office of Public Works are also examining proposals to develop a facility to meet the needs of the Dublin Metropolitan Region and surrounding areas.
Furthermore, use is made of Military ranges, and the Garda Firearms training units together with the Garda College, maintain close liaison with their army colleagues to obtain the maximum amount of time on their ranges. Garda management also inform me that three new Virtual Firearms Automated Training Systems (FATS) were purchased last year in order to expand the options available to An Garda Síochána. I understand that training using this new equipment commenced in January in Limerick, Mullingar and at the existing indoor firing range facility in Garda Headquarters.
Prison Committals.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:285 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the estimated average cost of keeping a prisoner in each of the prisons here; and the number of prisoners in each prison. [5392/07]
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:286 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the estimated breakdown of the annual cost of keeping a person in prison here in respect of each prison. [5393/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 285 and 286 together.
The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the table. The figures relate to 2005 as the cost of keeping an offender for 2006 will not be available until later in the year.
|
Prisons and Places of Detention |
Average cost of keeping prisoner in custody — 2005 |
Average number of prisoners in custody — 2005 |
|
€ |
||
|
Arbour Hill |
75,600 |
138 |
|
Castlerea |
76,900 |
210 |
|
Cork |
87,700 |
257 |
|
Cloverhill |
84,800 |
391 |
|
Dóchas |
86,300 |
87 |
|
Limerick |
75,800 |
268 |
|
Loughan House |
68,500 |
74 |
|
Midlands |
85,300 |
426 |
|
Mountjoy |
100,400 |
487 |
|
Portlaoise |
240,700 |
121 |
|
Shelton Abbey |
80,900 |
51 |
|
St. Patrick’s |
90,700 |
187 |
|
Training Unit |
71,500 |
93 |
|
Wheatfield |
81,100 |
360 |
|
Overall |
90,900 |
3,150 |
The cost per prisoner is based on the average daily number of offenders in custody during 2005. The operational cost of each institution is based on actual running costs (ie pay, overtime, food, light and heat, maintenance, staffing numbers, utilities, etc). These costs include certain fixed costs that arise irrespective of the number of offenders in custody e.g. staffing numbers, utilities, etc. All headquarters and central service costs are allocated over the prison establishments for the purpose of calculating the cost per prisoner at each institution. Capital expenditure is excluded from the calculation in the interest of facilitating comparison in individual institutional costs.
Garda Transport.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:287 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the arrangements within An Garda Síochána for the purchase of fuels for Garda vehicles. [5394/07]
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:288 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the estimated annual cost of fuels for Garda vehicles. [5395/07]
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:289 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the protocols in place for ensuring that value for money practices are employed by members of An Garda Síochána, where possible, when purchasing fuels for Garda vehicles. [5396/07]
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:290 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has plans to monitor or change practices by members of An Garda Síochána purchasing fuels for Garda vehicles. [5397/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 287 to 290, inclusive, together.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that in accordance with the requirements of the EU Council Directives on procurement, the purchase of fuels for the Garda fleet is organised through an open competitive tendering process. The award criteria for such tenders include location/opening hours of nominated fuel stations and the price of the fuels supplied consistent with operational requirements. It is essential that Garda vehicles can access a network of fuel stations that provide twenty four hour coverage to meet operational requirements. The annual cost for fuel in 2006 was €8,433,812.
Garda Strength.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:291 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of juvenile liaison officers currently in operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5398/07]
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:292 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to increase the number of juvenile liaison officers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5399/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 291 and 292 together.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána increased to a record 13,000 following the attestation of 299 new members on Thursday, 16 November, 2006. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June, 1997 and represents an increase of 2,298 (or 21.5%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. The combined strength (all ranks), of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training as at the 31 December 2006 was 14,068. Furthermore, I should say that in December, 2006 as part of a package of anti-crime measures, the Government approved the continuation of the existing Garda recruitment programme to achieve a total Garda strength of 15,000. The accelerated intake of 275 new recruits per quarter into the Garda College will continue until this target is met. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.4 billion, an 11% increase on 2006 and a 96% increase since 1997 in real terms.
I have been further informed that the number of Juvenile Liaison Officers currently in operation is 7 Sergeants and 86 Gardaí. In addition to this, the National Juvenile Office has a staff of 1 Superintendent, (the Director of Diversion Programme), 1 Inspector and 3 Sergeants.
I should add that it is the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel to and within Divisions. These personnel allocations are determined by a number of factors including demographics, crime trends and other operational policing needs. Such allocations, including those of Garda Juvenile Liaison Officers, 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.
Proposed Legislation.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:293 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his legislative priorities for the coming session; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5400/07]
The legislation for which I have responsibility in my Department in the present Session is as contained in the Government's Legislative Programme announced by the Chief Whip on 30 January 2007. The ordering of the legislation that is before the House and any other measures I may bring forward is a matter for the Government Chief Whip in consultation with other Whips.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:294 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he expects the DNA Database Bill to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5401/07]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I obtained Government approval today for the priority drafting of the Criminal Justice (Forensic Sampling and Evidence) Bill 2007. The establishment of a DNA database for criminal investigation purposes will be a central element of the Bill. I expect the Bill to be published and enacted later this year.
In line with the Government decision it is my intention to forward the general scheme to the Human Rights Commission for their observations in accordance with section 8(b) of the Human Rights Commission Act 2000 and to publish the scheme on my Department's website in the coming days.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:295 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he has taken or will take to implement the terms of the United Nations Convention on Corruption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5402/07]
The United Nations Convention against Corruption was adopted by the UN General Assembly in October 2003 and was signed on behalf of Ireland, when it opened for signature, in December 2003. The Convention entered into force on 14 December 2005.
My officials, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, are currently examining the Convention. They have also undertaken consultations with other Departments and Agencies. While the majority of its provisions are catered for in existing legislation, some additional legislation will be required to enable Ireland to ratify the Convention.
The first Conference of the States Parties to the Convention was held in Jordan in December 2006, one year after the Convention's entry into force. The purpose of this Conference was to improve the capacity of and cooperation between States Parties to achieve the Convention's objectives, and to promote and review its implementation. Ireland was represented by officials from my Department.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:296 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans for the introduction of new legislation to deal with money laundering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5403/07]
Ireland already has extensive legislation in place to tackle money laundering and the financing of terrorism activities. I intend to seek the Government's approval shortly to extend the current legislative provisions in this area. I am currently in the process of preparing legislation to transpose Directive 2005/60/EC of the European Parliament and of Council on the prevention of the use of financial system for the purpose of money laundering and terrorist financing, into Irish law. The Directive was finalised in 2005 and has a transposition date of 15 December 2007. This Directive represents the European Union's ongoing commitment to tackle the international problem of money laundering and terrorist financing by implementing the global standards produced by the Financial Action Task Force (FAFT) in 2003. My proposals will also take account of the relevant provisions of the 2005 Council of Europe Convention on Laundering, Search, Seizure, and Confiscation of the Proceeds of Crime and on Financing of Terrorism.
Because of the complexity of the proposed legislation and its likely impact on individuals and bodies involved in specified financial transactions, the process of preparing this legislation is assisted by a Money Laundering Steering Committee, comprising organisations representing a wide range of activities and professions with a direct interest in the provisions of the proposed legislation. The Steering Committee meets under the auspices of the Department of Finance, to discuss issues surrounding the implications of the legislation and to be briefed on aspects of the legislative requirements arising in the context of the transposition of the Directive. Officials of my own Department play a central role in the Money Laundering Steering Committee's deliberations.
The assessment of the necessary legislative changes, which will extend and strengthen the current provisions on money laundering and the drafting of a General Scheme of a Money Laundering Bill to transpose Directive 60/05/EC and to meet any FATF and Council of Europe requirements, is at an advanced stage. It is my intention to submit legislative proposals in this regard, to Government for approval shortly.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:297 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when and if it is proposed to implement plans for the provision of power to the Director of Public Prosecutions to appeal against unduly lenient sentences in serious cases before the District Court or any other court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5404/07]
My Department is currently examining the Report on Prosecution Appeals and Pre-trial Hearings which was published by the Law Reform Commission in November 2006. I am also awaiting the Report of the Balance in the Criminal Law Review Group which I established last November and which is due to report in March of this year.
The issue of prosecution appeals has a number of aspects to it. First, there is the question of whether the appeal is ‘without prejudice' to an acquittal. There is also the question of re-opening cases where, for example, new evidence becomes available following the acquittal. Finally, there is the question of appealing where the original sentence was considered by the DPP to have been too lenient.
The Law Reform Commission Report followed two earlier Consultation Papers, one in relation to appeals in cases heard on indictment, the other in relation to cases heard by the District Court.
The LRC noted that the Criminal Justice Act 2006 implemented its recommendations in relation to appeals on indictment, to the extent that there should be an extended ‘without prejudice' prosecution appeal which would not overturn an acquittal but would correct any legal errors for future cases.
In respect of cases tried before the District Court, the LRC took the view that, in principle, prosecution appeals against unduly lenient sentences should also be permitted. However, the Commission felt more information was required on the level of sentencing and the consistency of approach taken in the District Court before proceeding to give the DPP powers to bring appeals.
It should be noted that the Board of the Courts Service has established a Steering Committee to plan for and provide a sentencing information system. The Committee has reviewed such systems around the world and proposes to establish a pilot project in the Circuit Court in Dublin. When the Steering Committee completes its work, further consideration can be given to the question of compiling a database of information on criminal sentences.
The current law in relation to prosecution appeals against unduly lenient sentences is set out in section 2 of the Criminal Justice Act 1993 (as amended by section 23 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006). It deals with cases tried on indictment.
The terms of reference that I agreed for the Balance in the Criminal Law Review Group, require the Group to consider the question of prosecution appeals to nullify an acquittal where there is evidence of jury or witness tampering and to look also at ‘with prejudice' appeals in the case of wrongful acquittals, including cases where new evidence emerges after an acquittal.
I propose to await the report of the Review Group and to take its views, along with those of the LRC, into account before presenting proposals for further legislative changes in this area.
National Development Plan.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:298 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the projects contained in the new national development plan that will be procured and commenced in 2007 in his Department; when they will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5797/07]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:299 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the large scale infrastructure projects which will be completed during the lifetime of the new national development plan within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5808/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 298 and 299 together.
I wish to refer the Deputy to my press release of 23 January, 2007 which set out key elements within the €2.82 billion allocated under the National Development Plan (NDP) for Justice and Equality programmes. This unprecedented level of funding will support major infrastructural development in An Garda Síochána as well as the in the Prisons, Youth Justice and Courts services. It will also promote a wide range of significant measures to enhance social inclusion and equality.
Announcements regarding progress on major infrastructural projects under the NDP will be made at appropriate intervals over its duration. I would however draw the Deputy's particular attention to the Thornton project, which is to replace the Mountjoy Prison Complex and on which construction is expected to begin in 2007.
Liquor Licensing Laws.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:300 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the number of new off-licences for the sale of alcohol granted in Dublin in the years 2005 and 2006. [4810/07]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the number of new off licences granted in Dublin for the Licensing year 2005 and 2006 are as follows:
2005 (1 Oct. 2004-30 Sept. 2005) was 71.
2006 (1 Oct. 2005-30 Sept. 2006) was 62.
Garda Stations.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:301 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the situation regarding the proposed new Garda station at Ballincollig Garda station; when planning will be sought for this development. [4907/07]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána increased to a record 13,000 following the attestation of 299 new members on Thursday, 16 November, 2006. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June, 1997 and represents an increase of 2,298 (or 21.5%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. The combined strength (all ranks), of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training as at the 31 December 2006 was 14,068. Furthermore, I should say that in December, 2006 as part of a package of anti-crime measures, the Government approved the continuation of the existing Garda recruitment programme to achieve a total Garda strength of 15,000. The accelerated intake of 275 new recruits per quarter into the Garda College will continue until this target is met. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.4 billion, an 11% increase on 2006 and a 96% increase since 1997 in real terms.
There are plans to build a new city type Garda station at Ballincollig. A revised sketch scheme was sent to the OPW recently. The Office of Public Works (OPW) will proceed with the planning process and invitation of tenders.
I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of Ballincollig Garda Station on 31 December, 1997 and 12 February, 2007 was 17 and 21 (all ranks) respectively. This represents an increase of 4 (or 23.5%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date. Ballincollig Garda Station is open to the public from 9am to 1pm, 2pm to 6pm and 7pm to 8pm from Monday to Friday and from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday. The call diversion system is in operation and linked to the District Headquarters at Gurranabraher Garda Station.
I am advised that the extension of opening hours at Ballincollig Garda Station would necessitate the employment of additional personnel on indoor administrative duties who may be more effectively employed on outdoor policing duties.
During the allocation of newly attested personnel, the needs of Ballincollig Garda Station will be fully considered by the Garda Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda Stations throughout the country.
Paul Kehoe
Question:302 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding a project (details supplied) in County Wexford; the reason for the delay regarding this project; when he expects the building to begin; when planning is expected to be applied for to Wexford County Council; if he will confirm that this will be the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5328/07]
The Commissioners of Public Works expect to finalise the acquisition of a site at Roxborough for Wexford Garda Station before the end of February 2007.
It is expected that a sketch scheme for a new Divisional Headquarters will be ready in early 2007. On approval of the sketch scheme by the Garda Authorities a Part 9 planning application will be initiated. Allowing for the completion of the planning process and the procurement process, it is expected that construction will commence within 12 months.
Tax Code.
Jerry Cowley
Question:303 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Finance the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has not received travelling expenses for two years despite negotiations and agreements reached on said expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4687/07]
The official concerned submitted, in March 2006, a Travel and Subsistence claim for the period 1st November 2004 to 28th February 2006. After careful examination of the claim he was informed in writing on the 26th May 2006 that the claim submitted was not in accordance with the terms of Department of the Public Service Circular 11/82 which sets out the rules governing Travel and Subsistence. A detailed explanation was provided to him in relation to the pertinent parts of Circular 11/82 and he was invited to resubmit his claim.
While there is a mediation agreement in place it has been made very clear to the official this agreement is still governed by the terms of Circular 11/82 and does not provide him with an exemption from the terms of that Circular.
A letter dated 11th August 2006 reminded the official that his claim must be in line with the terms of Circular 11/82.
As soon as the official submits his claim under the terms of Circular 11/82 it will receive immediate and urgent attention.
Tax and Social Welfare Codes.
Jack Wall
Question:304 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Finance if the necessary revenue details will be supplied to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare to allow the person make an old age pension application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4688/07]
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that any application for State Pension is made to the Department of Social and Family Affairs.
In making an application for a State Pension (Contributory) on form SPT/SPC1, the taxpayer is obliged to provide (together with other non-Revenue items) his Form P60 for the last full tax year before he reached age 65 or 66 (if employed for that year). Form P60 is provided to the taxpayer by his employer shortly after the tax year ends on 31 December each year. There are no other Revenue documents to be provided by the taxpayer in making application for a State Pension (Contributory).
In making application for a State Pension (Non-Contributory) on form SPNC1, which is subject to means test, there are no Revenue documents to be provided.
The taxpayer has outstanding tax arrears which are being collected by monthly instalments. In due course, should the taxpayer receive any payments from the Department of Social and Family Affairs, the instalment arrangement presently in place will not be altered unless specifically requested by the taxpayer.
Jack Wall
Question:305 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Finance the plans or proposals he has for the removal of the 21% VAT rate on panic alarms used by many older persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4767/07]
The position is that the VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. Under the EU VAT Directive, Member States may retain the zero rates on goods and services which were in place on 1 January 1991, but cannot extend the zero rate to other goods and services. As the supply of panic alarms was not subject to the zero rate on 1 January 1991 it is not possible to apply the zero rate to the supply of these goods or related services. There is no provision in EU VAT law that would allow for the abolition of VAT on the supply of panic alarms.
In addition, Member States are only able to apply the reduced VAT rate to those goods and services which are listed under Annex III of the EU VAT Directive. As the goods referred to by the Deputy and the associated monitoring services are not listed under Annex III it would not be possible to apply the reduced VAT rate to panic alarm systems or monitoring fees charged by service providers for socially monitored alarms. The purchase and monitoring of home security systems are therefore subject to the standard VAT rate of 21 per cent.
However, I would add that under the Value Added Tax (Refund of Tax)(No. 15) Order, 1981, it may be possible to obtain a VAT refund in respect of the purchase of a panic alarm system by or on behalf of a disabled person, as it may be considered a medical device for the purpose of this refund order. However, monitoring and maintenance fees are not recoverable.
In addition, the Deputy may be aware of the Scheme of Community Support for Older People operated by the Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs. The purpose of the scheme is to encourage and assist the community's support for older people by means of a community based grant scheme to improve the security of its older members. Funding under the scheme can be provided for small scale security equipment designed to strengthen points of entry to the dwelling; for security lighting; for smoke alarms and for the once-off cost of installing socially monitored personal alarm systems. Annual monitoring fees or maintenance fees associated with socially-monitored alarm systems are not provided for under the scheme.
Social Finance Fund.
Joan Burton
Question:306 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance when the social finance fund announced in budget 2006 will start to issue loans to voluntary projects; the person who will be in charge of the fund; the number of staff members it will have; their responsibilities and salaries; the criteria they will use for assessing loan applications; the penalties that will be imposed on projects that are unable to meet their repayments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4848/07]
On 2 February 2007 I launched the Social Finance Foundation to implement the Social Finance Initiative announced in Budget 2006. The Social Finance Foundation has been established on a not-for-profit basis to act as a wholesale supplier of social finance for on-lending by specialist social finance lenders to support social and developmental projects and social enterprise in local communities. The Foundation established under company law is governed by its members/directors. The Foundation has received seed funding of €25 million from the Irish banking sector for distribution to qualifying intermediaries. These lending intermediaries are expected to comprise existing social finance lenders, as well as those that emerge as a result of the establishment of the Foundation.
The Foundation's lending policies and procedures as well as the appointment, role and remuneration of staff are matters for the board of the Foundation. The board of the Foundation is chaired by Mr Peter Quinn. Information on the other directors of the Foundation was included in the press release issued by my Department which is available on the Department's website at www.finance.gov.ie. The Chair indicated at the launch that the Foundation intends to commence its lending activities by mid-year. I see the launch of the Social Finance Foundation as a catalyst for deeper participation by private finance in the area of local and community development and social finance projects, over and above the significant seed funding contributed by the banks.
Architectural Heritage.
Tom Hayes
Question:307 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Finance the progress made to date on the Office of Public Works improvement plan for the Rock of Cashel. [4886/07]
The Office of Public Works is in receipt of a draft feasibility study for improving visitor facilities at the Rock of Cashel and a number of options are being considered at present.
Industrial Development.
Jerry Cowley
Question:308 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Finance his views on a special tax incentive scheme for County Mayo in view of the decline in manufacturing industry and the need to attract entrepreneurs to the area in the interests of local development in an employment black spot area; the impediments that prevent him from introducing such an incentive scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4938/07]
A number of areas in Mayo are already designated for relief under the 2 main area based tax incentive schemes, Ballina was among the 42 towns and cities that had integrated areas designated for tax relief under the 1999 Urban Renewal Scheme, while Belmullet, Charlestown and Foxford had sub-areas and sites designated for tax relief under the Town Renewal Scheme. Under both of these schemes tax relief has been and continues to be provided for the refurbishment and construction of certain residential, commercial and industrial buildings.
Following a major review of various property and area based tax incentive schemes I announced in Budget 2006 that the various existing reliefs either had achieved the objectives set out for them or were no longer considered to be cost effective in terms of the objectives set out for them and were therefore being terminated subject to certain transitional provisions. These included the Urban Renewal and Town Renewal Schemes. While I will continue to assess the role that time-limited tax relief schemes can play in supporting public policy objectives, there are no proposals at present to re-introduce tax incentive schemes along the lines of the ongoing Urban or Town Renewal Schemes in County Mayo.
Jerry Cowley
Question:309 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Finance his views, in view of the population explosion predicted by the Central Statistics Office in Dublin, on whether there is little point in promoting further development of this area when he should be introducing financial incentives to promote the under developed counties such as Mayo, especially with the Border Midland Western region underspend of the national development plan of €3.75 billion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4939/07]
In relation to the NDP 2000-2006 the figures reported at the recent NDP/CSF Monitoring Committee meeting in December 2006 indicate that some €11.7 billion of Exchequer and EU expenditure has been incurred in the BMW region by the end of June 2006. The original Exchequer and EU forecast for the BMW region for the lifetime of the Plan is €14.5 billion. Accordingly, this is a healthy implementation rate in view of the slow start up in some areas at the very beginning, the relatively disappointing response in certain demand led schemes and the fact that Exchequer spending in relation to Structural Fund Measures for the 2000-2006 period will in fact continue up to 2008 in accordance with EU Regulations.
Based on the most recent information available to me from Monitoring Committee reports including their assessments of continuing spend under the current NDP, I expect that by the end of the programme period in 2008, Exchequer and EU spending in the BMW region will be in the region of €14 billion. It is therefore totally incorrect to contend as the Deputy continues to do, that there will be any underspend of the order of €3.75 billion in the BMW region. I can only conclude that the Deputy, with others, continues to insist on this misrepresentation for the purposes of deliberately misleading the public, and in an effort to curry some sort of favour with the electorate on a false basis.
Chapter 3 of the recently launched National Development Plan 2007-2013 sets out a strong framework for the promotion of regional development with a particular focus on investment in the National Spatial Strategy (NSS) Gateway centres. In this context the Plan correctly recognises the need to promote a strong and efficient Greater Dublin Area given its central role in driving development not just in its own region but in the State as a whole. The Plan also recognises the need to promote the other Gateway centres, Hubs — including Castlebar/Ballina, county towns and rural areas.
Five of the Gateway centres — Dundalk, Letterkenny/Derry, Midlands, Galway and Sligo — are in the Border, Midlands and West Region. The Plan points out that in addition to the specific Gateway projects mentioned "there will be many additional programmes and projects funded under the Plan which will play an important role in the economic and social development of the Gateway Regions, including the Hubs, county towns and rural areas of the Regions". There is also a Chapter of the Plan dedicated to the Rural Economy. The projects listed are undoubtedly key ones not only for the Gateway centres but also to improve linkages within them and other regions. Finally, it can be expected that the BMW region will benefit directly from the consolidated and enhanced framework for all-island cooperation set out in the Plan.
In addition, the Plan provides for the establishment of a Gateways Innovation Fund of some €300 million of Exchequer funding for the period 2008-2010. The purpose of this fund is to leverage matching private and other public funding for projects that give added value to Gateway development. The Fund will of course be accessible to Gateway areas in the Border, Midlands and West Regional Authority areas.
National Parks.
Tony Gregory
Question:310 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Finance if he will ascertain from the Office of Public Works when the children’s playground in the Phoenix Park, Dublin 7 will re-open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4963/07]
The playground was closed on 31st December 2006 for health and safety reasons pending specific repair works. The playground was re-opened on 7th February.
Tax Code.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:311 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if inheritance or other tax is due in the transfer from father to daughter of a site to build a home for herself on her father’s lands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5056/07]
The transfer of land can incur liability to tax under three tax heads; namely capital acquisitions tax (CAT) (which includes gift and inheritance tax); capital gains tax (CGT) and stamp duty. However, there are a number of reliefs and allowances in place in respect of each of these taxes to reduce the burden of taxation with regard to the transfer of a site from a parent to a child for the purposes of building a home.
The CAT code contains "Group threshold" exemptions, based on relationships, which provide relief from CAT on the disposal of assets between individuals. The Group threshold applying to a gift or inheritance received by a child from her parents for 2007 is €496,824. Any other gifts/inheritances that might have been received by the child from her parents since 5 December 1991 will also be taken into account when applying the threshold for the purposes of calculating the gift/inheritance tax. In this respect, if the value of the site now being transferred plus the value of any other gifts/inheritances received by the daughter from her parents since 5 December 1991 is, in total, below €496,824, no CAT will arise on the transfer.
Where land is transferred upon death, no charge to CGT or stamp duty arises. Life transfers may be liable to CGT and stamp duty in the normal manner. However, section 603A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 and section 83A of the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999 provide an exemption from CGT and stamp duty, respectively, in the case of a transfer of a site from a parent to a child, in certain circumstances, for the purposes of building a residence. The conditions are that (a) the site may not be greater in value than €254,000, and (b) the child must construct a dwelling house on the site and occupy it as her only or main residence for at least 3 years. In addition, the Finance Bill 2007 contains provisions to limit the size of the site concerned in the relief to 1 acre. A transfer by the child to her spouse will not constitute a transfer which withdraws the relief.
Garda Stations.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:312 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the reason arrangements in relation to the long promised upgrading of the derelict Garda station at Dunmanway have not been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5108/07]
The Commissioners of Public Works await confirmation of title from the vendor for the strip of land which it is proposed to purchase at the rear of the Garda Station in Dunmanway. This strip of ground is essential if redevelopment of the existing Garda Station is to proceed.
In the meantime, the Commissioners have decided, in consultation with the Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform, to advertise both nationally and locally for a greenfield site in Dunmanway. The advertisement is expected to be published shortly.
Site Acquisitions.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:313 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance if the Office Of Public Works which has sourced a suitable two and a half acre site for a new school for Summercove, Kinsale, County Cork, has authority and is prepared to pay market value for this site; and if so, if it will arrange accordingly. [5109/07]
The Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland act as agents for the Department of Education & Science in the acquisition of sites for primary schools. A site has been identified which has been technically assessed as suitable and is zoned specifically for a primary school.
Negotiations are ongoing with the vendors agent and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this point. When agreement is reached on price, the formal approval of the Department of Education & Science is obtained prior to proceeding to contract.
Tax Code.
Finian McGrath
Question:314 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his views on the concerns of many pensioners who had to pay tax on their PRSI contributions and if they have other pensions or extra money they have to pay tax again; and if he will end this double taxation. [5119/07]
Contributions made to supplementary private pension arrangements are exempt from taxation (subject to certain restrictions) and, in certain circumstances, such contributions are also exempt from PRSI. There is no tax relief on PRSI contributions generally, however, and it is the case that social welfare pensions are liable to tax. The income tax exemption limits for senior citizens aged 65 and over are set at a level that recipients of social welfare pensions would not generally have to pay tax on their income from this source. The exemption limits for 2007 for individuals over the age of 65 are as follows
€19,000 for single/widowed persons and
€38,000 for a married couple.
EU Funding.
Paul Kehoe
Question:315 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance the percentage of the money allocated to his Department from European funds for each of the years 2000 to 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5188/07]
Approximately 3.2 billion euro of Structural Funds was allocated to Ireland for the 2000-2006 programming period. In addition, over 600 million euro was allocated under the Cohesion Fund and Trans European Networks (TENS). An additional 2.2 billion euro was allocated under the EAGGF Guidance to co-finance the separate CAP Rural Development Programme 2000-2006.
My Department oversees the management of the Community Support Framework (CSF) 2000-2006 which contains Ireland's strategy for the use of the Structural, Cohesion and TENS Funds. The CAP Rural Development Programme is managed by the Department of Agriculture and Food.
The CSF is implemented through seven Operational Programmes which are managed by Government Departments and Agencies as set out in Table 1.
|
Operational Programme |
Managing Authority |
|
Economic and Social Infrastructure OP |
Department of Transport |
|
Employment and Human Resources OP |
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment |
|
Productive Sector OP |
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment |
|
S&E Regional OP |
Southern & Eastern Regional Assembly |
|
BMW Regional OP |
Border, Midland & Western Regional Assembly |
|
Peace OP |
Special EU Programmes Body |
|
Technical Assistance OP |
Department of Finance |
The annual financial allocations for the European Structural Funds, the Cohesion Fund and Trans European Networks (TENS) are set out in the CSF programming document (a copy of which is available on www.ndp.ie) and detailed in Table 2.
|
€ millions |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Year |
Structural Funds |
Cohesion Fund |
TENS |
Annual Total |
|
2000 |
664.0 |
136.8 |
6.8 |
807.6 |
|
2001 |
600 |
167.3 |
18.4 |
785.7 |
|
2002 |
534.1 |
136.0 |
10.6 |
680.7 |
|
2003 |
464.0 |
127.3 |
7.1 |
598.4 |
|
2004 |
334.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
334.0 |
|
2005 |
317.1 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
317.1 |
|
2006 |
259.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
259 |
|
Totals |
3,172.2 |
567.4 |
42.9 |
3,782.5 |
As you can see, a total of 3,782 million euro was allocated to Ireland under the CSF 2000-2006 comprising 3,172 million euro Structural Funds, 567 million euro Cohesion Funds and almost 43 million euro TENS.
As set out in Table 1, my Department is Managing Authority for the Technical Assistance Operational Programme 2000-2006 of the CSF and as such, has a total allocation of 4.9 million euro of EU Funds for Programme implementation. This represents 0.13% of EU funding allocated under the CSF 2000-2006.
The Technical Assistance Operational Programme has five measures which cover:
The administration costs of the NDP/CSF Monitoring Committee;
All ongoing evaluations including the mid term evaluation of the NDP/CSF;
Information and publicity;
The ERDF and Cohesion Fund Audit Unit, and
Administrative arrangements for the development of Public Private Partnerships.
Table 3 sets out the annual allocation of these EU funds to the Technical Assistance Operational Programme and the percentage of EU funding under the CSF 2000-2006.
|
Year |
Allocation of Structural Funds — Euro millions |
Allocation as % of EU funds in CSF 2000-2006 |
|
% |
||
|
2000 |
1.1 |
0.14 |
|
2001 |
0.9 |
0.11 |
|
2002 |
0.8 |
0.12 |
|
2003 |
0.7 |
0.12 |
|
2004 |
0.5 |
0.15 |
|
2005 |
0.5 |
0.16 |
|
2006 |
0.4 |
0.15 |
|
Total |
4.9 |
0.13 |
Pension Provisions.
Richard Bruton
Question:316 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the basis on which eligibility for a pension for non-established public servants is calculated; and if he has proposals to improve this arrangement. [5199/07]
Non-established State Employees have broadly the same pension terms as established civil servants paying full class PRSI. They must have at least two years' service, except in the case of a member who dies in service (death gratuity requires no minimum service) and pension benefits depend on the number of years service that a person has and takes account of the personal rate of contributory old age pension through integration.
Pension is payable at age 65. The main benefits of the scheme include:
Retirement pension and lump sum
Supplementary Pension
Preserved pension and lump sum
Preserved death gratuity
Balancing gratuity
Spouses' & Children's pensions
I have no plans to amend the terms of the Scheme.
Disabled Drivers.
Paul Connaughton
Question:317 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Finance the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway, the parent of a child with autism, does not qualify for the cost of the VRT on the purchase price of a motor vehicle to convey the child to and from the various activities that they have to attend in view of the fact that they are a huge risk in an ordinary car, that normal safety belts do not contain them and that they will be a health and safety risk unless they are properly restricted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5212/07]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners, that based on the information supplied, they have been unable to trace any claim by the named person under the Disabled Drivers and the Disabled Passengers (Tax Concession) Regulations, 1994.
The disability criteria for eligibility for the tax concessions under this scheme are set out in the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994. To get the Primary Medical Certificate, an applicant must be severely and permanently disabled and satisfy one of the following conditions:
(a) be wholly or almost wholly without the use of both legs;
(b) be wholly without the use of one leg and almost wholly without the use of the other leg such that the applicant is severely restricted as to movement of the lower limbs;
(c) be without both hands or without both arms;
(d) be without one or both legs;
(e) be wholly or almost wholly without the use of both hands or arms and wholly or almost wholly without the use of one leg;
(f) have the medical condition of dwarfism and have serious difficulties of movement of the lower limbs.
The Senior Medical Officer (SMO) for the relevant local Health Service Executive administrative area makes a professional clinical determination as to whether an individual applicant satisfies the medical criteria. An unsuccessful applicant can appeal the decision of the SMO to the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal, which makes a new clinical determination in respect of the individual.
A special Interdepartmental Review Group reviewed the operation of the Disabled Drivers Scheme. The terms of reference of the Group were to examine the operation of the existing scheme, including the difficulties experienced by the various groups and individuals involved with it, and to consider the feasibility of alternative schemes, with a view to assisting the Minister for Finance in determining the future direction of the scheme.
The Group's Report, published on my Department's website in July 2004, sets out in detail the genesis and development of the scheme. It examines the current benefits, the qualifying medical criteria, the Exchequer costs, relationship with other schemes and similar schemes in other countries. The Report also makes a number of recommendations, both immediate and long-term, referring respectively to the operation of the appeals process and options for the future development of the scheme.
In respect of the long-term recommendations, including the qualifying disability criteria, given the scale and scope of the scheme, further changes can only be made after careful consideration. For this reason, the Government decided that the Minister for Finance would consider the recommendations contained in the Report of the Interdepartmental Review Group in the context of the annual budgetary process having regard to the existing and prospective cost of the scheme. This consideration is undertaken on a regular basis.
Decentralisation Programme.
Richard Bruton
Question:318 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons in posts due to decentralise who have been reassigned to other positions; if the central application system promised to facilitate those wishing to remain in Dublin has been established; the number of vacancies that have been notified to it for filling; the number of applications it has received for those posts; and the reason so little progress has been made in this dimension of redeployment. [5220/07]
Over ten thousand six hundred civil and public servants have applied to relocate under the Decentralisation Programme. At the end of December 2006, over 2,400 staff had been assigned to decentralising posts. Some 700 of these are currently in place, in 15 new locations, while the remainder are being trained in advance of decentralisation to a new location, as soon as accommodation becomes available. It is envisaged that by the end of 2007 public services will be delivered from 33 of the decentralisation towns with approximately 2,000 staff transferred. The precise numbers moving within that time frame will depend on the availability of property as well as timeframes for completion of fit out and installation of necessary ICT (information communications technology) and telecommunication cabling and equipment.
The primary mechanism for placing civil servants who are in posts which are due to decentralise but wish to remain in Dublin is by way of bilateral transfer. As staff, in organisations who are remaining in Dublin, who have applied to decentralise continue to be transferred into decentralising organisations, the posts they vacate become available to those wishing to remain in Dublin.
In addition, the Public Appointments Service has commenced the operation of a system which will match Dublin based posts with people wishing to remain in Dublin. Any decentralising organisation which anticipates that it will have staff wishing to remain in Dublin who cannot be placed within the organisation will engage with the Public Appointments Service in the placement of these individuals. Following detailed discussions with the civil service unions, the precise operation of these arrangements has recently been amended to improve their overall effectiveness. The aim is to achieve a close alignment between the assignment of staff to Dublin posts and the readiness of Departments to release staff at particular grade levels. In that context, Departments and Offices have been asked to update their returns to the Public Appointments Service. The information sought by the Deputy will be furnished as soon as that exercise is completed. Discussions are ongoing with the unions representing professional & technical staff in the Civil Service on this issue.
The position in relation to the State Agencies is of course more complex and further complicated by the absence of any tradition of or agreement on inter-changeability between Public Service organisations and between the Public Service and the Civil Service. Progress has been slower than I would have wished in advancing agreement between management and trade unions on the issues involved. It is my strong view that they can only be resolved through dialogue and negotiations and my Department is pursuing directly with ICTU proposals for getting central discussions underway on the full range of industrial relations issues relating to the decentralisation of State agencies.
Flood Relief.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:319 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance his plans to compensate residents and farmers who were affected by flooding in the Shannon basin over the Christmas 2006 period; if it extends over the entire Shannon; the way claims for compensation may be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5236/07]
I refer the Deputy to the reply by the Minister for Social & Family Affairs to Question 1148 for written answer on Wednesday 31st January 2007.
Banking Sector Regulation.
Pat Carey
Question:320 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Finance the regulations that apply under the Finance Acts or are operated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority regarding the setting up of bank accounts by persons who are unable to provide a utility bill, as gas and electricity bills are paid by the landlords and then apportioned to the individual tenants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5273/07]
There is nothing in tax law requiring the use of a utility bill to set up a bank account. The Deputy may have in mind the requirements of the EU Savings Directive. As the Deputy will be aware, the Savings Directive (which was transposed into Irish law as sections 898B to 898R of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997) provides for most EU Member States to exchange information on the cross border payment of interest to individuals resident in another Member State.
In order to comply with the Directive, paying agents (including banks) in EU member states report to their home state details of all payments of interest made to or secured for beneficial owners who are resident in another member state. In order to identify whether or not an individual is reportable, the paying agent must establish the identity and residence of any individual who opens an account on or after 1 January 2004. In doing this, it may be that a bank would seek sight of a utility bill in order to establish the residence of the individual but there is no obligation on them to do so and there are a range of other options available to establish such details.
Section 32 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1994 requires financial institutions to take reasonable measures to identify their customers. Recommended procedures for the implementation of this provision are set out in Guidance Notes issued under the aegis of the Money Laundering Steering Committee which is chaired by the Department of Finance and includes representatives of financial services industry bodies and the regulatory authorities and State Agencies, including the Garda Síochána. The full text of the Money Laundering Guidance Notes for Credit Institutions is available on the Department of Finance website: http://www.finance.gov.ie/ Publications/otherpubs/monlaun.htm.
Identification of a customer comprises two elements. These are name verification (typically evidenced by photograph bearing document such as passport, driving licence or other reputable source document) and address verification. Paragraph 45 of the Guidance Notes provides for those persons who cannot reasonably be expected to produce certain forms of identification, such as a passport or driving licence and/or whose name and Irish address does not appear on a utility bill, electoral register or directory.
The alternative methods of address verification set out in the Guidance Notes include:
Letter/statement from a licensed employment agency that the person has recently arrived in Ireland and is commencing employment or from an employer that the person has commenced employment and in each case stating that the person is not in a position to produce a utility bill or other document which shows an Irish address. In addition, in such cases the prospective customer should be required to submit follow-up documentation (e.g. utility bill) confirming Irish address in due course.
Letter/statement from a person in a position of responsibility (e.g. a solicitor, accountant, doctor, minister of religion, teacher, social worker, community employment scheme supervisor) who is in a position to confirm the person's address to the credit institution. In such instances the person providing the letter/statement must present themselves to the relevant credit institution providing proof of their own identity and verifying their status to the credit institution.
Documentation/cards issued by a Government Department showing the address of the person.
Normally difficulties arising at account opening are resolved by an approach from the prospective customer to the branch management or to the bank's customer service department. I should stress that it is a matter for each institution to ensure that its procedures satisfy the legal requirement under the Criminal Justice Act 1994 that financial institutions take reasonable measures to identify their customers. The Financial Regulator has also included in its Consumer Protection Code a requirement that any measures adopted in relation to identification of customers should not deny a person access to financial services solely on the grounds that they do not possess certain specified identification documentation.
Garda Stations.
Paul Kehoe
Question:321 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance if he has plans to renovate a Garda station (details supplied) in County Wexford; if not, if officials in the Office of Public Works are aware of the condition of the Garda station; if they will renovate same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5326/07]
The Commissioners of Public Works carried out a condition survey of this property within the last twelve months and based on it's findings have executed some minor works to maintain the fabric of the building in 2006. The Commissioners propose to carry out further minor works to the exterior of the building in the coming weeks.
With regard to renovations the Commissioners of Public Works undertake such works to Garda Stations at the behest of the Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform and the Garda Authorities. To date the Commissioners have not received any such requests.
Tax Collection.
Joe Costello
Question:322 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Finance the reason street traders who were only three weeks on Henry Street, Dublin 1 at Christmas 2006 have been served with tax bills by the Revenue Commissioner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5339/07]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they have issued letters to a number of individuals who held casual trading licences to operate in Henry Street/Moore Street and that do not appear to be registered for Income Tax or Value Added Tax. The individuals have been advised of their obligations to register for tax and to submit the appropriate returns.
The letters issued as part of ongoing work to ensure that everyone that should be registered for tax is registered and complies with their tax and customs obligations.
National Development Plan.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:323 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance the projects contained in the new national development plan that will be procured and commenced in 2007 in his Department; when they will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5367/07]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:324 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance the large scale infrastructure projects which will be completed during the lifetime of the new national development plan within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5369/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 323 and 324 together.
The National Development Plan (2007-2013) is a strategic document setting out a broad investment framework and investment priorities, together with indicative financial allocations, for the next seven years. It does not contain a list of all projects to be undertaken in 2007 and/or over the period of the Plan, although certain Chapters, including those on Regional Development, Economic Infrastructure and Social Infrastructure, refer to projects scheduled for delivery or progression between now and the end of 2013. I understand that other Ministers will be replying in respect of their own areas of responsibility.
In the case of my own Department, most of the investment, including any relevant large scale infrastructural projects, to be made under the NDP will be made by the Office of Public Works (OPW). Both Parliamentary Questions have been forwarded to the OPW for direct reply to the Deputy.
Aside from the above, the only other relevant expenditure under the aegis of my Department concerns PEACE III. However, no expenditure is expected to be required under PEACE III until 2008 as it takes time to establish the programme. There will be expenditure of some €2m related to projects commenced before 2007 under PEACE II that will be completed in 2007/08.
Health Services.
Phil Hogan
Question:325 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate the possibility of providing adequate speech therapy services for the pupils attending a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4747/07]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:326 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the special unit for children with special needs at a school (details supplied) in County Cork has had its speech and occupational therapy services reduced from once per week to once per month; the reason for this reduction; her proposals to increase this service to previous levels; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4798/07]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Care of the Elderly.
Paul McGrath
Question:327 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the structure of funding for local Carers Association offices; if these offices are funded from a national budget; the amount of this budget for the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4863/07]
Willie Penrose
Question:330 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in relation to funding for carers associations, her Department will take steps to fund local offices who are doing tremendous work and who very often have to subsist on a multitude of fundraising activities embarked upon by themselves and who are providing an invaluable service to carers across the country; if, in view of the current economic circumstances, she will take steps to give each such family carers local office a grant of €100,000 per annum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5223/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 327 and 330 together.
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The HSE's responsibility includes funding for the Carer's Association. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issues raised by the Deputies. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to provide the information requested and to have replies issued directly to the Deputies.
Health Service Allowances.
Paul McGrath
Question:328 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if parents in receipt of domiciliary care allowance have regular medical check ups for their children; the regularity of these check ups; the reason a long-term condition should be medically checked on an ongoing basis for receipt of domiciliary care allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4864/07]
Domiciliary Care Allowances may be paid, as the Deputy is aware, in respect of eligible children from birth to the age of 16 who have a severe disability requiring continual or continuous attention which is substantially in excess of that normally required by a child of the same age. Eligibility is determined primarily by reference to the degree of additional care and attention required rather than to the type of disability involved.
As stated in the circular of 1st July 2002, which governs Domiciliary Care Allowance, Medical Reviews on recipients are carried out based on the recommendation of the Senior Area Medical Officer/Area Medical Officer. Financial reviews should be carried out based on the recommendation of the Senior Community Welfare Officer/Community Welfare Officer.
Children in Care.
Tony Gregory
Question:329 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1 who is in receipt of a guardianship social welfare payment cannot be in receipt of a foster care allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4892/07]
The foster care allowance can only be paid in respect of children who are taken into the care of the Health Service Executive and placed in foster care or relative care in accordance with the Child Care Regulations, 1995.
In 1998 the then Minister of State in the Department of Health set up a Working Group on Foster Care. The task of the Working Group was to make recommendations on all aspects of foster care. The issue of relative care was dealt with in detail in the 2001 Report of the Working Group entitled ‘Foster Care — A Child Centred Partnership'. The Report sets out a number of basic principles that should guide placements with relatives. These are:
That the best interests of the child are paramount
That the child should be placed only in an appropriate, safe, healthy and stable environment
That the standard of care must be equivalent to that provided in a traditional foster care arrangement
That relative placements should only be made where a secure attachment exists or has the potential to develop between the child and the relative concerned
That a partnership approach should be used in developing skills and supports for relatives providing foster care
That placements should not be made as a means to provide income support.
The Working Group considered the possibility that some children are placed in the care of the Health Service Executive in order to provide income support for the family in relation to the child. The Group was strongly of the view that such a practice would be highly inappropriate. Income support is a matter for the Department of Social and Family Affairs and those in need of such support should contact that Department. The Working Group stated that children should only be brought into the care of the Health Service Executive if they meet the criteria regarding the need for care and protection set out in the Child Care Act. In addition, the choice of placement of any child in the care system should be based on the particular child's individual best interests.
Under the current legislation, the Health Service Executive must assess the needs of a child placed in care and the suitability of the prospective foster or relative carers, and draw up a child care plan. The implementation of the child care plan places significant responsibilities and duties on foster carers, whether relatives or non-relatives. The Foster Care Allowance is paid in recognition of these additional responsibilities and the additional costs of looking after foster children.
Question No. 330 answered with QuestionNo. 327.
Hospital Services.
Arthur Morgan
Question:331 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children if the paediatric transfer protocol in operation at Louth County Hospital, Dundalk is due for further review; when it was last reviewed; if steps will be taken to bring it into line with the Teamworks report; when this will happen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4689/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Youth Services.
John Deasy
Question:332 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will fund a youth café in Tramore, County Waterford under the auspices of the Tramore Youth Development Project as a pilot project under her new recreation policy for teenagers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4690/07]
The National Recreation Policy, which is to be published in the near future, recognises that youth cafés offer great potential for providing a wide range of developmental, educational and information programmes to young people and acknowledges that such services will require a cross-Departmental and inter-Agency collaborative approach through a partnership process.
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 office has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Pádraic McCormack
Question:333 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Health and Children if the model of care for children’s services in County Galway arising out of the implementation of the Disability Act 2005 and the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 has yet to be implemented; the nature of that plan; when she anticipates its full implementation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4691/07]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government launched the National Disability Strategy, in 2004, as a framework of positive action measures to support the participation of people with disabilities in Irish society. Two new pieces of legislation — the Education for Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act, 2004 and the Disability Act, 2005 form an integral part of this Strategy, along with the suite of six sectoral plans, launched in 2006.
One of the most important aspects of my Department's sectoral plan is the arrangements for commencing Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which provides a statutory entitlement to — an independent assessment of health and education needs; a statement of the services (Service Statement) which it is proposed to provide; and the right to pursue a complaint through an independent redress mechanism if there is a failure to provide these entitlements.
Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 will be commenced on a national basis (including Galway) in respect of persons of different ages as follows: for children aged less than 5 years — with effect from 1, June 2007; for children aged 5 years to 18 years — in tandem with the implementation of the EPSEN Act 2004; and for persons aged over 18 years — as soon as possible but no later than 31 December 2011.
Services for adults and children will continue to be enhanced progressively over the next number of years. The commitment by the Government to provide a Multiannual Investment programme of some €900m over the period 2006-2009 for disability support services recognises the need to build capacity in the health services to deliver on these obligations. The bulk of this funding, around €720m, is being spent in the health services. I have allocated €100m in 2006 and a further €100m in 2007 for the continuing development of services for people with a disability.
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Services.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:334 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the way it is proposed to deliver the promised radiation oncology facility in Waterford city; if this will be through the construction of such a facility in the public system and as part of Waterford Regional Hospital or if it will be in the private sector as part of the private hospital co-location plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4692/07]
The development of radiation oncology at Waterford Regional Hospital (WRH) is an integral part of the Government's National Plan for Radiation Oncology. This will be part of a major oncology development at WRH, including the provision of a 20 bed oncology day ward. The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that it is not intended to provide this development under its co-location initiative at the hospital.
It is my objective and that of the HSE to see the earliest delivery of the Plan in the best interests of cancer patients throughout the country. In December last year I met with the Chairman and Chief Executive of the HSE and discussed the timelines for the delivery of the National Plan. The HSE is examining options to speed up the pace of delivery and will make recommendations to me shortly. In the interim, a service level agreement was signed on 1 February between the HSE and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre Whitfield Clinic in County Waterford. This will support the referral of public patients for radiation oncology treatment pending the commissioning of the radiation oncology centre at WRH.
Care of the Elderly.
Enda Kenny
Question:335 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the waiting times for admission to nursing homes in Dublin south east; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4693/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Waiting Lists.
Enda Kenny
Question:336 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the waiting times for admission to acute hospital beds in each of the hospitals in Dublin south east; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4694/07]
Enda Kenny
Question:337 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the waiting times for assessment in accident and emergency at St. Vincent’s Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4695/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 336 and 337 together.
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services, including responsibility for the collection of data on hospital activity, is a matter for the Health Service Executive. My Department has, therefore, requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the specific information requested.
Improving the delivery of Accident and Emergency services is the Government's top priority in health. Our objectives are to reduce the numbers waiting for admission, the time spent waiting for admission, and the turnaround time for those who can be treated in A & E and do not require admission.
The Health Service Executive continues to report significant improvements in the number of patients in A & E departments who are awaiting admission to an acute bed as compared with the same period last year. The average number of patients awaiting admission during December/January was more than 50% lower than the equivalent period twelve months ago.
Last year the HSE introduced a target of 24 hours within which all patients should be admitted, following the decision to admit. This target is being achieved by the vast majority of hospitals. The HSE is working closely with the small number of hospitals who are continuing to experience difficulties to assist them in reaching this target. The HSE has announced that it will be introducing a revised target of 12 hours within which a patient should be admitted, following the decision to admit. The HSE will also shortly be introducing a monitoring system to record the total time patients spend in A & E departments, from the time they arrive to the time they are either discharged or admitted.
Health Services.
Enda Kenny
Question:338 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of medical examination in primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4696/07]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Medical Practices.
Finian McGrath
Question:339 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement as to the availability of records relating to the withdrawal of artificial hydration and nutrition in Irish hospitals in the end of life context or the nature of Department guidelines on this important issue. [4698/07]
The Medical Council is the statutory body charged with responsibility for, inter alia, the governance of the practice of medical practitioners. Policy guidelines in respect of the issue raised by the Deputy are set out in the Medical Council "Guide to Ethical Conduct and Behaviour of Medical Practitioners".
The relevant extract from the Ethical Guide states as follows:
For the seriously ill patient who is unable to communicate or understand, it is desirable that the doctor discusses management with the next of kin or the legal guardians prior to the doctor reaching a decision particularly about the use or non-use of treatments which will not contribute to recovery from the primary illness. In the event of a dispute between the doctor and relatives, a second opinion should be sought from a suitably qualified and independent medical practitioner.
Access to nutrition and hydration remain one of the basic needs of human beings, and all reasonable and practical efforts should be made to maintain both.
Where death is imminent, it is the responsibility of the doctor to take care that the sick person dies with dignity, in comfort, and with as little suffering as possible. In these circumstances a doctor is not obliged to initiate or maintain a treatment which is futile or disproportionately burdensome. Deliberately causing the death of a patient is professional misconduct.
Hospital records in relation to this issue are a matter for the Health Service Executive. My Department has therefore asked the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange for a response to be issued to you directly in this regard.
Finian McGrath
Question:340 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a recent report from the Care for the People Dying in Hospitals Project in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, found that fear of litigation was seen as a significant factor which shaped the care of the dying ethos and that the dying state as a legitimate diagnosis was still not fully recognised; if her Department has a policy on ensuring appropriate care for the dying; her views on whether the appointment of full-time clinical ethicists in hospitals, as is now commonplace in the United States, would make an important contribution to the overall decision making process in the end of life context. [4699/07]
I have noted the contents of the Report referred to by the Deputy. I consider that the document makes a useful contribution to our understanding of the needs of those at the last stage of their life. I am committed to promoting the dignity of persons who are dying, whether in hospital or other settings. I have no plans regarding the appointment of clinical ethicists but I will ask the Health Service Executive to keep international developments in this area under review.
Finian McGrath
Question:341 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the fact that the web pages of her Department provide detailed information explaining the nature of advance care directives, she will make a statement as to the Government’s understanding of the present legality of such instruments and the advisability of introducing legislation to clarify the law in this area. [4701/07]
The web pages referred to by the Deputy are contained in the Consumer Section of the Department of Health & Children's website (under Health Information). The information in this section is provided in conjunction with the citizens information website, (formerly known as OASIS) provided by Comhairle. Health related topics are copied to the Department of Health and Children's site by way of a regular feed. Further enquiries on the individual topics covered should initially be referred to the citizens information website. The information provided on Advance Care Directives was commissioned by Comhairle and then placed on their website.
Advance Care Directives are an emerging issue, and the Department will continue to monitor international developments in this area. There are no plans to introduce legislation on this issue at present.
Hospital Staff.
John McGuinness
Question:342 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if an extension to sick leave will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who is employed at St. Luke’s, Kilkenny and has made a formal application to the Health Service Executive; and if she will expedite the matter. [4702/07]
Over 120,000 people work full-time or part-time in our public health services. In recent years, the Government's ongoing high level of investment in health has achieved and maintained significant increases in the number of doctors, nurses and other health care professionals employed in the public health services. The Government has also invested heavily in the education and training of such personnel in order to secure a good supply of graduates to provide for the health care needs of the population into the future.
Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of the Actual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.
Care of the Elderly.
Enda Kenny
Question:343 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of the proposed day care centre for older people at Schull Community Hospital; the progress made in relation to its development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4727/07]
The Government's sustained high level of investment in health care has enabled the completion and commissioning of numerous new facilities in both the acute and the non-acute sectors. This year, the sum available for expenditure in health under the Health Service Executive's capital plan is €559.5 million and over the period of the NDP the figure is €4.9 billion.
The HSE has responsibility for the planning and management of capital projects in the health sector, including the development referred to in the Deputy's question. The Department of Health and Children received the Health Service Executive's Capital Plan for 2007 on 17 January 2007. The Plan is presently being evaluated with a view to its approval by my Department and the Department of Finance. The Health Service Executive will announce details of the approved capital programme following this process.
Health Service Staff.
John Gormley
Question:344 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff grade physiotherapy posts that were on offer in the Health Service Executive advertisement in a newspaper (details supplied); the reason the number of these staff grade positions, paid for by the taxpayer, is such a secret that a constituent of this Deputy was refused this information by the HSE; the action she will take to ensure that the 150 young people graduating as physiotherapists in May 2007 have appropriate employment in the Irish health service, in view of the fact that they cannot apply for the jobs advertised in the newspaper as they are just short of qualification and it is unlikely that there will be further HSE recruitment in 2007 in view of the fact that panels will be set up from this advertisement. [4738/07]
Let me say at the outset that it is a matter for the Health Service Executive, as part of the management of its employment ceiling, to determine the appropriate staffing mix required to deliver its service plan priorities and to manage the recruitment process. I am aware that an issue has arisen around the availability of employment opportunities for recently qualified physiotherapists and I have asked the Health Service Executive to give the matter its urgent attention. I understand in the context of the job advertisement referred to by the Deputy that the number of posts on offer is of the order of 30.
My Department and the Health Service Executive are continuing to take steps, in consultation with relevant stakeholders which include the physiotherapy professional body and the physiotherapy managers, to find a satisfactory and sustainable approach to the allocation of posts that will lead to greater employment opportunities for newly qualified graduates in both the short and longer term.
The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Services.
Trevor Sargent
Question:345 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to improve neurological services. [4750/07]
Revenue funding of €3m was provided to the Health Service Executive (HSE) in 2006 for the development of Neurology and Neurophysiology services. An additional €4m has been provided to the HSE in 2007 to support the ongoing development of neurosciences, including neurology services.
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the HSE and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to reply directly to the Deputy regarding the specific application of these monies.
Mental Health Services.
Liz McManus
Question:346 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children when she will institute an inquiry into the collapse of the child and adolescent psychiatry service in Carlow and Kilkenny; the reason the Health Service Executive has not advertised for permanent replacement posts for the two retired child psychiatrists; the emergency plans her Department is considering with the HSE south to immediately install the full range of medical and other professional services for ADHD and autism patients and their families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4751/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The Executive is, therefore, the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Services.
Michael Ring
Question:347 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide funding in order that a speech therapist will be provided at a hospital (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4752/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular question raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Medical Cards.
David Stanton
Question:348 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children if full time students aged 16 or under who are financially dependent on their parents are entitled to full medical cards if their parents hold medical cards which have been granted on medical grounds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4753/07]
The assessment of eligibility to medical cards is statutorily a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE) and is determined following an examination of the means of the applicant and his/her dependants. The Health Act 1970 provides that medical cards may be granted, under Section 45(1)(a), to adult persons who, in the opinion of the HSE, are unable without undue hardship to arrange general practitioner medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants. Furthermore, medical cards are also provided, under Section 45(1)(b) of the Act, to dependants of the adult persons referred to in Section 45(1)(a).
Section 58 of the Health Act, 1970, as amended, provides that GP visit cards may be granted to adult persons with limited eligibility for whom, in the opinion of the HSE, and notwithstanding that they do not qualify for a medical card, it would be unduly burdensome to arrange GP medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants, and also to the dependants of such adult persons. Persons aged 70 and over are statutorily entitled to a medical card, regardless of income. In all other cases an assessment of means is undertaken.
In assessing eligibility, the HSE use guidelines based on people's means, which includes their income, certain allowable outgoings and the effect of other factors which may impact on people's ability to meet the cost of GP services. These guidelines are not statutorily binding. A decision to refuse an application or renewal of a medical card may be appealed to the Executive for further consideration.
The HSE has indicated that in a case where particular circumstances are confined to an individual or individuals within a family, the matter may be dealt with by approving a medical card, under section 45(7) of the Health Act, 1970, for the family member(s) involved. The question of extending full eligibility to dependants of such persons is considered according to the merits of each case.
Health Service Staff.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:349 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the pay anomaly that exists in respect of qualified and unqualified care workers being paid more than qualified nurses. [4768/07]
Social Care Workers (formerly known as assistant house parents) work in intellectual disability services and also work in residential and community childcare services. Social care staff provide care, protection, support, welfare and advocacy for vulnerable and dependent users of the services. In 2000 the Expert Group on Various Health Professions recommended that childcare workers be afforded formal professional status. A Joint Committee on Childcare Workers was established and it agreed interim restructuring arrangements in the context of the decision to introduce formal professional status in the area.
The pay of the grades in the area was significantly improved and all future entrants were required to hold a professional qualification. In 2002 the Report of the Joint Committee on Social Care Professionals recommended that equivalent grades in the intellectual disability sector should be professionalised in the same manner as colleagues in childcare services. In June 2002 the Public Service Benchmarking Body reported and recommended that social care workers in the intellectual disability services should receive the increases that had been granted to their counterparts in childcare services.
This increase which the social care workers received meant that their basic pay was now at a higher level than staff nurses who work in the Intellectual Disability sector. Approximately 6% of nurses are employed in intellectual disability services. This differential in favour of social care workers caused a sense of grievance among their nurse colleagues and in October 2002 nurses in the ID sector voted for industrial action.
In September 2003 a conciliation conference was held under the auspices of the Labour Relation Commission. Agreement was reached between health service employers and the Nursing Alliance (Irish Nurses Organisation, Psychiatric Nurses Association, SIPTU and IMPACT) on a mechanism for dealing with the nurses' grievances. It was agreed between employers and the Nursing Alliance that any future benchmarking exercise would be the appropriate forum to examine the full position of the Registered Mental Handicap Nurses grade vis-a-vis other Social Care Professionals. The Nursing Alliance subsequently informed employers that a ballot of nurses in the ID sector had resulted in a rejection of the agreement reached in the Labour Relations Commission.
The issue was referred to the Labour Court which issued its Recommendation (LCR17805) in April 2004. The Labour Court was satisfied that a formal pay "differential" did not exist between Childcare Workers and Registered Nurses working in the Intellectual Disability sector. The Court noted that in the understanding reached between the parties at the conciliation conference on 3rd September 2003 both sides accepted that the report of the Public Service Benchmarking Body severed all pay links and established new absolute levels of pay for benchmarked grades. There was also an acceptance that any future benchmarking exercise (or whatever subsequent arrangements are put in place for determining public service pay) would be the appropriate forum to examine the full position of the Registered Mental Handicap Nurse grade vis-à-vis other social care professionals. The Court was of the view that the claim could not be dealt with outside of the established agreements and could see no other way in which the claim could be pursued other than in accordance with the terms of the understanding reached at the conciliation conference. The Court recommended that the matter be dealt with in accordance with the understanding reached between the parties at the conciliation conference on 3rd September 2003 and that it be given priority in this Benchmarking exercise.
The second Public Service Benchmarking Body as provided for under Sustaining Progress was established in January 2006. The terms of reference were agreed with the Public Services Committee of ICTU. The terms of reference specifically state that the Benchmarking Body should consider any issues arising from any third party recommendations concerning benchmarking and any group since the Body's first report, including, specifically, Labour Court Recommendation 17805 which dealt with the pay ‘anomaly' between nurses and social care workers. The INO and PNA decided not to participate in the Benchmarking exercise. The unions failed to make a written submission on behalf of their members and did not attend the oral hearings on nurses pay held on 16 October 2006. SIPTU and IMPACT who represent a minority of nurses did make submissions to the Benchmarking Body on the pay ‘anomaly' between social care workers and nurses. The Report of the Benchmarking Body will be published in the latter half of 2007.
Instead of participating in the agreed process for determining public service pay the INO and PNA lodged eight cost increasing claims in December 2005, including a claim with retrospection for a 10.6% increase across all nursing and midwifery grades to place nurses' salaries at a higher level than those of social care workers. It is estimated that this claim would add €225m to annual nurses pay bill.
The Labour Court examined the eight claims in June 2006 and issued a comprehensive recommendation (LCR 18763) in November 2006. In relation to the pay ‘anomaly' between nurses and social care workers, the Court noted that it had previously issued a recommendation on the issue and that this recommendation is specifically referred to in the terms of reference of the Benchmarking Body. The Court also noted that the current claim was "considerably broader in scope and encompasses the totality of nursing and midwifery grades". It was the court's view that "such a claim could only be processed through Benchmarking". In these circumstances the Court did "not recommend concession of this claim at this time".
This is a complex issue and I am conscious of the strongly held views of the nursing unions in relation to the pay differential that exists between social care workers and nurses in the ID sector. The agreement reached in the Labour Relations Commission in 2003 provided a framework for dealing with this matter. The Labour Court has examined this claim on two occasions and recommended that the unions concerned process this claim through Benchmarking as previously agreed. It remains the Government's view that this is the appropriate mechanism to resolve this contentious issue. I would ask the INO and PNA to give further consideration to the Recommendation of the Labour Court and to make the case on behalf of their members before the Benchmarking Body.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:350 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has proposals to make available a comprehensive information pamphlet for parents who may be concerned about autism and its characteristics; her views on this booklet containing information including information on symptoms to watch out for, help groups available and accessing assessment services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4802/07]
As the Deputy may be aware, the Parent's Initiative Planning Group with support and funding from the Health Promotion Unit of my Department, has published a booklet entitled "What do I do now?". This booklet was written by parents for parents who have learned that their child has special needs.
The remainder of the Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Mary Upton
Question:351 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the options available to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 2. [4806/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. The issue which the Deputy raises may also involve a clinical decision. 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.
Animal Laboratory Inspections.
Trevor Sargent
Question:352 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm that the division of responsibilities on inspecting animal laboratories between her Department and the Department of Agriculture and Food has been settled; if she will outline this division of responsibilities; when inspections will resume; if inspectors will attempt to compensate for the dearth of inspections in recent months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4808/07]
Under the Cruelty to Animals Act 1876, as amended, the role of inspectors is to advise the Authority (the Minister for Health and Children) on relevant aspects of applications for licenses to perform animal experiments and applications for registration of premises as user/breeding/supplying establishments and to carry out periodic inspections to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Act.
Since 1969, veterinary officials of the Department of Agriculture and Food have been appointed as inspectors under the Act. That arrangement has been the subject of recent discussions between officials of my Department and of the Department of Agriculture and Food and I can confirm that the Department of Agriculture and Food has agreed that their veterinary staff will continue to act as inspectors.
The Department of Agriculture and Food has indicated that inspections of some of these facilities have been undertaken by their officials in recent months and that it is proposed to continue those inspections in the future within the resources available.
Mental Health Services.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:353 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress that has been made to implement the national policy framework on mental health, A Vision for Change; the extent to which it is expected that waiting times will be reduced and inpatient facilities will be available by 24 January 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4815/07]
The Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, "A Vision for Change", which was launched in January 2006, provides a framework for action to develop a modern, high quality mental health service over the next seven to ten years. The Government has accepted the Report as the basis for the future development of our mental health services.
In March 2006, I appointed an independent monitoring group to monitor progress on the implementation of the recommendations of "A Vision for Change". The group will monitor and assess progress on the implementation of all the recommendations including those which fall under the responsibility of the HSE, government departments and other relevant agencies. The Group is to submit its first annual report in mid 2007.
Implementation of the individual recommendations of "A Vision for Change" is a matter primarily for the HSE. The HSE established an implementation group in July 2006 to ensure that mental health services develop in a synchronised and consistent manner across the country and to guide and resource service managers and clinicians in making the recommendations in "A Vision for Change" a reality. I have been informed by the HSE that they plan to publish a Progress Report and outline the proposed implementation programme over the 10 year life of "A Vision for Change" in the near future. Both of these groups will play an important role in ensuring that the recommendations are implemented in a co-ordinated and timely manner.
In 2006, a sum of €26.2 million was provided for the development of our mental health services in line with "A Vision for Change". A further sum of €25 million has been allocated for 2007 to continue this development.
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services, including waiting times, 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. However, urgent cases are prioritised for immediate assessment. The Executive is, therefore, the appropriate body to consider this and the other matters raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Housing Aid for the Elderly.
Michael Ring
Question:354 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was refused assistance under the special housing aid for the elderly scheme; the basis for this refusal; the details of the means assessment in this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4824/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The HSEs responsibility includes the operation of the Housing Aid Scheme for the Elderly, on behalf of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Services.
Jerry Cowley
Question:355 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there is no speech therapist employed at Mayo General Hospital; her views on whether this is a scandalous situation, in view of the number of people after strokes, for whom a speech therapist is essential to their recovery; the steps she is taking steps to ensure the employment of a speech therapist at Mayo General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4825/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular question 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.
Alarm Systems.
Paul Kehoe
Question:356 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the Health Service Executive using contractors who are not registered with the Private Security Authority to carry out the approved works of installing alarms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4855/07]
The Health Service Executive has responsibility for its estate management and is required to comply with the provisions of the Private Security Services Act 2004, including those relating to installation of alarm systems. My Department has brought the Deputy's question to the attention of the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive.
Health Service Allowances.
Paul McGrath
Question:357 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath who applied in July 2006 for domiciliary care allowance has had their application delayed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4866/07]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Jerry Cowley
Question:358 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children if the occupational therapy and physiotherapy services are being removed from the Dalton Home, run by the Health Service Executive in Claremorris, County Mayo; if this is a retrograde move; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4889/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Services.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:359 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she proposes to take to ensure that Temple Street Hospital, the main hospital responsible for childhood cystic fibrosis care, where five of the seven professionals (details supplied) located in the hospital are funded directly by her Department are not financed as is currently the case by the voluntary fundraising activities carried out by the patients and families of children with cystic fibrosis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4890/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Mental Health Services.
Dan Neville
Question:360 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the child and adolescent psychiatric waiting lists for each county. [4897/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The Executive is, therefore, the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
John Deasy
Question:361 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will examine the case of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and the reason for the delay. [4906/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Voluntary Sector Funding.
Dan Neville
Question:362 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the grants paid to Headway Ireland in 2005, 2006 and budgeted for 2007. [4925/07]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Services.
Mary Upton
Question:363 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason patients (details supplied) are being transferred to nursing homes in Kildare from St. James’s Hospital, without the consent of their next of kin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4945/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Cancer Screening Programme.
Jack Wall
Question:364 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the figures available to her Department in regard to cervical cancer detection in each of the past five years; if these figures are greater than the UK average; the mortality rate as determined by her Department’s figures as a result of cervical cancer in each of the past five years; if these figures are greater than the UK average; if she has had discussions with the health service in the UK in relation to cervical cancer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4953/07]
An effective national cervical screening programme will result in a substantial reduction in the incidence of cervical cancer. It is my objective to have such a programme rolled out, beginning late this year, based on an affordable model. For that purpose, on 1 January 2007, I established a National Cancer Screening Service which amalgamates BreastCheck and the Irish Cervical Screening Programme. This will maximise the expertise in both programmes, ensure improved efficiency and develop a single governance model for cancer screening.
I have allocated additional funding of €5m for 2007 to the Service to commence roll out of the Cervical Screening Programme. The total allocation to the new Service is €33m; this is a 71% increase in the 2006 allocation to the Programmes. Significant preparatory work is well underway involving the introduction of new and improved cervical tests, improved quality assurance training and the preparation of a national population register. The plan is to have cervical screening managed as a national call/recall programme via effective governance structures that provide overall leadership and direction, in terms of quality assurance, accountability and value for money. All elements of the programme, call/recall, smear taking, laboratories, colposcopy and treatment services will be quality assured, organised and managed to deliver a single integrated service.
Statistics in relation to cancer incidence are collated by the National Cancer Registry. My Department has asked the Director of the Registry to examine these matters and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Jack Wall
Question:365 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department or the Health Service Executive acting on behalf of her Department entered into an agreement with a company to deal with the backlog of 30,000 smear tests that are at present awaiting evaluation within the HSE; if so, when the test evaluation will commence; the timeframe for the completion of such tests and evaluations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4955/07]
Jack Wall
Question:366 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department has investigated the UK system in relation to the evaluation of smear testing where results are known to the applicant or patient within three weeks as compared to ten months here; her proposals to align such differences; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4957/07]
Jack Wall
Question:367 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the discussions she or officials of her Department have had with the Health Service Executive in relation to the resolution of the backlog of 30,000 smear tests; if she has as a result of such discussions agreed with the HSE capital funding that will provide the proper facilities to overcome this problem; if a decision has been made as to the way the matter will be addressed going forward; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4958/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 365 to 367, inclusive, together.
An effective national cervical screening programme will result in a substantial reduction in the incidence of cervical cancer. It is my objective to have such a programme rolled out, beginning late this year, based on an affordable model. For that purpose, on 1 January 2007, I established a National Cancer Screening Service which amalgamates BreastCheck and the Irish Cervical Screening Programme. This will maximise the expertise in both programmes, ensure improved efficiency and develop a single governance model for cancer screening.
I have allocated additional funding of €5m for 2007 to the Service to commence roll out of the Cervical Screening Programme. The total allocation to the new Service is €33m; this is a 71% increase in the 2006 allocation to the Programmes. Significant preparatory work is well underway involving the introduction of new and improved cervical tests, improved quality assurance training and the preparation of a national population register. The plan is to have cervical screening managed as a national call/recall programme via effective governance structures that provide overall leadership and direction, in terms of quality assurance, accountability and value for money. All elements of the programme, call/recall, smear taking, laboratories, colposcopy and treatment services will be quality assured, organised and managed to deliver a single integrated service.
I am aware of reports of delays in obtaining results of cervical smears. These delays have not arisen under the Irish Cervical Screening Programme but relate to smears referred by General Practitioners to hospital laboratories, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. The HSE has informed my Department that it has reviewed hospital services, including cytology and is planning on the basis of a 4 week turnaround time in reporting. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the issues raised.
Voluntary Sector Funding.
James Breen
Question:368 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of finance she is providing to Headway Ireland on a yearly basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4968/07]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Medical Cards.
Tony Gregory
Question:369 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Health and Children if elderly medical card holders are required to pay fees of €60 and more to their general practitioners when obtaining a medical certificate for renewal of their driving licence. [4994/07]
In making arrangements for the provision of publicly funded GP services, under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme, an agreement was negotiated between the Department of Health and Children and the GP representative body, the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO). The provisions of this agreement took the form of the current GMS GP Capitation Contract. This contract is a treatment based contract and gives effect to the statutory requirement to provide free GP medical and surgical services to eligible people which includes people aged 70 and over who are automatically entitled to a medical card. The contract stipulates that the fees paid to GMS GPs are not made in respect of certain certificates which may be required for example ‘under the Social Welfare Acts or for the purposes of insurance or assurance policies or for the issue of driving licences'. As these non-treatment type services are outside of the GMS GP contract it is a matter between the GP and the person seeking the particular services to agree a fee.
While certificates for driving licence applications are provided by medical practitioners they are not a medical treatment service and are not considered a core aspect of public health service provision.
Health Services.
Ned O'Keeffe
Question:370 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate the payment of arrears of a cúram home care grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork who has been approved; and if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this grant was first applied for in February 2005 and should be backdated. [5030/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Nursing Home Subventions.
Ned O'Keeffe
Question:371 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist in having nursing home subvention and enhanced nursing home subvention awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will arrange for the person to be considered for long term care at the local community hospital. [5031/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Michael Ring
Question:372 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children her proposals to ensure that adequate access to treatment and care is available specifically for people with eating disorders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5042/07]
The Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, entitled "A Vision for Change'", was launched in January 2006. It provides a framework for action to develop a modern, high quality mental health service over the next 7 to 10 years. "A Vision for Change" acknowledges gaps in the current provision of services for people with eating disorders and makes several recommendations for the further improvement of these services.
In 2006, a sum of €26.2 million was allocated for the development of mental health services in line with "A Vision for Change". A further sum of €25 million has been allocated in 2007 to continue this development. €0.75 million of this additional funding is for the initial development of a dedicated eating disorder service in each HSE area through a combination of reconfiguring existing services and commissioning services from agencies.
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The Executive is, therefore, the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Services.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:373 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when eye surgery will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5057/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Medical Cards.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:374 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when replacement medical cards will be arranged for persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5058/07]
As the Health Service Executive has the operational responsibility for the General Medical Services Scheme, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Child Care Services.
Willie Penrose
Question:375 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children when persons (details supplied) in County Meath will be approved for a capital grant requested for the expansion of their child care facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5106/07]
As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the Equal Opportunities Child care Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP) and the National Child care Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), which are being implemented by the Office of the Minister for Children.
An application previously submitted by these applicants for capital grant assistance under the EOCP was approved in September 2003, for €50,790. With regard to their current application for capital grant assistance under the NCIP, I understand that it is currently in the appraisal process. The applicants will be informed of the outcome in due course.
Food Labelling.
Mary Upton
Question:376 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the relative merits of traffic light food labelling and GDA food labelling; if her attention has been drawn to recent research in the UK that demonstrated 62% of people misunderstood percent of GDA labels, whereas only 21% of people misunderstood traffic light labels; if she will instruct Safefood or the Food Safety Authority of Ireland to conduct similar research here; if not, the reason for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3750/07]
Central to the concept of food labelling is that the consumer should not be misled. In addition, consumers should be provided with sufficient clear information to allow them to make food consumption choices which best suit their circumstances and preferences: an appropriate labelling system is a key element to enable these informed choices to be made.
Food labelling, by its nature, covers a wide range of issues and, against this background, officials of my Department are in regular contact with officials in other Government Departments and agencies and they participate at various fora with a view to ensuring a balanced and co-ordinated approach to labelling issues — both nationally and internationally.
The intention of the ‘traffic light' nutrition labelling system is to provide a clear and simple means to allow consumers to select healthier foods to support a healthier diet. However, at present, there are some concerns that such signposting information, which is essentially summary information, may be used selectively and the information provided may not reflect the full nutritional value of the product. My Department is also aware that providing such summary information on the front of pack may in fact discourage consumers from reading the full nutrition information in the nutrition panel.
There would also appear to be a profusion of front of pack labelling schemes in addition to the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) ‘traffic light' system. The principal basis of alternative schemes is the use of Guideline Daily Amounts (GDAs). However, there are many different presentations of the GDA approach on products available on the Irish market — some with traffic light colour coding and others where colour is not relevant in interpreting the GDA information provided. Consequently, there is a concern that rather than providing clarity to consumers, current front of pack labelling may actually be adding to consumer confusion.
In the circumstances, it is my Department's view that clarity in food labelling needs to be achieved through the development of a consumer-friendly, EU wide approach to nutrition labelling. My Department and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) are focusing efforts on the nutrition labelling reform process currently underway in the European Union, where front of pack labelling will be examined. Pending the outcome of this process, I have no plans to initiate research into food labelling.
Mary Upton
Question:377 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to recent UK Government funded research into the food miles issue; her plans to commission similar research on the Irish aspects of the issue; if she will instruct Safefood or the Food Safety Authority of Ireland to conduct similar research here; and if not, the reason for same. [3751/07]
As this matter does not fall within the food safety remit of either agency, I have no proposals to initiate research by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland or by Safefood (the Food Safety Promotion Board) on the issue.
Infectious Diseases.
Mary Upton
Question:378 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the provision that has been made in the event of an avian related human flu pandemic to control exit and ingress from Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3744/07]
Pandemic Influenza Preparedness for Ireland — Advice of the Pandemic Influenza Expert Group was published as a consultative document on 15th January 2007. Following a three month consultation period, which will end on 30th April 2007, a final version will be published.
The Expert Group reviewed the non-pharmaceutical public health interventions recommended by the World Health Organisation and recommendations are made on the interventions that would be appropriate to implement in Ireland, by pandemic phase.
The World Health Organisation does not recommend the closing of international borders at any pandemic phase. This is supported by modelling work by Ferguson et al published in Nature magazine in 2006 which showed that border restrictions and/or internal travel restrictions are unlikely to delay spread by more than 2-3 weeks unless more than 99% effective.
The Expert Group advises the following measures from the World Health Organisation Pandemic Phase 4 onwards at borders for international travellers coming from or going to affected areas:
1. Health Alert notices should be provided to all travellers
2. Travellers to and from affected areas should be advised to self-report if they have illness.
3. Exit screening for at-risk travellers — identified via health questionnaires or declaration notices — should be implemented.
4. All intending passengers who are ill should be recommended to postpone travel.
The Expert Group advice has been brought to the attention of relevant Government Departments through the Inter-Departmental Committee on Public Health Emergency Planning.
The Expert Group considers that entry screening such as screening for symptoms (visual detection of systems), health screening questionnaires, thermal screening, and medical examination should not be necessary. However, if there is evidence that exit screening at the point of embarkation does not meet the standards expected, it may be considered following consultation with WHO and EU colleagues. Discussions are ongoing at European level on potential public health interventions to limit the spread of an influenza pandemic.
Departmental Inquiries.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:379 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children when the redress board arising out of the report into practices in the obstetrics and gynaecology unit in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda will be established; the terms of reference of the board and the grounds for compensation; if trauma is included among the grounds for such compensation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5113/07]
The Inquiry into peripartum hysterectomy at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda chaired by Judge Maureen Harding Clark S.C. was established by the Government in 2004 following the decision of the Medical Council to remove Dr. Michael Neary from the Register of Medical Practitioners after finding him guilty of professional misconduct.
Following the publication of the Inquiry Report in February 2006, Judge Clark was requested by the Government to advise on an appropriate scheme of redress arising from the findings of the Report. Judge Clark was also requested to advise on a mechanism for ensuring maximum recoupment from wrongdoers and indemnifiers of any monies payable under an agreed redress scheme; including the estimated cost of the scheme. Judge Clark is finalising her proposals and I expect to receive her report shortly. The proposals will then be brought to the Government for consideration and decision.
Health Services.
Finian McGrath
Question:380 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will put in place a long-term care plan for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if she will give them the maximum support. [5121/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Richard Bruton
Question:381 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 with a date for an assessment as soon as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5150/07]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Mental Health Services.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:382 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the stage the transitional arrangements for expanding mental health services to all aged zero to 18 are at, as outlined under section 10.13.2 of the report of the expert group on mental health policy A Vision for Change document; when will there be an end to the current practice of placing children in adult inpatient facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5154/07]
The report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, entitled "A Vision for Change", was launched in January 2006. It provides a framework for action to develop a modern, high quality mental health service over the next 7 to 10 years. "A Vision for Change" recommends that child and adolescent mental health services should provide mental health services to all aged 0-18 years.
Transitional arrangements to facilitate the expansion of current service provision pending the provision of new child and adolescent units were considered and planned by a HSE forum on Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Inpatient Capacity. The forum's report was published in September 2006 and has been accepted by the board of the HSE. It recommended, as an interim measure pending the development of child and adolescent in-patient units, the provision of an additional 24-32 dedicated adolescent psychiatric beds, primarily for the 16 and 17 year age group, across the four HSE administrative areas. Dedicated child and adolescent multidisciplinary teams will be provided for these additional beds and training will be provided for staff in the identified units. In addition, a further 12 beds will be provided at existing child psychiatric units (6 in St Anne's, Galway and 6 in Warrenstown House, Dublin) for the under 16 age group.
The Mental Health Commission acknowledges that the admission of children to adult units is undesirable, however, in situations where there is no available alternative, such admissions may be necessary. The Commission has issued a code of practice relating to the admission of children under the Mental Health Act 2001 to ensure that the best interests of children are protected at all times.
In addition to the transitional arrangements outlined above, planning for four 20-bed child and adolescent inpatient units in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick is underway.
Medical Practitioners.
Liz McManus
Question:383 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children her view on the fitness to practise here of a doctor (details supplied) taking into account the alleged suspension of this doctor to practise from a Liverpool hospital in 1999 in the United Kingdom, who has relocated here and is setting up private practice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5155/07]
The Medical Council is the statutory body established under the Medical Practitioners Act 1978 charged with the responsibility for, inter alia, the fitness to practise of medical practitioners. If a person has concerns about the fitness to practise of a medical practitioner, the Medical Council is therefore the appropriate body to contact.
Health Services.
Paul Kehoe
Question:384 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be given an appointment to see their consultant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5156/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Billy Timmins
Question:385 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if they will be seen in Carlow as they are in school in County Carlow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5166/07]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Mental Health Services.
Joe Higgins
Question:386 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she has taken over the past 11 months to begin the implementation of the new national policy framework for mental health, A Vision for Change. [5168/07]
Joe Higgins
Question:387 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children when she will publish an implementation plan setting out the measures she will take across all areas identified in A Vision for Change and a detailed timetable as to when these measures will be implemented. [5169/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 386 and 387 together.
The Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, "A Vision for Change", which was launched in January 2006, provides a framework for action to develop a modern, high quality mental health service over the next seven to ten years. The Government has accepted the Report as the basis for the future development of our mental health services.
In March 2006, I appointed an independent monitoring group to monitor progress on the implementation of the recommendations of "A Vision for Change". The group will monitor and assess progress on the implementation of all the recommendations including those which fall under the responsibility of the HSE, government departments and other relevant agencies. The Group is to submit its first annual report in mid 2007.
Implementation of the individual recommendations of "A Vision for Change" is a matter primarily for the HSE. The HSE established an implementation group in July 2006 to ensure that mental health services develop in a synchronised and consistent manner across the country and to guide and resource service managers and clinicians in making the recommendations in "A Vision for Change" a reality. I have been informed by the HSE that they plan to publish a Progress Report and outline the proposed implementation programme over the 10 year life of "A Vision for Change" in the near future.
Both of these groups will play an important role in ensuring that the recommendations are implemented in a co-ordinated and timely manner. In 2006, a sum of €26.2 million was provided for the development of our mental health services in line with "A Vision for Change". A further sum of €25 million has been allocated for 2007 to continue this development.
EU Funding.
Paul Kehoe
Question:388 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the percentage of the money allocated to her Department from European funds for each of the years 2000 to 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5190/07]
No money has been allocated to my Department for Votes 39 and Vote 40 from European funds for each of the years 2000 to 2006. The amount of European funding allocated to Vote 41 in 2006 was €6.3million.
Hospital Services.
Michael Ring
Question:389 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be called to University College Hospital, Galway for a cardiac procedure. [5200/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular question raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Service Grants.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:390 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if it is standard practice for the Health Service Executive to pay the costs of repatriating the bodies of Irish citizens who die overseas; if there is a means test involved; and if so, the eligibility criteria. [5207/07]
I understand that on rare occasions the Health Service Executive does assist with the cost of repatriating the bodies of Irish citizens who die overseas. My Department has asked the Executive for information on this matter and will be in communication with the Deputy as soon as it becomes available.
Health Services.
Bernard Allen
Question:391 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has been told that they will have to wait almost five months to have a hearing test at the Rehab Unit, North Main Street, Cork, despite the fact that they are in their late 70s and have an obvious hearing deficiency. [5213/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
General Medical Services Scheme.
Richard Bruton
Question:392 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if there are limits on the monthly volume of prescribed medicines covered under the GMS; and if these limits take account of months of 31 days. [5214/07]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has asked the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Service Staff.
Jackie Healy-Rae
Question:393 Mr. Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on making an exception to the issues raised by the INO in regard to the serious issues now affecting nurses and midwives in relation to agreements and settlements within the public service outside of the benchmarking process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5215/07]
The Irish Nurses Organisation (INO) and the Psychiatric Nurses Association (PNA) are pursuing a number of cost increasing claims in respect of pay and conditions of nurses and midwives.
The claims were heard by the Labour Court on 20 June 2006 and a recommendation (LCR 18763) issued on 9 November 2006. In its recommendation the Labour Court noted that the social partnership agreements have brought significant benefits to workers, employers and to the economy overall and they provide a fair mechanism within an agreed framework by which workers can obtain improvements in pay and conditions of employment. The Court did not recommend concession of the major cost increasing pay claims. Instead the Court urged the Unions concerned to reconsider their position with regard to Benchmarking so as to have their pay claims examined through that process.
In relation to the claim for a reduction in working hours from 39 to 35 hours per week, the Court stated that concession of this claim at this time would have profound consequences for both health care delivery and costs unless effective countervailing measures could be put in place. The Court did recommend that the parties should jointly explore the possibility of initiating an appropriate process aimed at achieving major reorganisation of working arrangements and practices within the health service generally. The Court also stated that such an initiative should take account of and support existing development involving other groups. It held the view that if such a programme of change could be successfully implemented, the efficiencies, cost savings and other benefits accruing may allow this claim to be processed within a reasonable timeframe to be agreed between the parties.
I would emphasise that the Labour Court Recommendation has been accepted by the Health Service Employers but regrettably the Unions have stated that they neither accept or reject the Labour Court Recommendation.
As Minister for Health and Children I would like to place on record that I hold the nursing and midwifery professions in high esteem and view the care they provide to patients as a critical component of our health services. The Government has agreed with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions a basis on which pay and conditions for the public service as a whole should be managed and the Benchmarking Body has been established to provide an objective means of assessing the appropriate pay for particular groups or professions. The Benchmarking Body is due to report in the second half of the year and is in a position to review the issues that the nursing unions feel strongly about. I believe that a solution to the current dispute can be found within the context of the Labour Court Recommendation and the prevailing national agreements. In this regard I arranged for exploratory discussions to be held between all the parties concerned at the offices of the HSE-Employers Agency on 19 January 2007. While I understand the discussions provided clarity as to the respective positions of the parties the meeting adjourned without agreement on the way forward.
On 2 February 2007, in accordance with "A Framework for Dispute Resolution in the Health Services", the INO and PNA served twenty one days notice of industrial action to the Health Service Executive and related agencies. I am disappointed that the Unions concerned have resorted to the industrial action contained in that notice.
I would urge the Unions to give further consideration to the course of action and the proposals contained in the Labour Court Recommendation. I believe that this is the most appropriate means by which the nurses claims can be addressed.
I remain hopeful that a resolution to this dispute can still be found. I firmly believe that the Labour Court's Recommendation in respect of the reduction in working hours should be followed. I also believe it remains open to the INO and PNA to enter the Benchmarking process and have their claims for pay increases processed through this forum. Two other unions, SIPTU and IMPACT, which also represent nurses are currently participating in the Benchmarking process and have made a submission for improvements in pay and conditions on behalf of their members.
In addition the INO and PNA could also decide to accept the national agreement, Towards 2016. If they accept this agreement their members would be eligible for pay increases of 10% as provided for in that agreement.
Health Service Allowances.
Willie Penrose
Question:394 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason, in respect of domiciliary care allowance, children have to be continuously assessed on a regular basis to determine their eligibility to the payment; if this practice can be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5221/07]
Domiciliary Care Allowance may be paid, as the Deputy is aware, in respect of eligible children from birth to the age of 16 who have a severe disability requiring continual or continuous attention which is substantially in excess of that normally required by a child of the same age. Eligibility is determined primarily by reference to the degree of additional care and attention required rather than to the type of disability involved.
As stated in the circular of 1st July 2002, which governs Domiciliary Care Allowance, Medical Reviews on recipients are carried out based on the recommendation of the Senior Area Medical Officer/Area Medical Officer. Financial reviews should be carried out based on the recommendation of the Senior Community Welfare Officer/Community Welfare Officer.
Hospital Services.
Willie Penrose
Question:395 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the efficiency achieved by Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar, over the past couple of years, particularly in relation to its case mix adjustment, it will get tangible recognition for such efficiency, in an additional €1 million which should be allocated into the budget and the 100 plus scheme; if in this context it will be allocated additional consultant posts above and beyond what it would be allocated in any event; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5222/07
Funding for health services has been provided as part of the Executive's overall vote for health and personal social services in 2007. In the case raised by the Deputy, the allocation of resources and the income stream within that, is a matter for the Executive to be determined within the overall priorities for particular services set out by me in respect of 2007 funding. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Olwyn Enright
Question:396 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children if there are plans to introduce newborn diagnosis or screening for the early detection of deafness in children; her views on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5232/07]
The report of the Universal Neonatal Hearing Screening Group was commissioned by the former Health Boards and its implementation is a matter for the Health Service Executive. I understand that the implementation of this report is currently under consideration by the Health Service Executive.
Róisín Shortall
Question:397 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will request the Health Service Executive to ensure that a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 is provided with urgent medical treatment in view of the fact this has been delayed on two occasions. [5234/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Service Charges.
Emmet Stagg
Question:398 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the serious concerns raised by family members of persons with physical or intellectual disability in relation to the application of S.I No. 276 of 2005 Health (Charges for in-Patient Services) Regulations 2005, she will direct the Health Service Executive to suspend the direction issued in relation to the application of the S.I. with a view to entering discussions with service providers and parents groups on arriving at a more equitable application under the Health Act 2005. [5237/07]
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 can 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 can be levied of €90, or the weekly income of that person less €55 or 60% of the weekly income of that person, whichever is the lesser.
These regulations provide for the maximum charge to be levied on either class of person. The HSE has the power to reduce or waive a charge on the grounds of "undue hardship". Under Section 1 (b) of the Health (Amendment) Act, 2005, the HSE can examine a person's overall financial situation in view of the person's reasonable expenditure in relation to themselves or their dependants, if any.
It is a matter for the HSE, based on its own legal advice and taking into account the individual circumstances as well as the service being provided, to make a decision on any charges levied. It is not my intention to issue any instruction to the HSE in this matter.
Eating Disorders.
Pat Carey
Question:399 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the principles that underpin her Department’s policy on the treatment of eating disorders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5274/07]
The Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, entitled "A Vision for Change", was launched in January 2006. It provides a framework for action to develop a modern, high quality mental health service over the next 7 to 10 years. "A Vision for Change" acknowledges gaps in the current provision of services for people with eating disorders and makes several recommendations for the further improvement of these services.
Recommendations include support for health promotion initiatives that encourage greater community and family awareness of eating disorders, the further development of primary and community care services and the provision of a full multidisciplinary team in a National Centre for Eating Disorders for complex cases that cannot be managed by local child and adolescent community mental health teams. Responsibility for the implementation of these recommendations rests with the HSE. In 2006, €26.2 million was allocated for the development of mental health services in line with "A Vision for change". An additional €25 million has been provided in 2007 to continue this development. €0.75 million of this additional funding in 2007 is for the initial development of a dedicated eating disorder service in each area through a combination of reconfiguring existing services and commissioning services from agencies.
Disease Incidence.
Beverley Flynn
Question:400 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for Health and Children the breakdown of the number of people suffering from CHF, CAD, diabetes, and COPD illnesses. [5279/07]
As the conditions specified are not notifiable diseases, comprehensive information on the number of people diagnosed are not available. For those with the conditions who require hospitalisation, data are available from the Hospital In-Patient Enquiry (HIPE) system which records information on hospitalisations in all publicly funded acute hospitals.
The table provides the number of hospitalisations of persons where the principal diagnosis was the specified conditions for the year 2005. If patients are admitted more than once in a given year, each attendance is recorded separately in HIPE.
|
Age Group |
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease |
Congestive Heart Failure |
Coronary Artery Disease |
Diabetes Mellitus* |
|
0-14 |
122 |
24 |
3 |
604 |
|
15-24 |
60 |
6 |
45 |
469 |
|
25-34 |
102 |
15 |
148 |
482 |
|
35-44 |
215 |
41 |
956 |
553 |
|
45-54 |
710 |
146 |
3,206 |
760 |
|
55-64 |
1,959 |
575 |
5,965 |
1,289 |
|
65-74 |
3,235 |
1,361 |
6,875 |
1,668 |
|
75-84 |
3,596 |
2,380 |
4,598 |
1,513 |
|
85+ |
875 |
1,130 |
1,094 |
337 |
|
All Ages |
10,874 |
5,678 |
22,890 |
7,675 |
*Includes all types of diabetes (type I, type II, other and unspecified).
Beverley Flynn
Question:401 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people here suffering from cardiovascular illnesses; and the number of people who died in the last year for which figures are available, from CHD, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. [5280/07]
Beverley Flynn
Question:402 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people here who suffer from type I diabetes and from type II diabetes; the breakdown by age of people with diabetes; the regional breakdown of people with the condition; and the number of deaths, in the last year for which figures are available, of people who died from diabetes of diabetes related illnesses. [5281/07]
Beverley Flynn
Question:404 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people here who suffer from hypertension; the breakdown by age of people with hypertension; the regional breakdown of people with the condition; and the number of deaths, in the last year for which figures are available, of people who died from hypertension or hypertension related illnesses. [5283/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 401, 402 and 404 together.
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Beverley Flynn
Question:403 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people here who suffer from asthma; the breakdown by age of sufferers of asthma; the regional breakdown of people with the condition; and the number of deaths, in the last year for which figures are available, of people who died from asthma or asthma related illnesses. [5282/07]
Asthma is not a notifiable disease and consequently, detailed information on its incidence in the general population is not routinely available. From the research available in this country, however, asthma is a common childhood condition with approximately 10% having experienced an attack of asthma. Similar to other European countries, the level of asthma has increased and is now approximately 20% in young teenagers.
Information on the number of hospital admissions due to asthma, and asthma mortality, is available. The provisional data relating to asthma mortality indicated that in 2005 there were 59 deaths due to asthma. The number of admissions to hospital in 2005 with a principal diagnosis of asthma was 3887. Of these, 714 were categorised as status asthmaticus which is the more severe form of this condition.
Question No. 404 answered with QuestionNo. 401.
Eating Disorders.
Joe Costello
Question:405 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children the timescale for implementation of the recommendations relating to eating disorders in the strategy document A Vision for Change; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5333/07]
The Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, entitled "A Vision for Change", was launched in January 2006. It provides a framework for action to develop a modern, high quality mental health service over the next 7 to 10 years. "A Vision for Change" acknowledges gaps in the current provision of services for people with eating disorders and makes several recommendations for the further improvement of these services.
The Government has accepted the Expert Group's report as the basis for the future development of the mental health services over the next seven to ten years. In 2006, a sum of €26.2 million was allocated for the development of mental health services. An additional €25 million has been allocated in 2007 to continue this development. €0.75 million of this additional funding is for the initial development of a dedicated eating disorder service in each area through a combination of reconfiguring existing services and commissioning services from agencies.
Responsibility for the implementation of the individual recommendations of "A Vision for Change" is the responsibility of the HSE. The HSE implementation group will publish a Progress Report this year and outline the proposed implementation programme for "A Vision for Change". This will include implementation of all recommendations relating to eating disorders.
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The Executive is, therefore, the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Service Staff.
Seymour Crawford
Question:406 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people employed by the health boards in June 2002; the number employed by the Health Service Executive at present; the number of extra consultants, nurses and physiotherapists who were employed; if she is satisfied that the increased personnel have been in the frontline patient centred sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5336/07]
Over 120,000 people work full-time or part-time in our public health services. In recent years, the Government's ongoing high level of investment in health has achieved and maintained significant increases in the numbers of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals employed in the public health services. The Government has also invested heavily in the education and training of such personnel in order to secure a good supply of graduates to provide for the healthcare needs of the population into the future.
Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
National Development Plan.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:407 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the projects contained in the new national development plan that will be procured and commenced in 2007 in her Department; when they will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5796/07]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:408 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the large scale infrastructure projects which will be completed during the lifetime of the new national development plan within her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5807/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 407 and 408 together.
The National Development Plan 2007-13 is a strategic document setting out a broad investment framework and priorities, together with indicative funding, for the next seven years. It does not contain a list of all projects to be undertaken in 2007 or for the remainder of the Plan, although certain chapters including those on Regional Development, Economic Infrastructure and Social Infrastructure refer to projects to be progressed by 2013.
The total capital provision for the health service under the new Plan amounts to some €5 billion. My Department has funding under the NDP to meet the capital requirements of the Office of the Minister for Children and the agencies directly funded by the Department. Specific project proposals have, in the main, yet to be agreed for the period of the NDP. Projects currently underway include the national roll-out of the Breastcheck programme of the National Cancer Screening Service and a range of initiatives within the Office of the Minister for Children.
The bulk of the capital funding for healthcare under the NDP is being provided through the Health Service Executive. The Government's sustained high level of investment in healthcare will enable the completion and commissioning of numerous new facilities in both the Acute and Primary Community and Continuing Care sectors over the period of the Plan.
The HSE has responsibility for the planning and management of capital projects in the health sector, including a number of large scale infrastructure projects. My Department has asked the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to provide the information sought by the Deputy in relation to the initiatives being undertaken by the Executive.
Economic Competitiveness.
Beverley Flynn
Question:409 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the serious impact of rising energy costs on the competitiveness of industry here; his plans to reduce costs and alleviate the escalating pressure on industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4745/07]
The position in law is that sole responsibility for the regulation of electricity and gas tariffs lies with the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is an independent statutory body. As Minister, I have no function in setting or regulating these tariffs. I have no function in regard to oil prices.
Postal Services.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:410 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he proposes to publish a Green Paper on the future of the postal service and the national post office network. [4791/07]
The future provision of postal services delivery and the post office network will be, in the first instance, a matter for An Post and other service providers. As set out clearly in the Programme for Government, this Government and the Board of An Post continue to be committed to the objective of ensuring a viable and sustainable nationwide post office network into the future. With this in mind, I have asked the company to ensure that any strategy for the development of the company should ensure the long-term viability of the post office network and it is in this context that the Government recently gave its approval for An Post to enter into a joint venture agreement with Belgian Bank, Fortis to set up a retail banking business.
With respect to mail services, I believe that there will continue to be a key national role for An Post in delivery of mails and parcels. However, over the coming years, competition can be expected to increase in these sectors, whether from the privately owned express sector, from the large European public operators now looking for international business or from electronic substitution.
Liberalisation of the mail market in Ireland has already commenced and the Commission's draft third Postal Directive proposes that the postal sector is to fully liberalise across the EU on 1 January 2009 subject to political agreement. The draft directive is currently being discussed at Council. Therefore, in terms of dealing with the challenges facing An Post in the coming years, company management in conjunction with the trade unions, must deliver on restructuring agreements particularly in the mails area.
The development of the postal market requires the availability of competitive, high quality products. The current level of market opening has introduced new players with offerings that meet consumer needs and further market opening will provide further opportunities for new and existing players. The development of further competition allied with a modernised and customer-focused An Post will provide the basis for the further development of the postal sector here. I have no plans, at this stage, to publish a green paper in the above regard.
Telecommunications Services.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:411 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has had contacts with the Dublin city manager and Dublin City Council regarding their innovative and foresighted proposal to create a WiFi zone in Dublin city; and if financial support will be available from his Department to the city government if this is requested. [4792/07]
I was not contacted by Dublin City Council regarding their reported proposal to introduce a Wi-Fi zone in Dublin City. I have no plans to provide financial support to the proposal.
Energy Resources.
John Gormley
Question:412 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the percentage increase in gas prices over the past twelve months; his plans to ensure that these prices are not passed on to the consumers; if the Government will assist older people who find it difficult to afford the new gas prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4851/07]
I have no function in relation to international gas prices, which are set by global commodity markets. With regard to the prices charged by Bord Gáis Éireann, under the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act 2002, sole responsibility for the regulation of these prices lies with the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is an independent statutory body. The prices charged by independent suppliers in the Irish gas market are not regulated. The question of measures to assist older people is a matter for the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, who secured an increase in the rate of the National Fuel Scheme from €14 to €18 per week in the recent Budget.
Fishing Licences.
Jerry Cowley
Question:413 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when issues relating to new regulations for salmon anglers in Ballina, County Mayo will be addressed since anglers, who should have been out since the opening of the fishing season on 1 February 2007 have not commenced fishing due to these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4852/07]
I am aware that while certain anglers are fishing on the River Moy at present, others may have concerns relating to the regulations and bye-laws brought into effect for the current season. I expect to learn more about these shortly.
Michael Ring
Question:414 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if draft net fishing will be allowed on a river (details supplied) in County Mayo in 2007; if 5,000 tags have been ordered to allow this to happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4950/07]
There are no public draft net licences available on the River Moy. The North Western Regional Fisheries Board is responsible for management of the State owned Moy Fishery which includes draft netting rights on the Moy Estuary. Under the Board's 1992 Development Plan, draft netting on the Moy ceased in 1994. I have been advised by the Board that at present it has no plans to resume issuing licences for draft netting on the Moy.
Telecommunications Services.
Seymour Crawford
Question:415 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if further progress has been made on a third call for broadband in rural areas; if his stated aim to ensure that effective and efficient measures be put in place to deliver such a service materialised; if it has been brought to his attention that there is an urgent demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4983/07]
The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg).
My priority remains that there will be broadband coverage across the entire country. I am aware, despite Government and private investment in broadband, that there are areas of the country where the private sector is unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband connectivity. To this end, I recently announced a new scheme which will aim to provide a broadband service to these areas. This National Broadband Scheme (NBS) will replace the Group Broadband Scheme (GBS) and will, when it is fully rolled out, ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband from houses and premises in rural areas are met. A Steering Group comprising officials from my Department and ComReg is currently considering all elements of the proposed scheme and work on the design of an appropriate tender will commence in the coming weeks. This scheme will be confined to areas of the country that are not yet served by any broadband service provider, currently thought to be 10-15% of the population. Accordingly, there will not be any new call for proposals under the Group Broadband Scheme.
EU Funding.
Paul Kehoe
Question:416 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the percentage of the money allocated to his Department from European funds for each of the years 2000 to 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5182/07]
In the 2000-2006 period EU funding was allocated to my Department through the Southern & Eastern Operational Programme, the Border, Midland & Western Operational Programme, the Economic Infrastructure Operational Programme, and the Productive Sector Operational Programme.
The tables set out the annual total allocations under the Community Support Framework (CSF), the annual allocations by measure to my Department and my Department's annual allocations as a percentage of the CSF.
|
CSF 2000-2006 — € millions |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Year |
Structural Funds |
Cohesion Fund |
TENS |
Annual Total |
|
€ millions |
||||
|
2000 |
664.0 |
136.8 |
6.8 |
807.6 |
|
2001 |
600.0 |
167.3 |
18.4 |
785.7 |
|
2002 |
534.1 |
136.0 |
10.6 |
680.7 |
|
2003 |
464.0 |
127.3 |
7.1 |
598.4 |
|
2004 |
334.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
334.0 |
|
2005 |
317.1 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
317.1 |
|
2006 |
259.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
259 |
|
Totals |
3,172.2 |
567.4 |
42.9 |
3,782.5 |
|
EU Funding Allocation 2000-2006 |
|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Operational Programme |
Priority |
Measure |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|||
|
South and East Regional OP |
Local Infrastructure |
E-Commerce and Communications |
5.80 |
6.70 |
8.80 |
8.20 |
6.05 |
4.28 |
3.95 |
|
Local Enterprise |
Aquaculture |
0.0 |
1.25 |
1.46 |
1.94 |
1.78 |
1.77 |
1.41 |
|
|
Fishery Harbours |
2.88 |
2.70 |
3.33 |
2.36 |
1.36 |
0.86 |
0.87 |
||
|
Border Midland and Western OP |
Local Infrastructure |
E-Commerce and Communications |
11.13 |
9.12 |
5.39 |
6.54 |
4.32 |
6.24 |
3.31 |
|
Local Enterprise |
Aquaculture |
0.0 |
1.94 |
2.45 |
3.58 |
3.32 |
2.32 |
2.46 |
|
|
Fishery Harbours |
3.68 |
2.56 |
1.74 |
1.04 |
1.54 |
3.04 |
1.04 |
||
|
Economic and Social Infrastructure OP |
Sustainable Energy |
Energy Conservation and Alternative/ Renewable Energy |
0.0 |
2.18 |
6.39 |
10.45 |
10.27 |
8.40 |
5.19 |
|
Productive Sector OP |
Sea Fisheries Development |
Fleet Renewal and Modernisation |
1.02 |
4.92 |
4.73 |
3.99 |
2.85 |
3.25 |
2.62 |
|
Adjustment of the Fishing Effort |
0.39 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
2.24 |
2.13 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
||
|
Supporting Measures |
0.61 |
2.87 |
2.76 |
2.62 |
1.67 |
1.91 |
1.54 |
||
|
25.51 |
34.24 |
37.05 |
42.96 |
35.29 |
32.07 |
22.39 |
|
Year |
Allocation of Structural Funds |
Allocation as % of EU funds in CSF 2000-2006 |
|
€m |
% |
|
|
2000 |
25.51 |
3.15 |
|
2001 |
34.24 |
4.36 |
|
2002 |
37.05 |
5.44 |
|
2003 |
42.96 |
7.19 |
|
2004 |
35.29 |
10.56 |
|
2005 |
32.07 |
10.11 |
|
2006 |
22.39 |
8.64 |
|
Total |
229.51 |
6.06 |
Telecommunications Services.
John McGuinness
Question:417 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to complete the roll-out of broadband coverage nationwide; his proposals for a new national broadband scheme; the reason for its superseding the group broadband scheme; the way the new national broadband scheme will succeed where the group broadband scheme did not; the reassurance he can offer those who live in rural areas who are concerned by the group broadband scheme being discontinued; when there will be one hundred per cent nationwide broadband coverage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5230/07]
The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg).
The facilitation of broadband coverage across the entire county continues to be a key priority. I am aware that, despite Government and private investment in broadband, there are areas of the country where the private sector is unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband connectivity. Accordingly, I recently announced a new scheme which will aim to provide a broadband service to these areas. This Scheme, which will supersede the Group Broadband Scheme, will, when it is fully rolled out, ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband from houses and premises in rural areas are met. A Steering Group comprising officials from my Department and ComReg is currently considering all elements of the proposed scheme and work on the design of an appropriate tender will commence in the coming weeks. This scheme will be confined to areas of the country that are not yet served by any broadband service provider, currently thought to be 10-15% of the population.
My decision to supersede the GBS with the new National Broadband Scheme (NBS) was based on the following factors:
Firstly, rollout of a GBS project depended on the local community taking the initiative. Without local initiative, a project could not proceed. Under the NBS, the selected Service Provider(s) will be required to meet all reasonable requests for broadband by a specified date;
Additionally, the NBS will deliver a service in all areas that are currently unserved, provided the cost of meeting the request is reasonable. It would not be appropriate to implement competing schemes targeting unserved areas;
Furthermore, the uptake of the GBS was less than anticipated. Just over 7,200 subscribers out of a possible 90,000 subscribers actually availed of a GBS broadband service. The population covered by the GBS schemes is estimated to be around 400,000 people. While most of the GBS projects that were rolled out were very effective the relatively low number of subscribers did not meet expectations and a more effective scheme is now required.
Finally, if both schemes were allowed to run simultaneously each could undermine the effectiveness of the other. Simultaneous running of both schemes could also give rise to double subsidisation.
For these reasons, I decided to proceed with the NBS. Accordingly, there will not be any new call for proposals under the GBS.
Fisheries Protection.
Cecilia Keaveney
Question:418 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when it is envisaged that the drift net fishermen both in the Foyle area and the rest of the country will be made aware of compensation payments that are due to be paid and, in the case of the Foyle, details of the persons who will be eligible to fish in the incoming season in view of their need to plan ahead at this time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5312/07]
Details of the Hardship Fund for drift net fishermen are being finalised and will be widely published shortly. I understand that the Loughs Agency has initiated a consultation process on how it proposes to address its obligations to put an end to interceptory fishing for wild salmon and fishing of river stocks not reaching their conservation limits. I believe interested parties are participating fully in these consultations. The Agency has commenced discussions with its sponsoring Departments with a view to developing a hardship package for affected fishermen for implementation this year. The agency hopes to finalise its proposals by the end of March.
Fishing Fleet Modernisation.
Cecilia Keaveney
Question:419 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if boats that currently fish for shellfish will be covered under the recent decommissioning scheme announced, in order that older vessels can be replaced by newer and safer ones that will be covered by certificates of compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5313/07]
As things stand the next scheduled round of decommissioning will take place within the context of the strategic report on the fishing industry, Steering A New Course. This report calls for a decommissioning scheme aimed at the Whitefish Fleet and recommends the removal of up to 45% of the capacity of the whitefish fleet 18 metres in length and over. €66 million is earmarked by Government for this scheme. It will be part funded under the European Fisheries Fund 2007-2013.
The strategic report recognises the need for a targeted decommissioning scheme for vessels less than 18 metres in length and recommends that a comprehensive analysis be conducted, in advance, to determine the eligibility, urgency, scope and cost of such a scheme. The Implementation Group under Dr. Cawley will ensure that the necessary analysis is conducted in this area and findings and recommendations will be issued in due course.
Coastal Protection.
Michael Ring
Question:420 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will provide funding for coastal protection works and the repair of a pier or extension of the slip in an area (details supplied) in County Mayo. [5341/07]
Surgeview, Blacksod, Co. Mayo is owned by Mayo County Council and responsibility for its maintenance is a matter for the local authority in the first instance. The Department is currently preparing the 2007 Harbours & Coastal Development Programme and has received applications for funding of Coastal Protection works and Fishery Harbour projects in Mayo. However, Surgeview, Blacksod, Ballina, Co. Mayo was not included in the projects submitted by Mayo County Council. If, in the future, Mayo County Council submits an application for funding at Surgeview, Blacksod, Ballina, Co. Mayo it will be considered based on Exchequer funding and overall national priorities going forward.
Telecommunications Services.
Catherine Murphy
Question:421 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the way he will ensure availability of larger broadband widths; the strategy being adopted to allow real choice for Internet, telephone and television services through this medium; if it is expected such improvements will be dependent on the private sector solely; the obstacles identified as impediments and the solutions proposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5173/07]
The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg).
National Development Plan.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:422 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the projects contained in the new national development plan that will be procured and commenced in 2007 in his Department; when they will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5791/07]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:423 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the large scale infrastructure projects which will be completed during the lifetime of the new national development plan within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5802/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 422 and 423 together.
The new National Development Plan (NDP) is a strategic document setting out a wide-ranging investment framework and investment priorities, in addition to indicative financial allocations, over the period 2007-2013. The plan does not include details at a project level of initiatives to be undertaken in 2007 and/or over the period of the Plan, nor does it prescribe commencement and completion dates. It provides the overarching framework within which projects will be undertaken over the full strategic period of delivery. My Department is committed to delivery of NDP initiatives across its broad range of economic and development policy areas. The Department is currently preparing a schedule for these areas as they relate to the NDP and I will provide this document to the Deputy in the near future.
Northern Ireland Issues.
Arthur Morgan
Question:424 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when construction will commence on the Narrow Water Bridge at Omeath, County Louth as announced in the national development plan; the steps that need to be taken for construction to commence; the length of time it will take to construct; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4749/07]
As the Deputy will know, the issue of a bridge at Narrow Water has been mooted for many decades. I am delighted to inform the Deputy that in the National Development Plan for the period 2007 to 2013, the Government proposed, for the first time, significant investment in projects and initiatives for mutual benefit, North and South. The Government wishes to agree and implement these with the British Government and a restored Northern Ireland Executive at an early date.
One of the key priorities is improved access along the Eastern corridor, including links between Co. Louth and Co Down. The development of Narrow Water Bridge would obviously be an important element of that proposal. I am, and have been for a long time, very supportive of this project which has the potential to benefit significantly both tourism and economic development generally in this border area. Obviously, agreement with our Northern counterparts would be required and I am working to secure early agreement on the package of proposals, including the Narrow Water Bridge, with the British Government and the incoming Northern Ireland Executive.
Overseas Development Aid.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:425 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps being taken by his Department to increase international action on maternal health issues in view of the adoption of a new UN target to achieve universal access to reproductive health by 2015 under Millennium Goal 5, adopted in order to reduce by three quarters the maternal mortality rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5036/07]
Michael D. Higgins
Question:426 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps being taken by his Department to develop an Irish Aid strategy which addresses the rate of maternity mortality and the unmet need for modern contraception in view of the adoption of a new UN target to achieve universal access to reproductive health by 2015 under Millennium Goal 5, adopted in order to reduce by three quarters the maternal mortality rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5037/07]
Michael D. Higgins
Question:427 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the level of contributions made to the UNFPA in 2006; if his Department has developed a target for Irish funding of UNFPA for 2007; the basis upon which the amount of this allocation is decided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5038/07]
Michael D. Higgins
Question:428 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if in view of the projected population growth in sub-Saharan Africa, high maternal and infant mortality rates and the high level of AIDS and HIV infection, his Department will consider directly funding sexual and reproductive health programmes, operated by local non-governmental organisations in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5039/07]
Michael D. Higgins
Question:429 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps his Department will take to address 500,000 new cases of cervical cancer, of which 90% are in developing countries; and if he will support the provision of the new vaccine against human papillomavirus, the virus which causes cervical cancer. [5041/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 425 to 429, inclusive, together.
Universal access to reproductive health is one of the goals of the Programme of Action agreed at the International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo in 1994. The Government is committed to action in support of this goal, which is essential to reducing maternal and infant mortality rates and tackling HIV and AIDS. Limited progress has been made since the Cairo conference in 1994. Reproductive health problems account for 18% of the total global burden of disease and, tragically, half a million women die every year from complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Underlying this tragedy is the lack of access by women, especially in developing countries, to good quality maternal and reproductive health services, including family planning. The Government welcomes the new UN target under Millennium Development Goal 5 to achieve universal access to reproductive health. This will provide much-needed impetus to international action to improve women's health and reduce maternal illness and death.
The White Paper on Irish Aid outlines the Government's commitment to supporting the specific health needs of women within our overall approach to health in developing countries. It states that ‘addressing women's health needs, particularly in the areas of basic health care and maternal and reproductive health must lie at the heart of an effective overall response to improving health in developing countries'. This approach is also central to how Ireland's response to HIV/AIDS might better address the needs of women. A strategy document setting out Irish Aid's policy on health is being finalised. It will address the issues of maternal mortality and the unmet need for contraception. Through its country programmes and support for international organisations, Irish Aid will continue to promote the particular health needs of women, emphasising reproductive health services.
Maternal health is a priority of Irish Aid support for health through bilateral programmes. Funding is provided to support Governments in Ireland's priority countries in sub-Saharan Africa to deliver a package of basic health care, including reproductive health services. Additional support is granted for specific initiatives on maternal health, such as the new midwifery school in Northern Province, Zambia which opened in 2006. Another example is our commitment of €2.3 million in 2006 to a four-year project in Tanzania, Mozambique and Malawi, which aims to improve the provision of maternal health services by mid-level health workers. The Government recognises that local non-governmental organisations play a vital role in the provision of reproductive health services in developing countries, especially in reaching geographically-remote communities and marginalised groups. Irish Aid provides funding to NGOs to complement its support to government programmes. For example, the Government is funding the Lesotho Planned Parenthood Association, which has been successful in the delivery of quality reproductive health services. Our support has enabled this non-governmental organisation to provide voluntary counselling and testing for HIV/AIDS.
In addition to funding through country programmes, Irish Aid works through several partner agencies in the UN system to address maternal health issues and the unmet need for contraception. One of the main barriers to achieving universal access to reproductive health is the lack of empowerment of women in developing countries. These issues form the core mandate of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), with which Irish Aid has a close relationship. In light of its important mandate, the Government has increased core funding to UNFPA in the last five years from €1.8m in 2002 to €3.1m in 2006. Additionally, in 2006 the Government made a contribution of €500,000 to the newly established UNFPA Trust Fund for Global Reproductive Health Commodities Security, which aims to ensure that Governments have a constant supply of reproductive health commodities. While the 2007 contribution to UNFPA has yet to be finalised, it is likely it will increase further, in keeping with the overall growth in the Programme budget. Decisions on funding to UN funds, programmes and agencies are based on the priorities outlined in the White Paper, as well as the individual organisation's record in the areas of efficiency, coherence and commitment to reform.
Cancer of the cervix is a leading cause of cancer deaths in women and 90% of cases occur in developing countries. Through its support for reproductive health, the Government assists in widening women's access to services that prevent, detect and manage cancer of the cervix. Effective vaccines have recently been developed for human papillomavirus, which causes 70% of cervical cancers. In December 2006, the Government co-sponsored an international event in London that brought together pharmaceutical companies, UN bodies, non-governmental organisations and donors to examine how best to introduce these new vaccines into developing countries. The vaccines remain expensive ($360 per course) and we will continue to work with other partners to accelerate introduction of the vaccine and make it widely accessible to women in developing countries.
EU Funding.
Paul Kehoe
Question:430 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the percentage of the money allocated to his Department from European funds for each of the years 2000 to 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5189/07]
The Votes relating to the Department of Foreign Affairs did not include any allocation of European Union funds for the years in question. All of the funds allocated to the Department are voted by the Dáil as part of the normal Estimates process.
National Theatre.
Paddy McHugh
Question:431 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position on the design competition for the proposed new national theatre; when documentation will be circulated to architectural practices who have expressed an interest in taking part in the competition; the timescale for submission of entries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4676/07]
In July 2006, the Government decided to proceed with the redevelopment of the Abbey Theatre at George's Dock on a Build, Finance, and Maintain (BFM) basis. It also approved the holding of an international design competition for the new Abbey Theatre. Once a winning design has been selected the building will be procured by means of a Build/Finance/Maintain (BFM) Public Private Partnership.
The OPW is currently working on the technical specifications for the design competition, details of which will be available to interested parties when the competition is formally announced. A jury is being set up to select the winning design. The jury will have representatives from the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, the OPW, the Dublin Docklands Development Authority, the Arts Council and the Abbey. Once the design has been selected a competition will then be held to procure the construction of the project via PPP. A construction phase of approximately 18 months is envisaged once the PPP contract has been signed.
Arts Funding.
Jerry Cowley
Question:432 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when an application for funding for an arts centre was made for Ballina, County Mayo; the amount of funding sought; the development by which the request has been made; the status of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4744/07]
I can confirm that an application was received by the closing date of November 17 2006 for an Arts Centre in Ballina. All applications under the ACCESS II scheme are currently being assessed by an independent Selection Committee. I hope to make an announcement regarding the successful applicants in March.
Paddy McHugh
Question:433 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if there is grant aid available to a person wishing to attend acting school in America; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4763/07]
My Department does not have any grant scheme which would provide funding of this type. The Arts Council are the main channel for State support to the arts. I understand that the Council has a Travel & Training award, which is open to artists wishing to participate in short informal career development initiatives including training courses.
Sports Capital Programme.
Finian McGrath
Question:434 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will support a club (details supplied) in Dublin 3 in regard to securing their premises and funding for sports grants. [4787/07]
The sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, is the primary means of providing Government funding for sports facilities. Applications for funding under the programme must be directly related to the provision of sport and recreational sport facilities and be of a capital nature, which, for the purpose of the programme, is defined as expenditure on the improvement or construction of an asset and includes any costs directly incurred in this process; and purchase of permanently based sports equipment, i.e. it is securely housed, and will remain in use for 5 years or more. The sports capital programme, does not assist in the purchase of sites or premises. Applications for funding under the 2007 programme were invited through advertisements in the Press on October 15 and 16 last. The closing date for receipt of applications was November 24 2006. The organisation in question did not submit an application under the 2007 sports capital programme.
For the Deputy's further information, section 847a of the Taxes Consolidation Act provides for a scheme for tax relief for relevant donations to approved sports bodies towards the funding of sports capital projects. Approved sports status can be awarded by my Department for suitable capital projects, allowing for tax relief to be claimed by a club on donations towards the project that exceed the minimum qualifying threshold of €250 per annum. This scheme does allow for donations to be raised towards the cost of the purchase of land to be used by the approved sports body in the provision of sporting or recreation facilities.
Full details of the tax relief scheme are available on my Department's website at www.dast.gov.ie. Finally, the Deputy should also note that, under the Finance Bill 2007 published last week, a new exemption on stamp duty has been introduced for sporting bodies in relation to purchases of land for the purposes of promoting sports.
Denis Naughten
Question:435 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will approve an application by an association (details supplied) under the sports capital programme 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4818/07]
The sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis. Applications for funding under the 2007 programme were invited through advertisements in the Press on October 15 and 16 last. The closing date for receipt of applications was November 24 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.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:436 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the level of funding allocated to date in 2007 to sport and recreational facilities from national lottery funds since 1987; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4873/07]
The sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, is the primary means of providing funding to sporting and community organisations towards the provision of sporting facilities at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis. Payments in respect of allocations under the sports capital programme and of other sports capital grants such as other grants towards the establishment of key regional and national facilities and to national governing bodies of sport are made from the national lottery-funded C1 subhead of my Department's Vote.
I have not yet allocated any funding to date in 2007 in respect of sporting and recreational facilities. The 2007 sports capital programme was advertised in the Press on October 15 and 16 last. The closing date for receipt of applications was November 24 2006. All applications received before the deadline 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.
In relation to allocations in previous years, records in my Department indicate that sports capital funding from the proceeds of the National Lottery commenced in 1988 and that sports capital funding allocated for the period 1988-2006 totalled €650 million. I would add, for the Deputy's information, that my Department has also allocated additional funding totalling €519 million, not categorised as national lottery funding, towards the provision of the National Aquatic Centre and Sports Campus development at Abbotstown, the 50-metre swimming pool at the University of Limerick, the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road, the redevelopment of Croke Park for the hosting of the 2003 Special Olympics World Games and the provision, since 2000 of swimming pools throughout the country under the local authority swimming pool programme.
Finian McGrath
Question:437 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will support a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 5 with funding in 2007; and if he will work with other relevant Departments on this matter. [5120/07]
The sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, is the primary means of providing Government funding for sports facilities. Applications for funding under the programme must be directly related to the provision of sport and recreational sport facilities and be of a capital nature, which, for the purpose of the programme, is defined as expenditure on the improvement or construction of an asset and includes any costs directly incurred in this process; and purchase of permanently based sports equipment, i.e. it is securely housed, and will remain in use for 5 years or more. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.
The organisation in question applied for support under the 2006 sports capital programme and was provisionally allocated funding of €100,000. Applications for funding under the 2007 programme were invited through advertisements in the Press on October 15 and 16 last. The closing date for receipt of applications was November 24 2006. The organisation in question did not submit an application under the 2007 sports capital programme.
EU Funding.
Paul Kehoe
Question:438 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the percentage of the money allocated to his Department from European funds for each of the years 2000 to 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5181/07]
The only programme under the remit of my Department and its agencies which is funded, or co-funded, by the European Union is the Tourism Product Development Scheme. The scheme is managed by Fáilte Ireland and is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the Tourism Measures (Local Enterprise Priority)of the two Regional Operational Programmes (NDP 2000-2006). The "Paying Authority" for the scheme is the Department of Finance which channels the relevant EU funds directly to Fáilte Ireland. As such, no EU funds are allocated directly to my Department.
National Development Plan.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:439 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the projects contained in the new national development plan that will be procured and commenced in 2007 in his Department; when they will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5790/07]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:440 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the large scale infrastructure projects which will be completed during the lifetime of the new national development plan within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5801/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 439 and 440 together.
General details on the funding available from my Department, and the bodies operating under its aegis, under the new National Development Plan (2007-2013) are set out in a number of press releases issued on the announcement of the new NDP. These can be accessed on my Department's website www.arts-sport-tourism.gov.ie. As can be seen from the press releases there are a number of major infrastructural projects which will be funded under the new NDP in the areas of Arts, Culture, Sports and Tourism. These include a new National Concert Hall on the Earlsfort Terrace site, the new Abbey Theatre, redevelopment of the Wexford Theatre Royal, major projects at the National Museum and National Library, the development of a state-of-the-art Sports Campus at Abbotstown, the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road Stadium and the National Conference Centre. As the Deputy will appreciate the major projects being funded under the NDP are at different stages of development. Some are already being progressed including the new Abbey Theatre, the Lansdowne Road Stadium and the National Conference Centre and will be further developed during 2007. In the case of other projects that still have to be commenced, the objective is that at least the initial preparatory work will be advanced in 2007. It is intended that all the major projects being funded under the NDP for which my Department has responsibility will be completed within the lifetime of the Plan but it is too early at this stage to be definitive about completion dates.
Work Permits.
Sean Fleming
Question:441 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when a work permit will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow. [5115/07]
The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that they have no record of a valid work permit application in this case.
Job Losses.
Damien English
Question:442 Mr. English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of notified redundancies in 2006 for County Meath. [4764/07]
The total number of actual redundancies in Meath for 2006 was 719.
Job Creation.
Damien English
Question:443 Mr. English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of job gains and job losses for full-time jobs in enterprise agency assisted firms in County Meath for 2006. [4765/07]
Employment data in respect of companies supported by the Enterprise Agencies is collated by Forfás on an annual basis and the agencies are still in the process of finalising their 2006 data, accordingly figures for that year cannot, at this stage, be regarded as definitive.
Preliminary data indicates that in 2006, 486 full time jobs were created in enterprise agency supported firms in County Meath, while 610 were lost over the period. Full time permanent employment in enterprise agency supported firms in Co. Meath, stands at 5,621 permanent jobs at end 2006.
In addition Meath County Enterprise Board assisted in the creation of 85 new jobs in the region in 2006. My Department does not collect or retain information on the number of specific job losses in CEB assisted companies either locally or by region.
Industrial Development.
Damien English
Question:444 Mr. English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of site visits to Navan, County Meath the industrial promotion agencies have made in each of the years 2005 and 2006; the number of such visits planned for 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4766/07]
There were ten IDA sponsored visits by overseas investors to Navan in 2005 and one in 2006. There have been no site visits so far in 2007, although this may change as the year progresses. Ultimately it is a matter for potential investors to decide where to locate, including what areas to visit as potential locations.
IDA Ireland is actively marketing Navan Business Park for additional investment. The targeted sectors are Financial Services, International Services, and ICT. There are six IDA supported companies already located on the Park. To enhance the potential of Navan for new investment the Agency, in partnership with the private sector, has converted Athlumney House, and its adjoining courtyard, in Navan for use as office space.
I am confident that the strategies and policies being pursued by IDA Ireland are appropriate in terms of maximizing additional overseas investment and jobs for the people of Navan and the county of Meath.
Parliamentary Questions.
Paudge Connolly
Question:445 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment 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. [4773/07]
Records in my Office indicate that I answered 1,528 parliamentary questions in 2006. No data is kept in my Department on the cost of answering parliamentary questions. Answering parliamentary questions is an activity which is integral to my Department's activities, and the costs are spread across a wide number of divisions and systems; there are also costs arising in the Oireachtas for which my Department would not be accountable.
Work Permits.
Billy Timmins
Question:446 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position in relation to a work permit application for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4814/07]
The Employment Permits Section of my Department has informed me that this application was refused on the 2nd September 2006 on the basis that the position the employer seeks to fill could be filled from within the EU. Furthermore it appears that the above named individual entered the state as a visitor and is therefore not entitled to take up full time employment. Having heard an appeal the original decision was upheld in this case. The employer was notified of these decisions in writing.
Jack Wall
Question:447 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position of a work permit for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4903/07]
The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that they have no record of a valid work permit application in this case.
Health and Safety Regulations.
Liam Twomey
Question:448 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether health care workers exposed to MRSA, and the potential morbidity associated if these workers needed emergency surgery, should be protected under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5163/07]
Liam Twomey
Question:449 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether MRSA is a serious bio-hazard to health care workers; the steps the Health and Safety Authority has taken to reduce the risk of MRSA to health care workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5164/07]
Liam Twomey
Question:450 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the Health and Safety Authority has independently reviewed data on the prevalence of MRSA in all settings where health care is provided; the inspections carried out in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5165/07]
Liam Twomey
Question:451 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the Health and Safety Authority has carried out investigations into the spread of MRSA in health institutions here that would fall under its remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5167/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 448 to 451, inclusive, together.
Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 the Health and Safety Authority is the State body charged with overall responsibility for enforcement and promotion of workplace safety and health. Matters arising from this responsibility are a function of the Authority. In accordance with its Programmes of Work for 2006 and 2007 the Authority is continuing work relating to the potential exposure of workers in hospitals to biohazards that might adversely affect their safety, health or welfare. Employers in the healthcare sector have a duty under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 to ensure that workers who treat MRSA infected patients are protected by adherence to good hygiene practices, by adequate risk assessment and where appropriate isolation of infected patients, and adequate infection controls.
The Health Safety Authority focuses on the existence and implementation of comprehensive infection control policies as part of the overall safety management system of workplaces where there may be a risk of workers' exposure to biological agents. Such infection control policies must take account of all biological agents that may be present and, in particular, focus on those organisms that are of primary concern including, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ("MRSA"), Legionella, Hepatitis B, HIV, Mycobacterium tuberculosis ("TB") and Streptococcus pyrogenes.
The Health and Safety Authority is also aware that the Health Service Executive's Corporate Safety Statement deals with the obligation to protect its workers from blood borne disease exposure and the need to provide health surveillance of workers considered to be at risk. The Health and Safety Authority as part of this work, in 2006, requested the HSE to identify those hospitals, if any, under its control that were not in possession of a written site-specific risk assessment for exposure to biological agents at work and the associated safety management system (including prevention and control measures).
I am informed by the Health and Safety Authority that any hospitals that were so identified were subject to inspection by its inspectors and, where necessary, appropriate enforcement action was taken. In relation to other hospitals that the Health Service Executive considered compliant, a sample was also subject to inspection in line with the Authority's policy of dealing with this prioritised area. In 2006 the Health and Safety Authority carried out a total of 148 inspections in the Healthcare sector. As part of these inspections, 13 hospitals were targeted nation-wide, focusing on the spread of MRSA, and enforcement action was taken in 12 instances.
The Health and Safety Authority's overall objective in relation to the Healthcare Sector in its Programme of Work for 2007 is to improve health and safety management systems and practices in the sector. In this regard, the Authority is committed to carrying out a programme of 200 inspections focusing on worker protection in hospitals, nursing homes and psychiatric institutions, concentrating on risk assessments for work activities, maintenance and cleaning procedures, security and violence procedures, manual handling and biological agents control. In addition the Inspectors of the Authority are following up on last year's inspections.
EU Funding.
Paul Kehoe
Question:452 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the percentage of the money allocated to his Department from European funds for each of the years 2000 to 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5186/07]
I assume that the Deputy is referring to EU Structural Funds allocated to Ireland over the period 2000-2006. My Department was allocated funding under two of four funds which make up the Structural Funds — the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund (ESF).
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF): Three measures within the Productive Sector Operational Programme were funded under the ERDF in the 2000-2006 period. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment was allocated funding for the Industry RTDI measure and technical assistance. The Department of Education and Science was allocated funding for the Education RTDI measure.
As ERDF funding was allocated across a number of different Operational Programmes and my Department does not have overall responsibility for ERDF funds, I am not in a position to state the percentage allocations made to this Department. However, the tables set out the actual allocations in each of the years 2000-2006 for funding under the Industry RTDI and Technical Assistance measures.
|
Industry RTDI |
ERDF Allocation Per Year |
|
€m |
|
|
2000 |
53.8 |
|
2001 |
0 |
|
2002 |
38.5 |
|
2003 |
31.5 |
|
2004 |
22.4 |
|
2005 |
9.4 |
|
2006 |
2.5 |
|
Technical Assistance |
ERDF Allocation Per Year |
|
€m |
|
|
2000 |
0.134 |
|
2001 |
0 |
|
2002 |
0.087 |
|
2003 |
0.070 |
|
2004 |
0.018 |
|
2005 |
0.026 |
|
2006 |
0.009 |
The Productive Sector Monitoring Committee agreed to the transfer of the 2001 ERDF Allocation to the Economic and Social Infrastructure Operational Programme.
European Social Fund (ESF): The ESF is made up of four Operational Programmes (OPs) and one Community Initiative (CIs) in Ireland which were allocated a total of €1097.65 million over the period 2000-2006. The table shows the breakdown in funding allocated to each of these OPs and the CI.
|
Operational Programmes/ Community Initiative: |
ESF Contribution |
|
|
€ million |
% of ESF |
|
|
Employment and Human Resources Development OP |
901.9 |
82.17 |
|
Border, Midland and Western OP |
33.06 |
3.01 |
|
Southern & Eastern Regional OP |
82.34 |
7.50 |
|
Peace Programme II |
45.85 |
4.18 |
|
EQUAL Community Initiative |
34.5 |
3.14 |
|
Total ESF funding |
1,097.65 |
100.00 |
My Department was allocated funding under the Employment and Human Resources Development Operational Programme (EHRD OP) and the EQUAL Community Initiative.
Under the EHRD OP, which represents 82.2% of total ESF funding allocated to Ireland for 2000-2006, my Department was allocated funding for FÁS-related measures, in-company training and technical assistance. A number of other Departments, including the Department of Education and Science and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform were allocated funding under the EHRD OP. The table shows the funding allocated to my Department for the relevant measures out of the total EHRD OP funding allocated for 2000-2006.
|
EHRD OP |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
Total |
|
FÁS measures |
64.97 |
50.18 |
46.40 |
40.07 |
38.13 |
34.84 |
49.41 |
324.00 |
|
In-Company Training — Enterprise Ireland |
18.83 |
15.43 |
13.59 |
11.18 |
6.03 |
6.86 |
13.08 |
85.00 |
|
Technical Assistance |
0.37 |
0.22 |
0.18 |
0.14 |
0.10 |
0.12 |
0.16 |
1.28 |
|
Overall DETE Allocation |
84.16 |
65.83 |
60.16 |
51.39 |
44.26 |
41.83 |
62.65 |
410.28 |
|
Overall EHRD Allocation |
195.10 |
159.65 |
139.82 |
114.84 |
81.70 |
82.00 |
127.98 |
901.09 |
|
Overall DETE % of EHRD allocation |
43% |
41% |
43% |
45% |
54% |
51% |
49% |
46% |
Funding under the EQUAL Community Initiative, which represents 0.031% of ESF funding allocated to Ireland for 2000-2006, was allocated in full to my Department. The table shows the breakdown of EQUAL funding allocated for each year 2000-2006.
|
EQUAL CI |
€ million |
|
2001 |
5.20 |
|
2002 |
5.74 |
|
2003 |
5.70 |
|
2004 |
5.80 |
|
2005 |
5.98 |
|
2006 |
6.09 |
|
Total |
34.50 |
My Department has ensured that all ESF monies that were due to be drawn down from the EU to date have been successfully drawn down.
Consumer Protection.
Richard Bruton
Question:453 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the practice of charging more to persons who do not use direct debit is in conflict with codes of acceptable consumer practice; and if he has communicated with a company (details supplied) who have introduced such a charge. [5198/07]
I presume that the Deputy's question is intended to refer to the proposal of the company concerned to impose an additional charge on customers who pay their bills by means other than direct debit. I would have to advise the Deputy that this practice would not be in breach of consumer law. I do, however, share the concerns expressed in a number of quarters that the introduction of this charge could impact disproportionately on certain groups of vulnerable consumers.
In this regard I am aware that the Director of Consumer Affairs whose Office has received a considerable number of complaints in relation to this practice has had a number of discussions with the company referred to in the Deputy's question. I understand that arising from these discussions the company concerned will review the imposition of the charge on customers who are pensioners or who have special needs and that it will communicate its intentions in this regard before the introduction of the charge on 1st April 2007. I am also advised by the Director that the charge which the company concerned introduced in respect of customers who pay their bills late will only be applied following a written reminder to the customer and notification of the application of the charge should the customer's bill not be cleared within a specified timeframe. The Director has advised me that her Office will continue to monitor the manner in which these charges are imposed on customers, particularly those who are vulnerable customers.
International Trade.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:454 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of tariff lines under which Ireland’s priority aid countries currently export into Europe; the number of those tariff lines already set at 0% tax; the value of that trade; the proportion this represents of total EU imports; the value of revenue collected from these; the number of new tariff lines that will be reduced to 0% tax under the new economic partnership agreements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5226/07]
As the Deputy's question refers to the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs), I am providing the information requested in relation to the seven of the eight Irish Aid programme countries which are taking part in the EPA negotiations, namely Ethiopia, Lesotho, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Timor-Leste.
These seven Irish Aid programme countries are all Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and, therefore, benefit from the European Council Regulation of 1st March 2001. That Regulation amended the EU's Generalised Scheme of Preferences so as to extend duty and quota free access to all products, except arms and ammunition, originating in LDCs (known as the Everything but Arms Initiative (EBA). Notwithstanding this initiative, tariffs continue to be levied for the sensitive products of rice and sugar. Rice is due to be fully liberalised by September 2009 and sugar is scheduled to be fully liberalised by July 2009. For the moment, therefore, quotas remain in place for rice and sugar although these increase each year as the dates for full liberalisation approach. Ethiopia, Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia did export sugar cane to the EU in 2005, but the amounts concerned were not sufficient to go over the quota and therefore attract a tariff.
All of the statistical information required by the Deputy is not immediately available from the European Commission. The best available information is as follows:
Ethiopia: Ethiopia exported € 282,841 worth of goods to the EU in 2005, which represented 0.02% of the EU's total imports. These goods were categorised under 18 tariff lines.
Lesotho: Lesotho exported €52,791 worth of goods to the EU in 2005, which represented only just over 0% of the EU's total imports. These goods were categorised under 3 tariff lines.
Mozambique: Mozambique exported €1,004,907 worth of goods to the EU in 2005, which represented 0.09% of the EU's total imports. These goods were categorised under 6 tariff lines.
Tanzania: Tanzania exported €318,482 worth of goods to the EU in 2005, which represented 0.03% of the EU's total imports. These goods were categorised under 21 tariff lines.
Timor-Leste: Timor-Leste exported €1,490 worth of goods to the EU in 2005, which represented just over 0% of the EU's total imports. These goods were categorised under 10 tariff lines.
Uganda: Uganda exported €301,016 worth of goods to the EU in 2005, which represented 0.03% of the EU's total imports. These goods were categorised under 13 tariff lines.
Zambia: Zambia exported €185,240 worth of goods to the EU in 2005, which represented 0.02% of the EU's total imports. These goods were categorised under 11 tariff lines.
The value of the revenue collected from the EU's trade with these countries is not immediately available from the European Commission). With regard to new tariff lines being reduced to 0% tax under the EPAs, as mentioned above, the Irish Aid programme countries involved in the negotiations are all LDCs and therefore already benefit from the quota and duty free scheme of the Everything but Arms initiative (EBA). In taking part in the EPA negotiations African Pacific Caribbean LDCs can build on their EBA access by exploiting the potential of being part of a larger market through the regional integration that the EPAs offer.
Ireland is following the EPA negotiations closely, in particular with regard to our Irish Aid Programme Countries, and will continue to urge that the negotiations result in agreements that are supportive of ACP countries' development needs and their poverty reduction efforts.
Departmental Programmes.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:455 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the projects contained in the new national development plan that will be procured and commenced in 2007 in his Department; when they will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5794/07]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:456 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the large scale infrastructure projects which will be completed during the lifetime of the new national development plan within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5805/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 455 and 456 together.
The National Development Plan (2007-2013) is a strategic document setting out a broad investment framework and investment priorities, together with indicative financial allocations, for the next seven years. It does not contain a list of all projects to be undertaken in 2007 over the period of the Plan, although certain Chapters, including those on Regional Development, Economic Infrastructure and Social Infrastructure, refer to projects scheduled for delivery or progression between now and the end of 2013.
In the case of my own Department the Plan includes a number of programmes, rather than projects, to be delivered by the agencies under my Department over the lifetime of the Plan. These programmes are designed to further promote enterprise development, research and development, the upskilling of the workforce and the improvement of the employment and participation rates of groups who are experiencing barriers to access and progression in the labour market.
Employee Protection.
David Stanton
Question:457 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reasons for his support of the UK Government in the recently decided European Court of Justice Case C278-05; his views on the recent decision and the implications for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4713/07]
The case to which the Deputy refers, relates to Directive 80/987/EEC which provides for the protection of employees in the event of the insolvency of their employer. The High Court in the U.K. referred a case to the European Court of Justice for a preliminary ruling on whether Article 8 of this Directive requires "Member States to ensure, by whatever means necessary, that employees' accrued rights under supplementary company or inter-company final salary pension schemes are fully funded by Member States in the event that the employees' private employer becomes insolvent and the assets are insufficient to fund those benefits".
Article 8 of the Directive requires that "Member States shall ensure that the necessary measures are taken to protect the interests of employees and of persons having already left the employer's undertaking or business at the date of the employer's insolvency in respect of the rights conferring upon them immediate or prospective entitlement to old-age benefits, including survivors' benefits, under supplementary company or inter-company pension schemes outside the national statutory social security schemes." However, under article 4(3), the Directive elsewhere allows Member States to limit the liability of the guarantee institutions.
In Ireland, Article 8 of the Directive was implemented by Section 7 of the Protection of Employees (Employers' Insolvency) Act 1984. This provides that in the event of an employer's insolvency, any contributions deducted from any employee in the 12 months prior to insolvency and which remain unpaid, and any contributions due to be paid by the employer into the scheme in the 12 months prior to the insolvency (unless a lesser amount would discharge the liabilities) may be paid from the Social Insurance Fund into the occupational pension scheme.
In addition to the measures taken to implement this Directive, existing provisions are in place under the Pensions Act 1990 to protect members' benefits under occupational pension schemes. Part IV of the Pensions Act 1990 sets out a minimum funding standard for defined benefit pension schemes. This is a wind-up standard, based on the benefits a scheme is obliged to provide should the scheme be wound up. In addition, having sufficient assets to meet the liabilities of the scheme is now also a requirement under EU Directive 2003/41/EC, which my Department implemented in September 2005.
The issues arising from this particular case relate to two Government Departments — the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, which has responsibility for the Insolvency Payments Scheme and which, under the Protection of Employees (Employers' Insolvency) Act 1984, administers the implementation of all of the provisions of the Directive, and my Department, which has responsibility for pension issues and the Social Insurance Fund, from which insolvency payments under the above Insolvency Payments Scheme are made.
Given the similarity in pension systems it is no surprise to note that the UK implemented Article 8 of the Directive in much the same manner as Ireland. A report from the European Commission on 15 June 1995 analysing national laws transposing the Directive found that in the case of Ireland, there was no cause for objection.
In the context of this case Member States were invited by the European Court to submit statements of case or written observations to the Court of Justice by the 25th October 2005. Arising from this invitation, I and my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment arranged for the Attorney General to submit observations. The observations were submitted having regard to the potential implications for Ireland of an adverse finding in this case and in order to ensure that the Irish position was fully presented.
An oral hearing in this case was subsequently held on June 1st 2006 at which Ireland was represented by the Chief State Solicitors Office. Following the hearing, the Advocate General delivered her opinion on the 13th July 2006 in advance of the final ruling of the European Court of Justice.
The final ruling was delivered by the European Court of Justice on the 25th January 2007 and my Department has sought the advice of the Office of the Attorney General on the ruling. When this is received discussions will then take place with the Department of Finance, the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment and the Pensions Board. It would be premature to consider any possible implications of this ruling in advance of these discussions.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Jack Wall
Question:458 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has not received a rent subsidy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4954/07]
The supplementary allowance (SWA) scheme, including rent supplement, is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE). The Executive has advised that it has not received an application for rent supplement from the person concerned. It has further advised that the person concerned should contact her local community welfare officer where she will be advised of any possible entitlements.
Emmet Stagg
Question:459 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason rent subsidy has not been awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare. [5238/07]
The supplementary allowance (SWA) scheme, including rent supplement, is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE). The Executive has advised that it has finalised a claim for rent supplement for the person concerned and has communicated its decision to the person in question.
Beverley Flynn
Question:460 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of carers here who are receiving State assistance. [5278/07]
There are currently 27,597 persons in receipt of carer's allowance (week ending 2 February 2007). There are currently 1,627 persons in receipt of Carer's Benefit. These recipients also qualify for Respite Care Grant. Support of carers has been a priority of Government since 1997. Payments to carers have been greatly improved over that period and qualifying conditions for carers allowance have been significantly eased, coverage of the scheme has been extended and new schemes such as carers benefit and the respite care payment have been introduced. The further development of support for carers continues to be a priority for me and for Government as reflected in recent Budget changes. In addition, 10,052 people who are not in receipt of Carer's Allowance or Carer's Benefit were paid the Respite Care Grant in 2006.
National Development Plan.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:461 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the projects contained in the new national development plan that will be procured and commenced in 2007 in his Department; when they will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5798/07]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:462 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the large scale infrastructure projects which will be completed during the lifetime of the new national development plan within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5809/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 461 and 462 together.
My Department has received funding in the new National Development Plan (NDP) 2007-2013 under the Social Inclusion Priority of the Plan. The funding provided is mainly for four programmes as follows:
The Activation Sub-Programme, aims to promote participation and social inclusion through engaging with people of working age on social welfare payments at the initial claim stage, in order to facilitate progression to employment, training, education and other opportunities as appropriate. It is intended to invest €50 million under this Sub-Programme over the lifetime of the NDP. The Back to Work Sub-Programme aims to encourage the long term unemployed and other social welfare customers to take up employment or self-employment opportunities by enabling them to retain a proportion of their social welfare payment over a number of years. In addition funding is available to programmes run by third parties to assist welfare recipients and members of their families in availing of education, training and development opportunities. Some €591 million will be made available under this Sub-Programme over the lifetime of the NDP.
The Back to Education Sub-Programme is designed to help people in receipt of social welfare improve their employability and job-readiness by giving them the opportunity to improve their qualifications and education. Some €519 million will be made available under this Sub-Programme over the lifetime of the NDP.
The Family and Community Services Resource Centre Programme is administered by the Family Support Agency. It aims to help combat disadvantage by improving the function of the family unit. Family Resource Centres empower disadvantaged people by involving them in decisions which affect them and enabling them to use and develop their own skills, knowledge and experience. Funding will continue under the NDP with priority given to centres which serve those areas where communities are contending with multiple disadvantage. Some €187 million is being provided for this programme to expand the number of centres from its current 100 to 142 over the lifetime of the plan. There are no large scale infrastructure projects included in the funding provided to my Department under the NDP.
Maritime Safety.
Cecilia Keaveney
Question:463 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Transport the position in relation to bringing proposals forward to assist local authorities in adopting regulations on the operation of jet skis within their jurisdiction in which such controls are required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4790/07]
The legal framework to regulate fast powered craft including jet skis, provided for in the Maritime Safety Act 2005 arose from the Report of the Action Group on Small Powered Recreational Craft (including personal watercraft) in 2000 which concluded that the primary public policy response to regulating such craft should be the use of local bye-laws.
Conditions and issues vary in different parts of the country and it makes sense that those closest to the issues and with local knowledge should regulate for the particular circumstances.
Section 6 of the Maritime Safety Act 2005, provides that bye-laws may be made regulating or controlling the operation of specified craft, including jet skis, by Local Authorities, harbour authorities and Waterways Ireland in waters under their control or management or in their functional area. The prohibition or restriction of such craft will be for the purposes of safety to persons, prevention of nuisance or injury, damage to watercraft or property and to protect national heritage areas and protected monuments.
The Maritime Safety Directorate (MSD) of my Department has prepared and issued guidelines to the relevant authorities on the powers available to them to regulate craft under the 2005 Act. These guidelines assist them on issues relating to the design, implementation and management of bye-laws. It is a matter for individual bye-law making authorities to assess the particular circumstances in their area and decide the appropriate response, having regard to the guidelines issued by the MSD and consulting with interested parties.
Search and Rescue Service.
John Perry
Question:464 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Transport the amount of funding provided to inshore and offshore marine rescue services in 2006; the number of personnel involved in providing these services; if the State provides other resources to these services, such as training; if staff at his Department liase regularly with members of these services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5229/07]
Funding for inshore and offshore marine rescue services is provided through the Irish Coast Guard which has overall responsibility for management and co-ordination of marine search and rescue operations. The table provides details of funding in 2006, together with information on the personnel involved.
|
Marine Rescue Service |
2006 Funding |
Personnel (directly involved in Search and Rescue operations) |
|
€000 |
||
|
1. Helicopter Search and Rescue services (inshore and offshore) based at Dublin, Shannon, Sligo and Waterford airports |
26,000 |
100 |
|
2. 54 Coast Guard Units (inshore) |
1,500 |
850 approx. |
|
3. 9 Community Rescue Boat Ireland services (inshore) |
70 |
150 approx. |
|
4. 33 RNLI (inshore and offshore) |
175 |
1,100 |
Helicopter search and rescue services are provided on a contract basis by Canadian Helicopter Corporation (Ireland) Ltd. The Coast Guard also supports some 54 Coast Guard Units located around the Coastline. The members of these units are volunteers and funding covers all needs, including accommodation, vehicles, equipment and training. A further 9 Community Rescue Boat Ireland (CRBI) services (inshore) receive grant payments towards current expenditure incurred each year. Capital grant aid is also available to them. The RNLI, whose members are also volunteers, receives an annual grant towards costs, and in 2006 the grant amounted to €175,000.
Canadian Helicopters (Ireland) Ltd and the RNLI provide their own training of personnel. The Coast Guard provides training for the Coast Guard Unit volunteers and provides some assistance to the CRBI services in their training. Staff of the Coast Guard regularly liaise with all the providers of marine rescue services. The Coast Guard assures itself that these services are at all times capable of responding to rescue requirements.
Parking Regulations.
Damien English
Question:465 Mr. English asked the Minister for Transport if he has had communications with groups (details supplied) regarding the provision of parking facilities for bus and rail users at Enfield, County Meath; if his Department would be willing to instruct these groups to work together to provide urgent parking measures for their customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4720/07]
It is my policy to support the development of park and ride facilities in the Greater Dublin Area, and funding is available under Transport 21 for the development of such facilities. As I have made clear before in relation to such developments, I am open to receive proposals for funding from local authorities in the GDA. Any such proposals will be evaluated for funding according to their business cases and on a first-come, first-served basis.
Irish Rail, which has already conducted a feasibility study into prioritising a programme of car park extensions throughout their network of railway stations, will soon be commencing a similar study looking at further stations not covered in the original study. As part of this new study, they will examine the feasibility of extending the number of car parking spaces at Enfield railway station by 150 extra spaces (there are currently 15 car parking spaces there).
I have not been approached regarding a possible park and ride facility at Enfield by any of the other organisations referred to by the Deputy. The development and implementation of traffic management measures in general and measures aimed at improving the priority of public transport and encouraging modal shift is a matter for the local authority and transport service providers concerned. My role as Minister for Transport is to set the broad policy framework within which such measures can best be taken and to provide the necessary funding.
Airport Development Projects.
Trevor Sargent
Question:466 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport if the proposal by the Dublin Airport Authority for a new runway is part of the national development plan finance package. [4758/07]
Significant capital investment, including the provision of a second parallel runway, will be made in Dublin Airport over the period of the National Development Plan 2007-2013. The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) operates under a commercial mandate and funds investment from its own internal resources. Accordingly, while the proposed new runway forms part of the National Development Plan, its cost will be borne by the DAA and not the Exchequer.
Road Network.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:467 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the status of the proposal to buy out the West Link toll bridge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4785/07]
The statutory power to levy tolls on national roads, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into toll agreements with private investors in respect of national roads, including the M50, is vested in the National Roads Authority (NRA) under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000).
As regards the proposed buy-out of the Westlink Toll Bridge, negotiations between the National Roads Authority and National Toll Roads are not concluded and I do not wish to pre-empt their outcome.
State Airports.
Pat Breen
Question:468 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 221 of 9 March 2005, if he is certain that the red zones at State airports were formally established in 1968 in the first instance (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5158/07]
Pat Breen
Question:469 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport further to his confirmation by way of reply to Parliamentary Question No. 351 of 15 February 2005, if a scheme showing restrictions that were considered necessary for the purposes of air safety at Shannon Airport was forwarded to Clare County Council in the late 1960s; the reason he has not provided a person (details supplied) with a copy of the said scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5159/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 468 and 469 together.
As I have stated in previous replies to the House, the red zones were formally established at the State Airports in 1968. I understand that in the late 1960's in the context of drafting a county development plan a scheme showing restrictions that were considered necessary for the purposes of air safety was forwarded to Clare County Council. The subsequent incorporation of such areas into County Development Plans as well as planning policy regarding development therein was and is a matter for the relevant local authority. I understand that it is normal practice for the planning authorities to consult the public about any changes to development plans.
As the schemes outlining these restrictions were an input to the planning process there was no legal requirement for the then Department of Transport and Power to carry out consultations or notifications. The Department would have relied on the public consultation requirements of the Planning system to take account of public concerns. The Department of Transport did not then, and does not now have the power to compel planning authorities to apply its recommendations in relation to red zones.
EU Funding.
Paul Kehoe
Question:470 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport the percentage of the money allocated to his Department from European funds for each of the years 2000 to 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5193/07]
The major areas of transport infrastructure for which my Department has responsibility include the development of the national roads network and public transport. These areas have been in receipt of European Regional Development Fund financial assistance provided through the Economic and Social Infrastructure Operational Programme 2000-2006. European Union assistance has also been provided for these areas from the Cohesion Fund and the Trans-European Network financial instrument. The statistical information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Road Safety.
Catherine Murphy
Question:471 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the strategy in place to respond to the growing number of pedestrians who are involved in road traffic accidents in view of the fact that four in every ten fatalities are pedestrians; if he will ask for a review of the circumstances of such accidents for the purpose of identifying measures to improve pedestrian safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5218/07]
Measures pursued as part of the last Road Safety Strategy relating to traffic calming and the introduction of a lower speed limit in residential areas were targeted at improving pedestrian safety. These measures continue to be pursued.
In addition, Directive 2003/102/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 November 2003 was transposed into domestic legislation with effect from 28 May 2004. The Directive relates to the protection of pedestrians and other vulnerable road users. The aim of the Directive is to reduce deaths and injuries to pedestrians and cyclists by motor vehicles through changes in the design of the fronts (i.e. bumper, bonnet and windscreen) of vehicles.
Directive 2005/66/EC of the European Parliament and the Council setting type approval standards in respect of frontal protection systems e.g. bull-bars, fitted to passenger cars and vans up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight, was adopted on 26 October 2005. The Directive in relation to passenger cars was transposed into Irish Law on 11 April 2006.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA), who has taken over responsibility for road safety advertising and education from the National Safety Council, continues to run advertising campaigns specifically targeted at pedestrians.
The Authority is also responsible for the preparation and submission to me for my approval of the next Road Safety Strategy, which will commence in 2007. The RSA went out to public consultation in October 2006 and received a substantial number of suggestions and proposals as a result of this process. As part of the process, the Authority also engaged directly with the relevant stakeholders in developing proposals for inclusion in the new Strategy. It is expected that the new Strategy will be finalised and presented to me for approval very shortly.
Public Transport.
David Stanton
Question:472 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has received a request from Cobh Town Council to provide funding to augment bus services in Cobh; the amount requested; if the funding will be forthcoming; if not, the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5219/07]
In response to a request last year from Cobh Town Council for Exchequer funding towards the cost of a Cobh Area Bus Service, my Department advised the Council that funding for loss making economically and socially necessary public transport services is currently provided to CIÉ, which has a statutory mandate under various Transport Acts, to provide such services and as there is currently no statutory basis for the State to procure such services from private operators, it was not possible to provide the funding sought.
Róisín Shortall
Question:473 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the amount of funding that has been provided in 2007, for the provision of quality bus corridors in the greater Dublin area; the amount that has been provided for the provision of bus priority along Dublin’s quays; the timescale for the provision of a full bus corridor along the quays; the projected start and finishing dates for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5295/07]
The Department of Transport has made €40m available in 2007 to the DTO Traffic Management Committee for deployment on traffic management projects. Applying earlier decisions of the DTO Steering Committee, some €34m or 85% of this will be available for bus priority projects, with the balance available for other traffic management projects within the region. At the January meeting of the DTO Traffic Management Grants Committee, some €681,000 was approved to extend existing bus priority measures on the north city quays as follows:- St. John's Road (Military Road to Steeven's Lane), Parkgate Street, Wolfe Tone Quay to Arran Quay (junction with Church Street). I understand that the three schemes described above will be implemented following the completion of work on the water mains at Kilmainham Lane and Bow Lane.
Róisín Shortall
Question:474 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the widespread concern among residents in Glasnevin and Ballymun regarding plans to construct metro north as a surface rail-line through their area; when and the persons by whom the decision was taken not to run this project as a deep-bored tunnel within the Glasnevin/Ballymun areas; if, in view of the public concern he will request the RPA to draw up plans for a deep bored tunnel as far as the M50 crossing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5296/07]
The Railway Procurement Agency is currently looking at a number of options and is engaged in consultation with stakeholders on the best design solution for Ballymun. No decision has yet been made by the Board of the RPA on the proposed method of construction
The RPA will in due course submit an application for a Railway Order to An Bord Pleanala and it will then be a matter for An Bord Pleanala to come to make a decision on that application.
Traffic Management.
Tony Gregory
Question:475 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Transport if he will amend the Road Traffic Regulations to allow cash in transit vans to use bus lanes for security reasons and in view of the limited number of vehicles involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5330/07]
The primary purpose of bus lanes is to facilitate and promote bus based public transport. Regulations, which have national application, generally limit the use of bus lanes to buses and, in the case of with-flow bus lanes, to cyclists also. Having regard to the role of taxis in providing an on-street immediate hire service, an exemption to the restriction relating to the use of with-flow bus lanes is allowed in respect of taxis when they are being used in the course of business. My Department is also currently considering the issue of access by motorcylists to bus lanes on the grounds of safety.
Many representations have been made to my Department seeking to extend access to bus lanes in relation to a wide range of other road users including cash in transit vans. A review of the access issue was carried in consultation with the relevant agencies that took account of the physical characteristics of the vehicles seeking access. The result of that review was to maintain the existing position with regard to access. That remains the current position.
Road Network.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:476 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if it is his preferred option that barrier free tolling on the M50 would be single point tolling; if his attention has been drawn to the proposed location of barrier free tolling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5365/07]
The statutory power to levy tolls on national roads, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into toll agreements with private investors in respect of national roads, including the M50, is vested in the National Roads Authority (NRA) under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000).
As the Deputy is aware, in January of last year, the NRA decided to replace the West-Link toll on the M50 by a single-point barrier free toll in 2008. The installation of barrier free tolling is a crucial element of the M50 upgrade which is underway at present. In that context, the NRA have initiated a tender competition for the provision of free flow tolling services with the objective of having free flow tolling arrangements operational on the M50 by mid 2008.
National Development Plan.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:477 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the national road projects that will be prioritised in the greater Dublin region under the new national development plan; the amount of funding allocated for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5368/07]
The National Development Plan 2007 to 2013 includes, in respect of road infrastructure in the Dublin region, the completion by 2010 of the M50 upgrade and the five Major Interurban Routes linking Dublin to Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford and the Border. Additionally, funding is to be provided to allow for the carrying out of feasibility and planning work on the proposed Dublin Outer Orbital Route and the Eastern Bypass.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:478 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the large scale transport infrastructure projects which will be completed during the lifetime of the new national development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5370/07]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:479 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the projects contained in the new national development plan that will be procured and commenced in 2007 in his Department; when they will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5799/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 478 and 479 together.
The National Development Plan (2007-2013) is a strategic document setting out a broad investment framework and investment priorities, together with indicative financial allocations, for the next seven years. It does not contain a list of all projects to be undertaken in 2007 and/or over the period of the Plan, although certain Chapters, including those on Regional Development, Economic Infrastructure and Social Infrastructure, refer to projects scheduled for delivery or progression between now and the end of 2013.
Transport 21 projects which, subject to compliance with the relevant statutory procedures, are scheduled to commence in 2007 include:
|
Project |
Completion |
|
Delivery of Red Line tramcar extensions |
2008 |
|
Western Rail Corridor |
|
|
Cork Commuter Line |
|
|
M50 Upgrade — Phase 3 |
|
|
N9 / M9 Waterford to Knocktopher Motorway |
2009 |
|
Dublin City Centre rail resignalling project |
|
|
N4 Leixlip to M50 Dual Carriageway |
|
|
Luas extension from Connolly to Docklands |
|
|
Kildare Rail Project |
2010 |
|
Sandyford Luas line extension to Cherrywood |
|
|
N3 Clonee to North of Kells Motorway |
|
|
N6 Galway to Ballinasloe Dual Carriageway |
|
|
M7 / M8 Portlaoise to Cullahill/Castletown Motorway |
|
|
M50 Upgrade — Phase 2 |
A large number of national road projects are already underway which will be completed during the lifetime of the National Development Plan, including: N1 (Border to Dundalk), N2 Castleblaney Bypass, N6 Kinnegad to Kilbeggan, N11 Enniskerry Junction Improvements, Arklow — Gorey Bypass, N51 Navan Inner Relief Road, N52 Mullingar to Belvedere, N77 Kilkenny Ring Road, N4 Dromod to Rooskey, N5 Charlestown Bypass, N6 Kilbeggan to Athlone, N7 Nenagh to Limerick and Limerick Tunnel, N8 Cullahill to Cashel and Cashel to Mitchelstown, N9 Carlow Bypass, N11 Kilpedder — Delgany Junction, N25 Waterford City Bypass (PPP) and N56 Mountaintop to Illistrim.
Public transport projects underway include delivery of 150 intercity railcars, construction of the Docklands rail station and Portlaoise traincare depot and DART train refurbishment.
Transport 21 projects which, subject to compliance with the relevant statutory procedures, are also expected to be completed during the lifetime of the new National Development Plan include the five major inter-urban motorways linking Dublin with the Border, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford, Metro North, Western Rail Corridor (Phase 2) (Athenry to Tuam), Navan Rail Line (Phase 1), the Citywest and Liffey Junction extensions of the Luas and the Lucan Luas Line.
A number of other significant national road schemes will also be completed within the lifetime of the new NDP but formal construction and completion dates have yet to be finalized by the National Roads Authority which is responsible, under the Roads Act, 1993, for the implementation of the National Roads Programme element of the new National Development Plan. In particular there will be substantial progress on the development of the Atlantic Road Corridor, facilitated by the decision announced in the NDP to bring forward funding for that corridor. Projects to benefit from this include the N18 Oranmore to Gort and Gort to Crusheen Bypass.
Substantial progress will also be made on other projects in the NDP period, which are scheduled for completion within the Transport 21 timeframe. These include the Interconnector and associated electrification, Metro West, Navan Rail project (Phase 2), Tuam — Claremorris section of the Western Rail Corridor and the Cherrywood — Bray Luas extension.
Allocation under the Regional airports capital grant scheme will be announced shortly. In addition the Government recently committed €10.87 million to the City of Derry Airport for a runway safety project, under co-funding arrangements agreed with the British Government. The project is expected to commence in 2007 and to be completed within a matter of years.
Investment in State airports, under the NDP is primarily a matter for the Dublin Airport Authority, while investment in ports is primarily a matter for the relevant port companies.
National Drugs Strategy.
Catherine Murphy
Question:480 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the additional funding and functions planned by his Department or the national drugs task force in response to the very significant increase in the level of cocaine use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4741/07]
At my request, the National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) and the National Drug Strategy Team (NDST) recently prepared a joint briefing paper on cocaine, based on existing data in Ireland. The paper, which is due to be published in early March, concluded that all data sources indicated an upward trend in cocaine use. A number of recommendations are made in the paper, principally in regard to treatment, but also covering supply, prevention and research.
The paper and its recommendations were discussed at the Inter-departmental Group (IDG) Meeting on Drugs in December last and will be further discussed at the next IDG Meeting in March. A key conclusion of the report is that treatment, primarily in the form of counselling, can and does work and, in this context, the provision of some cocaine specific clinics in areas where cocaine problems are more acute will be considered. However, in the broader context, I am of the view that we should work towards having drug services that can cater for the individual problem drug user, regardless of the drugs they use.
Another key recommendation relates to the training of frontline personnel to deal with cocaine issues. I have already funded a training initiative in this regard, as well as four pilot cocaine treatment projects to examine different methods of treatment for cocaine use. The outcomes of those projects which have been completed are being examined at present to see to what extent they can inform the way forward. Furthermore, the NDST along with the Drug Task Forces, will continue to review the needs in communities.
Meanwhile, the Deputy should note that work on the second all-island Drugs Prevalence Survey is in progress and it is expected that a first report of national prevalence figures and trends will be available in the latter part of this year. This will give much greater clarity on the overall prevalence of cocaine.
With regard to funding, any additional allocations for cocaine specific initiatives will be considered in the context of the overall provision for drug-related services when the Revised Estimates Volume is published in the coming weeks.
The challenges posed by cocaine use are significant but I am confident that we can meet these challenges through a co-ordinated approach utilising the structures of the National Drugs Strategy.
Registered Charities.
Denis Naughten
Question:481 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if, in relation to the regulation of charities, An Taisce is registered as a charity; if his attention has been drawn to whether An Taisce accepts donations on behalf of other organisations; the legal status of such an arrangement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4784/07]
There is currently no register of charities. I understand, however, that An Taisce appears on the list of organisations which have obtained exemption from payment of certain taxes from the Revenue Commissioners and that this list is sometimes referred to as a register of charities. However, I have no role in relation to this list.
As the Deputy will be aware, in line with a commitment in the Agreed Programme for Government, work is under way on a Bill to regulate the charities sector. It is expected that this Bill will be published in the current Dáil session.
EU Funding.
Paul Kehoe
Question:482 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the percentage of the money allocated to his Department from European funds for each of the years 2000 to 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5183/07]
As the Deputy is aware, the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs was established in June 2002, bringing together a range of functions previously under the remit of six different Government Departments.
During the period 2002-2006, my Department received funding from the EU in respect of activities included under the Programme for Peace and Reconciliation/INTERREG and the LEADER/National Rural Development Programme 2000-2006. Details of the allocations for these programmes are published in the annual Revised Estimates Volumes for the years in question.
EU receipts received by my Department in each of the years 2002-2006 are set out below:
|
Year |
Amount |
% of gross expenditure |
|
€ |
% |
|
|
2002 |
4.908 |
1.38 |
|
2003 |
6.118 |
2.24 |
|
2004 |
22.649 |
7.34 |
|
2005 |
13.234 |
3.83 |
|
2006 |
25.298 |
5.56 |
The variation between years is accounted for mainly by timing issues in relation to receipts from the EU under the relevant programmes and by increased spend occurring in the later years of the programmes
National Development Plan.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:483 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the projects contained in the new national development plan that will be procured and commenced in 2007 in his Department; when they will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5792/07]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:484 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the large scale infrastructure projects which will be completed during the lifetime of the new national development plan within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5803/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 483 and 484 together.
The Deputy will appreciate that the National Development Plan 2007-2013 (NDP) is a strategic document setting out a broad investment framework and investment priorities, together with indicative financial allocations, for the next seven years. It does not contain a list of all projects to be undertaken in 2007, or indeed over the period of the NDP, although certain Chapters, including those on Regional Development, Economic Infrastructure and Social Infrastructure, refer to projects scheduled for delivery or progression between now and the end of 2013.
While I understand that other Ministers will be replying in respect of their own areas of responsibility, I can inform the Deputy that my own Department will be involved in the delivery of a range of programmes within the following priority areas:
Enterprise, Science and Innovation
Rural, Social and Economic Development Programme
Gaeltacht and Islands Development Programme
Social Infrastructure
Waterways Sub-programme
Social Inclusion
Local and Community Development Programme
My Department will also have an important role in relation to the horizontal themes of Development of the Rural Economy and All-Island Co-operation identified in the NDP. The majority of the expenditure under the aforementioned programmes will consist of a mix of current and capital support for locally initiated projects, which are important but of a relatively small-scale in a national context.
In terms of larger-scale projects, work is underway to explore the possibility of restoring the Ulster Canal to provide a major inland waterway for the border region. Under the Islands Sub-programme, resources will be concentrated on a flagship project, which is expected to commence in 2007, to implement major improvements to the piers and harbours of the three Aran Islands.
Decentralisation Programme.
Phil Hogan
Question:485 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the present progress or otherwise in respect of the decentralisation of Bord Bia as part of the Government’s programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4742/07]
To date 26 Bord Bia staff members have indicated their willingness to relocate to Enniscorthy. Applications have been made by 47 persons from outside Bord Bia for positions in Enniscorthy, under the Decentralisation programme, of whom 19 are based in Dublin.
Issues relating to the transferability of staff between State agencies and between Civil Service, Public Service and State agencies generally are being examined centrally by the Department of Finance who deal with general human resource and industrial relations issues arising from decentralisation. Bord Bia is not one of the organisations given early mover status under the Government Decentralisation Plan and a precise time frame has not been established.
An Bord Bia continues to liaise with the Office of Public Works (OPW) regarding development and establishment of a headquarters building in Enniscorthy. A site has been identified following inspections of a number of sites in Enniscorthy by Board and Senior Management members from Bord Bia. It is understood that acquisition terms have been agreed by the Office of Public Works and that the final step/s of the acquisition process is/are currently in train by the OPW.
Grant Payments.
David Stanton
Question:486 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a single farm payment is to be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; if so, if she will make arrangements for this to be granted as soon as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4743/07]
The position is that an application for the Transfer of Entitlements under the Single Payment Scheme from the person named was submitted on the 25th April 2006. During processing of the Transfer application, it was necessary for an official of my Department to seek clarification on certain matters relating to the application. The requested information was received on the 8th February 2007. The application is now fully processed and payment in respect of 8.07 standard entitlements will issue shortly.
Michael Ring
Question:487 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their single farm payment for 2006. [4761/07]
An application for the Transfer of Entitlements under the Single Payment Scheme to the person named was submitted on the 6th December 2006. The application was accepted even though the closing date for receipt of completed applications to transfer entitlements was the 16th May 2006.
During processing of the Transfer application, it was necessary for an official of my Department to request specific documentation relating to the application. Upon receipt of the requested information, my Department will process the application and will correspond directly with the person named.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:488 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the remaining single farm payment for 2006 will be made available to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4762/07]
The person named submitted an application under Category C of the 2005 Single Payment Scheme National Reserve which caters for farmers who sold their milk quota into the Milk Quota Restructuring Scheme and converted their enterprise to a farming sector for which a direct payment under Livestock Premia and/or Arable Aid Schemes would have been payable during the reference period 2000 to 2002. The person named was deemed successful under this category and was allocated a top-up from the National Reserve.
Successful applicants under Category C of the 2005 National Reserve are eligible for a top-up from the 2006 National Reserve to reflect the increased value of the Dairy Premium in 2006. My Department has automatically applied this top-up. The relevant payment due will issue shortly to the person named.
Denis Naughten
Question:489 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) will receive their single farm payment for 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4770/07]
The person named established 169.52 entitlements during the reference period. In 2005, he applied for and was accepted under the Consolidation measure of the Single Payment Scheme and his entitlements were consolidated to 108.17 National Reserve Entitlements. Under the provisions of the EU Regulations, consolidated entitlements are granted from the National Reserve. If National Reserve entitlements are not claimed each year for a 5-year period, the non-claimed entitlements are surrendered to the National Reserve.
As a result of a shortfall in land that could not be accounted for under the measures applicable to Consolidation, the applicant accepted the loss of 10.12 Entitlements to the National Reserve. The 2006 Single Payment due will issue to the person named within the coming week.
Denis Naughten
Question:490 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath will receive their full 2006 single farm payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4771/07]
The person named submitted an application on 15 May, 2006 under the consolidation measure of the Single Payment Scheme. This application has been processed and is eligible for consolidation. However, only 27.35 hectares of the total shortfall of 41.71 hectares can be accounted for as the land farmed during the reference period is now no longer available due to an expired rental agreement. A letter issued to the person named on 8 February, 2007 explaining the position and requesting him to confirm whether or not he wishes to proceed with his consolidation application.
This confirmation is necessary because if the consolidation application is accepted, 14.36 of consolidated entitlements in respect of the shortfall in the number of hectares declared on the 2006 Single Payment application will immediately revert permanently to the National Reserve. Under the provisions of the EU Regulations, consolidated entitlements are granted from the National Reserve. If National Reserve entitlements are not claimed each year for a 5-year period, the non-claimed entitlements are surrendered to the National Reserve.
The Single Payment will issue to the person named when the completed form, confirming how he wishes to proceed, is returned to my Department.
Animal Welfare.
Trevor Sargent
Question:491 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will confirm that the division of responsibilities on inspecting animal laboratories between the Department of Health and Children and her Department has been settled; if she will outline this division of responsibilities; when officials from her Department will resume inspecting licensed premises; if they will attempt to compensate for the dearth of inspections in recent months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4809/07]
Statutory responsibility for legislation on the use of animals for experimental or other scientific purposes as regulated under EU and national legislation (respectively Council Directive 86/609/EEC and the European Communities (Amendment to Cruelty to Animals Act, 1876) Regulations, 1994) falls within the remit of my colleague the Minister for Health and Children.
In the past, current and recently retired members of my Department's veterinary staff carried out inspection visits on behalf of the Department of Health and Children. Following recent discussions between the Departments, inspections of some of these facilities have been undertaken by officers from my Department in recent months. It is proposed to continue those inspections within the resources available.
Grant Payments.
Billy Timmins
Question:492 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position in relation to persons (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4813/07]
The persons named submitted applications for an allocation of entitlements from the 2005 Single Payment Scheme National Reserve under Categories A and D.
Category A caters for farmers who inherited land or received land free of charge or for a nominal sum from a farmer who had retired or died by 16 May 2005 and who had leased out his/her holding to a third party during the reference period 2000-2002. The persons named were unsuccessful under this category as they did not acquire the holding free of charge or for a nominal sum.
Category D caters for farmers who purchased or inherited land and who commenced farming after 31 December 2002 or who commenced farming in 2002 but who received no direct payments in respect of that scheme year. The persons named were not successful under this category as the land acquired was leased land which does not qualify for this category.
The persons named appealed these decisions. The appeal was forwarded to the Independent Single Payments Appeals Committee who have completed their reviews and upheld my Department's decision. A formal letter outlining the decision of the Committee has issued to the persons named.
The persons named also submitted applications for an allocation of entitlements from the 2006 Single Payment Scheme National Reserve under Category A. The position is that processing of the 2006 National Reserve applications will commence shortly and the revised leases will be taken into consideration when a decision is being made.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:493 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a single farm payment for 2006 will be made available to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4869/07]
The position is that an application for the Transfer of Entitlements under the Single Payment Scheme to the person named was submitted on the 30th November 2006. The application was accepted even though the closing date for receipt of completed applications to transfer entitlements was the 16th May 2006.
During processing of the Transfer application, it was necessary for an official of my Department to request specific documentation relating to the application. The requested information was received and the application is now fully processed.
Payment in respect of 46.17 standard entitlements, transferred by way of inheritance, will issue shortly.
Willie Penrose
Question:494 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a decision will be given regarding an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; if she will ensure that the entitlements are granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5105/07]
The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the National Reserve under Category D, New Entrants to farming after 31st December 2002. A New Entrant is defined as a farmer who did not, within the previous five years, engage in a farming activity in his/her own name or at his/her own risk. The Department of Agriculture and Food records identify the person named as a registered herd owner within the five-year period prior to 2002. In addition, the person named failed to submit the necessary documentary evidence showing that Off-farm income does not exceed €20,000 and that total farm income does not exceed €40,000. Therefore the person named is not eligible for an allocation of entitlements from the National Reserve under Category D.
The Independent Single Payments Appeals Committee have completed their review and disallowed the Appeal. A letter outlining the decision of the Committee has issued to the person named.
Passports for Animals.
Joe Walsh
Question:495 Mr. Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she intends to take to fully implement the passport regulations for equidae; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5110/07]
My Department recently wrote to the managers of some of the principal marts reminding them of the provisions of these regulations. A publicity campaign is being arranged to remind the general public of the regulations on identification of equidae. Department Officers will also carry out random compliance checks with regard to identification documents at sales, ports and other places where horses are assembled.
Grant Payments.
Billy Timmins
Question:496 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow who has applied for the single farm payment; if same will be awarded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5133/07]
The person named contacted my Department on 28th November 2006, stating that she had not submitted a 2006 Single Payment Scheme Application, and wished to do so at that time.
The closing date for receipt of applications under the 2006 Single Payment Scheme was originally Monday April 24th 2006. This date was subsequently extended to Monday May 15th 2006. The initial deadline was clearly highlighted in the SPS application packs, including an application form with pre printed information entered by applicants on their 2005 SPS application, sent to all farmers with SPS entitlements towards the end of March 2006. Both the initial and revised deadlines were widely publicised by advertising in the Local and National media.
The relevant EU Regulations provide for a 25-day period, after May 15th 2006, in which late applications could be accepted. However, a 1% penalty per working day (not calendar day) is imposed on late applications received during this period. The closing date for this period was Friday June 9th 2006. Applications submitted after this period had ended i.e. after June 9th 2006, are subject to a total 100% loss of payments. Accordingly, my Department could not accept an application from the person named on or after 28th November 2006 without the provision of adequate evidence that there were exceptional circumstances/force majeure for not submitting the application within the deadline.
The person named lodged an appeal with my Department but the required evidence was deemed not to have been provided. It was confirmed in writing to the person named that a late application could not be accepted, and that a further appeal could be made to the Agricultural Appeals Office. A ‘Notice of Appeal' application was included. The Agricultural Appeals Office is currently reviewing this case.
EU Funding.
Paul Kehoe
Question:497 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the percentage of the money allocated to her Department from European funds for each of the years 2000 to 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5180/07]
The total funding allocated to my Department from European funds for each of the years 2000 to 2006 is set out in Table.
|
Year |
EAGGF Guarantee |
EAGGF Guidance |
Veterinary Fund |
Total Receipts |
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
2000 |
1,627.6 |
31.1 |
3.0 |
1,661.7 |
|
2001 |
1,535.7 |
18.5 |
0.1 |
1,554.2 |
|
2002 |
1,661.0 |
4.6 |
22.7 |
1,688.3 |
|
2003 |
1,892.4 |
12.4 |
20.0 |
1,924.8 |
|
2004 |
1,819.7 |
42.8 |
16.1 |
1,878.6 |
|
2005 |
1,804.0 |
19.1 |
15.2 |
1,838.3 |
|
2006 |
1,722.6 |
27.9 |
13.0 |
1,763.6 |
The funding received by my Department in the period in question related primarily to direct payments to farmers, market supports, rural development, on farm investment and animal health measures.
Grant Payments.
Billy Timmins
Question:498 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding a person (details supplied) in County Carlow who appealed a decision in respect of the single payment scheme force majeure and exceptional circumstances as their home farm was leased to a third party during the reference years; if, in view of the circumstances during the reference years, this application can be re-examined with a view to allowing this payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5194/07]
The person named submitted an application for the Force Majeure/Exceptional Circumstances measure of the Single Payment Scheme on 28 October 2004. Having assessed the application, my Department informed the person named that the circumstances outlined did not fulfill the Force Majeure criteria laid down in Article 40 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003.
The person named then appealed this decision to the Independent Single Payment Appeals Committee who recommended that the decision taken by my Department should be upheld.
The Single Payment Scheme is applicable to farmers who actively farmed during all or any of the three reference years 2000, 2001 and 2002, who were paid Livestock Premia and/or Arable Aid payments in one or more of those years and who continued to farm in 2005.
The late mother of the person named did not actively farm during the reference period 2000-2002 and, therefore she could not be considered under the Force Majeure measure of the Single Payment Scheme.
The Office of the Ombudsman has also examined this case and has agreed with the findings of my Department. The person named has now exhausted all review mechanisms within my Department in relation to the decision on the Force Majeure application. In addition, the person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the 2005 Single Payment Scheme National Reserve under Categories A and D.
Category A caters for farmers who inherited land or received land free of charge or for a nominal sum from a farmer who had retired or died by 16 May, 2005 and who had leased out his/her holding to a third party during the reference period 2000 to 2002.
Category D caters for farmers who inherited or purchased land and who commenced farming after 31 December 2002 or who commenced farming in 2002 but who received no direct payments in respect of that scheme year.
The person named was deemed unsuccessful under both categories as he did not declare any lands for which he applied to the National Reserve on his 2005 Single Payment Scheme application. The person named submitted an appeal against this decision. This appeal was forwarded to the Independent Single Payments Appeals Committee who have completed their review and they have upheld my Department's decision. A letter outlining the decision of the Committee has issued to the person named.
Michael Lowry
Question:499 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the reason this latest payment has been delayed in view of the fact that other payments relating to this person were issued in 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5239/07]
Payments under the TB and Brucellosis compensation scheme are subject to determination of compliance by the herdowner with the terms and conditions of the scheme. Compliance by the person concerned with certain eligibility conditions relevant to payments under the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme and Income Supplement scheme required clarification. Following a detailed examination of the case, an On-Farm Market Valuation payment issued to the person concerned on 17 January 2007.
The detailed examination for eligibility for payment under the Income Supplement Scheme has now been finalised and it is expected that payment will issue shortly. My Department's District Veterinary Office will write shortly to the person concerned in this regard.
Michael Lowry
Question:500 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5240/07]
Payment of compensation under the Disease Eradication Schemes is conditional on herdowners submitting Tax Clearance Certificates where required to my Department. The District Veterinary Office has advised the person concerned that outstanding payments due under the TB and Brucellosis Eradication Scheme will be processed as soon as the necessary Tax Clearance Certificate has been furnished.
Denis Naughten
Question:501 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will receive their 2006 single farm payment; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5245/07]
The position is that an application for the Transfer of Entitlements under the Single Payment Scheme to the herd number involved was submitted on the 14th December 2006. The application was accepted even though the closing date for receipt of completed applications to transfer entitlements was the 16th May 2006.
During processing of the Transfer application, it was necessary for an official of my Department to request specific documentation and clarification in relation to the application. Upon receipt of the requested information, my Department will process the application and will correspond directly with the person named.
Proposed Legislation.
Pat Carey
Question:502 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on bringing forward legislation similar to the recently enacted Animal Welfare Act in the UK which brings together more than 20 items of animal welfare legislation relating to farmed and non-farmed animals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5276/07]
My Department has certain statutory responsibility for the welfare and protection of farmed animals. The legislation governing this is the Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes Act 1984 and the European Communities (Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes) Regulations, 2006. In addition, there is specific legislation in relation to pigs, calves and laying hens, and to the slaughter of animals. My Department's responsibilities in this area do not extend to non-farmed animals.
The main statutes governing cruelty to animals generally in this country are the Protection of Animals Acts 1911 and 1965. Responsibility for pursuing complaints under that legislation rests with An Garda Síochána who may, on receipt of a complaint, investigate and bring a prosecution against any person alleged to have committed an act of cruelty against an animal.
My Department is at present engaged in drafting legislation in relation to animal health with a view to consolidating and updating existing requirements. Final decisions have not yet been made in relation to the areas that will come within the scope of that legislation.
Farm Waste Management.
Pat Breen
Question:503 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when an official from her Department will visit a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5284/07]
An application for grant-aid under the Farm Waste Management Scheme was received from the person concerned on 22 December 2006 but has been found, on preliminary examination, to be incomplete. A decision will be made on this application following the receipt of the outstanding documentation concerned.
Grant Payments.
Paul Kehoe
Question:504 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the average waiting time in each county for a farmer to be granted the farm pollution grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5325/07]
Under the Charter of Rights for Farmers 2005-2007, payments under the Farm Waste Management Scheme must be made within 14 weeks of receipt of a valid claim. In view of the substantial increase in the number of applications received in 2006 under this Scheme, there may be instances where this deadline cannot be met by my Department despite best efforts to do so. I am currently examining various proposals to speed up the payment process to ensure adherence to the Charter deadlines.
Question No. 505 withdrawn.
National Development Plan.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:506 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the projects contained in the new national development plan that will be procured and commenced in 2007 in her Department; when they will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5789/07]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:507 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the large scale infrastructure projects which will be completed during the lifetime of the new national development plan within her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5800/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 506 and 507 together.
The elements of the new National Development Plan 2007-2013 that come within the remit of my Department provide for the implementation of measures rather than specific projects, including infrastructural projects. The measures cover support for agri-food research and the agri-food sector. I expect that the measures will commence in 2007 and will continue for the period of the Plan.
Early Childhood Education.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:508 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the mechanism for applying for the recently announced fund of €3 million to assist in the provision of early childhood education; the type of pre-schools that can apply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5233/07]
If the Deputy is referring to funds allocated for early childhood education under DEIS- the Action Plan for Educational Inclusion, the amount allocated includes provision for support for the Early Start Programme, the Rutland Street project and Traveller pre-schools. The DEIS action plan aims to concentrate early education actions on those children, aged from three up to school enrolment, who will subsequently attend urban/town primary schools participating in the School Support Programme and serving the most disadvantaged communities. An analysis of feeder pre-schools for Band 1 DEIS schools showed that there was a significant number of infants attending Primary schools who had previously attended pre-schools; of these feeder preschools some had been funded under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme (EOCP).
The National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 is the successor to the EOCP Programme and will incorporate a number of key objectives. These are to:
Increase the supply and improve the quality of early childhood care and education services, part-time and full day care, school age childcare and childminding,
Support families to break the cycle of poverty and disadvantage,
Support a co-ordinated approach to the delivery of childcare, which is centred, on the needs of the child.
The provision of childcare places has been devolved to City and County Childcare Committees which have been established in 33 counties or cities to develop and implement co-ordinated strategic plans for childcare provision within their local area. The following services are eligible for support — those providing care for babies, full day care, part time places, pre-school places, school age childcare including "wrap around" childcare places and childminding. Expression of interest forms should be completed and sent to the relevant County/City Childcare Committee.
In regard to educational inclusion, my Department is currently carrying out an audit of pre-school provision in the Band 1 DEIS schools to determine how further investment would add value to existing provision.
Special Educational Needs.
Catherine Murphy
Question:509 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science if the special units constructed at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare will commence receiving pupils for the September 2007 term; the impediments that remain to be resolved prior to the school commencing the acceptance of pupils; the recent progress made on these outstanding issues; the number of children who are on home tuition payments and are also applicants for places in this special unit; the amount that has been paid in home tuition for these children since the school was completed in 2003; the number of teachers that will be assigned to these units; the number of additional support staff that will be employed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5162/07]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:572 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when the up-to-date report requested by her Department from the NCSE is expected to be received regarding a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; the expected timeframe involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5291/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 509 and 572 together.
I can assure the Deputies that I am most anxious that the autism unit at the school in question becomes operational without further delay. It is difficult, however, to progress matters without the full co-operation of the school authorities.
These classes are typically established with an initial staff of one teacher and two special needs assistants for every six pupils. Additional SNA support may be provided on the basis of the assessed needs of individual pupils. One of the issues delaying opening these classes is that the school is seeking a level of staffing in excess of that normally sanctioned.
I have requested that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) formally submit to my Department an up to date report on the situation concerning the school in question with recommendations on how to proceed. It is expected that this report will be received in my Department shortly.
The Deputy will be aware of my commitment to ensuring that all children, including those with autism receive an education appropriate to their needs, preferably through the primary and post primary school network. In this regard my Department has established:
181 special classes for children with autism, attached to special and mainstream schools, 17 of which are in the Kildare area.
5 special classes for children with Asperger's Syndrome.
16 pre-school classes to facilitate the demand for early intervention provision for children on the autistic spectrum.
14 Stand Alone facilities providing an Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) specific methodology on a pilot basis, 1 of these facilities is based in the Kildare area; 2 of these facilities have yet to be established.
As the Deputies are aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is now operational. A specific function of the NCSE, through its network of local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is to identify appropriate educational placement for all children with special educational needs. The SENO is a focal point of contact for parents and schools. It is open to the parent to contact the SENO directly regarding the child's needs. Alternatively, these details may be accessed on the NCSE website at www.ncse.ie.
With regard to the request for information in respect of the number of children who are awaiting placement in the unit, I can confirm that this is a matter for the schools authorities and my Department does not retain waiting lists of children to be enrolled. Consequently, the information sought regarding the number of children in receipt of home tuition on an interim basis while awaiting placement in the unit and the cost of same is not readily available in my Department.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Finian McGrath
Question:510 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the action she will take regarding the class size issue in 2007 particularly in national schools. [4677/07]
Major improvements have been made in staffing at primary level in recent years.
At the beginning of the current school year there are no less than 4000 extra teachers in our primary schools, compared with 2002. The average class size in our primary schools is 24 and there is now one teacher for 17 pupils at primary level, including resource teachers etc.
Children with special needs and those from disadvantaged areas are getting more support than ever before to help them to make the most of their time at school.
Indeed, with the thousands of extra primary teachers hired by this Government, recent years have seen the largest expansion in teacher numbers since the expansion of free education. Furthermore, the Government is committed to providing even more primary teachers next year to reduce class sizes.
As the Deputy knows all primary schools are staffed on a general rule of at least one classroom teacher for every 28 children. Of course, schools with only one or two teachers have much lower staffing ratios than that — with two teachers for just 12 pupils in some cases and so on — but the general rule is that there is at least one classroom teacher for every 28 children in the school. Next September this will reduce 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.
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.
Language Support Services.
Enda Kenny
Question:511 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science her policy on language support for non-national children in school; if the cap on recruitment has been removed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4678/07]
My Department estimates that there are in the region of 28,000 students in our schools whose first language is not English or Irish. In order to meet their language needs, additional support is given to their schools which can take the form of financial assistance, additional teaching posts or portions of posts.
The level of extra financial or teaching support provided to any school is determined by the numbers of eligible non-English speaking students enrolled.
The additional language support to an individual pupil is generally given for a period of two years.
Schools with between 3 and 13 eligible pupils receive grant assistance towards the cost of employing part-time teachers. Schools with 3 to 8 such pupils receive a grant of over €6,300, while schools with between 10 and 13 such pupils receive over €9,500. Over €4 million is being provided for such grants in 2007.
Schools with 14 or more such pupils are entitled to one or more language support teachers, the number of which has increased dramatically in recent years. There are now approximately 1,250 language support teachers in our schools. More than 400 of these teachers have been allocated in the current school year alone. As I announced last November, 200 extra posts were approved by the Government for 2007, bringing to 1,450 the number of language teachers that will be working in our schools this year. This compares with just 262 posts in the 2001/02 school year.
In line with the Government's commitments under the ‘Towards 2016' partnership agreement, a further 350 language support teachers will be provided between 2008 and 2009.
In allocating additional teachers, I will be addressing in particular the position of those schools catering for significant numbers of such children.
Finally, as the Deputy will be aware, a comprehensive strategy is currently being finalised which will ensure that the extra investment in this area is being used to the best effect, and that it is underpinned by the right support and training for teachers.
Physical Education Facilities.
Enda Kenny
Question:512 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in making the sports hall in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 20 available to the community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4679/07]
The Department of Education and Science has provided funding in excess of €34m for the construction of nine dual use halls with enhanced facilities attached to post-primary schools. Eight of these halls are in Dublin, including the hall referred to by the Deputy, and one is in Cork.
An allocation of funding amounting to €2.5 million was approved by the Government under the Educational Disadvantage strand of the Dormant Accounts Fund 2006 to establish the community use element of these sports halls.
Two proposals were submitted to my Department with a view to drawing down part of this funding to facilitate community use of five of the halls, one of which was a proposal from County Dublin VEC that it will manage and operate three of the halls attached to schools in the South County Dublin area, including the school referred to by the Deputy, on behalf of the Department of Education and Science.
Government agreement was given on Tuesday 23rd January to the drawdown of Dormant Accounts funding for both of these proposals amounting to €1.75 million or €350,000 per sports hall.
My Department has informed County Dublin VEC of this decision and given approval for appropriate staffing of the halls to facilitate their use by the community.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Enda Kenny
Question:513 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the average number of children per class in each of the primary schools in Dublin south east; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4680/07]
Information in relation to class sizes is provided in the annual census of primary schools. The census for the current school year (2006/2007) is currently being worked on.
Major improvements have been made in staffing at primary level in recent years.
At the beginning of the current school year there are no less than 4000 extra teachers in our primary schools, compared with 2002. The average class size in our primary schools is 24 and there is now one teacher for 17 pupils at primary level, including resource teachers etc.
Children with special needs and those from disadvantaged areas are getting more support than ever before to help them to make the most of their time at school.
Indeed, with the thousands of extra primary teachers hired by this Government, recent years have seen the largest expansion in teacher numbers since the expansion of free education. Furthermore, the Government is committed to providing even more primary teachers next year to reduce class sizes.
As the Deputy knows all primary schools are staffed on a general rule of at least one classroom teacher for every 28 children. Of course, schools with only one or two teachers have much lower staffing ratios than that — with two teachers for just 12 pupils in some cases and so on — but the general rule is that there is at least one classroom teacher for every 28 children in the school. Next September this will reduce 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.
The improvements we have made in school staffing in recent years are absolutely unparalleled.
But we are determined to go even further, and so the 2007 Estimates include provision for another 800 primary teachers. About 500 of these will be classroom teachers, which includes our commitment to reduce class sizes.
I assure the Deputy that we will continue to prioritise further improvements in school staffing going forward. We will also continue our focus on measures to improve the quality of education in our primary schools to ensure that increased resources lead to better outcomes for our children.
School Enrolments.
Enda Kenny
Question:514 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the catchment area for each of the primary schools in Dublin south east; the number of children in each of these catchment areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4681/07]
The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department and would take an inordinate amount of administrative time to compile.
Enda Kenny
Question:515 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the length of the waiting list for each of the primary schools in Dublin south east; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4682/07]
The compulsory school starting age in a National School is 6 years of age.
Enrolment in individual schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of those schools and my Department does not seek to intervene in decisions made by schools, including decisions on criteria for enrolment and details of waiting lists for entry to primary schools. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools that are not in a position to admit all pupils seeking entry to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act. In this regard a board of management may find it necessary to restrict enrolment to children from a particular area or a particular age group or, occasionally, on the basis of some other criterion. In formulating an admissions policy a school must, however, ensure it is lawful. In particular, it must act in accordance with section 7 of the Equal Status Act 2000.
Where a Board of Management refuses to enrol a student in a school, the parent of the student or, where the student has reached 18 years of age, the student himself or herself, following the conclusion of any appeal procedures at school level, has a statutory entitlement under section 29 of the Education Act to appeal that decision to my Department. A committee is established to hear the appeal with hearings conducted with a minimum of formality. In most cases appeals must be dealt with within 30 days. Where appropriate, my Department may give whatever directions to the Board of Management that are considered necessary to remedy the matter complained of. The existence of an appeals procedure serves to ensure that schools abide by their enrolment policies.
Details on appealing decisions on enrolment under section 29 of the Education Act are available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to waiting lists is not available in my Department.
Enda Kenny
Question:516 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children in the primary school system in Dublin south east that were born outside the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4683/07]
The information requested by the Deputy is not available in my Department.
Language Support Services.
Enda Kenny
Question:517 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers trained to deal specifically with children in the primary school system in Dublin south east for whom English in not their first language; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4684/07]
My Department is committed to ensuring that all children get the necessary support that they need to do well at school. In order to ensure that children whose first language is not English can fully participate at school, my Department is providing extensive training in teaching English as a foreign language for primary teachers specifically assigned to teach children whose first language is not English.
Integrate Ireland Language and Training (IILT), a campus company of Trinity College Dublin, is funded by my Department to provide training and resource materials to assist schools in meeting the needs of pupils for whom English is a second language. A wide range of teaching resources has been developed by IILT which are available on their website at www.iilt.ie or directly from IILT.
Since September 2005, 15 teachers from the Dublin South East region have attended the IILT in-service seminars. 4 of these teachers attended the most recent seminars, which were held in December 2006. Recent years have seen a significant rise in the number of language support posts being provided by my Department. In the current school year, 879 whole-time equivalent language support teachers are in place at primary level. This compares with 562 in place at primary level in the previous school year and 149 language support teachers in the school year 2001/02. Thus, there has been over a five-fold increase in language support teachers at primary level in just 5 years.
The 2007 Estimates provided for 200 extra language support teachers. The new posts will mainly be for primary schools and will go to the schools with the highest number of foreign national children and are part of the 550 extra language teachers promised under the social partnership agreement, Towards 2016.
So the Government is increasing resources in this area in line with rising demand. However, it is still a relatively new area which is rapidly expanding and as such must be kept under review to ensure that children are getting the support that they need and that this support is proving effective in helping them to make the most of their time at school.
Schools Refurbishment.
Jerry Cowley
Question:518 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of the application by a school (details supplied) in view of the expansion of this school in recent years as it is currently a three teacher school with a learning support teacher, with 77 pupils enrolled, additional portacabins which are currently housing some classes which are costing the school €600 per week and that this school urgently needs to expand due to the ever increasing numbers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4685/07]
An application has been received in my Department from the school referred to by the Deputy under the Small Schools Scheme 2007. All applications received under this scheme are under consideration and the list of successful applicants will be published shortly.
Psychological Service.
Paul Kehoe
Question:519 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of clinical psychologists employed by the National Educational Psychological Service; if she plans to increase the number of clinical psychologists; the waiting lists for students waiting to be assessed who are suspected of having ADHD, autism or Aspergers syndrome; and the reason the option of being assessed privately is not being afforded to students with suspected ADHD while it is being done for students with suspected Aspergers syndrome. [4686/07]
The National Educational Psychological Service of my Department provides psychological services to schools and does not exert any control over clinical services. Psychologists often work in close collaboration with clinical agencies in regard to children with the conditions cited by the Deputy.
However, the provision of clinical services is a matter for the HSE.
The Deputy will be aware that all primary and post-primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA). Schools that do not currently have NEPS psychologists assigned to them may avail of the SCPA, whereby the school can have an assessment carried out by a member of the panel of private psychologists approved by NEPS, and NEPS will pay the psychologist the fees for this assessment directly.
I can inform the Deputy that the number of psychologists in the Department has increased from 43 since the establishment of NEPS in 1999 to a current figure of 127, including 4 psychologists assigned to the National Behavioural Support Service. There are also a further 16 Whole-time-equivalent educational psychologists providing service through the Dublin City and County VECs. Taken together, there are currently 143 educational psychologists working in services paid for by my Department.
I announced recently in this connection my intention to expand the number of NEPS psychologists by a further 31 in 2007. This will represent a significant increase in the number of psychologists in NEPS and bring the total number of psychologists in the system to 174.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that in line with the Government's ‘Towards 2016' commitments, the number of NEPS psychologists will be increased even further in each of 2008 and 2009, to a total of 193. At this point, including the 16 psychologists in the Dublin VEC areas, it is expected that the number of educational psychologists in the system as a whole will be 209.
Schools Refurbishment.
Ivor Callely
Question:520 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science the level of funding available in 2007 for school accommodation and refurbishment projects, with comparison figures for 1997; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4736/07]
The funding for school buildings in 1997 was about €92m and this compares to a budget of €534m for 2007.
The budget for 2007 is the first year of the rollout of the new NDP which will involve an investment of over €4.5 billion in school buildings over the next 7 years.
This multi-annual funding will enable my Department to continue to take a proactive approach to the provision of modern school accommodation particularly in the rapidly developing areas.
Psychological Service.
Ivor Callely
Question:521 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made to provide the required complement of educational psychologists and support services in all areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4737/07]
The Deputy will, of course, be aware that all primary and post- primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA). Schools that do not currently have NEPS psychologists assigned to them may avail of the SCPA, whereby the school can have an assessment carried out by a member of the panel of private psychologists approved by NEPS, and NEPS will pay the psychologist the fees for this assessment directly.
In addition to psychological assessment NEPS provides assistance to all schools and school communities that experience critical incidents regardless of whether or not they have a NEPS psychologist assigned to them and processes applications for Reasonable Accommodation in Certificate Examinations. NEPS also provides a service to children with visual impairment irrespective of the school which they attend.
Currently, the NEPS service is now available to some 1,604 primary schools (representing approximately 60% of pupils) and 565 post-primary schools (representing approximately 77% of students). This number includes 46 schools in the City and County of Dublin Vocational Schemes, which have their own psychological service.
I can inform the Deputy that the number of psychologists in the Department has increased from 43 since the establishment of NEPS in 1999 to a current figure of 127, including 4 psychologists assigned to the National Behavioural Support Service. There are also a further 16 Whole-time-equivalent educational psychologists providing service through the Dublin City and County VECs. Taken together, there are currently 143 educational psychologists working in services paid for by my Department.
I announced recently in this connection my intention to expand the number of NEPS psychologists by a further 31 in 2007. This will represent a significant increase in the number of psychologists in NEPS and bring the total number of psychologists in the system to 174.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that in line with the Government's ‘Towards 2016' commitments, the number of NEPS psychologists will be increased even further in each of the years 2008 and 2009 to a total of 193. At this point, including the 16 psychologists in the Dublin VEC areas, it is expected that the number of educational psychologists in the system as a whole will be 209.
Departmental Properties.
Seán Crowe
Question:522 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department owns the site of the hall on Glenaan Road in Larkhill, Dublin 9 which is adjacent to a school (details supplied); if so, if there are plans for the refurbishment of the site; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4748/07]
It has been confirmed by the Property Management Section of the Department that the site of the hall on Glenaan Road in Larkhill, Dublin 9 is not in the ownership of the Department. The Department's records indicate that the three primary schools in Larkhill share the facility in question. The entire site on which the three schools are located is vested for a period of 99 years from 1945. The Lease simply guarantees that the school property, which is built mainly with grant aid from the Department, is retained for educational use.
A technical site visit of the hall to which the Deputy refers was recently carried out by the Department as part of an overall refurbishment project for the schools located on the site.
Schools Building Projects.
Tony Gregory
Question:523 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the application of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 7 for a new school building on a site at its present location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4775/07]
The Department has an application from the school referred to by the Deputy for a new school building. Officials in School Planning Section are considering a number of options for the long term solution to the school's accommodation difficulties. Among the options being considered is the possibility of securing a greenfield site in the area and the Department's agents in this regard — the Office of Public Works — is pursuing this in tandem with a number of other options being considered by the Department.
The Department acknowledges the need for a solution to the schools accommodation difficulties and is committed to working to achieve a satisfactory solution as soon as possible.
School Transport.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:524 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received correspondence from solicitors (details supplied) in County Sligo; the reason this correspondence has not been replied to by her Department; if her attention has been drawn to claims that there were serious shortcomings in the condition of the bus in question; if she will reply to this correspondence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4777/07]
My Department has communicated its position in writing to the solicitor concerned.
Special Educational Needs.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:525 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of applications she has received for the establishment of specialised primary schools for children with special needs since being appointed Minister in 2004; the number of such projects she has approved in this period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4778/07]
The criteria and procedures for the recognition of new primary schools were revised in 2002 based on the recommendations of a report of the Commission on School Accommodation, on which the Education Partners were represented.
Applications for the recognition of new primary schools are assessed by an independent advisory board (the New Schools Advisory Committee) on the basis of the facts provided by the patron body in support of the case for the new school and the likely demand for places. Schools are granted provisional recognition and permanent recognition follows when long term viability has been established on actual enrolments over a period.
The information sought is not readily available in the format requested by the Deputy. Officials of the School Planning Section of the Department are currently compiling the requested data and this will be forwarded to the Deputy shortly.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:526 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science the average timeframe for her Department to process and decide on an application to establish a specialised primary school to cater for children with special needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4779/07]
The criteria and procedures for the recognition of new primary schools were revised in 2002 based on the recommendations of a report of the Commission on School Accommodation, on which the Education Partners were represented. Applications for the recognition of new primary schools are assessed by an independent advisory board (the New Schools Advisory Committee) on the basis of the facts provided by the patron body in support of the case for the new school and the likely demand for places. Schools are granted provisional recognition and permanent recognition follows when long term viability has been established on actual enrolments over a period.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:527 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Science the services and supports provided by her Department to children on the autistic spectrum across the northside of Dublin city and in Fingal county; and the way provision will be made for the 60 children and families on the waiting list for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 13. [4793/07]
My Department provides a wide range of supports and additional resources to support children who have been assessed as having special educational needs, including autism. These services are determined by the type of special educational need but include additional teaching support where a child is fully integrated into a mainstream school, reduced pupil-teacher-ratios where the child is in a special class attached to a mainstream school or a special school; special needs assistant support for a child who has care needs; assistive technology where this is recommended; specialist equipment such as modified desks and chairs as required; and specially adapted school buildings where necessary. In addition enhanced levels of capitation are available to special schools and mainstream schools with special classes.
My Department is of the view that children with autism, in common with all children should have access to appropriate provision delivered by suitably qualified teachers within the school system where children can mix with their wider peer group and have maximum opportunities for integration. The preferred approach to the provision of appropriate education for children with autism, is through the primary and post primary school network, whether through placement in mainstream classes, in special classes or in special schools, a view that is supported by the findings of the Task Force Report on Autism. My Department's ongoing commitment is to ensuring that all children, including those with Autistic Spectrum Disorders, receive an education appropriate to their needs.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is now operational. A specific function of the NCSE, through its network of local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is to identify appropriate educational placement for all children with special educational needs. The SENO is a focal point of contact for parents and schools. It is open to the parent to contact the SENO directly regarding the child's needs. Contact details for the SENO may be sourced from the NCSE at (046) 9486400. Alternatively, these details may be accessed on the NCSE website at www.ncse.ie.
Officials in my Department will arrange to have the information regarding the number of classes on the northside of Dublin City and in Fingal County sent directly to the Deputy.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:528 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will make a statement on the funding and supports needed by a school (details supplied) in Dublin 13; and the reason a promised response to this school’s parents committee has not been forthcoming. [4794/07]
An application received from the group referred to by the Deputy to participate in the pilot scheme, which has facilitated the establishment of a number of ABA-specific units nationwide, is under consideration by officials in my Department.
The Deputy will be aware of my commitment to ensuring that all children, including those with autism receive an education appropriate to their needs, preferably through the primary and post primary school network.
In this regard my Department has established:
181 special classes for children with autism, attached to special and mainstream schools.
5 special classes for children with Asperger's Syndrome.
16 pre-school classes to facilitate the demand for early intervention provision for children on the autistic spectrum.
14 Stand Alone facilities providing an Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) specific methodology on a pilot basis — 2 of these facilities have yet to be established.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:529 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children with special needs who are currently in primary education; her proposals to put in place a secondary school system for these children when they reach the age of 14; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4800/07]
I wish to advise the Deputy that the information regarding the number of children diagnosed with special educational needs who are currently in primary education is not readily available in my Department. This information will be available on the completion by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) of a nationwide database of all children with special educational needs which it is currently compiling.
The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education has been established. A specific function of the Council, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is to identify appropriate educational placements for all children with special educational needs, including those transferring to the post primary school system.
It is open to a parent to contact the local SENO should they have any queries concerning the availability of special educational needs provision in a particular area. The SENO may be contacted through the National Council for Special Education, 1-2 Mill Street, Trim, Co. Meath and contact details are also available on the NCSE website, www.ncse.ie.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:530 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children with special needs who are in primary education in the Cork city and county area; the number of occupational therapists and speech therapists that are available to these children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4801/07]
I wish to advise the Deputy that the information sought in respect of the number of children with special needs who are in primary education in the Cork City and County area is not readily available in my Department. Following the introduction of the general allocation model, primary schools do not need to apply to my Department for support for children with high incidence special educational needs.
I can also confirm that therapy services in respect of these children are a matter for the Health Services Executive.
Pre-School Services.
Pat Breen
Question:531 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children in County Clare currently receiving a pre-school education which is funded by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4821/07]
The vast majority of support for childcare, including pre-school education, is not provided by my Department, but rather by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme (EOCP).
This Government has provided unprecedented levels of funding for childcare in recent years. €499.3 million was allocated to the EOCP 2000-2006 and some 41,000 places will have been created by the time the programme finishes.
Going forward, childcare provision will continue to attract substantial investment under the new National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010. €575m has been allocated to the new programme, which will be administered by the Office of the Minister for Children and aims to provide a proactive response to the development of quality childcare services by supporting the creation of an additional 50,000 places. 20% of these places will be for pre-school children.
In relation to my Department's involvement in pre-school education in County Clare, this is limited to one pre-school for Traveller children in which there are currently 20 children enrolled and funding for four pre-school children diagnosed with autism under the home tuition scheme. The Deputy may wish to contact the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform for details of the number of children in pre-school provision supported by the EOCP in Clare.
School Accommodation.
Pat Carey
Question:532 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science further to the review of all Irish education provision in the Ballymun area of Dublin and the 2002 feasibility study into the needs of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 11 and in view of correspondence, when the accommodation needs of the schools will be met; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4823/07]
Róisín Shortall
Question:556 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to an application for an extension by a school (details supplied) in Dublin 11 in 2002; her views on whether this school, which comes under the DEIS programme, is restricted due to the absence of a physical education hall and kitchen space for hot meals; her further views on whether the prefab classroom accommodation is unsuitable and that the school needs to provide for early childhood education services; if she will approve this application without further delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4982/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 532 and 556 together.
I can confirm to the Deputies that the Department is in receipt of an application for major capital works from the Board of Management of the school to which the Deputies refer. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale projects and has been assigned a Band 2 rating. Progress on the proposed works will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme from 2007 onwards.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Pat Breen
Question:533 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science the breakdown of primary school class sizes in County Clare for 2006 and 2007 showing in each case the number of pupils in classes of 19 and under, 20 to 29, 30 to 39 and 40 plus; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4826/07]
Information in relation to class sizes is provided in the annual census of primary schools. The census for the current school year (2006/2007) is currently being worked on.
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. 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 September this will reduce 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. 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. 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.
Seán Ryan
Question:534 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in County Dublin which have 30 or more children; the number of classes in the school which have 28 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4827/07]
Seán Ryan
Question:535 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in County Dublin which have 30 or more children; the number of classes in the school which have 28 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4828/07]
Seán Ryan
Question:536 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in County Dublin which have 30 or more children; the number of classes in the school which have 28 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4829/07]
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:538 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in County Dublin which have 30 or more children; the number of classes in the school which have 28 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4839/07]
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:539 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in County Dublin which have 30 or more children; the number of classes in the school which have 28 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4840/07]
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:540 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in County Dublin which have 30 or more children; the number of classes in the school which have 28 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4841/07]
Pat Rabbitte
Question:541 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in County Dublin which have 30 or more children; the number of classes in the school which have 28 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4842/07]
Pat Rabbitte
Question:542 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in County Dublin which have 30 or more children; the number of classes in the school which have 28 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4843/07]
Pat Rabbitte
Question:543 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in County Dublin which have 30 or more children; the number of classes in the school which have 28 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4844/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 534 to 536, inclusive, and 538 to 543, inclusive, together.
Information in relation to class sizes is provided in the annual census of primary schools. The census for the current school year (2006/2007) is currently being worked on. 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. 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 September this will reduce 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. 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. We will continue to prioritise further improvements in school staffing going forward. We will also continue our focus on measures to improve the quality of education in our primary schools to ensure that increased resources lead to better outcomes for our children.
Schools Amalgamation.
Gerard Murphy
Question:537 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will make a statement on a matter (details supplied); and if she will ensure that the matter raised in this correspondence is investigated and a full reply provided to this Deputy. [4831/07]
I would like to inform the Deputy that exploratory talks have taken place between the trustees of the schools referred to by the Deputy. As with any proposed amalgamation, a decision to amalgamate is a matter solely for the school's Patron or Trustees. My Department's role is to facilitate any such proposals or discussions between the relevant parties.
Questions Nos. 538 to 543, inclusive, answered with Question No. 534.
Schools Building Projects.
Seán Ryan
Question:544 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science the names and numbers of new schools both at first and second level which have been built within the north Dublin constituency area during the past ten years. [4845/07]
Information is not available in the format requested by the Deputy. My Department published on its website last year a document entitled "School Building Programme Key Achievements 2000 to 2005" which includes a list of some recently completed large-scale school building projects.
Third Level Education.
Joan Burton
Question:545 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the circumstances in which her Department has recently initiated a review of the equivalence relationship between the leaving certificate and the European Baccalaureate for the purposes of matriculation and entry to universities here, notwithstanding the acceptance of that qualification immediately subsequent to Ireland’s accession to the European Economic Community and its successor organisation the European Union; the status of that review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4846/07]
As the Deputy will be aware, the European Schools is a group of thirteen co-educational schools established at various locations in the EU to serve the needs of children whose parents are officials of the EU Commission, European Parliament and other official European organisations. The schools have been established by an intergovernmental treaty — the Convention of the European Schools — to which Ireland is a signatory. In accordance with this Convention, Irish universities recognise the European Baccalaureate for the purposes of admission to their courses and programmes.
I can confirm that issues have been raised with my Department, by the parents of students attending the European Schools, regarding the equivalence of the European Baccalaureate qualification with the Leaving Certificate for the purposes of entry to university courses in Ireland. Issues in relation to admission to university and the evaluation of the qualifications of prospective students are matters that are determined by the universities, not by my Department. In accordance with this, the issues raised in the correspondence from the parents have been referred to the Irish Universities Association (IUA). The IUA is the representative body of the Heads of the seven Irish universities and is the appropriate authority to respond to the issues as they relate to the collective policies of the Irish university sector regarding admission requirements.
My officials wrote to the IUA asking that the matter be reviewed in full and have also met with the IUA on a number of occasions. My Department has also liaised with the Bureau of the European Schools in Brussels so that any relevant material regarding the European Baccalaureate examination and certification required by the IUA, for the purposes of the review, could be provided.
A table was received from the IUA on Monday, 12 February 2007 which presents their initial conclusion that it is difficult to argue that holders of the European Baccalaureate are not given equitable treatment regarding entry to Irish universities. The table of comparison between the European Baccalaureate and Irish Leaving Certificate results provided by the IUA is set out below. The IUA has advised my officials that a fuller report will be made available on the matter in due course.
Comparison of available data between European Baccalaureat and Irish Leaving Certificate results during the period 2003-2005 shows that a greater overall proportion of EB students achieve grades of 90% or above than LC students (A1 and A2 grades), and significantly greater proportions of EB students achieve grades of 75% or above. Furthermore, given the additional weighting of 6.25% applied by the NUI universities and DCU to all EB scores of 90% and above, it is difficult to argue that EB holders are not being given equitable treatment regarding entry to Irish universities.
|
EB grade (%) |
Multiple applied1 to calculate CAO points |
CAO points score |
% range EB |
2002-2005 average EB results2 |
% range CAO Points |
2003-2005 average LC results3 |
|
60 |
Multiplier of 6 |
360 |
||||
|
61 |
366 |
|||||
|
62 |
372 |
|||||
|
63 |
378 |
|||||
|
64 |
384 |
60-64.99% |
10.1% |
|||
|
65 |
390 |
|||||
|
66 |
396 |
350-399 |
13% |
|||
|
67 |
402 |
|||||
|
68 |
408 |
|||||
|
69 |
414 |
65-69.99% |
16.9% |
|||
|
70 |
420 |
|||||
|
71 |
426 |
|||||
|
72 |
432 |
|||||
|
73 |
438 |
|||||
|
74 |
444 |
70-74.99% |
21.4% |
400-449 |
11.7% |
|
|
75 |
450 |
|||||
|
76 |
456 |
|||||
|
77 |
462 |
|||||
|
78 |
468 |
|||||
|
79 |
474 |
75-79.99% |
18.9% |
|||
|
80 |
480 |
|||||
|
81 |
486 |
|||||
|
82 |
492 |
|||||
|
83 |
498 |
450-499 |
8.9% |
|||
|
84 |
504 |
80-84.99% |
16.0% |
|||
|
85 |
Multiplier of 6 |
510 |
||||
|
86 |
516 |
|||||
|
87 |
522 |
|||||
|
88 |
528 |
|||||
|
89 |
534 |
85-89.99% |
10.7% |
500-549 |
5.2% |
|
|
90 |
Multiplier of 6.25 |
562.5 |
||||
|
91 |
568.75 |
|||||
|
92 |
575 |
|||||
|
93 |
581.25 |
|||||
|
94 |
587.5 |
90-94.99% |
3.8% |
|||
|
95 |
593.75 |
|||||
|
96 |
600 |
95% + |
0.2% |
550-600 |
2.5%4 |
1By NUI Constituent Universities and DCU since 2005
2Data taken from memorandum provided by "Irish Parents Group of Brussels and Luxembourg European Schools", April 2006, Table 4 (appendix 7, p.37)
3Data taken from www.cao.ie, Leaving Certificate Points statistics for 2003, 2004, 2005
42.5% — this covers the full range of CAO points from 550-600.
Joan Burton
Question:546 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the instructions she has given to her officials to ensure that the terms of the European Convention of March 2000, guaranteeing equitable treatment for the holders of the European Baccalaureate in respect of entry to universities here will be respected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4847/07]
The European Schools is a group of thirteen co-educational schools established at various locations in the EU to serve the needs of children whose parents are officials of the EU Commission, European Parliament and other official European organisations. The schools have been established by an intergovernmental treaty — the Convention of the European Schools — to which Ireland is a signatory. In accordance with this convention, Irish universities recognise the European Baccalaureate for the purposes of admission to their courses and programmes.
I can confirm that issues have been raised with my Department, by the parents of students attending the European Schools, regarding the equivalence of the European Baccalaureate qualification with the Leaving Certificate for the purposes of entry to university courses in Ireland. Issues in relation to admission to university and the evaluation of the qualifications of prospective students are matters that are determined by the universities, not by my Department. In accordance with this, the issues raised in the correspondence from the parents have been referred to the Irish Universities Association (IUA). The IUA is the representative body of the Heads of the seven Irish universities and is the appropriate authority to respond to the issues as they relate to the collective policies of the Irish university sector regarding admission requirements.
My officials wrote to the IUA asking that the matter be reviewed in full and have also met with the IUA on a number of occasions. My Department has also liaised with the Bureau of the European Schools in Brussels so that any relevant material regarding the European Baccalaureate examination and certification required by the IUA, for the purposes of the review, could be provided.
A communication was received from the IUA on Monday 12 February 2007 which presents their initial conclusion that it is difficult to argue that holders of the European Baccalaureate are not given equitable treatment regarding entry to Irish universities. The tables of comparison between the European Baccalaureate and Irish Leaving Certificate results provided by the IUA is included below. The IUA has advised my officials that a fuller report will be made available on the matter in due course.
Comparison of available data between European Baccalaureat and Irish Leaving Certificate results during the period 2003-2005 shows that a greater overall proportion of EB students achieve grades of 90% or above than LC students (A1 and A2 grades), and significantly greater proportions of EB students achieve grades of 75% or above. Furthermore, given the additional weighting of 6.25% applied by the NUI universities and DCU to all EB scores of 90% and above, it is difficult to argue that EB holders are not being given equitable treatment regarding entry to Irish universities.
|
EB grade (%) |
Multiple applied1 to calculate CAO points |
CAO points score |
% range EB |
2002-2005 average EB results2 |
% range CAO Points |
2003-2005 average LC results3 |
|
60 |
Multiplier of 6 |
360 |
||||
|
61 |
366 |
|||||
|
62 |
372 |
|||||
|
63 |
378 |
|||||
|
64 |
384 |
60-64.99% |
10.1% |
|||
|
65 |
390 |
|||||
|
66 |
396 |
350-399 |
13% |
|||
|
67 |
402 |
|||||
|
68 |
408 |
|||||
|
69 |
414 |
65-69.99% |
16.9% |
|||
|
70 |
420 |
|||||
|
71 |
426 |
|||||
|
72 |
432 |
|||||
|
73 |
438 |
|||||
|
74 |
444 |
70-74.99% |
21.4% |
400-449 |
11.7% |
|
|
75 |
450 |
|||||
|
76 |
456 |
|||||
|
77 |
462 |
|||||
|
78 |
468 |
|||||
|
79 |
474 |
75-79.99% |
18.9% |
|||
|
80 |
480 |
|||||
|
81 |
486 |
|||||
|
82 |
492 |
|||||
|
83 |
498 |
450-499 |
8.9% |
|||
|
84 |
504 |
80-84.99% |
16.0% |
|||
|
85 |
Multiplier of 6 |
510 |
||||
|
86 |
516 |
|||||
|
87 |
522 |
|||||
|
88 |
528 |
|||||
|
89 |
534 |
85-89.99% |
10.7% |
500-549 |
5.2% |
|
|
90 |
Multiplier of 6.25 |
562.5 |
||||
|
91 |
568.75 |
|||||
|
92 |
575 |
|||||
|
93 |
581.25 |
|||||
|
94 |
587.5 |
90-94.99% |
3.8% |
|||
|
95 |
593.75 |
|||||
|
96 |
600 |
95% + |
0.2% |
550-600 |
2.5%4 |
1By NUI Constituent Universities and DCU since 2005
2Data taken from memorandum provided by "Irish Parents Group of Brussels and Luxembourg European Schools", April 2006, Table 4 (appendix 7, p.37)
3Data taken from www.cao.ie, Leaving Certificate Points statistics for 2003, 2004, 2005
42.5% — this covers the full range of CAO points from 550-600.
Schools Building Projects.
Seán Crowe
Question:547 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science when the construction of a new school (details supplied) in County Galway will commence; and when is it due to be completed. [4849/07]
A re-assessment of projected enrolments, demographic trends and housing developments in the area has recently been completed in the Department and the long-term projected staffing has been notified to the school authorities. My Department will draw up schedules of accommodation for the project which will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Paul Kehoe
Question:548 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the average class sizes in both primary and post-primary schools in County Wexford; if she is satisfied with these current class sizes; the measures she will take to address class sizes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4853/07]
Information in relation to class sizes is provided in the annual census of primary schools. The census for the current school year, 2006-2007, is currently being worked on. The average class size at post-primary level is not readily available in my Department.
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.
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 September this will reduce 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 Certificate courses and Leaving Certificate Applied.
Each school management authority is required to organise its curriculum, teaching time-table and subject options having regard to pupils' needs within the limits of its approved teacher allocation. Significant improvements have been made in the pupil teacher ratio at post primary level in recent years. The ratio has fallen from 16:1 in the 1996/97 school year to 13.2:1 in the 2005/06 school year. The improvements we have made in school staffing in recent years are absolutely unparalleled.
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 schools to ensure that increased resources lead to better outcomes for our children.
Psychological Service.
Paul Kehoe
Question:549 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools in County Wexford without access to the services provided by the National Educational Psychological Service; the plans in place to provide this service where it is not currently available; the way many schools avail of the service; if they have unlimited access to the service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4854/07]
The Deputy will, of course, be aware that all primary and post-primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA). Schools that do not currently have NEPS psychologists assigned to them may avail of the SCPA, whereby the school can have an assessment carried out by a member of the panel of private psychologists approved by NEPS, and NEPS will pay the psychologist the fees for this assessment directly.
Under the NEPS service it is the usual practice for the Psychologist and the Principal to meet at the beginning of each year to discuss and agree the NEPS service for that year. Currently, in respect of County Wexford the NEPS service is now available to some 55 of 85 primary schools (representing approximately 65% of pupils) and 18 of 20 post-primary schools (representing approximately 93% of students).
The number of psychologists in the Department has increased from 43 since the establishment of NEPS in 1999 to a current figure of 127, including 4 psychologists assigned to the National Behavioural Support Service. There are also a further 16 Whole-time-equivalent educational psychologists providing service through the Dublin City and County VECs. Taken together, there are currently 143 educational psychologists working in services paid for by my Department.
I announced recently in this connection my intention to expand the number of NEPS psychologists by a further 31 in 2007. This will represent a significant increase in the number of psychologists in NEPS and bring the total number of psychologists in the system to 174. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that in line with the Government's Towards 2016 commitments, the number of NEPS psychologists will be increased even further in each of 2008 and 2009, to a total of 193. At this point, including the 16 psychologists in the Dublin VEC areas, it is expected that the number of educational psychologists in the system as a whole will be 209.
School Transport.
Paul McGrath
Question:550 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the person who has responsibility for school bus transport schedules, noting the concern for the safety of pupils attending school on school bus transport, where in some instances primary school children are currently arriving at school up to 45 minutes before school start time and the same students may have to wait up to 30 minutes after school finish time to be collected by the school bus; and the person with whom the final decision rests in relation to the scheduling of this school bus service. [4867/07]
Bus Éireann operates the school transport service on behalf of my Department. Over 134,000 children are carried each day on school transport to primary and post-primary schools. It is a major logistical operation which involves the planning of bus routes in such a way as to ensure that, as far as possible, eligible pupils have a reasonable level of service while, at the same time, ensuring that school transport vehicles are fully utilised in an efficient and effective manner.
In general, at primary school level, school transport services are organised to ensure the maximum travel and waiting time does not exceed 1.5 hours. Bus Éireann place special emphasis on safety and, to this end, have a wide range of checking procedures in place to ensure that a safe and reliable service is provided.
Medical Training.
Bernard Allen
Question:551 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education and Science the portion of a medical student’s training over a six year period that deals with alcoholism. [4874/07]
Although alcoholism is not dealt with as a stand-alone module in university faculties of medicine, it does feature as an important issue in a broad range of courses taken by undergraduate medical students, including, behavioural science, pharmacology and psychiatry. Furthermore, students encounter alcoholism as an issue, such as it arises, in the cases they deal with in clinical practice.
Departmental Investigations.
Marian Harkin
Question:552 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Education and Science the criteria used by her Department to investigate an appeal under the Education Act 1998 (details supplied). [4896/07]
My Department received a complaint from the person referred to by the Deputy in late 2005. In accordance with my Department's procedures, details of the complaint were sent to the Board of Directors of the school for their views. On the basis of the information supplied by the complainant, the response received from the school authorities, and the time period which had elapsed since the initial incident (May 2000) my Department determined that reasonable efforts were made by the school to deal with the complaint. My Department deemed that it was not appropriate to extend its review beyond that point.
The complainant was notified in writing of my Department's decision, and was advised that if she remained dissatisfied with the decision it was open to her to refer to the matter to the Office of the Ombudsman.
Special Educational Needs.
Richard Bruton
Question:553 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has completed the assessment of the application by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 for a special needs assistant to help continue in mainstream education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4908/07]
As the Deputy is aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through the local special educational needs organisers (SENO), is responsible for processing applications from schools for special needs supports, including special needs assistant support. The SENOs also convey decisions on the applications directly to schools. My officials have been advised by the NCSE that the matter has been referred to the local SENO for attention.
Pupil Numbers.
Richard Bruton
Question:554 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science her five year projections for secondary pupil numbers in respect of both boys and girls in Dublin 3, 5, and 9; the capacity of existing boys’ and girls’ schools; and if they are expected to be in excess of needs or insufficient to meet needs. [4909/07]
The information is not readily available in the format requested by the Deputy. However, should the Deputy require information in relation to a specific school, or schools, I would be happy to arrange to have this provided.
Institutes of Technology.
Olwyn Enright
Question:555 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on correspondence dated 12 December 2006 from a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4928/07]
I received correspondence from the person referred to by the Deputy in relation to his functions as a member of the Governing Body, and have responded to the correspondence. The functions of the Governing Body and Management of the Institute are set out in the Institutes of Technology Acts 1992- 2006. Given the statutory position, it is not appropriate for my Department to pursue matters on behalf of individual members of Governing Bodies. The correct course of action is for a member of a Governing Body to raise issues within the Governing Body.
Question No. 556 answered with QuestionNo. 532.
School Transport.
Enda Kenny
Question:557 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the members of the school transport appeals board; the chairman of the board; the role and function of the members of the appeals board; the number of decisions made by the board in the past 12 months where appeals were granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5125/07]
The members of the School Transport Appeals Board are Paul Keely, Chairman, Seán MacNamara, Emmet Cotter, Tom D'Arcy and John Falvey. The role of the Appeals Board is, broadly, to examine appeals against decisions made by, or on behalf of, the Department of Education and Science regarding the provision of school transport services and/or grant-aid under the terms of the School Transport Schemes. In the 12 months to December 2006 the Board disallowed 32 of the 37 appeals heard.
School Textbooks.
Enda Kenny
Question:558 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason school books required by students in all-Irish second level schools are not available on an up to date course basis; when it is proposed to rectify this position; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5126/07]
Enda Kenny
Question:559 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason science books for second level all-Irish schools are two courses out of date; the reason this situation has been allowed to develop; when she proposes to rectify same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5127/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 558 and 559 together.
Significant improvements are being made in regard to the provision of suitable high-quality textbooks and teaching materials specifically for use in Gaeltacht and other all-Irish schools through the work of An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta. In 2006, my Department allocated €831,000 to An Chomhairle of which €400,000 was specifically designated to the provision of textbooks and other resources to support teaching and learning.
A newly developed resource to cover all aspects of the revised Junior Certificate Science syllabus has recently been made available to students. This was developed by practising teachers who worked in collaboration with An Chomhairle and with funding from my Department. An accompanying teacher resource with a CD is also available. The website www.ingeniousireland.ie covers many aspects of the Junior Certificate science syllabus and it is available in Irish. Again, An Chomhairle was a main player in developing this, with funding from my Department.
For the senior cycle sciences, An Gúm is currently developing resources for Leaving Certificate biology, physics and chemistry. I have met with An Chomhairle to discuss how the provision of high quality education through the medium of Irish can be further supported.
Language Support Services.
Enda Kenny
Question:560 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that 150 children in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 require language support; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that only two teachers have been appointed as language support teachers to the school in question; if she will change the regulations to rectify this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5128/07]
My Department estimates that there are in the region of 28,000 students in our schools whose first language is not English or Irish. In order to meet their language needs, additional support is given to their schools which can take the form of financial assistance, additional teaching posts or portions of posts.
The level of extra financial or teaching support provided to any school is determined by the numbers of eligible non-English speaking students enrolled. The additional language support to an individual pupil is generally given for a period of two years. The school referred to by the Deputy has been allocated three language support posts in the current year.
Schools with between 3 and 13 eligible pupils receive grant assistance towards the cost of employing part-time teachers. Schools with 3 to 8 such pupils receive a grant of over €6,300, while schools with between 10 and 13 such pupils receive over €9,500. Over €4 million is being provided for such grants in 2007.
Schools with 14 or more such pupils are entitled to one or more language support teachers, the number of which has increased dramatically in recent years. There are now approximately 1,250 language support teachers in our schools. More than 400 of these teachers have been allocated in the current school year alone.
As I announced last November, 200 extra posts were approved by the Government for 2007, bringing to 1,450 the number of language teachers that will be working in our schools this year. This compares with just 262 posts in the 2001/02 school year. In line with the Government's commitments under the Towards 2016 partnership agreement, a further 350 language support teachers will be provided between 2008 and 2009. In allocating additional teachers, I will be addressing in particular the position of those schools catering for significant numbers of such children.
Finally, as the Deputy will be aware, a comprehensive strategy is currently being finalised which will ensure that the extra investment in this area is being used to the best effect, and that it is underpinned by the right support and training for teachers.
School Meals Programme.
Seán Crowe
Question:561 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide details of the proposal that under the dormant accounts fund a once-off start-up grant will be provided to schools commencing participation in the school meals scheme to provide suitable facilities and purchase equipment. [4442/07]
Seán Crowe
Question:562 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the criteria and conditions for schools offering breakfast clubs to avail of dormant account funding. [4441/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 561 and 562 together.
On 17 January last my Department invited applications under the Dormant Accounts (Educational Disadvantage) and RAPID Leverage Fund — Small Scale Capital Grant Scheme for Schools. A total of €18 million has been made available to my Department from the Dormant Accounts Fund and the RAPID Leverage Fund to fund projects under the scheme that aim to counteract educational disadvantage. The scheme will provide capital grants for both the enhancement of existing and the provision of new outdoor play areas, school libraries, dining areas and parent rooms. Eligible schools include schools participating in my Department's DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) Programme, schools in or serving RAPID areas and Special Schools.
Having regard to the Dining Areas measure of the scheme, the measure primarily provides for the enhancement of school dining areas via either the upgrading of existing facilities or the development of new dining areas. The measure also provides for small grants of up to €5,000 for eligible school participating or proposing to participate in the Department of Social and Family Affairs' School Meals Schemes. Eligible activities under this sub-measure are restricted to the provision of certain items of catering equipment such as fridges and other ambient storage units, work surfaces, cutlery and delph.
An indicative amount of €6 million will be made available to fund the Dining Area measure. In the event that the measure is oversubscribed by projects that meet the qualifying criteria these projects will be ranked having regard to the strength of their application, the Department's desire to maximise the use of the RAPID Leverage funding and the level of relative disadvantage pertaining to each school.
School Transport.
Olwyn Enright
Question:563 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science when school transport for children (details supplied) in County Offaly will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5131/07]
My department's school transport section has no record of an application for school transport for the pupils referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied. The family should contact their local Bus Éireann office regarding eligibility and provision of school transport.
EU Funding.
Paul Kehoe
Question:564 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the percentage of the money allocated to her Department from European funds for each of the years 2000 to 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5185/07]
The table indicates the receipts from the European Social Fund (ESF) which were brought to account in my Department's Vote as Appropriations-in-Aid expressed as a percentage of Gross Current Expenditure for the years 2000-06.
|
Year |
Gross Current Expenditure |
EU Aid |
% |
|
€m |
€m |
||
|
2000 |
3,811,545 |
83,437 |
2.2 |
|
2001 |
4,227,409 |
2,574 |
0.1 |
|
2002 |
4,816,115 |
53,115 |
1.1 |
|
2003 |
5,458,788 |
36,584 |
0.7 |
|
2004 |
6,143,598 |
119,086 |
1.9 |
|
2005 |
6,616,539 |
103,474 |
1.6 |
|
2006 |
7,281,533 |
78,920 |
1.1 |
Water Supply.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:565 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the major difficulties associated with the water supply to a school (details supplied) in County Cork; the immediate steps being taken to deal with the situation; and if the Department will cover the cost of same. [5195/07]
The Department is not aware of any difficulties that the school referred to is encountering with its water supply. It is open to the management authority of the school to apply to the Department for emergency funding to address the works required as a matter of urgency.
Schools Building Projects.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:566 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when she will review stage three submission in the matter of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare for the provision of extra facilities; her plans to progress this matter in the next six months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5285/07]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department has just recently given devolved approval to the school authority for the project in question to proceed to planning permission, tender and construction.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:567 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the outcome of her Department’s information meeting with school authorities in regard to the proposed new school and facilities (details supplied) in County Kildare; her plans to progress this issue in the next six months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5286/07]
Representatives of the Board of Management of the school to which the Deputy refers attended an Information Seminar in Tullamore on 13 December 2006 hosted by the School Building Section of the Department. The steps necessary to initiate the design phase of the eighty building projects announced by me in November last were discussed at that meeting and all schools were advised that architectural design teams would be appointed to their projects over the coming months. The School Building Section will begin advertising for these design teams shortly through the public procurement portal, www.etenders.gov.ie.
Progression of all projects to tender and construction will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2007-2013. Over €4.8 billion will be provided for school building infrastructure under the new NDP 2007-2013.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:568 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received stage three submission in relation to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; her plans to progress this matter in early date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5287/07]
The stage 3 submission in relation to the building project for the School referred to by the Deputy has not been received in my Department to date. The School referred to by the Deputy was one of the sixty two projects that I announced to start the architectural planning process in January of 2006. The brief for the project consists of a 16 classroom Generic Repeat Design school with an additional bolt-on Special Education Tuition room. A Design Team was appointed on the project in July of this year and, following a briefing seminar in my Department's Offices in Tullamore, the Design Team were instructed to proceed to stage 3 (detailed design with costings) in accordance with my Department's Design Team Procedures.
The stage 3 documentation is now awaited and when this is received in my Department, my Officials will, if necessary, arrange a meeting with the School Authorities and their Design Team in order to evaluate the documentation. Once the stage 3 is approved, the new School building project will proceed, in accordance with the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2007-2013, to advanced design and subsequently to tender and construction. Over €4.8 billion will be provided for school building infrastructure under the new NDP 2007-2013.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:569 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received a completed assessment exercise from the board of management at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when provision of extra facilities will be undertaken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5288/07]
A Design Team was appointed to the project for the School referred to by the Deputy on the 28th November last and the School Authorities were requested to inform their Design Team to prepare a stage 1/2 submission (Outline sketch scheme with costings).
The stage 1/2 documentation is now awaited and when this is received in the Department, Officials will arrange a meeting with the School Authorities and the Design Team in order to evaluate the documentation. It is envisaged that unless there are very exceptional circumstances involved, the meeting will be sufficient to authorise the project to progress to the next stages of architectural planning.
Progression of the project to tender and construction will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2007-2013. Over €4.8 billion will be provided for school building infrastructure under the new NDP 2007-2013.
School Absenteeism.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:570 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps she has taken to improve school attendance at both primary and second level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5289/07]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:589 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which the National Education Welfare Board’s dealing with absenteeism and early school leaving is working on addressing the needs of children and young people; the number of staff on a county basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5459/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 570 and 589 together.
This government is determined to do all that is possible to ensure that every child gets all the opportunities and support they need to enable them to achieve their full potential and participate fully in education.
Steps designed to improve school attendance include the establishment of the National Educational Welfare Board in 2002, under the Education (Welfare) Act 2000, with a remit to monitor school attendance, help parents to get a school place for their child and run promotional campaigns on the importance of attendance and finishing school. The Act provides a comprehensive framework promoting regular school attendance and tackling the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that my Department's Estimates for 2007 include a provision of €9.8 million for the National Educational Welfare Board. This represents an increase of 20% on the 2006 allocation and of 50% on the 2004 level. This substantial increase in funding is a clear indication of this Government's commitment to prioritise investment in favour of those most at risk. The increase in funding for the Board will allow it to expand its services further and increase staffing.
The Board operates through 5 regional teams, with bases in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford. A service is provided from 26 locations nationwide. Staff are deployed in areas of greatest disadvantage and in areas designated under the Government's RAPID programme. In addition, the Board follows up on urgent cases nationally where children are not currently receiving an education. Educational Welfare Officers monitor school attendance and work to improve it. They also help parents that are experiencing a difficulty with getting a school place for their child.
In keeping with the government commitment under the terms of the partnership agreement "Towards 2016", my Department will be increasing the authorised staffing complement of the Board in 2007.
Under the 1st Phase of the agreement, an additional 15 staff will be allocated to the NEWB this year. Since January 2004, 20,000 cases involving students with reported school attendance difficulties have been dealt with by the Board. The NEWB has also written to every family with children of school going age advising them of their rights and responsibilities in relation to education and school attendance and where they can get help.
Under the terms of the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000, one of the functions of the Board is to conduct and commission research into the reasons for non-attendance on the part of students and into the strategies and programmes designed to prevent it. Ongoing activities of the Board include the development of a Code of Behaviour and Attendance Strategies for Schools. One research project currently underway will inform guidelines for schools on developing strategies on attendance and these will include the issue of truancy.
The first national data on school attendance has also been collected and is being used to inform the Board's work. In relation to the effectiveness of the service, it is encouraging to note research findings that attendance at school in the areas where EWOs are working intensively improved in 2004/05 compared with the previous year.
So, while the NEWB was set up just three years ago, a lot has already been achieved by the service and the Government is committed to strengthening its role even further.
It should, however, be remembered that the Board is just one aspect of the comprehensive framework that this Government has put in place to improve school attendance and encourage more young people to finish school. In this regard, extra supports targeted at young people in disadvantaged areas include both educational initiatives such as intensive literacy programmes and services such as breakfast clubs and homework clubs.
Enhancing attendance, progression, retention and attainment are central to DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) the action plan for educational inclusion, which is being implemented at present in 873 schools comprising 670 primary schools (338 urban/town schools and 332 rural schools) and 203 second-level schools. A key objective of this action plan is to enhance integration and partnership working, both within the education sector itself and between all other relevant Government departments, agencies, organisations and groups. Under DEIS, my Department, through the network of ten regional offices is enhancing its capacity to work in partnership with locally based agencies and individuals promoting social inclusion measures.
Measures under DEIS range from pre-school interventions, supports for tackling children's literacy problems, reduced pupil teacher ratios, increased capitation grants, measures to tackle attendance and early school leaving and strengthen ties between the school, the family and the community.
A key component of my Department's strategy to discriminate positively in favour of children and young people who are at risk of early school leaving is the School Completion Programme. This programme was implemented to directly target those in danger of dropping out of the education system and in line with current thinking favours an integrated cross-community and cross-sectoral approach based on the development of local strategies to ensure maximum participation levels in the education process. It entails targeting individual young people aged 4-18, both in and out of school, and arranging supports to address inequalities in education access, participation and outcomes.
In early 2006, I announced an implementation strategy following publication of "School Matters" the Report of the Task Force on Student Behaviour in Second Level Schools, and that strategy is now well advanced.
At the core of the recommendations of the Task Force was the putting in place of a National Behaviour Support Service (NBSS). This has now happened with the appointment of a National Co-ordinator and four Assistant National Co-ordinators. In addition, nine Regional Development Officers and twenty part-time Associates have been recruited to ensure the success of this significant initiative. A key feature of the composition of the National Behaviour Support Service is the assignment to it of a senior psychologist and three psychologists. These have been seconded from the National Educational Psychological Service and their presence will ensure that the team operates in a multi-disciplinary way.
Since their appointment, the team has been working on a number of key issues:
1. The development of a Draft National Framework for Behaviour Improvement.
2. The development of models of good practice for systems in schools which assist with and impact on classroom and whole school behaviour.
3. On-going training for the NBSS team.
4. Research into and communication with behaviour support systems in other jurisdictions.
In fact, in addition to the NEWB, there are currently some 490 staff within the education sector with a role in school attendance. Home School Community Liaison Coordinators, in working with parents, promote school attendance and its importance for success in school. School attendance is a central objective of School Completion Programme with attendance tracking a core feature and one of its preventative strategies. Access to these services is being increased under DEIS. My Department is anxious to ensure that the maximum benefit is derived from these substantial personnel resources. Consequently work is ongoing to develop appropriate protocols for all agencies and services to work together in collaboration and to ensure that optimum use is made of the resources deployed including NEWB resources.
In relation to the deputy's specific question regarding the number of service delivery staff deployed on a county basis, I wish to stress that the NEWB, is an independent statutory agency established under the Education (Welfare) Act 2000 and the deployment of staff is an operational matter for the Board to determine.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:571 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she is satisfied with the pupil/teacher ratio class sizes at each school, primary and second level in County Kildare; her plans in the next six months to address this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5290/07]
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 September this will reduce 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 Certificate courses and Leaving Certificate Applied.
Each school management authority is required to organise its curriculum, teaching time-table and subject options having regard to pupils' needs within the limits of its approved teacher allocation. Significant improvements have been made in the pupil teacher ratio at post primary level in recent years. The ratio has fallen from 16:1 in the 1996/97 school year to 13.2:1 in the 2005/06 school year.
The improvements we have made in school staffing in recent years are absolutely unparalleled. 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 schools to ensure that increased resources lead to better outcomes for our children.
Question No. 572 answered with QuestionNo. 509.
School Accommodation.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:573 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which progress has been achieved in relation to alleviation of accommodation requirements at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when a decision will be reached following consideration by her Department of the proposed works in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5292/07]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:575 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when a decision will be made regarding her Departments consideration of proposed works at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; her plans to progress this matter in the next six months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5304/07]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:579 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when funding will be offered to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare, as applied for by management authorities at the school; her plans to progress this issue in the next six months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5308/07]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:580 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when funding will be offered to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare, as applied for by management authorities at the school; her plans to progress this issue in the next six months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5309/07]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:581 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when funding will be offered to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare, as applied for by management authorities at the school; her plans to progress this issue in the next six months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5310/07]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:582 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when funding will be offered to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare, as applied for by management authorities at the school; her plans to progress this issue in the next six months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5311/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 573, 575, 579 to 582, inclusive, together.
The School Planning Section of the Department has received applications for major capital funding from the management authorities of the schools to which the Deputy refers. The applications have been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale projects. Progress on the proposed works is being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme from 2007 onwards.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:574 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if an application by a school (details supplied) in County Kildare for additional classroom accommodation under the permanent accommodation scheme 2007 has been assessed; her plans to progress this matter in the next six months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5293/07]
I can confirm that the School Planning Section of the Department is in receipt of an application for an extension under the Permanent Accommodation Scheme 2007 from the school to which the Deputy refers. Applications under this scheme are currently being assessed and the list of successful applicants will be announced shortly.
Question No. 575 answered with QuestionNo. 573.
Schools Building Projects.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:576 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the provision of extra facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if her Department has received a response regarding proceeding by the school to stage three; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5305/07]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that on 16 January, 2007 my Department gave devolved approval to the school authority for the project in question to proceed to planning permission, tender and construction.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:577 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if tender documentation has been received from a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; her plans to progress this matter in the next six months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5306/07]
My Department gave devolved authority for the project in question to proceed to planning permission and preparation of tender documentation. My Department has authorised the Design Team to commence the pre-qualification process and it is envisaged that the school authority will be in position to get the project to tender and construction in the coming months.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:578 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if a further response has been received from the board of management at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare following confirmation by her Department of advancement to stage three; her plans to progress this matter in the next six months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5307/07]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department has just recently given devolved approval to the school authority for the project in question to proceed to planning permission, tender and construction.
Questions Nos. 579 to 582, inclusive, answered with Question No. 573.
Paul Kehoe
Question:583 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; when an application will be made to Wexford County Council for planning; the reason for the delay in the project at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5314/07]
The Deputy will be aware that the proposed new post primary school for the area in question will be delivered by way of a Public Private Partnership. The school will cater for up to 1,000 pupils. This level of accommodation is based on assessment of the demographics emanating from current and future housing developments.
The Department is currently in discussion with Wexford County Council with regard to the identification of a suitable site for the school referred to by the Deputy. I will be announcing further PPP project bundles during the year and the school referred to by the Deputy will be considered in this context and in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria.
Departmental Correspondence.
Joe Costello
Question:584 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a public representative (details supplied) made written representations on 18 December 2006 to an official of her Department relating to the provision of a teacher for Travellers and that they neither received an acknowledgement or reply to their correspondence; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that the public representative sent her Department official further correspondence on 11 January 2007 and to date has not received an acknowledgement or reply; her views on whether such behaviour is acceptable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5332/07]
I wish to advise the Deputy that following an extensive search of my Department's records, my officials have been unable to locate the correspondence in question. However, my officials will make direct contact with the Deputy's office regarding the matter.
Adult Education.
Liz O'Donnell
Question:585 Ms O’Donnell asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans for developing and expanding language training for immigrants; the details of the current services; the role of the vocational education committees; the status of a submission made to her on the matter by County Wexford VEC; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5337/07]
The White Paper on Adult Education "Learning for Life" (2000) stated that asylum seekers would be entitled to free access to Adult Literacy, English language and mother culture supports and refugees are entitled to the same access to education and training as Irish nationals.
My Department gives an annual grant to all Vocational Education Committees for the provision of Adult Literacy and Community Education. This fund may be used for the teaching of English to immigrants. The cost of the literacy service delivered by VECs was over €23 million in 2006. The number of students was over 35,000. 27% of these, amounting to 10,000 clients, attended English for Speakers as Other Language (ESOL) courses.
The language needs of migrants formed part of the negotiations between social partners in drawing up the new social partnership agreement "Towards 2016". A prioritised action included in the agreement is that the annual student cohort availing of the general national literacy service delivered by the Vocational Education Committees will be significantly increased by the provision of an extra 7,000 places by 2009, 3,000 of which will be provided this year. There will be a particular focus on the increasing number of migrants receiving an English language service (ESOL) under the terms of the agreement.
Co. Wexford VEC sought funding of €1.273m from my Department to provide a dedicated ESOL programme over the years 2006-2010. This was on a larger scale than normal and would have involved the employment of a number of new personnel and other significant costs. The Department felt unable to provide support for the project, due the scale of funding required in relation to resources available.
Schools Building Projects.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:586 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science her Department’s plans for the expansion of a school (details supplied) in County Dublin to 16 classrooms; the consultations that have taken place with the board of management, the patron body and the parents association; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5344/07]
I can confirm to the Deputy that the Department is in receipt of an application for major capital works from the Board of Management of the school to which the Deputy refers.
The school initially applied for devolved funding for 3 permanent classrooms under the Departments Permanent Accommodation Scheme 2005 and was approved for funding under the scheme in February 2005. The school later withdrew their application and it was agreed that the project would be progressed via the traditional method. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that an architectural design team was appointed to the project it is currently at stage 3 in the architectural planning process.
Scoil Mhuire will be a 24 classroom school once the extension has been completed.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:587 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if preliminary discussions have been held with officials from South Dublin County Council regarding the traffic implications of an additional eight classrooms at a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; if discussions will be held to ensure that proper safety measures are put in place by the council to deal with such an expansion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5345/07]
The refurbishment and extension project at the School referred to by the Deputy and is at an early stage of architectural planning. The brief for the project has been recently revised to a sixteen classroom extension. The Design Team are currently preparing a Stage 1/2 submission (Site suitability, outline sketch scheme) based on this revised brief.
I understand that preliminary discussions have taken place between the Design Team and the Local Authority regarding traffic management measures as part of the Stage 1/2 preparation on the original brief of an eight classroom extension. It is intended, following the revision of the brief for this project, that the Design Team will hold further discussions with the Local Authority regarding the traffic implications. An Garda Síochána will also be consulted on this issue.
In general, individual school authorities are responsible, in the first instance, for ensuring the safety and welfare of children and others in their care, including traffic management measures. My Department is prepared to consider applications from school authorities for grant-aid towards improving safety arrangements, including car parking, inside the vested area of the school, but would require that the integrity of the outdoor play area be safeguarded in so far as is possible.
Issues relating to traffic safety, pay car parking etc., outside of school grounds are the responsibility of the relevant Local Authority. Grant-aid is not available for works outside the vested area of the school.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:588 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of school sites sanctioned at Adamstown, Lucan; the proposed timeframe for the opening of all of these schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5346/07]
6 primary schools and one Post-Primary school are planned, on a phased basis, for the Adamstown Strategic Development Zone (SDZ). Two primary schools are currently under construction and are due to be completed in September and December 2007. In addition, I recently included the post-primary school on the latest list of projects to proceed to tender and construction and it is planned that the school will be ready for occupation by September 2009.
The remaining 4 primary schools will be built according to the need for school places within the SDZ as the housing developments progress.
Question No. 589 answered with QuestionNo. 570.
Educational Disadvantage.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:590 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which the DEIS plan which she launched in 2006 is working on addressing the educational needs of children and young people from disadvantaged communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5460/07]
DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the action plan for educational inclusion provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and an integrated School Support Programme (SSP). The new plan is the outcome of the first full review of all programmes for tackling educational disadvantage that have been put in place over the past twenty years.
The new action plan represents a shift in emphasis away from individual initiatives, each addressing a particular aspect of the problem, with the new plan adopting a multi-faceted and more integrated approach. This is the first time that an integrated educational inclusion strategy has been developed for 3-18 year olds in this country.
The key principle of early intervention underpins the early childhood education measure, the literacy and numeracy measures and those for tackling early school leaving being adopted under the action plan.
Also central to the success of the action plan will be an increased emphasis on planning at school and school cluster level, target-setting and measurement of progress and outcomes to ensure that the increased investment is matched by an improvement in educational outcomes for the children and young people concerned.
As a result of the identification and review processes, 873 schools have been invited to participate in the new Programme. These comprise 670 primary schools (338 urban/town schools and 332 rural schools) and 203 second-level schools.
In respect of the 2006/07 school year, grants amounting to approximately €7.7 million due to the 670 Primary schools which are participating in the DEIS Initiative were lodged to their schools' bank accounts on 17 November 2006. This is in addition to payments totalling €1 million which issued to those schools in June 2006.
In the order of €4.7 million was paid in the course of the 2006/2007 school year in respect of the 203 Post Primary schools participating in the initiative and 80 Post Primary Schools receiving grants under pre-existing schemes. Also on 17 November 2006, approximately another 1,900 primary schools received some €4.1 million of grant assistance to assist them with their respective levels of dispersed disadvantage.
In addition to supplementary financial assistance which is provided to schools in DEIS, the following measures have been rolled out under the action plan in the current school year 2006/07. Urban/town primary schools with the highest concentrations of disadvantage were targeted to benefit from maximum class sizes of 20:1 in junior classes and 24:1 in senior classes. Administrative principals were allocated on lower enrolment and staffing figures than apply in primary schools generally to all urban primary schools. The Reading Recovery Programme has been extended to schools in Cork, Limerick and Galway. Rollout is underway of Home/School/Community Liaison (HSCL) and School Completion Programme services for urban primary and second level schools not already in receipt of these services. Additional funding has been provided under the School Books Grant Scheme to support schools with the establishment, development and ongoing operation of book loan/rental schemes. Access to the Department of Social and Family Affairs' School Meals Programme is being extended for all schools not already benefiting from the programme.
Planning and preparatory work are also underway in the following key areas: targeted early childhood education provision for urban primary school communities with the highest concentrations of disadvantage; school planning, target-setting and ongoing review processes, including the putting in place of templates for the development of three-year action plans at school level; establishing the new sabbatical leave scheme and enhanced professional development for principals and teachers.
National Development Plan.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:591 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the projects contained in the new national development plan that will be procured and commenced in 2007 in her Department; when they will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5793/07]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:592 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the large scale infrastructure projects which will be completed during the lifetime of the new national development plan within her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5804/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 591 and 592 together.
The National Development Plan (2007-2013) is a strategic document setting out a broad investment framework and investment priorities, together with indicative financial allocations, for the next seven years. It does not contain a list of all projects to be undertaken in 2007 and/or over the period of the Plan, although certain Chapters, including those on Regional Development, Economic Infrastructure and Social Infrastructure, refer to projects scheduled for delivery or progression between now and the end of 2013.
Under the life time of the National Development Plan almost €4.5 billion will be invested in school buildings. This is made up of almost €4 billion of direct Exchequer voted capital together with €540m for projects being delivered through the public private partnership process. In addition, a sum of €70 million is being made available for investment in ICT in schools. This is an unprecedented level of capital investment in the schools sector which reflects the commitment of the Government to continue its programme of sustained investment in primary and post primary schools.
Initially, the main focus will be on the provision of the required extra 100,000 pupil places in primary schools. The first roll-out of these places will be in 2007 with over €300m being invested in large-scale school building projects concentrated mainly in the provision of school accommodation in rapidly developing areas. This level of funding will facilitate construction work on over 150 large-scale projects which will deliver over 15,000 additional permanent places in new schools and the extension and modernisation of facilities in existing schools for over 45,000 pupils. These projects are expected to be completed during 2007 and 2008.
The NDP investment will also allow other high priority projects to move through the design process and ultimately on to tender and construction. It will enable the purchase of sites to facilitate the smooth delivery of the school building programme again, with the focus being on site requirements in rapidly developing areas. The balance will be used to fund the other elements of the school building programme such the Summer Works Scheme, the Small Schools Scheme and the Permanent Accommodation Scheme etc. In total, over 1,500 projects will be delivered in 2007.
Defence Forces Staff.
Niall Blaney
Question:593 Mr. Blaney asked the Minister for Defence if he will intervene in order that a person (details supplied) in County Donegal be retained in the Army; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5111/07]
I have been advised by the military authorities that an appeal has been made to the relevant military authority in this matter and, as a consequence, it would not be appropriate for me to comment at this stage.
Airport Safety Zones.
Pat Breen
Question:594 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 465 of 13 December 2005, if the permissible heights of proposed developments beneath the runway approach surfaces increase with distance from runway thresholds; if he will confirm, for example, that development up to a height of 20 metres is permissible beneath the 1:50 approach at a distance of 1,000 metres from the threshold and that similarly development up to a height of 60 metres is permissible at a distance of 3,000 metres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5132/07]
It is the policy and objective of the Department of Defence to ensure the safety of air traffic, present and future, en route to and from Casement Aerodrome. The current safety policy, a copy of which was forwarded to South Dublin County Council in 2000, reflects best international practice in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organisation standards and recommendations and provides for military training in the area. The achievement of this policy and objective necessitates, inter alia, restrictions on building developments in the environs of the Aerodrome.
As I indicated in my reply to Questions Nos. 139, 140, 141 and 142 on 15 June, 2004, red safety areas are essentially two-dimensional surfaces on the ground originating 60 metres beyond the runway thresholds, have a width of 300 metres and diverge at a rate of 15% at each side to a width of 700 metres and have an overall length of 1370 metres long in the case of each runway. The Department's policy approach is that no new developments should be allowed within red safety areas. However, extensions to existing domestic dwellings are acceptable in certain circumstances. The runway approach surfaces are three dimensional areas which extend outwards from the same start point as the red safety areas. Their bases rise above the ground at a rate of 1:50 for the first 3,000 metres and then at a rate of 1:40 for 3,600 metres to a maximum height of 150 metres above the start point to a total distance of 15,000 metres from the start point. The Department's policy approach is that height restrictions are applicable to all developments under the runway approach surfaces beyond the red safety areas by reference to the datum level of the Aerodrome which is fixed at 86.6 metres Ordnance Datum.
Responsibility for planning and development in the vicinity of Casement Aerodrome rests with the Planning Department of South Dublin County Council. The practice down the years has been for the Local Planning Authority to consult the Department of Defence in respect of planning applications for proposed developments which may affect Casement Aerodrome. Such consultations have taken place and continue to take place on a regular basis.
EU Funding.
Paul Kehoe
Question:595 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Defence the percentage of the money allocated to his Department from European funds for each of the years 2000 to 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5184/07]
A proportion of expenditure by my Department on equipment for fishery protection purposes is eligible for recoupment from the EU. Such receipts are shown as Appropriations-in-Aid in the Estimates and Appropriation Accounts for the Defence Vote. The amount received each year from 2000 to 2006 is as follows:
|
Year |
€m |
|
2000 |
2.2 |
|
2001 |
3.2 |
|
2002 |
0.2 |
|
2003 |
0.0 |
|
200 |
0.7 |
|
2005 |
0.9 |
|
2006 |
0.0 |
Flood Relief.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:596 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when funding will be made available for the refurbishment of the public areas in an estate (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4780/07]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
In 2001 my Department approved the use of €190,000 (£150,000) internal capital receipts for flood relief works and for the erection of boundary walls at Marion Estate, Newport, Co Tipperary. It is understood that the flood relief works have been carried out and that North Tipperary County Council are currently in consultation with the NBA with regard to the remaining works.
Under the Housing Management Initiative, from 1 January 2007, direct control has been given to local authorities over their internal capital receipts from the sale of local authority dwellings, to be used primarily for planned maintenance programmes and the improvement of housing stock. It is a matter for local authorities to prioritise the order in which any improvement works should be undertaken.
Voluntary Sector Funding.
Denis Naughten
Question:597 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department provides funding to An Taisce; the way such funding is utilised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4782/07]
Denis Naughten
Question:598 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to whether An Taisce currently accepts funding on behalf of other organisations, in particular an organisation (details supplied); the legal status of such an arrangement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4783/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 597 and 598 together.
During 2006, my Department made payments totalling €737,710 from the Environment Fund to An Taisce. €726,358 of this was in grant assistance towards meeting An Taisce's costs arising from its involvement with a number of specific environmental awareness and education programmes throughout the country. A breakdown of the expenditure is contained in the table.
A further sum of €11,352 was provided to An Taisce through Environmental (Ecological) Non-governmental Organisations Core Funding (EENGO) Ltd., a company wholly funded by my Department as part of its general support to environmental NGOs in their activities to increase public awareness of environmental issues and to undertake initiatives to protect the environment.
No funds were provided by my Department for onward transmission to the organisation mentioned in the Question.
|
Environmental Education / Awareness Programme |
Grant assistance in 2006 |
|
€ |
|
|
Blue Flag for Beaches |
86,093.82 |
|
National Spring Clean 2006 |
340,264.00 |
|
Litter Survey Costs for Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) |
100,000.00 |
|
Green Schools Programme 2005 |
50,000.00 |
|
Green Schools Programme 2006 |
150,000.00 |
|
Payment through EENGO Ltd. |
11,351.70 |
|
Total |
737,709.52 |
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:599 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department provides any, all or none of the funding to local authorities for group or small sewerage schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4812/07]
Funding for the Rural Water Programme, which includes an element for small public water and sewerage schemes, is provided by my Department to county councils through annual block grant allocations. The prioritisation and approval of individual proposals under the Programme is a matter for the council concerned.
EU Directives.
Fiona O'Malley
Question:600 Ms F. O’Malley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will explain his decision in January 2007 to further delay the introduction of the BER directive 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4819/07]
The European Communities (Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations 2006, which I signed into law on 19 December 2006, provide for the introduction of Building Energy Rating on a phased basis, as follows:new dwellings, with effect from 1 January 2007; new non-domestic buildings, with effect from 1 July 2008; and all existing buildings when sold or let, with effect from 1 January 2009.
The implementation deadlines set out in the regulations are in line with those published in Ireland's implementation Action Plan, save for a change in the transitional exemption period for new dwellings for which planning permission had been applied for before the end of December 2006. The exemption ceases as originally intended at 30 June 2008 unless substantial work has been completed. All new dwellings are covered from 30 June 2008; this date has not changed.
Sustainable Energy Ireland has primary responsibility for practical implementation of this Directive and the change to the transitional provision enables the roll out of a substantial number of trained and registered BER Assessors in the first half of 2007 and allows Sustainable Energy Ireland to complete the setting up a system for the smooth and efficient administration and oversight of the BER certification system.
Fiona O'Malley
Question:601 Ms F. O’Malley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason for the delay in putting in place a system for training independent building inspectors to operate the building energy rating directive 2002 in order to facilitate compliance with Ireland’s legal requirements under this directive by 1 January 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4820/07]
Building Energy Rating will be carried out by assessors registered with Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), who have successfully completed training which meets the requirements of the Training Specification published by SEI on 6 October 2006. A copy of the specification has been placed on the SEI website: www.sei.ie/epbd, and also in the Oireachtas Library.
I understand that 62 assessors had successfully completed the training course organized by the Galway/Mayo Institute of Technology which was held at three venues, Dublin, Cork and Galway by the end of 2006. I also understand that the training courses of two other Institutes have recently been accredited and they should be in a position to offer courses in the near future. A number of other organisations are also in the process of seeking accreditation for such courses.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
Arthur Morgan
Question:602 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when his Department will publish a revised climate change strategy. [4830/07]
The Government has recently established a Ministerial Taskforce on Climate Change to finalise the revised National Climate Change Strategy. I intend to publish a revised Strategy by April 2007.
Homelessness Strategy.
Arthur Morgan
Question:603 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will convene a national consultative committee to guide the development of a new national homelessness strategy; the length of time it will take this committee to complete its work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4858/07]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
The Independent Review of Implementation of Homeless Strategies, published last year, examined the implementation of the Government's Integrated and Preventative Homeless Strategies and concluded that they should be amalgamated and updated. The Government have accepted the broad thrust of the recommendations of the Review and work is underway on the preparation of a revised and updated Strategy on Homelessness, which will be published later this year.
As part of this process, a National Homeless Consultative Committee is being established under the aegis of the Housing Forum which was set up under the social partnership process. The Consultative Committee, including representatives from the providers of local homeless services, will provide input into the development of the revised homeless strategy and ongoing Government policy on addressing homelessness. Nominations for membership of the Committee will be sought shortly and I anticipate that the first meeting of the Committee will be held next month. While the initial task of the Committee will be to provide input into the finalisation of the revised homeless strategy which will be published later this year, I anticipate that the Committee will continue to meet periodically thereafter, in order to provide an ongoing input into the development and monitoring of Government policy on homelessness.
Private Rented Accommodation.
Bernard Allen
Question:604 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make a statement on whether the fire officer in each jurisdiction should certify properties as being safe before they are rented. [4872/07]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
Part B (Fire Safety) of the Building Regulations 1991 sets out the requirement for fire safety in the construction of new buildings, extensions and material alterations or change of use carried out after June 1992.
The Building Control Regulations 1991 require that all buildings containing apartments/flats constructed after June 1992 must obtain a fire safety certificate. Buildings containing flats or apartments constructed before that date and on which subsequent work such as an extension, material alteration or change of use would also require a fire safety certificate.
Responsibility for compliance with the regulations rests with the builder or owner. Enforcement of the regulations is a matter for the local building control authority. All buildings irrespective of whether or not they are rented must comply with the requirements of Part B.
Housing Policy.
Arthur Morgan
Question:605 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the date his Department will publish its new housing policy statement. [5112/07]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
My Department intends to publish its new statement on housing policy, Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities, later this week. Copies will be available from the Oireachtas Library and from my Department's website at www.environ.ie.
Housing Grants.
Róisín Shortall
Question:606 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funding available to local authorities for grants schemes for the replacement of windows in private homes; the proportion of the total replacement cost that is made available to local authorities; and the amount of this funding that has been drawn down in each of the past three years. [5129/07]
There are a number of schemes currently in operation under which grant aid is available for the replacement of windows in private houses.
The essential repairs grant scheme enables people in houses, which cannot be made habitable in all respects at a reasonable cost, to have basic works, including the replacement of windows, carried out to them. The scheme is directed primarily at older persons living in poor housing conditions. The effective maximum grant under the scheme is €9,523 and may cover up to 100% of the cost of works. My Department funds 2/3 of the cost of the grant, with the local authority funding the remainder.
Aid is also available under the Special Housing Aid for the Elderly scheme, which is operated by the Health Service Executive, for necessary repairs to make a dwelling habitable for the lifetime of the occupant. Funding for the scheme is provided through the National Lottery.
Expenditure in 2006 on the Essential Repairs Grant and Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Schemes is not yet available. Expenditure details for 2003, 2004 and 2005 are set out below. Details are not available within my Department in relation to amounts spent specifically on the replacement of windows under these schemes.
|
Essential Repairs Grant |
Special Housing Aid for the Elderly |
|
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
2003 |
13,302,984 |
11,536,000 |
|
2004 |
9,585,165 |
15,600,000 |
|
2005 |
11,788,197 |
16,536,000 |
Water Conservation.
Phil Hogan
Question:607 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when finance will be provided for Kilkenny city water conservation and Kilkenny county water conservation programmes; if they will be included in the water services investment programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5138/07]
Water conservation works are ongoing in County Kilkenny on foot of the allocation of €1.3 million included for that purpose in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005–2007.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Phil Hogan
Question:608 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when finance will be provided for Callan, Graignamanagh, Thomastown and Inistioge, County Kilkenny water schemes; if they will be included in the water services investment programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5139/07]
Phil Hogan
Question:609 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when finance will be provided for the improvements to the water supply at Clogh-Castlecomer; if it will be included in the water services investment programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5140/07]
Phil Hogan
Question:610 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when finance will be provided for the Mooncoin regional water scheme, County Kilkenny; if it will be included in the water services investment programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5141/07]
Phil Hogan
Question:611 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when finance will be provided for the Bennettsbridge regional water scheme, County Kilkenny; if it will be included in the water services investment programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5142/07]
Phil Hogan
Question:612 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when finance will be provided for Kilkenny city regional water scheme; if it will be included in the water services investment programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5143/07]
Phil Hogan
Question:613 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when finance will be provided for a water scheme at Paulstown, County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5144/07]
Phil Hogan
Question:614 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when finance will be provided for a water scheme at Goresbridge, County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5145/07]
Phil Hogan
Question:615 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when finance will be provided for a water scheme at Gowran, County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5146/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 608 to 615, inclusive, together.
These schemes are approved for funding, either individually or as part of grouped projects, in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005–2007. My Department is awaiting submission of Kilkenny County Council's Design Review Report for the Gowran / Goresbridge/ Paulstown Scheme, and of Preliminary Reports in the other cases. The estimated cost of each scheme is as follows:
Callan / Graiguenamanagh / Thomastown / Inistioge Water Supply Scheme — €8.2 million,
Ballyragget / Clogh / Castlecomer / Urlingford / Johnstown Water Supply Scheme — €4.9 million,
Mooncoin Regional Water Supply Scheme — €3.6 million,
Bennettsbridge Water Supply Scheme — €3.6 million,
Kilkenny City Regional Water Supply Scheme — €8.9 million,
Gowran / Goresbridge / Paulstown Water Supply Scheme — €4 million.
Farm Waste Management.
Tom Hayes
Question:616 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the scheme for the disposal of silage wrap will be extended to south Tipperary, as the present situation is causing a lot of problems for farmers. [5157/07]
To address the issue of accumulated backlogs of farm plastic, designated facilities are being provided on a temporary, once-off basis by local authorities where farmers may deposit stockpiled farm 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. 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.
The collections were well supported by farmers in the counties participating in the pilot phase, leading to large quantities of plastic being deposited at designated sites. A significant finding from the pilot scheme is that it is not possible to operate collections in a large number of counties at the same time due to capacity constraints on the part of recovery operators. Accordingly, it was necessary to roll out the scheme to other areas on a staggered basis. Arising from a comprehensive examination of the information available, I approved further collections of waste silage / bale wrap by Leitrim, Roscommon, Carlow, Longford, North Tipperary and Wicklow County Councils which recently concluded. Announcements regarding further extensions of collections to other areas, including South Tipperary, will follow a review of this second phase of the scheme.
Planning Issues.
Pat Breen
Question:617 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the fact that notification, consultation and compensatory measures were enacted by the Houses of the Oireachtas in the matter of protected areas that were specifically designated to control the erection of buildings in the vicinity of State airports by way of section 14 of the Air Navigation and Transport Act 1950, similar arrangements will be put in place in respect of the proposed public safety zones that will be designated shortly for the same precise purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5160/07]
The Air Navigation and Transport Act 1950 is a matter for the Department of Transport. In so far as my Department is concerned draft Planning Guidelines on public safety zones around Dublin, Cork and Shannon Airports are being prepared and are almost complete. It is intended to issue the draft Guidelines for public consultation shortly under the Planning and Development Act 2000. All comments received during the consultation process will be considered before the guidelines are finalised and issued under Section 28 of the 2000 Act.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Pat Breen
Question:618 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if it is currently the policy of his Department to designate buffer zones in the vicinity of proposed sewage treatment plants; if so, the procedural arrangements for the implementation of such policy with particular respect to notification of and consultation with affected landowners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5161/07]
The planning, design and location of public wastewater treatment infrastructure are matters for the relevant local authority, subject to relevant requirements in relation to public consultation and planning approval. Detailed provisions relating to buffer zones have been prescribed by my Department. However, the European Communities (Waste Water Treatment) (Prevention of Odours and Noise) Regulations 2005, require wastewater treatment plants to be designed, constructed, operated and maintained so as to avoid causing nuisance through odours or noise.
EU Funding.
Paul Kehoe
Question:619 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the percentage of the money allocated to his Department from European funds for each of the years 2000 to 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5187/07]
Total voted expenditure by my Department for the period 2000-2006 amounted to €17.3 billion. The total EU funding allocated and eligible to be drawn down by the Exchequer from the EU on foot of expenditure which was to be undertaken by my Department under the NDP 2000-2006 amounted to €681 million, or approximately 3.9% of total voted expenditure by the Department in that period. The EU funding was allocated on the basis of a total projected gross co-funded expenditure over the entire period 2000-2006, rather than on an annual basis.
Fire Services.
Paul Kehoe
Question:620 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the implementation of the proposed changes contained within the Farrell Grant Sparks review of the Irish fire service; when implementation is expected to conclude; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5204/07]
My Department has implemented a number of the important recommendations of the report Review of Fire Safety and Fire Services in Ireland. These include in particular the enactment of the Licensing of Indoor Events Act 2003, which addressed a number of legislative changes called for in the Review. In addition, a new Framework for Major Emergency Management, on which local authority, Health Service Executive and Garda Síochána Major Emergency Plans are based, has been issued and this will be implemented over the next two years in accordance with a programme approved by the Government. The high level of capital investment in the fire service has been continued and now stands at over €20 million per annum.
In February 2005, I announced a Fire Services Change Programme to implement key fire services and fire safety recommendations of the review. This Programme sets out the strategy for the future development of the fire service and includes measures addressing the development of community fire safety programmes, the development of a risk based approach to the determination of fire cover standards, the introduction of a competency-based approach to recruitment, retention and career progression in the fire service and the enhancement of health, safety and welfare programmes within the fire service. Work on the Change Programme is being carried out by a dedicated Project Team and is progressing satisfactorily. Programmes are being developed in each of the four project areas and are being implemented on a phased basis.
Local Authority Housing.
Brendan Howlin
Question:621 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if money has been allocated to Wexford Borough Council to carry out urgently needed upgrading and refurbishment of local authority houses for elderly persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5210/07]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
Under my Department's Remedial Works Scheme, Wexford Borough Council submitted a proposal for refurbishment works for apartments at John's Gate Street and John Street. My Department requested further information from the Council to enable consideration to be given to the application. On receipt of this information from the Council a decision will be made on the matter.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
Róisín Shortall
Question:622 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the contribution made by each sector to Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions expressed as a percentage of the total, with a breakdown for each sector giving the contribution of each sub-sector as a percentage of the overall total, for every sub-sector above 1%; and the percentage of the total emissions that private cars contribute. [5231/07]
The contribution made by each sector to Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions is set out in a report on the implementation of the National Climate Change Strategy, Ireland's Pathway to Kyoto Compliance, published by my Department in July 2006. This report is available in the Oireachtas library.
The table sets out the contribution made by each sector and sub-sector, where data is available. This information is for 2004, the latest year for which data is available. Information on the percentage of total emissions from private cars is not available, as emissions are calculated on the basis of fuel sold, rather than vehicle type.
|
Sector/Sub-sector |
Percentage of total emissions by sub-sector |
Percentage of total emissions by sector |
|
% |
% |
|
|
Agriculture |
29.0 |
|
|
Agricultural Soils |
10.5 |
|
|
Enteric Fermentation |
13.5 |
|
|
Fuel Combustion |
1.3 |
|
|
Manure Management |
3.7 |
|
|
Energy |
23.2 |
|
|
Power Generation |
21.5 |
|
|
Other Energy |
1.7 |
|
|
Transport |
18.4 |
|
|
Road Transport |
17.7 |
|
|
Transport, Other (Aviation, Rail, Water) |
0.7 |
|
|
Industry |
16.3 |
|
|
Commercial Services |
4.5 |
|
|
F-Gases |
1.0 |
|
|
Industrial Processes |
3.7 |
|
|
Manufacturing & Construction |
7.1 |
|
|
Residential |
10.4 |
10.4 |
|
Waste |
2.7 |
|
|
Landfill |
2.5 |
|
|
Wastewater |
0.2 |
|
|
Total |
100 |
100% |
Building Regulations.
Michael Lowry
Question:623 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a floor area certificate will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5241/07]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
Following an inspection of the property in December 2005, my Department requested the applicant to submit certain documentation with regard to compliance with Part M of the Building Regulations. Part of the required documentation was received in May 2006 and the applicant was further requested to address some specific issues with regard to Part M in November 2006 and January 2007. A report was received from the applicant's technical representative on 26 January 2007 and is under examination at present. A decision on the application will be made as soon as possible.
Fire Safety.
Pat Carey
Question:624 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on advising residents and home builders to designate a standard press in all kitchens as a storage place for emergency supplies, that is fire blanket, fire extinguisher, first aid kit and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5277/07]
Safety issues, including fire safety, within the home are a matter for the owner/occupier. My Department actively encourages fire safety in the home as part of its ongoing fire safety education and publicity campaigns. A Fire Safety in the Home leaflet available from my Department and through the local authorities outlines the importance of having fire safety equipment in the kitchen. I have arranged to have copies of this leaflet placed in the Oireachtas Library.
Planning Issues.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:625 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if all sections of the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006 have been commenced; if not, the sections which have not; the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5364/07]
All sections of the Act have now been commenced. There were three commencement orders in total: S.I. 525 of 2006 commenced Sections 1, 2, 6(a), 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 21, 24, 26, 28, 31, 43, 44, 45, 46 and 48, relating to the ‘normal' planning process, on 17 October 2006; S.I. 553 of 2006 commenced Sections 14, 15 and 16, relating to An Bord Pleanála, on 5 November 2006; and S.I. 684 of 2006 commenced the remaining sections, 3, 4, 5, 6(b), (c) and (d), 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 47, 49, 50 and 51, which deal with strategic infrastructure consents, on the 31 January 2007.
Copies of these commencement orders with accompanying guides to the sections commenced in each instance are available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie.
Road Network.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:626 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has discussed the need to prioritise the construction of a bridge across the Liffey at Macken Street with Dublin City Council; if his attention has been drawn to the importance of this bridge; when this project will be commenced and completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5371/07]
Responsibility for the provision of non-national roads and bridges in its area is a matter for each individual local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State grants provided by my Department. Accordingly, progress with the advancement of the proposed Macken Street bridge project is a matter for Dublin City Council. My Department has allocated a grant of €5 million to the Council for the project in 2007.
National Development Plan.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:627 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the projects contained in the new national development plan that will be procured and commenced in 2007 in his Department; when they will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5795/07]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:628 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the large-scale infrastructure projects which will be completed during the lifetime of the new national development plan within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5806/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 627 and 628 together.
As the National Development Plan is a high-level strategic document setting out a broad investment framework and investment priorities together with indicative financial allocations for the next seven years, it does not contain a definitive list of all projects with commencement dates scheduled for delivery or progression during the years 2007-2013.
However, the major areas of expenditure by my Department under the NDP 2007-2013 are as follows. Over the course of the NDP, €21 billion will be invested, funding the provision of over 60,000 new housing units and a further 40,000 households will benefit from affordable housing supports. In addition, a further 40,000 households will benefit under contractual arrangements with landlords for existing properties transferring from the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Rent Supplement Scheme to the Rental Accommodation Scheme, from vacancies in existing housing stock and from improved conditions in existing housing. During 2007 work will continue on the Ballymun Regeneration project, involving the provision of some 2,300 social and affordable housing units to replace all existing flat blocks structures together with civic and social amenities.
It is envisaged around €4.7 billion will be invested in water services over the duration of the NDP. Major projects will include the Belmullet/Foxford Sewerage Scheme in County Mayo, the Greater Dublin Strategic Drainage Scheme and the Cork Strategic Water Study. Examples of projects to proceed in 2007 include Ashbourne/Ratoath Kilbride Sewerage Scheme, Shanganagh/Bray wastewater treatment plant, Boherboy, Co. Dublin reservoir and Mullingar wastewater treatment plant.
The NDP provides that €753 million will be invested in waste management. This will fund necessary rehabilitation of local authority landfills, and the further rollout of recycling centres.
The investment of €4.3 billion in non-national roads will be primarily aimed at improvement and maintenance of the non-national road network and on strategic non-national roads, with a particular focus on roads in the National Spatial Strategy Gateway areas. Examples of projects being commenced in 2007 include Waterford Airport Road, Mulroy Bay Bridge in Donegal, Midleton Northern Relief Road, Ballyboden Road to Grange Road in Dublin, Wicklow Town Relief Road and Port Access Road, the Moyross Access Road in Limerick and the Clonmore Link Road in Mullingar.
An investment of the order of €373 million will fund expenditure on major capital projects on heritage sites of national and international importance in State ownership and will also fund amongst other things the ongoing National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH).